Chile - On the Trail of Chile's Patagonia

Day 1: Santiago - Punta Arenas - Torres del Paine

All travellers must arrive into the Punta Arenas airport by 12pm today. We'll be there to greet you and transfer you to the famous Torres del Paine National Park, 345 km/216 miles away. In summer time (Dec-Mar), the sun sets around 11pm giving us plenty of light to admire the landscape en route and the craggy mountains while entering the park. The drive is a scenic one along the pampa and if we're lucky we'll see guanacos, rheas and huge rabbits grazing on the plains. We'll make a short stop in the township of Puerto Natales for lunch and to take a look at the town and visit the enormous Cueva del Milodon, a giant geological wander that once sheltered a prehistoric sloth. There will be an extensive orientation meeting this evening over dinner where we will answer any questions that you may have about the adventure that lies ahead. Overnight at the ecocamp. (L,D)

Day 2: Torres del Paine - Paso Los Cuernos - The Horns (Hike)

We have a full day on foot today trekking along the Paso Los Cuernos, a trail that was named because it passes under the Cuernos del Paine - peaks with beautiful black "horns" of slate atop gray granite. The surrounding landscape is one of snow-peaked mountain ranges, fire bushes abundant with exotic red flowers and frequent wind funnels that develop on the emerald waters of Lago Hordenskjold. Hopefully, we'll have a sunny day with clear views of the famous Horns. The journey ends at the Los Cuernos Refuge, a beautiful refuge below the Los Cuernos peaks on the lake. Duffel bags are carried in by porters from the ecocamp. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Torres del Paine National Park - French Valley (Hike)

After breakfast, we begin a challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley), a steep trail that goes into the very heart of the Paine Massif. An active walk leads us to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the southeast face of the Massif. From this point, we can enjoy our first truly wonderful view and then continue up the trail until reaching the upper prospects of the valley. The entire group of geological formations of the high valley can be admired here. It is time to have a picnic and recover from the walk. An optional trek to Mirador Britanico is available as well. Next, we descend through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest until reaching the Refugio Paine Grande, located in the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe. Finally, upon reaching the Refugio, the luggage is organized and there is time to talk about the day while enjoying a replenishing dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Torres del Paine National Park - French Valley (Hike)

After a typical southern Chilean breakfast, we set off on foot from the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern end of Lago Grey. This hike is approximately 4 hours in length. Once we reach the glacier, we break for a picnic lunch sitting on a craggy peak adjacent to the massive structure and watch pieces of ice calving thunderously into the deep grey lake below. Afterwards, we'll board a boat and travel across Lago Grey to the face of the Grey Glacier, a massive wall of ancient ice sculpted by the time and the elements. The lake is littered with gigantic blue and white icebergs that were once part of the glacier. If the weather conditions do not allow us to navigate the Grey Lake, we'll instead hike to the Grey Glacier (6-8 hours roundtrip). After the hike, we would board the catamaran to cross Lake Pehoe. From here it is a 45-minute transfer to the cozy ecocamp for the night. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Torres del Paine National Park - Valle Asencio (Hike)

After a hearty breakfast, our goal is to complete the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine National Park. If we have a clear day, we will set off on foot to the famous Towers of Paine, a traid of sculpted granite peaks and a part of massif of El Paine (8-9 hours of hiking). We'll follow the same path, along dirt trails in a vast and varied landscape of rugged wilderness. Dry mountain spots, beech forests and small rivers are passed along the scenic walk into the valley. It's not a diificult walk, but energy should nevertheless be saved for the final challenge: the moraine. The last two miles is a scramble on foot along steep and rugged terrain to the base of this magnficent granite sculpture. After a considerable effort, the Towers come into full view rising majestically before us with the glacial lake visible below. This is one of the most breathtaking sights in the world. The famous Torres del Paine (2,900 m/9,400 ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Sitting beneath the spires, enjoying lunch, you will feel the intense power of the natural world, for this place is truly magnificent. Once everyone is ready, we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to the ecoCamp.(B,L,D)

Day 6: Torres del Paine National Park - Eastern Lakes (Hike)

For our last day, we hike to the Laguna Azul lookout where there is a gorgeous view of both the lagoon and granite towers. We continue along the eastern side of Lago Sarmiento to the calcium formations on the lake's shore where guanacos (llama family) are often seen. Later we trek to Paso Las Corneas with spectacular views of Rio Paine, Lake Pehoe, and the massif of Paine. Late afternoon we return to the camp and feast on a typical Chilean BBQ to celebrate our achievements. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Torres del Paine to Punta Arenas

Early in the morning board the vehicle back to Punta Arenas in time to catch an evening flight back to Santiago or onwards to join an extension program. Please make sure you book a flight that leaves Punta Arenas after 5:00pm. (B,L)