Day 1 Collection from airport or hotel and drive to see the cute burrowing Magellanic Penguins at their colony in Otway Sound. There will be plenty of time to observe and photograph these fascinating creatures before continuing on across the Patagonian Steppe where you will have your first opportunity to see some of the unusual plant and animal life that exists in this area. After a short stop in Puerto Natales, the capital of the Ultimo Esperanza region of southern Chile, we will transfer to Cerro Castillo and the extremely comfortable Hosteria El Pionero. Converted from a villa built by settlers to Tierra del Fuego at the beginning of the century, this was once home to one of the most important and influential estancieros (or local farmers) in the region. It offers comfortable accommodation and an excellent restaurant offering a variety of typical local foods and international cuisine. The fireside bar is an excellent place to enjoy a fireside pisco sour whilst your guide gives a briefing and answers any questions about the days ahead. Comfortable ensuite accommodation.
Day 2 After breakfast, we will we will continue on towards the towering peaks of the Torres del Paine National Park. Our route will take us through summer grazing grounds of giant herds of guanacos as we enter the western sector of the Torres del Paine. After loading our daypacks we begin our introductory trek along the shores of Laguna Azul through ancient southern beech forests towards the Towers that give the Torres del Paine its name. We will continue on to Lago Paine where we will camp lakeside in this very remote and pretty site. Wild camping, no facilities. B,L,D.
Day 3 After a camp breakfast, we will continue on across this very open valley crossing lakes and riverbeds. After a few hours hiking we will enter an ancient southern beech forest which takes us into the beautiful Dickson Valley where we will see the Paine River and lake and the towering mountains that surround this remote valley. Lunch will be taken in the valley with a nice view of the mountains and camp will be set up at the pretty Dickson campsite. Chance to relax and enjoy some Chilean wine and snacks whilst the evening meal is prepared. Organized camp with facilities, hot water not reliable. B,L,D
Day 4 A shorter but steeper walk today takes us along the Los Perros River and a lovely old growth forest under the shadows of the Indian Head mountain. A spectacular vantage point will give us views of the immense Dickson Glacier and lake and at days end we will set up camp just below the Los Perros glacier. Eat in Refugio. Organized camp with some facilities. B,L,D
Day 5 Our most challenging trek today we will climb John Gardner pass and with luck see the southern Patagonia Ice Cap laid out in front of us with endless glaciers, mountains and waterfalls in every direction. A truly special place in Patagonia that sees very few visitors. In the afternoon we will descend down and camp near the face of Grey Glacier. Organized camp with facilities. Eat in Refugio. B,L,D
Day 6 Continuing along the lake fed by Grey glacier today we enjoy an easier day walking out of this beautiful valley. Today, we will be viewing the huge glacier on our right for most of the morning from high atop a ridgeline. This is one of Torres del Paine's classic treks. Our destination is the crystal blue waters of Lago Pehoe and the busy but organized camp along its shores. Organized camp with full facilities. B,L,D
Day 7 Today we will head out towards the French Valley walking along the foothills of the Horns of Paine with the tranquil shores of Lake Nordenskjold on our right. A full day's hike we will enjoy fantastic views of the amphitheatre of granite peaks that make up this enclosed valley as well as the waterscapes below including lakes Pehoe, Skottsberg, Toro and Nordenskjold. Our destination is the lively refugio Cuernos set below the imposing horns of Paine. Night in bunk bed accommodation with shared facilities. B,L,D
Day 8 After breakfast we set off once again along the shores of Lake Nordenskjold and for the brave a chance to swim in the frigid waters of this spectacular lake. Another one of the Torres del Paine's classic treks, today's hike passes just below the towering Horns of Paine all day until we cross the Ascending Valley and arriving at our camp at Las Torres. B,L,D
Day 9 Our final days trek and a fitting end to this adventure today we climb up to the base of the Towers themselves. A steep climb crossing mountain trails, rivers and valleys and finally a clamber up glacial moraine, the rewards today are truly spectacular. Lunch (for those who make it to the top) can be enjoyed in the shadow of these enormous granite peaks whilst watching the icebergs drift across a glacial pool of water. A memorable lunch spot and a highlight of every visitor's itinerary. After lunch we will head back down to our camp where our vehicle awaits for the short drive back to Hosteria Pionero (1 hour) and a well-deserved celebration pisco sour and dinner by the roaring log fire. Hot showers, some rooms with baths. All rooms ensuite. B,L,D
Day 10 After breakfast transfer back to Punta Arenas airport to arrive late morning. Time permitting we will once again make a short stop in Puerto Natales and this will give clients an opportunity to purchase any souvenirs/books/postcards etc. Clients will be dropped off at the airport for onward flights. B