Patagonia Highlight

Arrive at El Calafate at any time, no planned activity, so check in a tour hotel and explore this small town.  At 7pm your tour leader will met the whole group at the hotel, so you will get to know the rest of the group.

Full day tour into Los Glaciares National Park, declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Try to spot condors, rheas, eagles or flamingos en route, but the real star of the day is the glacier itself. Sliding down from atop the southern continental ice field, Moreno’s 70-m wall of ice sporadically chokes off the narrow Canal de Los Tempanos, creating a natural ice dam, which eventually explodes in a dynamic display of force. Enjoy an optional close-up view of the approaching front wall of the glacier during a one-hour boat cruise.

After this tour, we take a local bus to the town of El Chaltén, located in the north end of Glaciers Park. Hikers and climbers from all over the world arrive here, waiting for good weather to undertake the challenges presented by nature, the Fitzroy.

Trek for a full day (moderate) to Rio Blanco Base Camp and Laguna de los Tres vantage point for an absolutely stunning view, weather permitting, of the complete Fitzroy Massif. Mt. Guillaumet, St. Exupery, Mermoz, Juarez and other mountains form the jagged group. Directly across a small glacial lake rises Mt. FitzRoy, almost two miles of vertical wall in a single bound. If you have enough energy, can visit Piedras Blanca’s Glacier. The majority of the hike is of moderate difficulty, however the last 45 minutes to the viewing point is difficult but the view is worth it and is one of the highlights of the Patagonia trip.

Hike Cerro Torre Valley to Torre Lake and Glacier for a close view, weather permitting, of the awesome spires that make up Cerro Torre and its neighbors. A treacherous cap of ice known to climbers as “the mushroom” tops this slender needle of granite. Stop by the lake for some relaxation upon your return. At 6pm will take a bus back to El Calafate.

Our journey takes us south again along the unpaved road to the border of Chile. We spend a relaxing evening in scenic Puerto Natales before our trip to the spectacular Paine National Park, where we spend the next two nights camping among the dramatic granite pillars that dominate the landscape. From our campsite we will take day hikes to observe some of the striking scenery of this protected area, home to a variety of animal and plant life.

In our way to the north, a group of spectacular, snow-capped peaks can be seen glistening on a distant horizon. The contrast of the craggy form of the Paine massif, set against the pastoral scenery of lakes and green pastures, endows it with a haunting beauty - with the result that the Parque Nacionál Torres del Paine was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978. The scenery in the park is superb with a varied topography of green valleys, ice fields, jagged peaks and blue and green lakes. The backdrop of this spectacular scenery is complimented by an abundance of plant species and topped off with passing guanacos or condors. The day is spent exploring the park with plenty of photo stops and a great walk.

In Torres del Paine you will either stay in a prepared campsite with shared facilities. The camp offers stunning views and is located next to a well equipped central building with toilets, hot showers, restaurant, bar and shop.

The exact program during your stay depends on weather conditions, but the main objective is to walk to the viewpoint overlooking the Torres del Paine (Paine Towers). These three splendid granite columns, whose colours change continually with the play of light and shade upon them, rise sheer out of an icefield, which in turn overlooks a desolate plain. The route involves a sustained ascent along the valley of the Rio Asencio, (about three hours walking) followed by a steep climb across the rough boulders (about one hour) of a moraine to arrive at a spectacular viewpoint. It’s a hard walk but there are rest stops; the splendid views en route plus the awesome arrival at base camp (maximum altitude under 1000m) certainly make it well worth the effort.

Today we take a van to Pudeto to take our catamaran to cross Pehoe Lake. Once you arrive at our next campsite, start our hike to one of the most beautiful places in the national park, the French Valley, with awesome scenery of green lakes, snow caps and hanging glaciers.

The park extends over 2400km⊃; and throughout most of this area it is possible to observe much of the indigenous wildlife - particularly guanaco (one of the smallest of the llama family), fox, hare, condor, flamingo and many smaller birds.

From our campsite in Pehoe, you hike to Grey Glacier view point, after a while observing the great landscape, you have to return to the campsite to take the catamaran back to Pudeto to catch up our transport to drive back to Puerto Natales.

Local bus to Punta Arenas, Chile´s southernmost city, facing the Estrecho de Magallanes. You will have time to explore this lively city until your departure. It is also a good time for extend your holidays (check out our tailor made section) or flight back home.

• Local guides for Moreno Glacier Tour and while camping in Torres del Paine.
• Simple hotels 6 nights
• Camping 2 nights
• Entrances to all National Parks
• Tour to Perito Moreno Glacier
• Trekking in El Chalten
• Trekking to Torres del Paine
• Meals while camping in Torres del Paine.
• Breakfast from day 2 to day 9
• Local buses

• Pre & post tour accommodation
• Transfers in and out
• International & domestic flight and departure tax
• Travel Insurance
• Tips, baggage portage and other extras not specified.