Complete Patagonia - Paine & Fitz Roy

Day 1 - Fly London to Santiago

Fly overnight from London to Santiago in Chile.

Overnight: In flight

Day 2 - Arrive Santiago. Group transfer to hotel. Afternoon city tour.

Later this afternoon you will be picked up from your hotel and driven downtown to the Plaza de Armas, the historical centre of Santiago. The most famous sights here are the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Post Office which was originally built as a house for the Spanish conqeror Pedro de Valdivia. On the northern side of the square you will see the necolassical Tribunales de Justicia building which houses the Supreme Court, ex-parliament and some beautiful gardens.

From the Plaza you will be driven towards Alameda, the main street in the city centre, and to the Presidential Palace – Palacio La Moneda. A model of 18th centure colonial architecture, the palace is one of Santiago’s most famous landmarks and a symbol of Chile’s turbulent political past as well as its indpendence. From here you will go to the Lastarria district and climb Cerro Santa Lucia – the hill where Pedro Valdivia founded Santiago in 1541. There are great panoramic views of the city from the top. Afterwards you return to Lastarria and travel through this cosmopolitan neighbourhood lined with cafes, restaurants, shops, bookstores and small theatres. At the end of the tour you will be driven back to your hotel.

In the evening there there will be a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers before retiring for the night.

Overnight: Hotel 45 By Director Or Similar, Santiago

Day 3 - Drive to Maipo Valley - 95km, 1 hour. Walk to San Francisco Glacier, 2,500m/8,202ft - 600m/1,968ft of ascent, 4-5 hours.

After breakfast, you will be met at your hotel and driven across the Maipo Valley and towards the Andes, a drive of just under 100km which will take around an hour. The grand metropolis of Santiago quickly fades behind you once you reach the countryside. Along the way, local country families come out to the street to sell “Empanadas” and “Pan Amasado”, the most typical country meal, together with honey, homemade marmalade and wooden handicrafts.

Your destination is the El Morado Reserve - nestled at the foot of a towering mountain cirque, with some of the most dramatic rock formations in South America. You leave your vehicle at the small mountain town of Banos Morales located at an altitude of 1.900 meters above sea level. The straightforward pathway from the town gradually ascends to the impressive San Francisco Glacier at 2,500 metres, and to Morales Lagoon, also of glacial origin. On the way you will have a refreshing stop at “Aguas de Panimávida”, where water, enriched by minerals, springs directly from the ground.

When you reach Morales Lagoon you will have a leisurely break - enjoying your boxed lunch whilst admiring the stunning views of the lagoon and the surrounding El Dorado and San Francisco mountain ranges - both rising to above 5,000m. Its also a great spot to look for native birds and flora. Well rested, you make the return hike to your vehicle and then drive back to your hotel in Santiago. En route, there is one last treat, when you stop at Cascada de las Animas for a local barbeque (asado). A delicious end to the day!

Overnight: Hotel 45 By Director Or Similar, Santiago

Day 4 - Fly to Punta Arenas - 4 hours. Drive to Puerto Natales - 250km, 3 hours..

You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for the flight to Punta Arenas, via Puerto Montt (where the aircraft will stop for 20 minutes or so while you remain on the plane). Try to request a seat on the left hand side of the plane because, good weather permitting, you will have awesome views of the Patagonian Andes and see the Torres del Paine which you will be trekking so close to in a few days' time. You will also have a bird's eye view of many stunning lakes and glaciers. It is interesting to contrast the lush scenery around Puerto Montt with the parched landscape close to Santiago.

You will be met at Punta Arenas airport, and driven northwards to Puerto Natales. Here you will probably notice the change in temperature. After approximately 3 hours driving, you arrive at the quaint town of Puerto Natales on the edge of Last Hope Sound. You meet your guide at the hotel, and the rest of the day is free to explore this picturesque town.

Overnight: Martin Gusinde Hotel Or Hotel Veat, Puerto Natales

Day 5 - Catamaran to Puerto Torres - 4 hours. Walk to view Serrano Glacier then sail back to Puerto Natales. Drive to Eco Camp.

Today you will rise early for your transfer to Natales dock in time to board the catamaran. You will be treated to a visual feast of mountains, fjords, ice caps, and glaciers, soaring condors, guanacos grazing on the hillside and the stunning Torres del Paine. Make sure you wear warm clothes as you will undoubtedly wish to spend most of your time on deck. You progress up the Canal Señoret and reach the mouth of the Fiordo Eberhard after about one hour. This is where cattle ranching was started in the Ultima Esperanza area in 1887 by the German Captain Eberhard. You then begin sailing along the Fiordo Ultima Esperanza. You have excellent views of the mountain Balmaceda, 2,035m/6,676ft, which becomes more spectacular as you progress.

After about two hours of sailing, the boat will slow as you approach the cormorant colony and you will undoubtedly get some good photographs of these birds. You may well see sea-lions and the cisne de cuello negro (Black-necked swans) as well as condors nesting in the dramatic cliff face.

After about four hours of sailing in total, the boat docks at Puerto Torres, where a 15 minute or so walk brings you to the base of the impressive Serrano Glacier. Photos taken, you return to the catamaran and sail back to Puerto Natales. You will then be transferred to the Eco Camp for your first night in the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park.

Please note that the catamaran sailing is dependent on weather conditions. If it is unable to sail you will be transferred by bus instead and you will be refunded for the boat trip when you return to the UK.

Overnight: Eco Camp, Torres Del Paine - Standard Domes

Day 6 - Trek to Las Torres lookout - 21km, 914m/2,998ft of ascent/descent, 8-10 hours.

Please note: the walks over the next three days may be switched around depending on weather conditions.

Today is a fairly long, but very rewarding day and, if the weather is clear, you will have awesome views of the 3 impressive granite towers of Paine. The trail is on a good path for the first 2-3 hours, and your last lookout point is on rocky, boulder-strewn terrain. However, navigation is made easy by the red blobs of paint strategically placed on the boulders. If the sun is out and there is not too much wind, it can be very hot so ensure you drink lots of water (there are many opportunities to fill up your bottle from streams).

You cross the Rio Ascencio on a suspension footbridge and head rightwards on a good, dusty track and continue uphill, levelling out as you traverse high above the rushing Rio Ascencio. You have fine views of Lago Nordenskjold as you glance backwards. After about 1½-2 hours walking (depending on your rest stops) you reach the Refugio Chileno - a very pleasant and well-kept refugio which sells drinks and snacks. It is also a good place for a water refill although you will have several opportunities to fill your water as you continue upwards along the stream.

Having left the refugio, you walk through the lenga forest for an hour or so until you reach a signpost for the Torres campsite. After following a stream for a while, the rocky moraine begins and you will be trekking uphill for roughly an hour before you reach the high point and fantastic mirador (lookout point) for the Towers of Paine at 900m/2,952ft. You can perch on the large boulders here and enjoy your lunch whilst taking many shots of the dramatic 3 towers giving you time to contemplate the awesome feats of the climbers who have ascended these inspiring giants. It can be a very windy spot here so ensure you have your windproof clothing to hand. Descend the same way back to Las Torres.

Overnight: Eco Camp, Torres Del Paine - Standard Domes

Day 7 - Hike the Lazo Weber Trail - 12km, 5 hours.

You will start your day at 8:30am with breakfast at Eco Camp and a moment to prepare your boxed lunch before boarding the bus at 10am. Your ride takes you past the Lazo Weber Estancia where you’ll enter the National Park via Laguna Verde and begin your 12km hike. The Lazo Weber Trail is packed with native flora and wildlife so have your cameras ready to snap photos of the guanacos, owls, eagles, condors and caranchos (another bird of prey), all with the mountainous Paine range on our right. The hike is relatively easy and apart from a few hills, the trail remains rather flat. You’ll stop a moment to refuel by the magical Laguna Honda, and enjoy the sights and sensations of the gorgeous landscape and fresh breeze. On your way, you will hike through one of the quietest forests in the national park, a fantastic opportunity to observe native trees such as the Lenga and the Coihue.

The rest of your hike takes you to the El Toro lookout point where you’ll be wowed with a 360 degree view of the Paine mountain range, the Patagonian Andes, and a suite of rivers and lakes including the Paine, Grey, and Serrano Rivers and Lake Toro - the largest in the region. An hour’s descent towards Paine River will see you reunited with your bus. But before you go back to Eco Camp, you’ll search for more animals to photograph and take a final moment to enjoy the scenery. At about 7pm, you’ll arrive back at your 'dome sweet dome', ready to share in a tasty dinner and talk about your day hiking the Lazo Weber Trail.

Overnight: Eco Camp, Torres Del Paine - Standard Domes

Day 8 - Catamaran across Lake Pehoe to roadhead. Trek along French Valley - 575m/1,886ft of ascent/descent, 7-8 hours.

After breakfast you begin the day by driving to Pudeto dock on the shores of Pehoe Lake. There you board the catamaran that will take you to the northwest area of the lake from where you will begin your trek to Valle Frances (French Valley) - a steep trail that goes into the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far you go up the valley will depend on the inclination of the group.

First you reach the hanging bridge over the French River, at the foot of the southeast face of the massif from where you will enjoy your first wonderful view. You then continue up the trail until you reach the upper reaches of the valley at around 695m/2,280ft (an additional hour and a half return trip). From here you will have views of the whole group of geological formations of the high valley - Hoja (Blade), Mascara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburon (Shark's Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). You will have time here to sit and admire the view, eat your picnic and take a well-earned rest. For those with enough energy, there is also the option to trek to Mirador Britanico.

You return to the Paine Grande dock, descending through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest. You board the catamaran once again for your trip back to Pudeto. Return to Eco Camp.

Overnight: Eco Camp, Torres Del Paine - Standard Domes

Day 9 - Transfer to Cerro Castillo. Cross the border, drive to El Calafate - 284km, 4 hours.

You cross the border into Argentina today at the town of Cerro Castillo, from where you will be transferred to El Calafate. Calafate is the main town of Argentine Patagonia and home to the only airport in this vast region. The town is located on the edge of Lake Argentino and is the doorway to the outstanding natural wonders of the Los Glaciares National Park. The main street of Calafate has many cafes, bars, shops and restaurants and is a very enjoyable place to spend an evening or two. In Calafate you will meet your Argentine guide.

Overnight: Hotel Lar Aike Or Similar, El Calafate

Day 10 - Full day visit Perito Moreno Glacier. Transfer to El Chalten - 220 km, 2½ hours.

After breakfast, a one hour's bus drive will take you to one of the world's most spectacular glaciers - the Perito Moreno. Upon arriving at the site, you will not go straight to the viewing platforms opposite the main face of the glacier, but instead, walk round to view the majestic splendour of the less frequented north face.

The snout of the glacier always has huge chunks of ice calving into the lake and if you are lucky you will witness the sight and sound of this amazing natural phenomenon. You will continue your walk along the shores of the lake and your guide will be able to tell you all about the formation of the glacier and explain the many features you will see. Arriving at the network of walkways and viewing platforms you will have time at leisure to enjoy the stunning views of the 60 foot high face of the glacier and undoubtedly take numerous photographs.

You will also get to experience this amazing sight but from a different angle, by taking to the water. The navigation of the Argentine Lake aboard the ' Brazo Rico' allows you to appreciate the ice floes of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Arriving at the southern end of the channel of the ice floes, the boat travels along the wall of the glacier and across the lake for great views of the calvings that take place.

After admiring this wonder of the natural world you will transfer by comfortable mini bus to the trekking town of El Chalten. The drive will take around three hours and, if the weather is clear, will provide your first views of the Fitz Roy massif as well as the turquoise waters of Lakes Viedma and Argentino.

Overnight: Hotel Lunajuim or Similar, El Chalten

Day 11 - Trek to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado - 1,100m/3,608ft of ascent/descent, 8 hours.

Today you will trek to the lookout point - Mirador Loma del Pliegue Tumbado. This is a hard walk, on little visited trails, that leads to the western end of the Massif. Here you will have truly superb panoramic views of Cerro Tore and the peaks around Mount Fitz Roy. The maximum altitude reached is 1,490m/4,888ft at the mirador. However, as this is an out and back walk, you are free to walk up as high or as far as you wish.

Overnight: Hotel Lunajuim or Similar, El Chalten

Day 12 - Fitz Roy Base Camp walk - 350m/1,148ft of ascent/descent, 6-7 hours.

A short drive north will take you to Hosteria el Pilar, your starting point for this beautiful and classic walk in the Los Glaciares National Park. You will begin by meandering through beech woods and before long you will get your first views of the imperious Mount Fitz Roy and the glaciers and rivers that flow from it. As the landscape opens up before you, this view will become more expansive and dramatic. Eventually, you will reach Campamento Poincenot, 680m/2,230ft, one of the base camps where climbers wait out the weather before attempting to climb Fitz Roy or the other peaks in the massif. Your path now continues southwards before a short detour takes you to beautiful Lake Capri where you can enjoy even more panoramic views of the mountains. Returning to the path you walk across open ground, beside high cliffs, before descending into the Vueltas River Valley and back to El Chalten.

Overnight: Hotel Lunajuim or Similar, El Chalten

Day 13 - Day walk to Laguna Torre, 230m/755ft of ascent/descent - 7 hours.

There will be another classic walk today. This time you will hike along the Cerro Torre Trail to Laguna Torre, a beautiful lagoon with the majestic backdrop of Cerro Torre. After breakfast you start the trek heading eastwards from El Chalten and follow the Fitz Roy River Valley along a good path until reaching the first lookout point (Mirador Laguna Torre) where you find great views of the Mount Torre-Adelas mountain range and the magical spire of Cerro Torre - if the weather is kind. Your walk continues to de Agostini Base Camp (635m/2,083ft), temporary home to climbers of Cerro Torre and other peaks, and then on to Laguna Torre itself. This small lake is surrounded by rock moraine from Cerro Torre and you will see small icebergs floating across the surface. You will walk round the lake to enjoy the magnificent views and enjoy a picnic on the shores of the lake. Later you return to El Chalten by the same path and, upon reaching El Chalten, the evening is free to enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the town's many cosy restaurants.

Overnight: Hotel Lunajuim or Similar, El Chalten

Day 14 - Transfer to El Calafate - 213km, 3-4 hours. Fly to Buenos Aires

Today, you will bid farewell to Patagonia and transfer to the airport at Calafate for your 3 hour afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. You will be met at Buenos Aires Airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel - approximately a 50 minute drive from the domestic airport.

Overnight: Boca Hotel By Design Suites Or Similar, Buenos Aires

Day 15 - Time at leisure. Group transfer to aiport. Fly to London.

After breakfast, your morning will be at leisure before being transferred to the international airport in the afternoon for your flight back to London.

If you would like to spend more time in Buenos Aires to fully explore this fascinating and cosmopolitan city, we can arrange additional hotel nights.

Overnight: In flight

Day 16 - Arrive London.