Southern Patagonia at Your Fingertips

Arrive in Chile’s vibrant and colorful capital of Santiago. Transfer from the international airport to your hotel, escorted by your friendly guide. Relax at your hotel or explore the city for a few hours before getting a good night’s rest ready to begin an adventure to Torres del Paine National Park.

Transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Punta Arenas. Meet your driver in Punta Arenas and take a road trip by coach to the neighboring city of Puerto Natales. Travel through the vast Pampa Steppes of the Magellan Region with its seemingly never-ending horizon. Perhaps encounter sheep and ñandus, and peer up at the wide open skies to see flocks of native birds. Arrive at Puerto Natales in the late afternoon, comfortably sitting on the banks of the Última Esperanza Bay and check into your hotel.

Visit the Cave of the Milodon on the way to Torres del Paine National Park. This 3 hour drive includes a brief stop at Cerro Castillo, a border town close to the reserve. Enter the stunning Torres del Paine National Park and appreciate the first glimpse of this jewel in the Patagonian region. Dinner and overnight at Refugio Chileno in the Ascencio Valley.

Test your limbs and legs today. Don some cold weather gear and hike to the Torres Base Viewpoint. Meander along a trail for an hour and half that leads you past striking scenery including the frozen phenomenon of the Monte Almirante Nieto Hanging Glacier and equally stunning glacial lakes. Drop off your equipment at the El Chileno Lodge and continue to hike through ancient native forest to the base of the moraine. After almost an hour, reach the Base Torres lookout, famous for its view of impressive massifs and glaciers such as South Tower, Central Tower, North Tower, Condor's Nest and Torre. Overnight at either El Chileno or Torre Central, depending on availability.

Circle the Paine massif and trek tentatively along the base of the Almirante Nieto glacier for an hour and a half. Arrive at the Shortcut, a trail that leads to Los Cuernos lodge and continue to hike past the Lake Nordenskjöld and hanging glaciers. Note the unique and hardy native flora such as ciruelillos and notros, a sight to behold in December when they bloom with beautiful red flowers. Walk for another 4-5 hours through the frosty terrain and pause to appreciate the remote, still wilderness along the way. Then arrive at Los Cuernos, regarded as one of the coziest stops in the circuit. Overnight at El Chileno or Torre Central subject to availability.

Difficulty level: Intermediate.

Rise early and head out for a heart-pumping hike this morning. Enjoy an easy amble for the first two hours and admire sweeping views of Lake Nordenskjöld all the way to the Italian Campsite. Leave your gear here and continue with a light daypack. Challenge yourself with a 1.5 hour ascent to the French Glacier lookout. Begin at French Valley, ascend to the British Campsite and finally reach the British Lookout to witness one of the most striking views in the Park. Pause for a few moments to truly appreciate the panoramic view that includes the Paine Grande, Catedral, Hoja, Máscara, Espada, Aleta de Tiburón and Cuerno Norte massifs. Hike back on the same trail to the Italian Campsite and then navigate your way towards Lake Pehoé. Overnight at Paine Grande Lodge.

Difficulty level: High.

Enjoy a day hike to the Grey Glacier lookout. Walk for an hour to reach the first viewpoint and spy the glacier from a distance. Skirt around the western shore of Lake Grey for approximately two hours to reach the main lookout and immerse yourself in the spectacular sight of the glacier, Mount Cordón Olguín and the icebergs floating in the lake. Breathe in the clean and crisp air and return along the same trail to Lake Pehoé. Board a catamaran to Pudeto in the late afternoon and cruise from Pudeto to Puerto Natales then transfer to your hotel.

Note: A packed lunch is provided.

Option: It is possible to end the hike to Grey Glacier today with a catamaran ride along the lake, spending the night at Lake Grey Hotel. The next day, transfer from Lake Grey Hotel to Puerto Natales and take a regular bus to Punta Arenas where your driver will transfer you to the airport. This has an additional cost.

After breakfast in your Puerto Natales hotel, your driver will take you to the Punta Arenas airport for your flight home or to your next Chile adventure tour.