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Day 1: Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales. We will meet you at the airport or your hotel in Punta Arenas and drive to see the burrowing Magellanic Penguins at their colony in Otway Sound. Continuing on across the Patagonian Steppe we will have our 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 Ultima Esperanza region of southern Chile, we will drive to Cerro Castillo and the very comfortable Hosteria El Pionero. The fireside bar is an excellent place to enjoy a pisco sour while your guide gives a briefing and answers any questions about the days ahead.
Day 2: Torres del Paine National Park. After breakfast, we will continue toward the towering peaks of Torres del Paine National Park. Our route will take us around the shores of Lake Sarmiento, with the peaks of the Paine Horns to our right. We begin our introductory hike along the shores of Laguna Verde, through ancient southern beech forests, towards the Sierra del Toro. After a few hours of hiking, we will ascend to the Mirador del Toro to enjoy spectacular views of the peaks of Paine and the lakes and waterways that flow through the pampas below. After stopping to take some photographs and enjoy the marvelous view, we will start our steep descent of the Sierra del Toro. Lunch will be taken in the valley before a visit to the Park HQ and the Visitor’s Center, where we will see the park maps and history. From here we will be collected in our vehicle and driven a short distance to our lodge on the peaceful Serrano River. Our home for 2 nights, this cozy lodge is set away from the mountains giving a full view of the entire Paine Massif across the river. Great opportunities for fishing, walks or horseback riding here make this the perfect two-night stop. Dinner in the cozy restaurant with fabulous views of the Paine Horns. For the early risers, this hotel is said to offer the most spectacular sunrises in Patagonia!
Day 3: Torres del Paine National Park. After breakfast, we will transfer across the pampas for the short walk to the Lago Grey Beach. We will walk along the shores of these grey waters and admire the miracles of nature as turquoise icebergs are seen floating in the lake. The huge mass of white behind the icebergs is Grey Glacier, the largest in the park. After our walk we will board the new Grey 2 launch and cross the lake towards the walls of the Glacier. The short boat trip will give us up close and personal views of this spectacle as well as stunning views of Paine Grande and surrounding mountains. After our return to the dock those still with energy can opt for a hike up to a stunning viewpoint of the entire western side of the park or take our van back to the Serrano river lodge. Those returning to the river can enjoy a leisurely afternoon walking around the hills, here the fading afternoon sunlight. Optionally, fishing or horseback riding can be arranged with the lodge.
Day 4: Torres del Paine National Park. Today we will rise early, pack our lunches, and prepare for our ‘up and over’ route across the heart of the park. This is a beautiful walk that sees very few hikers. We will hike through verdant green valleys and southern beech forests, passing turquoise lakes and crossing hills dotted with windswept trees. With luck we will see Andean Condors hovering high above mountain peaks while down on the plains, herds of guanaco. The route today crosses amazing scenery dominated by the French Valley, Paine Horns and eventually the Towers, after which the park is named. We will meet our van and head to the beautifully situated and comfortable Estancia Tercera Barranca (45 minutes). On the eastern perimeters of the Park, this authentic estancia property has some of the best views in the Park. Country-style accommodations in a pretty guest house with all the comforts of home.
Day 5: Torres del Paine National Park. Today after breakfast and a short drive (45 minutes), we will begin our most challenging hike 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 spectacular views. Lunch (for those who make it to the top) can be enjoyed in the shadow of these enormous granite peaks while watching the icebergs drift across the glacial lake. This is a highlight of every visitor’s itinerary. Tonight we are back at the comfy estancia where a roaring fire, hot bath and home cooked Chilean food awaits us.
Day 6: Torres del Paine National Park/Puerto Natales/Punta Arenas. After a breakfast of home-baked bread, preserves and cake, we will be leaving the park and driving to the airport in Punta Arenas in time for afternoon flights. Time permitting we will make a short stop in Puerto Natales to purchase any last-minute souvenirs.
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