Itinerary

Day 1

    Your trip begins today in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Arrive in Buenos Aires' Ezeiza International Airport this morning and transfer to our centrally-located hotel. After lunch, we join our local guide for a city tour that includes a visit to the Plaza de Mayo, Recoleta Cemetery and the colorful San Telmo and La Boca neighborhoods. Later this evening, we enjoy a typical Argentine welcome dinner and sultry tango show with our local host. Dinner and hotel included.
    
Day 2

    We transfer to the city airport this morning for our four-hour flight to El Calafate - the small desert oasis named for the abundant bushes that dot the countryside. Upon arrival, we're met by our trekking guide and drive across the open landscape, typical of Argentine Patagonia, to our hosteria (small hotel) in El Chaltén at the base of Mount Fitz Roy. Our route takes us around the southeastern shores of Lago Argentino, South America's third largest body of water, and past picturesque Lago Viedma. As we drive, we watch the granite fin of Mount Fitz Roy rise up behind the turquoise waters of the lakes and will likely spot some ñandú (a flightless bird similar to an ostrich). We arrive at the community of El Chaltén, in the foothills of the massif, in the afternoon. Time permitting, we'll enjoy a short level hike to Chorrillo del Salto Falls before returning to town for an orientation meeting and dinner. If skies are clear this evening, we can ponder the thousands of stars that form the Southern Hemisphere constellations such as the Cruz del Sur (Southern Cross) and the Corona Australis (Southern Crown) and look for distant galaxies and nebulae, like Andromeda and the Clouds of Magellan. Overnight in our hosteria in El Chaltén for the next three nights. Driving distance: 135 miles (3 hours). Breakfast and dinner included.
    
Day 3

    Today's hike takes us toward the southwest, along the Fitz Roy River valley. The trail is fairly easy as we cross some ancient terminal moraines left behind when the glaciers of the last ice age receded. We arrive at the first Mirador (lookout) after 1½ hours of gentle uphill hiking and enjoy inspiring views of Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy and other nearby peaks. With sheer walls topped by a mushroom-shaped ice cap, Cerro Torre's 10,265-foot summit is one of the most difficult to climb in the world. Continuing along a mostly flat, scenic trail through patches of lenga forest, we finally reach Laguna Torre. After a relaxing picnic lunch near the lake, we continue along the moraine for better views and photo opportunities of the Cerro Torre summit and the Ventisquero Grande Glacier. Our return hike takes us part-way along a different trail before rejoining the main trail that runs along the Fitz Roy River. All meals included.

    Hiking: 10.5 miles (6½ hours).
    
Day 4

    After breakfast this morning we drive to the trailhead and then hike toward Mount Fitz Roy, following the Río Eléctrico River to its junction with the Río Blanco, then turning south to make our way closer to the foot of the peaks. Along our route, we identify a variety of colorful flowers and several species of birds. We also notice the unique, apricot-colored fungus called llao-llao, which only grows on trees of the species, Nothofagus. Hiking uphill, we stop at the basecamp area where climbers stage their expeditions to Fitz Roy's 11,290-foot summit and enjoy the craggy panorama. Resuming our climb, we continue ascending the steep zig-zag trail to Laguna de los Tres (2 additional miles roundtrip and 1,300' elevation gain). From this small lake, we have outstanding, close-up views of the nearly vertical rock walls of Fitz Roy's east face, the impressive spire to the south called the Poincenot Needle (9,960'), and the unusually blue, Piedras Blancas glacier. Following a picnic lunch, we return to the basecamp area and continue on to the valley floor and the trailhead near El Chaltén. All meals included.

    Hiking: 11.5 miles (7½ hours), elevation gain 980' with option of additional 2 miles (1½ hours) and 1,300' elevation gain.
    
Day 5

    We drive back to El Calafate this morning and continue further into Los Glaciares National Park, following the Brazo Rico section of Lago Argentino. At the narrowest point on this arm of the lake, we stop at a lookout to view the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier, the only glacier outside of the Polar Regions still advancing. We observe and photograph the massive sheet of ice (three miles wide and 190 feet high) from various angles, as we walk along the paths that wind along the river bank, across from its snout. Weather permitting, we'll have our picnic lunch overlooking the glacier before joining our guide for an hour-long boat ride on the lake for another close-up perspective. This afternoon, we drive to Estancia Nibepo Aike, an authentic working ranch that offers a glimpse into the distinctive Patagonian lifestyle. Comprised of nearly 25,000 acres and located in Los Glaciares Park overlooking the Brazo Sur arm of Lago Argentino, there are plenty of activities at the ranch and lots of natural beauty to contemplate. We have time before dinner to walk along the lake's edge and enjoy the solitude. Overnight at the ranch for the next two nights. Driving distance: 240 miles (5.5 hours). All meals included.
    
Day 6

    This morning we set out on a short but steep hike towards the windy Filo de los Cristales peaks. The mostly off-trail route passes through typical Patagonian steppe and patches of forest with panoramic views of the Andes including Lago Argentino and the Perito Moreno Glacier off in the distance. After a hearty lunch and short siesta back at the Estancia, those who wish can participate in an additional short hike along the shoreline of Lago Roca and enjoy impressive views of the lake and Mount Cervantes (7,805'). Further south loom the mountains separating Los Glaciares National Park from Paine National Park on the Chilean side. Birdlife in this region is abundant and we may encounter upland goose, buff-necked ibis, Chilean flickers, American kestrel, and many more during our walk. Those who prefer not to hike this afternoon can choose from a variety of activities including horseback riding with a baqueano guide toward the Brazo Sur section of Lago Argentino or Laguna Frias (at additional cost), fishing, biking or just relaxing and taking in life on the ranch. In the evening, we savor a hearty Patagonian barbecue made with fresh ranch ingredients. All meals included.

    Hiking: 5-6 miles (4 hours) mostly off-trail on steep terrain. Options for additional hiking this afternoon.
    
Day 7

    Leaving the ranch after breakfast, we continue overland across the Patagonian plains to Torres del Paine National Park, a crown jewel in the Chilean National Park system. After passing through Cerro Castillo, a small village near the Chilean border, we get our first views of the Paine massif, towering above the plains in the distance. Upon entering the park (established in 1970 and given World Heritage status in 1978), we are often greeted by small herds of guanacos, a wild relative of the llama. We continue to the Sarmiento Park Station where, following a short break after our drive, we begin an afternoon hike. Our route follows a trail up and over the steppe-covered foothills, past small ponds and meadows where we can photograph noisy buff-necked ibis, en route to the Laguna Amarga guard station. Other possible wildlife sightings include red-fox, hares, flamingos and upland geese. Our campsite for the next two nights is located beneath the Paine Towers, near the Ascencio River. All meals included.

    Driving distance: 225 miles (6 ½ hours). Camp elevation 600'.
    Hiking: 4.5 miles (2½ hours). Elevation gain 650'.
    
Day 8

    Today, we have the option of taking a shorter hike near our campsite along the shore of Lake Nordenskjold or participating in a demanding, but highly rewarding hike towards the Paine Towers. We follow a trail that leads across the Ascencio River then climbs uphill along a steep path paralleling the river's right bank. As we gain altitude, we have excellent vistas of the Paine River, winding its way through the surrounding countryside below us. We cross a boulder moraine to reach the high cirque where we find the basecamp from which expert climbers from around the world attempt to scale the towers' walls. Before us lies an awe-inspiring landscape encompassing the impressive granite spires of the near-vertical towers, rocky moraines and hanging glaciers, all surrounding a lovely turquoise-colored tarn. After a picnic lunch beneath Torres Norte (8,530'), Central (9,185'), and Sur (9,350'), we descend the same trail back to our campsite. All meals included.

    Hiking: 11.5 miles (8 hours). Elevation gain 2,600'.
    
Day 9

    Rising early, we drive through the park to the boat dock on Pehoé Lake and board a catamaran for the 20-minute ride to the far side. The vessel is covered, but with clear weather most passengers stand outside to take in the wonderful views of the impressive Paine Horns. From the arrival dock, we follow a short trail to our campsite and, after setting up, begin hiking through the rolling foothills at the base of Paine Grande peak. We cross the French River on a foot bridge and follow a steep trail along the narrow gorge. Our route takes us through lenga forests on the southeastern slopes of Cerro Paine Grande (the highest peak in the park at 10,007') and crosses a few small creeks. As we gain altitude, we scramble through rocky sections of the mountain's boulder moraines to a breathtaking lookout point. On a clear day, we have fantastic views of the high peaks that surround us from this extraordinarily beautiful cirque. The Paine Horns (8,530'), as well as the Máscara (7,545') and Espada spires (8,205') are among them. We marvel at the geology of these incredible rock formations as we watch patches of snow break loose and thunder down Cerro Paine's rock and ice face. We spend the next two nights at the Pehoé Lake Campsite. Camp elevation: 300'. All meals included.

    Hiking: 11.5 miles (8½ hours). Elevation gain 1,850'.
    
Day 10

    This morning we hike toward Grey Lake for a panoramic view of its four-mile-wide glacier. Crossing a dry, shallow valley, we contour around the lower slopes of Cerro Paine Grande watching for soaring condors along the way. Our trail passes a small, secluded tarn before reaching a ridge with fabulous views of Grey Lake and the massive Grey Glacier. Icebergs may be floating in the lake's grayish waters, blown from one end to the other by the strong Patagonian winds. Views of Cerro Zapata, (5,020') as well as several sparkling waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides add more drama to the surrounding landscape. Trip members interested in getting even closer to the glacier can continue further along our trail and get close-up views of its ice walls and caves. Grey Glacier is one of three glaciers in the park that originate at the Continental Ice Cap, visible on a clear day as a huge white mass on the horizon. Along the return route to camp, there are excellent opportunities to spot some of the park's 105 species of birds, including grebes, coots, torrent ducks, oyster catchers and others. All meals included.

    Hiking: 9 miles (5 hours). Elevation gain 985'. Continuing all the way to the glacier adds an additional 6 miles (4 hours).
    
Day 11

    After a short exploratory walk this morning, we catch our catamaran for the return trip across the lake and drive to the Park Visitor Center for a brief visit. We have the opportunity to examine a relief map, review the trails we've hiked and talk to the ranger about the geographical features of Torres del Paine. After lunch, we take a final hike - either along the black sand beaches of Grey Lake or in the secluded Pingo River Valley. This is a gentle, forested trail that offers different scenery and terrain than we've experienced to this point in our adventure. Finally, we drive to our comfortable hostería, where we share our dinner and enjoy the play of light and clouds as the evening sun turns the Paine Horns shades of gold and mauve. All meals included.
    
Day 12

    We leave the park very early this morning, heading south across the Patagonian steppes to Puerto Natales, a quaint fishing village overlooking Last Hope Sound. After a short visit we continue to Punta Arenas, one of southern Chile's main ports, located on the Straits of Magellan and considered the southernmost city on the continent. We'll celebrate our amazing adventure at a farewell dinner in a local restaurant and spend the evening in a small, nearby hotel. Driving distance: 225 miles (7 hours). All meals included.
    
Day 13

    After breakfast one group transfer to the Punta Arenas airport will be arranged for travelers departing this morning. Trip members can opt to return to Santiago for connecting flights home or extend their travels in Chile. Breakfast included.

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