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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