DAY 1 - PUNTA ARENAS - PUERTO NATALES

Pickup from airport or hotel, drive to see the burrowing Magallenic Penguins at their colony in Otway Sound.  There will be plenty of time to observe and photograph these fascinating creatures before continuing on.  After our visit here, we will continue across the Patagonian Steppe to our destination for the night, Puerto Natales.  Located beside the picturesque Last Hope Sound, we will get a chance to walk around the waterfront and enjoy welcome dinner in one of the fine restaurants in town.  Overnight hotel Weskar.  Situated a short walk from Puerto Natales, this wooden-built hotel has lovely views of Last Hope Sound and the Serrano Glacier in the distance.  Rooms are light, airy and comfortable and there is laundry and internet available). (D)

DAY 2 - LAST HOPE SOUND - LOS TORRES PARK - SERRANO RIVER

After breakfast we will walk to the pier and board a cutter for a fantastic cruise up the fjord to the beautiful hanging Balmaceda glacier and Mount Balmaceda.  We get the chance to stretch our legs on a short hike to the foot of the Serrano Glacier and the glacial lake below it.  After lunch we will board zodiacs (small boats) and cruise up the Serrano River entering Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, passing the massive Tyndall glacier en route and finally ending up at Torres del Paine National Park.  Our first night camping is on the banks of the peaceful Serrano River, with spectacular views across the pampas towards the Paine massif.  Chance to enjoy a stroll or a glass of wine while dinner is prepared.  Organized camp with full facilities.  (B,L,D)

DAY 3 - GREY GLACIER - FRENCH VALLEY

Today we will pack our lunches and transfer for our short walk to Grey Lake Beach.  The huge mass of white behind the icebergs floating in the lake is Grey Glacier, the largest glacier in the park.  After our walk, we will board a launch and set off into the lake towards the walls of this spectacular Glacier.  This short boat trip will give us an up close view of the glacier, as well as stunning views of Paine Grande and the surrounding mountains.  The boat will leave us at the foot of the glacier where we will start our hike along the opposite shore of the lake.  We enjoy one of the classic hiking sections in the park as we climb up and out of the valley enjoying views of Grey glacier, the Patagonian icecap and innumerable mountains.  We continue along the stunning blue water of Lago Pehoe to our destination and camp for the night in the beautiful French Valley at Camp Italiano.  Wild camp with only pit toilets.  (B,L,D)

DAY 4 - FRENCH VALLEY

Today we have all day to explore the remote French Valley getting up to the high country and the fantastic granite walls that enclose the valley.  The French glacier hangs down here and is often seen and heard cascading avalanches of snow and ice as we hike up the opposite side of the valley.  We have a full day to enjoy fantastic views of the amphitheatre formed by the granite peaks as well as the waterscapes below including Lakes Pehoe, Scottsburg, Toro and Nordenskjold.  Return descent to Camp Italiano and overnight.  (B,L,D)

DAY 5 - LOS TORRES CAMP

Today's hike takes us along the foothills of the Horns of Paine with the tranquil shores of Lake Nordenskjold on our right.  For the brave, there is a chance to swim in the frigid waters of this spectacular lake as we hike towards the three granite spires that give the park its name, the Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine).  Overnight at Los Torres camp.  Organized camp with full facilities.  (B,L,D)

DAY 6 - ASCENCIO VALLEY - TOWERS OF PAINE

Today's hike is our most arduous but worthwhile as we climb to the Towers themselves.  A roundtrip hike we will climb up into the Ascending Valley and through beautiful old growth beech forests to a rock moraine just under the towers.  A steep climb over the moraine will reward us with one of the most spectacular views in the park, and weather permitting, we will enjoy our last trail lunch at this amazing vantage point.  Return to camp for our last night under canvas enjoying a fireside dinner.  Organized camp with full facilities.  (B,L,D)

DAY 7 - TORRES PARK - PUNTA ARENAS

Pack up camp for our transfer back to Punta Arenas airport to arrive for early afternoon flights to Santiago (End of Services).  Time permitting we will make a short stop in Puerto Natales giving you an opportunity to purchase any souvenirs/books/postcards/etc.  Trip Extensions or Extra Night in Santiago can also be arranged. (B)    

KEY: (B)reakfast, (L)unch, (D)inner

REFUGIOS (MOUNTAIN HUTS): Heated, with shared dining area, bunk rooms (4-6 passengers), toilet and showers facilities.

• Moderate to Difficult