Trek Patagonia - Fitz Roy & Torres del Paine

Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital, located on the southern shores of the Rio de la Plata. Since its founding by Pedro de Mendoza in 1536 the city has thrived on trade and its vibrant streets are filled with an eclectic mix of European architectural styles, with Spanish, French and Italian classicism rubbing shoulders with remnants of Victorian grandeur. After gaining independence from the Spanish in 1816 the city grew to rival the great cities of Europe, its wide avenues and elegant squares earning it the title of the Paris of the South. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Buenos Aires at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), which is around 20 minutes' drive. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you could explore this lively city by wandering the city streets, admiring the impressive architecture and relaxing parks, or enjoy the traditional Porteno pastime of people watching from the many sidewalk cafes. Stay: Hotel Principado (Comfortable)

We leave the city far behind as we fly south to Patagonia and the town of El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. From here we travel approximately 3 hours to El Chalten, the charming village close to Fitzroy and Torre Massif. After checking in to our hotel you may wish to explore some of the nearby short trails to local sites and viewpoints, such as Chorrillo del Salto Waterfall and Condor or Eagle lookouts.

Please note: If the group is 6 people or less the bus journey to El Chalten will be by public bus. Stay: Lunajuim Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

After an early breakfast we drive to El Pilar, the starting point for the classic trek to Laguna de los Tres. Taking just what we need overnight we ascend for 2 hours up a gentle slope with fantastic views over the Fitzroy Massif and Piedras Blancas glacier. On reaching the Poincenot area we stop briefly at our campsite (750 metres/2,460 feet) before continuing to Rio Blanco Base Camp. An hour of steep ascent takes us to De Los Tres Lagoon (1,180 metres/3,871 feet), the emerald small lagoon at the foot of Mount Fitzroy, where we will have the opportunity to appreciate the enormous granite walls of Fitzroy and its nearby peaks, Poincenot, Saint Exupery and Guillaumet. After exploring the area around the lagoon, we descend back to our campsite to spend the evening inside the forest. An additional hike to Capri Lagoon is available for those wanting to do more walking. Poincenet Camp is a simple site, water will be provided and the camp crew will set up a kitchen tent, dining tent and toilet.

Today's moderate 10 kilometre/6.2 mile trek is expected to take around 6 hours with 700 metres/2,296 feet of ascent and descent. The additional optional walk takes 3 hours and covers another 6 kilometres/3.7 miles. Stay: Poincenot Campsite (Simple) (B/L/D)

After a camp breakfast we set out for another days hiking through the unique landscape of Los Glaciares National Park - taking the Madre e Hija Trail which links the Fitzroy and Torre Valleys. We walk passed two clear lagoons and through 'Lenga' forest on our way to Torre Lagoon, from where weather allowing, we will be rewarded with stunning views to Torre Massif and the surrounding glaciers as we have our picnic lunch. Later we continue our trek along Torre Trail back to El Chalten.

Today's moderate 19 kilometre/11.8 mile trek is expected to take around 7 hours with 300 metres/984 feet of ascent and descent. Stay: Lunajuim Hotel (Comfortable) (B/L)

This morning there is the option to enjoy a morning rafting on the Rio de Las Vueltas or take an optional excursion to Lago Del Desierto, where you will enjoy a scenic drive to the lake, followed by a short sail across the lake and a hike up to the Vespignani Glacier lookout. In the afternoon we travel back to El Calafate, where we spend the night. Please note: If the group is 6 people or less the bus journey to El Calafate will be by public bus. Stay: Hotel Quijote (Comfortable) (B)

Today we make an excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier - an ice river towering an average of 60 metres/196 feet above the surface of the lake water, a truly impressive sight. Fed by the vast expanse of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the glacier covers some 250 square kilometres and stretches over 30 kilometres being over 700 metres thick at its deepest point. It is advancing at a rate of 700 metres per year, but is estimated to calve off great chunks at probably the same rate, meaning that it has remained pretty much stationary for nearly a century. Whilst at the glacier, there will be the chance to either trek on the ice (an age limit of 65 years applies due to National Park regulations) or take a boat or kayak trip to get closer to the glacier face. Stay: Hotel Quijote (Comfortable) (B)

Today we travel for approximately 6 hours by public bus south to Puerto Natales, crossing the border into Chile en route. Puerto Natales is the gateway to the Torres del Paine national park, and from small beginnings as a tiny fishing port it has now blossomed to a hub of adventure, with an atmosphere of excitement as travellers pass through on their way to the mountains. From the edge of the town there are striking views out to the fjords, and looking back inland we see the mountains rising imposingly over us. Later today we have a briefing with the Tour Leader and the local trekking guide on the 'W' Trek, and have the rest of the day to prepare for the trek and explore the town. Stay: Hotel Glaciares (Comfortable) (B)

After breakfast we drive from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park (approximately an hour and a half). We continue along the winding roads of the park to the Grey Lake area, with great views to 'Cuernos del Paine' en route. Arriving to the lake we start our hike to Ferrier viewpoint. This can feel a demanding ascent but the views over Torres del Paine National Park - of the mountains and glaciers of Paine Grande and Los Cuernos Massif, are stunning. Later we take the ferry across Grey Lake to Grey refuge campsite (approximately one hour). The campsite is magnificently located between the lake and forest, close to Grey Glacier, we can make the short hike (2 kilometres/1.2 miles) to the glacier viewpoint. A note on the W Trek campsites: All sites are located at the refuges. You will have use of shared bathroom facilities with hot water showers and use of the communal dining room at the refuges, where meals will be taken. In the refuges there is a small shop selling basic items and they have electricity and heating. Today's moderate 8 kilometre/5 mile trek is expected to take around 4 hours with 350 metres/1,148 feet of ascent and descent. Stay: Grey Campsite (Simple) (B/D)

From Grey refuge we start our trek along the first leg of the 'W' circuit, walking by Grey Lake and crossing the beginning of French Valley, where we will spend the night. The trekking is fairly relaxed, passing through striking mountain and lake scenery to the Frances Domes refuge campsite. Today's challenging 22 kilometre/13.7 mile trek is expected to take around 8 hours with 300 metres/984 feet of ascent and descent. Stay: Frances Campsite (Simple) (B/L/D)

We start early today for our trek along French Valley. As we walk along streams and the main river, if we are lucky we may see glacier breaks from Paine Grande to our right. There are some short steep climbs as we arrive to the main lookout point at Britanicos camp - to see the great granite amphitheatre and all its peaks revealed. We will also see other trekkers here as this is a popular area for walking. Later we return back down the central part of the 'W' to Frances Domes for a second night. Today's challenging 17 kilometre/10.6 mile trek is expected to take around 7 hours with 550 metres/1,804 feet of ascent and descent. Stay: Frances Campsite (Simple) (B/L/D)

Today's trail is known as Sendero Paso Los Cuernos, due to the fact that it passes under the dramatic mountains known as 'Los Cuernos' (horns). We walk alongside the shores of the beautiful Nordenskjöld lake, crossing small rivers and wide grasslands along the way. We continue our trek to Chileno refuge campsite. Today's challenging 16 kilometre/9.9 mile trek is expected to take around 7 hours with 500 metres/1,640 feet of ascent and descent. Stay: Chileno Campsite (Simple) (B/L/D)

Our final day of trekking takes us to the foot of what has inspired us over the last week - the impressive granite towers of Torres del Paine. Climbing steeply, high above the scattered blue lakes, we hike along the Asencio river, and up towards the Torres. After a final clamber over steep terminal moraine deposited by a glacier centuries ago, we reach a panoramic point from where we admire one of the best known sights of Patagonia, the Paine Towers, rising very close, above a green lagoon. The famous Torres del Paine (2,900 metres/9,514 feet) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, overlooking a landscape shaped by the forces of glacial ice and the elements. Again this is an iconic walking area so we will see other trekkers here. On returning to Los Torres we travel by private bus back to Puerto Natales. Today's challenging 16 kilometre/9.9 mile trek is expected to take around 7 hours with 600 metres/1,968 feet of ascent and 800 metres/2,624 feet of descent. Stay: Hotel Glaciares (Comfortable) (B/L)

This morning we leave the wilds of Patagonia behind taking a flight to Santiago, Chile's capital in the shadow of the Andes. We usually arrive late afternoon and have the rest of the evening to enjoy the city, however flight schedules can change. Stay: Hotel Fundador (Comfortable) (B)

This morning, if you have an afternoon flight, there is the option of taking a walking tour of the city. Santiago's historic colonial centre and acres of green space contrast sharply with its modern business district and quickly-growing urban scene. The trip ends at Santiago Iternational Airport (SCL), there will be a transfer by bus to arrive at about 1.30pm. If you wish to spend the morning in Santiago the earliest your flight can depart is 4.30pm. (B)