Chile Patagonia Hiker

Hike amid Peaks, Lakes, and Glaciers and Horseback Ride with Gauchos

Patagonia is a land of tremendous landscapes created by the forces of wind, ice, volcanic activity and time. Glaciers blanket entire mountain ranges with their icy blue stillness, patiently sculpting granite into magnificent stone structures. At the southernmost tip of Patagonia lies one of South America's most coveted treasures and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Torres del Paine National Park. Lace up your hiking boots for an unforgettable journey at the bottom of the earth as we trek the world famous "W" Circuit.

Days 1-3 Punta Arenas-Puerto Natales-Grey Glacier-Paine Grande. Transfer from the airport in Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales, gateway to the Park. A stop at the Cave of the Milodon introductes us to "Big-Foot". After lunch along the Serrano River we take a catamaran across Grey Lake. With crampons and safety rope intact, we ascend onto one of the Southern Hemisphere's most important fresh water reserves. The glacier is a jumble of turquoise blue crevasses and eerie ice sculptures formed by the sun and wind. A trek along the flanks of Grey Lake through fields of Patagonian fire bush and dense Nothofagus forests takes us to turquoise Lake Pehoe.

Days 4-6 French Valley-Los Cuernos-Las Torres. Hike below Paine Grande, the Park's highest formation, before crossing the French River on a swinging bridge to reach Campamento Italiano. We head up through the 4,000-foot deep French Valley and continue on under the impressive Cuernos (Horns). A beautiful, waterfall-strewn hike over "Windy Pass" leads into the Ascencio Valley. Next a heart pumping ascent to the base of Las Torres is arguably the highlight of the entire "W" trek. The fortitude pays off when the magnificent granite spires appear, looming over a milky green lake.

Days 7-9 Laguna Amarga-Puerto Natales-Punta Arenas. From our base on a working ranch near Laguna Amarga we hike in the Sierra Baguales. These "Wild Mountains" spread along the glaciers of the Southern Ice Field, forming a spine of bizarre shaped peaks and ledges. The next day we rest our legs and experience what Patagonia culture is founded on...horseback riding. At Estancia Dos Elianas we see the entire process of wool production, enjoy a demonstration of Chilean rodeo, and sample some hearty tea and local delicacies. A celebratory dinner back in Puerto Natales caps off our adventure.