Patagonia Complete

The trip begins pick up at hotel in Punta Arenas or Punta Arenas airport in the morning and driven to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. Alternatively start the trip in Calafate. En route there will be a couple of stops - First in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of "Seno de Ultima Esperanza" and second at Cueva de Milodon, a massive prehistoric cave where the remains of a giant ground sloth were discovered in the 1890's. The whole journey is very scenic, with plenty of wild birds and wonderful landscapes to be seen.

Walk from Ecocamp towards Hosteris Las Torres and join the uphill path to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. Dry mountain spots, beech forests and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. The big challenge comes as you climb the steep moraine, a mass of boulders leading towards one of the world's most famous views overlooking the Towers. The famous Torres del Paine (2,900 m/ 9,400 ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After an uphill slog, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before you, with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After lunch, backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp.

Drive across the Park, admiring the view of Paine Grande and its snowy peaks, and Los Cuernos with their black, granite horn-like spires. Walking along the shores of the stunning Lake Pehoe, see the furious Salto Grande waterfalls where the water from Lake Nordenskjold cascades down into Pehoe. The walk continues over the gentle Nordenskjold trail until you reach its spectacular lookout point. Later, back at Lake Pehoe, you will be driven south to a beach along the shores of glacial Lake Grey. Here, enjoy a tasty box-lunch by the lake before embarking on a boat ride across the icy waters to the towering blue walls of Glacier Grey. After this incredible sight of the glacier up close, drive back to EcoCamp.

In the case that the boat trip to Glacier Grey is cancelled (weather and passenger dependant), you will enjoy an alternative excursion in the Park.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, head to Argentina on a regular bus, doing the international border crossing at Cerro Castillo. Once you complete the immigration process, enter Argentina and continue to Calafate, a small town set on the edge of Los Glaciares NP amid dramatic scenery and natural beauty. At the bus terminal, you will be met by a local representative and taken to a restaurant to enjoy lunch and then some leisure time in the city before boarding a regular bus in the late afternoon which will take you on the 3 hour journey to El Chalten. The drive is on isolated roads across the pampas and along the northern end of Lago Viedma. Chalten is a tiny outpost beside the Glacier National Park at the foot of impressive Mount Fitz Roy. Arrive at your hotel in the evening in time to get some well-deserved rest.

Today's hike is along Rio Blanco. Drive to El Pilar, 11 miles north of El Chalten, and follow the Rio Blanco Trail to Piedras Blances Glacier, a hanging glacier descending from the base of Mount Fitz Roy. Picnic here, marveling at the glacier, and then continue up Rio Blanco Trail until you reach one of the best views of Mont Fitz Roy - the landmark in Los Glaciares NP. Afterwards, descend via another path heading past Laguna Capri, ending back in El Chalten.

Today you will do a full day hike along the Cerro Torre Trail to Laguna Torre, a stunning mountain lake with majestic Mount Torre in the background. After breakfast, walk eastwards, following the trail through beech forests until you reach Fitz Roy River. Continue and reach Camp Base de Agostini from where you do a short hike to Laguna Torre, with Cerro Torre and the Adela range to your West. Icebergs can be seen peacefully floating on Laguna Torre as the wind pushes them to the coast. Stop along the way at different points to take in the magnificent view and enjoy a picnic. Later, return to your hotel to gather your luggage and begin the drive back to Calafate by a regular bus, following the same road filled with Argentinean pampas that first welcomed you. You will arrive in Calafate after an approximate 3 hour drive and are driven to your hotel to check in.

After breakfast, head off on your final excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most famous landmarks in Patagonia. Unlike typical tours which go straight to the regular panoramic views, head first to the glacier's less-frequented north face to marvel at its splendor. You will observe and hear giant chunks of ice plummet into the waters of Lake Argentino. Your guide will answer questions about the glacier and the park. Continue to the footbridges and take a break, enjoying the surroundings at your own leisure. You will also have the opportunity to do a short nautical safari to observe this magnificent glacier from up close. After the thrilling encounter with the Perito Moreno, drive back to Calafate for your final night.

Today marks the conclusion of this memorable trip, Adios Patagonia! After having breakfast, a transfer will take you to the airport to continue your onward journey.