Lodge to Lodge from £1,814

Day 1 Late morning collection from airport or hotel. Drive to see the cute burrowing Magellanic Penguins at their colony in Otway Sound. There will be plenty of time to observe and photograph these fascinating creatures before continuing on across the Patagonian Steppe where you will have your 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 transfer to the new, eco-style Yurts situated in a fabulous hillside location with great views of Lake Toro and the mountains. Guests are accommodated in independent permanent tents each with a spectacular view, private bathroom and terrace. Dinner included (drinks available at extra cost). Transfer time: 6 hours approx. Day 2 After breakfast, we will transfer across the pampas for the short walk to the amazing Grey Lake. We will walk along the shores of these grey waters and admire the miracles of nature as seemingly 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 set off into the iceberg choked lake towards the walls of this spectacular 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 with your guide or to take our van back to our lovely comfortable yurts. B,L,D (drinks available at extra cost). Day 3 After breakfast pack our lunches for the short drive (30 minutes) to the start of today's hike. This is a beautiful walk that sees very few other hikers. We will ascend the fabulous Mirador del Toro to enjoy the spectacular views of the peaks of Paine and the pampas below. Hike through verdant green valleys and southern beech forests passing turquoise lakes and crossing hills dotted with eerie windswept trees. With luck we will see magnificent condors hovering high above mountain peaks. Our route will take us along the shores of Laguna Verde onto the land belonging to Estancia Lazo. We will see the traditional red roofs of the still working estancia before settling into the lovely nearby Hosteria Mirador del Payne. Our base for 1 night, this comfortable beautifully situated hosteria is located beside the pretty Laguna Verde. The lake shore is a great place to stroll and to spot the many species of ducks and birds that inhabit these shores. Dinner will be in the restaurant offering an excellent variety of local foods and wine. B,L, D (drinks available at extra cost). Day 4 Today we will rise early and we will transfer (1 hour approx) to 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 are truly spectacular. Lunch (for those who make it to the top) can be enjoyed in the shadow of these enormous granite peaks whilst watching the icebergs drift across a glacial pool of water. A memorable lunch spot and a highlight of every visitor’s itinerary. Tonight we will hop in the van for the short drive to the comfortable Estancia Tercera Barranca (45 minutes). Situated on the eastern perimeters of the Park this authentic estancia property has some of the most spectacular views in the Park. Country-style accommodation in pretty guest house with all the comforts of home. B,L,D (drinks available at extra cost). Day 5 Today we will set off on our exciting and unique adventure into the hills and forests of the Sierra Contreras. Our destination is the pretty waterfall known as Cascada Zamora. It is normal for us to see no other visitors here enabling us to enjoy a peaceful lunch in this pretty wood. After lunch we will back at the Estancia Tercera Barranca with beautiful views off to the Las Chinas Valley, the Sierra Baguales and the La Cumbre mountains that separate Chile from Argentina in the distance. B,L,D (drinks available at extra cost). Day 6 After a breakfast of home-baked bread, preserves and cake we will be transferring out of the park and back to the airport in Punta Arenas in time for afternoon flights. Time permitting we will once again make a short stop in Puerto Natales and this will give clients an opportunity to purchase any souvenirs/books/postcards etc.