Patagonia Adventure from £1,890

Day 1 Arrive El Calafate

On your arrival in El Calafate, make your way to the group hotel. A transfer can be booked on request for an additional cost. You will meet your guide in the evening for a group briefing. Meals: None

Day 2 Perito Moreno Glacier

The trip begins this morning around 8am, when we are met by our group leader. We head towards the Andes to the edge of the icecap for a full day tour to this impressive glacier that advances across Lago Argentino. We spend several hours wandering the many paths that offer different vantage points of this calving glacier. The glacier is 4 km wide and 70 metres high and descends to the surface of the lake, almost cutting the lake in two. Occasionally massive pieces break off and fall into the lake becoming icebergs and creating huge waves in the process. The groans and creaks of the active glacier precede dramatic falls of the ice face. Overnight in hotel. *Lunch is not included today. We recommend that you purchase supplies in El Calafate. Meals: B

Day 3 Drive to Torres del Paine National Park

We drive for approximately 7-8 hours south across the steppes following the face of the Andes. The scenery is strange with great rolling hills dotted with stunted beech trees and the occasional herd of guanaco and sometimes rhea. You may even spot the odd Condor gliding high above the Patagonian pampas. We plan to arrive at the park early afternoon. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Lodge. Meals: B, D

Days 4-5 Day walks Torres del Paine National Park

When we first see the great granite pinnacles of Paine it is worth remembering that the Andes is the youngest chain of mountains in the world. One can imagine the great pressures and movements of the earth that created these spectacular peaks. The trekking level will depend on the group's level of fitness, bearing in mind that many of the highlights of this park, including the base of the towers, require a 6-7 hour walk (round trip). There are other walks we can choose which are easier and provide excellent views of the park, however as with any trek, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the experience. The whole experience of trekking in Patagonia will spoil you for most other trekking areas in the world – the scenery is really awe-inspiring. Blue glacial and ice-berg strewn lakes combine with dramatic granite peaks and snow covered mountains which lead to the Patagonian ice-cap. Overnight in Lodge. Meals: B, L, D

Day 6 Boat to Puerto Natales via Balmaceda Glacier

We begin today on a zodiac along the Rio Serrano, leaving behind the glacial blue lakes and perhaps passing herds of guanaco and rhea as the towering peaks recede. On reaching the Esperanza Fiord, we join a larger boat to view Balmaceda glacier, and perhaps spot seals and the abundant bird life for which this area is renowned. Our stop tonight is at the fishing village of Puerto Natales situated on the Ultima Esperanza Fiord. Overnight in hotel. Meals: B, L

Days 7-9 Puerto Natales - To El Chalten in Los Glaciers National Park

Depart Puerto Natales for the long drive across Patagonia and the arid Argentine steppes to El Chalten (approx 8 hour drive). El Chalten is a village in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park from which we make our day trips. Options include day hikes to the base camp of Cerro Torre or Fitzroy Base Camp. Mount Fitzroy is found at the northern end of the park and is part of a range of bizarre peaks including the needle like rock pinnacle of Cerro Torre - for a climber it looks to be one of the most unclimbed peaks in the world - in fact it was only scaled for the first time in 1974. To the south run a great chain of massive glaciers that basically follow the line of the Chile/Argentina border. The dramatic rock spires beckon and our days here will be a highlight of the itinerary. The beautiful valleys hold crystal clear streams and are home to a multitude of bird life. During the short summer the Patagonian flowers bloom profusely. Overnight in Lodge. Meals: B, D

Day 10 Drive Fitzroy to El Calafate

The drive takes 4 hours, and the road is paved for most of the journey. On arrival in El Calafate, the afternoon is at leisure to explore the town or you may want to walk down to Lago Argentino Overnight in Hotel. Meals: B

Day 11 Trip concludes

Trip concludes in El Calafate. Meals: B