Torres del Paine Circuit Trek from £1,968

Day 1 Collection from airport or hotel and drive to see the colony of burrowing Magellanic Penguins. We then head out across the Patagonian Steppe, where will see more of Patagonia's unusual plant and animal life. After a short stop in Puerto Natales, the capital of the Ultimo Esperanza (Last Hope) region of southern Chile, we transfer to Torres del Paine National Park and the beautiful campsite at Laguna Azul. Located in one of the sunnier parts of the Park, its views of the Towers are among the best. We enjoy lake-chilled wine with snacks while dinner is prepared. Dinner included (with wine). Day 2 After breakfast, we start the famous Torre del Paine Circuit, trekking along the shores of Laguna Azul through southern beech forests towards the mighty Towers that give Torres del Paine its name. Lots of beautiful flower-filled meadows and great mountain scenery. Arrive at Lago Paine where we will camp lakeside in this very remote and pretty site. Wild camping, no facilities. B,L,D. Day 3 After a camp breakfast, we continue across lakes and riverbeds. After a few hours hiking we will enter an ancient southern beech forest, which takes us into the beautiful Dickson Valley where we will see the Paine River and lake and the towering mountains all around. Lunch will be taken in the valley with a nice view of the mountains and camp will be set up at the pretty Dickson campsite. Chance to relax and enjoy some Chilean wine and snacks while the evening meal is prepared. Organized camp with facilities, hot water not reliable. B,L,D Day 4 A shorter steeper walk takes us alongside the vast Los Perros River and through an ancient forest, all under the shadow of the Indian Head mountain. A spectacular viewpoint will give us views of the immense Dickson Glacier and lake. At day's end we will set up camp just below the glacier. We will eat in the Refugio. Organized camp with some facilities. B,L,D Day 5 Next is the Torres del Paine Circuit's most challenging trek. We will climb up and over the John Gardner pass and hopefully see the Southern Patagonia Ice Field laid out before us, with its endless glaciers and mountains. This is a special place, which sees few visitors. In the afternoon we will head down to the camp near the face of Grey Glacier. Organized camp with facilities. Eat in Refugio. B,L,D Day 6 Continuing along the lake fed by Grey glacier meltwater, we enjoy an easier day today as we trek out of this beautiful valley along the ridge top. The spectacular Glacier will be visible to our right most of the way. This is one of Torres del Paine's great treks. Our destination is the crystal turqoise waters of Lago Pehoé and the busy but organized camp along its shore. Organized camp with full facilities. B,L,D Day 7 Today we trek towards the French Valley along the foothills of the Paine Massif with the tranquil shores of Lake Nordenskjold. A full day's hike we will enjoy jaw-dropping views of the curtain of granite peaks that enclose this hidden valley as well as sparkling waterscapes below, including lakes Pehoe, Skottsberg, Toro and Nordenskjold. Our destination is the relaxed buzz of refugio Cuernos set below the imposing horns of Paine. Night in bunk bed accommodation with shared facilities. B,L,D Day 8 After breakfast we set off once again along the shores of Lake Nordenskjold. The hardy can go for a swim in the lake. Another of the Torres del Paine's classic treks, today's passes just below the towering Horns of Paine all day until we cross the Ascending Valley to our camp at Las Torres. B,L,D Day 9 A fitting end to our adventure, today we climb up to the base of the Towers themselves. A steep climb crossing mountain trails, rivers, valleys and a final clamber over glacial moraine, its rewards are spectacular. Lunch (for those who make it to the top) wil be eaten in the shadow of these giant granite peaks while icebergs drift across a glacial pool below, a memorable lunch spot and a high point of the Paine Circuit. After lunch we will head back down to our camp and vehicle, which will take us back to Puerto Natales. Night at the waterside Hotel Weskar. All rooms ensuite. B,L,D (drinks available at extra cost). Day 10 After breakfast transfer back to Punta Arenas airport to arrive late morning. Time permitting we will again make a short shopping stop in Puerto Natales. Clients will be dropped off at the airport for onward flights. B