Hike amid the Peaks, Glaciers, Lakes and Steppes of Patagonia

Visit and hike through two UNESCO World Heritage Sites --Argentina's Los Glaciares and Chile's Torres del Paine-- and the most important national parks of Patagonia. This trip offers a perfect balance of the outdoors and creature comforts. Keep a watchful eye out for guanacos, lesser rheas, flamingos, condors and eagles as we explore this windswept land.

Days 1-4 El Calafate-Cerro Torre-Fitz Roy-Loma del Pliegue Tumbado. From El Calafate we drive across the steppe to El Chalten at the foot of Cerro (Mount) Fitz Roy. Hikes begin with the Cerro Torre trail through a glaciated valley to Torre Lake, with its namesake glacier calving into the far side. Next Fitz Roy trail climbs gently on the slopes of Cerro Rosado and along the "Chorrillo del Salto" valley, with a mountain stream filled with rapids and waterfalls. The sight of the spires and glaciers from trail's end is simply breathtaking. From Loma del Pligue Tumbado we again have spectacular views of Fitz Roy, Torre and the mountains that rise from within the Patagonian Icefield.

Days 5-6 El Chalten-El Calafate-Perito Moreno Glacier. Enjoy a leisurely morning or choose an optional excursion, possibly a boat trip across Lake Viedma and a walk on the glacier or a visit to Lago del Desierto. After returning to El Calafate we head for Perito Moreno Glacier. A beautiful, short trail takes us from the shore of the lake to the upper viewpoints. The roar from the frequent collapse of the front seracs into the turquoise water make this a very special experience.

Days 7-12 Torres del Paine-Puerto Natales-El Calafate. Sightings of guanacos, rheas, flamingos, condors and eagles highlight our drive to Chile's premier park. We hike to the three spectacular spires known as the "Towers", 3,300 feet of vertical granite. The following day takes us on a boat ride across turquoise Lake Pehoe. From here we hike to the French Valley, set beneath the Cuernos ("Horns") with their distinctive black top of sedimentary rock. Avid hikers reach the upper valley to see its many spires, glaciers and towering walls. A final hike takes us to iceberg-invaded Grey Lake before heading to Puerto Natales and then back to El Calafate for the trip's conclusion.