Trek Torres Del Paine and Fitz Roy in Patagonia

From the town of El Calafate on the edge of the Patagonian ice field, jump on the bus and drive to El Chaltén and get your first glimpse of the Fitz Roy massif as you cross the legendary altiplano. Check into your hotel, meet your guide and fellow hikers and relax over a hot meal in one of the town’s cosy restaurants.

From the trailhead at El Pilar, set off on foot through the forest to the Piedras Blancas Glacier viewpoint. After a break to recharge and take in the view, tackle the most challenging section of today’s trek as you climb through a landscape of snow-capped mountains. Catch your breath alongside panoramic views of Mount Fitz Roy, before crossing the glacial moraine to begin your ascent of Cerro Madsen. Hike and scramble across rocky outcrops to the summit and look down upon Laguna de Los Tres and the distant altiplano. Once you’ve had your fill, descend to Capri Lagoon and see Mount Fitz Roy reflected in the still, clear waters, before continuing to Poincenot campground, your home for the night. Please note, depending on the weather, the guide may decide to switch the ascent of Cerro Madsen to day 3.

Rise with the sun to watch the morning rays turn the rocky slopes of Fitz Roy into dozens of shades of orange and red. After breakfast, hike past the Madre and Hija lagoons and drop down into Torre valley, carved by the glaciers that scoured the landscape thousands of years ago. Follow the valley to the glacial lake of Laguna Torre, keeping an eye out for small icebergs floating across the surface and enjoy the views of Mount Torre – one of the most difficult climbing mountains in the world. Take lunch beside the lagoon and visit D’Agostini camp where some of the world’s most famous climbers have spent a night or two, before following the Fitz Roy river back to El Chaltén.

Jump in a comfortable public bus for the ride back to El Calafate and then take a private mini-van to explore the Perito Moreno glacier - the beautiful 80km drive along the shores of Lago Argentino is worth a photo stop or two. Get up close to the glacier and possibly even see a spectacular ice fall or two and then return to your hotel in El Calafate and explore the town at your own pace.

Jump on to the bus to Puerto Natales, where you'll be met by your hosts. Settle into your accommodation and after a briefing, head out for dinner and then get a good nights sleep ready for the next part of your adventure - Torres del Paine.

Set off into one of the world's most spectacular National Park. Hike up to the Mirador Ferrier and get a bird's eye view over the Torres del Paine massif and then hike to Pingo Camp and the entrance to the Pingo Valley – your home for the night.

After a campfire breakfast, hike through the remote Pingo Valley and enjoy the spectacular views of the Torres del Paine massif. If you are lucky you might even see one of the rare and endangered South Andean deer known as a Huemul, or the mysterious feral cows known as Baguales! Climb up to a rarely visited viewpoint, stare out over the vast expanse of the Antarctic icefields and then return to camp for dinner and a good night’s rest.

Jump on the boat and sail up Lago Grey, passing enormous blue icebergs along the way. Marvel at the spectacular Glacier Grey before jumping off at Refugio & Camping Grey, where you'll spend the night. There will be an optional walk through the forest and across multiple suspension bridges to look out over the glacier - a truly humbling experience.

Hike towards Paine Grande and set up camp on the shore of Lake Pehoe. There is another optional walk this afternoon around the lakeside to look back at the spectacular massif, or, if you'd rather rest up, you can just relax at the famous bar and sample some delicious Chilean wine.

Head towards the Bader Valley, located between Almirante Nieto and the monstrous peaks of the Cuernos, passing Lake Nordenskjold along the way. There will be a few rivers that you'll need to hop over rocks to cross, as well as glimpses of glaciers and mountaintops before you finally reach your campsite in this remote and beautiful place.

Explore some more of the remote Bader Valley. When you're ready, descend along the trail and follow it beside the shore of Lago Nordenskjold to Camping Central, where you'll spend the night.

Climb Almirante Nieto for some incredible views over Lake Nordenskjold and the Asencio Valley. Hike to Refugio & Camping Chileno and enjoy a good lunch before continuing through the dense Lenga forest and over glacial moraine to see the iconic towers of the park – Las Torres - imposing granite peaks that rise 9,000 feet into the air. Take photos and breathe it all in, before hiking down the Asencio Valley to Camping Torre Central from where you'll be driven back to Puerto Natales.

Enjoy a last Chilean breakfast and head back to the airport, or off on your next adventure! Your local host can help with onward travel if needed.