7. Day 5: Kayak Lago Grey Glacier Day 5 (January 6) After breakfast, we will transfer across the pampas for the short walk to the amazing Lago Grey Beach. 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. In addition to hiking the trails in the area, we will also be taking out sea kayaks (weather permitting) for a 2-3 hour paddle among the icebergs that have calved off the nearby glacier. After our return to the dock/beach, those with some energy left can opt for a trek up to a stunning viewpoint of the entire western side of the park. Alternatively, take a transfer back to our campsite at the Serrano River. Campside snacks and a glass of wine while dinner is prepared.

9. Day 7: Hike Peaks of Lake Nordenskjold Day 7 After breakfast we will once again don our hiking boots and pack our day packs for our walk into the heart of the Park towards the stunning French Valley and along the shores of Lake Nordenskjold. Depending on the groups’ fitness and stamina we will aim to hike up into the spectacular natural amphitheatre of granite peaks that make up the French Valley (pictured right). The views from here are incredible and take in Lakes Pehoe, Scottsburg, Toro and Nordenskjold. Afternoon return to our base at the refugio.

10. Day 8: Wildlife at Laguna Azul Day 8 (January 9) After breakfast, we will catamaran across Pehoe Lake and join our transfer vehicle. Today’s hiking will be fairly moderate, enabling us to enjoy the Park and some of its scenic highlights at a more leisurely pace. Plenty of opportunity for photographing the scenery and observing some of the Park’s wildlife. In the afternoon we will be driving up to the north east section of the Park where large herds of guanaco spend the summer breeding months. After some time enjoying the antics of these agile creatures, we will continue north to our campsite situated beside the azure waters of the aptly named Laguna Azul. We will camp lakeside with fireside wine and canapes served while dinner is prepared.

11. Day 9: Hiking Torres del Paine Day 9 (January 10) Today’s hiking is our most arduous but worthwhile as we climb to the base of the Towers (pictured left). This classic roundtrip hike begins at the trail leading through the Ascending Valley, passing beautiful old growth beech forests, crossing a myriad of fast flowing glacial streams to a rock moraine beneath the towering granite monoliths known as The Towers. A steep climb over the moraine will lead us to a spectacular view from this amazing vantage point. Cascading water, calving ice and immense mountain views at every turn-this will be our lunch stop before returning to the trailhead. Celebratory drinks in a nearby hotel bar before returning to camp for a farewell fireside asado (gaucho BBQ).

12. Day 10: Return to El Calafate Day 10 (January 11) After breakfast in our stunning campsite, we will be joining our transfer vehicle for the drive back into Argentina and el Calafate airport for our onward flight to Buenos Aires. Trip end.

13. Optional 3-night Buenos Aires Extension Day 1 (December 30) Arrive into Buenos Aires International Airport. Transfer into the City center and your comfortable and centrally located 4* hotel where you will be spending the next 3 nights. Day 2 (December 31) Half-day City tour taking in some of the City’s most famous highlights including the cemetary at Recoleta (where Evita lays to rest), the colorful, artsy an soccer-mad district of La Boca, and the mansions and exclusive neighborhoods of this fabulous city center, dubbed the Paris of the South. New Year’s Eve tango and dance shows can be booked in advance.

14. Optional 3-night Buenos Aires Extension (continued) Day 3 (January 1) Day at leisure to explore the city on your own. Optional activities can be pre-reserved. Day 4 (January 2) After breakfast, transfer to the domestic airport for your flight south to southern Patagonia and the quaint, interesting town of el Calafate.