Chile and Antarctica Walk & Wildlife Holiday
Walk & Wildlife Chile and Antarctica: Patagonia Mountain Circuit & Antarctic Cruise
Antarctica - Torres del Paine National Park - World Class Hiking - Stunning Mountain Scenery - Walk with Light Packs - Cruise to Antarctica
Brief Description
- Combine exploration of two dream destinations in one unique holiday.
- Complete the circuit of Torres del Paine National Park, one of the world’s great hikes.
- Enjoy the freedom of walking without heavy packs.
- Cruise to Antarctica on board a first class vessel for just 78 passengers.
- Visit Antarctica with one of the most experienced teams in the region.
Walking Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 | Fly to Chile |
Day 2 | Santiago | Walking tour
Tour Santiago before relaxing this afternoon.
Day 3 | Puerto Natales | Fly to Patagonia
Long but beautiful travel day.
Fly south along the spectacular spine of the Andes to the seafront town of Puerto Natales. (b)
Day 4 | Torres del Paine | Start the circuit hike
Start walking views of the ‘torres’ and the lake.Your bags are carried for you throughout this trek.
For 7 of the next 8 nights you sleep in refugios. These are basically serviced mountain huts. Walk 19km, 6hrs, up 100m, down 50m. (b,l,)
Day 5 | Torres del Paine | Hike in remote surroundings
Day to explore. Hike in the wilderness area around the refugio. (b,l,d)
Day 6 | Torres del Paine | Hike through forest
Walk through woods and forests today.
Views open up along the valley towards the Paso John Gardener, the highest part of the circuit. Walk 9km, 4.5hrs, up 400m, down 100m.
(b,l,d)
Day 7 | Torres del Paine | Cross the highest point
Today is the hardest day of walking as you cross the Paso John Gardner, the highest point of the circuit (1,210m).
An early start is needed for a walk of between 8 & 10hrs.Walk 22km, 8.5hrs, up 650m, down 1,150m.
(b,l,d)
Day 8 | Torres del Paine | Walk on Glacier Grey
Day to relax and walk on a glacier. (b,l,d)
Day 9 | Torres del Paine | Grassland walk
Walk with views back over Glacier Grey and onwards to the turquoise waters of Lago Pehoe.
Walk 11km, 4hrs, up 400m down 400m. (b,l,d)
Day 10 | Torres del Paine | Paine Grande walk
Walk under the mountain of Paine Grande then a steady uphill and a steep downhill to the shores of Lake Nordenskjold.
Walk 9km, 4hrs, up 200m, down 200m. (b,l,d)
Day 11 | Torres del Paine | Lakeside walking
Continue your walk along a good path in the shadow of the mountains throughout today.
Walk 13km, 5hrs, up 600m, down 300m. (b,l,d)
Day 12 | Torres del Paine | Hike to the Torres
Early start to hike up to the distinctive mile-high granite towers.
Stay overnight in a comfortable hotel. Walk 16km, 7hrs, up 650m, down 900m. (b,l,d)
Day 13 | Punta Arenas | Relax
Travel south to the town of Punta Arenas, the world’s most southerly city. (b)
Day 14 | Ushuaia | Travel into Argentina
Short flight onto the island of Tierra del Fuego and the Argentine town of Ushuaia.
(b)
Day 15 | Ushuaia | Day to explore and relax
Full day to wander the town or take a tour to the inland of the island. (b)
Day 16 | Ushuaia | Board your boat
Board your boat, the MV/Antarctic Dream. Cabins are very comfortable and spacious, all have external portholes. Set sail to Antarctica this evening. (b,d)
Day 17 | Open seas | Sail Drake’s Passage
Cross the 400 miles of Drake’s Passage over the next two days.
Seabirds fly alongside the ship, look out for whales, dolphins and penguins. (b,l,d)
Day 18 | Open seas | Sail Drake’s Passage
There is a programme of talks on board. Relax in the gym, sauna, library or pub. Food on board is a highlight.
(b,l,d)
Day 19 | Neko Bay | South Shetland Islands shore landing
Go ashore to King George Island today. See wildlife with your expert naturalist guides, elephant seals and penguins. Take a helicopter flight if the weather is good enough. (b,l,d)
Day 20 | Antarctica | Set foot on Antarctica
Set foot on the mainland of Antarctica for the first time.
Encounter rich bird life and marine mammals, leopard seals as well as Orcas, humpback and minke whales.
(b,l,d)
Day 21 | Antarctica | Explore ice formations
Sail south through a narrow passage, icebergs fill the waters. The most southerly landing of your expedition is today. Look for gentoo and chinstrap penguins and elephant seals. (b,l,d)
Day 22 | Antarctica | Visit penguin colonies
This morning to explore the faces of huge glaciers.
Afternoon shore landings and wildlife spotting. (b,l,d)
Day 23 | Antarctica | Explore ice formations
Sail to the largest active volcano in the area.
Visit the ruins of an old whaling station. Swim in waters warmed by the volcanic sand. (b,l,d)
Day 24 | Drake’s Passage | Relax
Return journey. Relax and talk over your experiences. (b,l,d)
Day 25 | Drake’s Passage | Relax
Drake’s passage is entirely open water with no land anywhere around the world at these latitudes. (b,l,d)
Day 26 | Buenos Aires | Flight
Disembark this morning for your flight home via Buenos Aires.
Day 27 | Home |
"The trip was fantastic! Xabi and Camilo were great guides. I came away with what felt like a considerable knowledge of Torres del Paine." Bridget I, 2006
Prices & Departures
2008 |
29 Nov | £6,195pp |
2009 |
17 Jan | £6,465pp |
Price includes |
Flights from LON/MAN; |
Not included |
UK regional flights; personal expenses; tips. |
| Upgrades | On Antarctic Dream you can upgrade your cabin: Shackleton deck is an extra £740pp; Piloto Pardo deck (suite) £1,940pp; Cape Horn deck (suite) £2,490pp. |
| Solo travellers | Please call us to discuss options. |
Prices are per person based on two sharing.
Prices may be subject to change: please confirm at booking.
View full Patagonia & Antarctic holiday itinerary now
Not quite right?
If this holiday’s not quite right for you, call us on 0845 22 55 058 to discuss your ideas or consider:
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