Puerto Natales is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, world-renowned for its granite towers, which give the park its name. These gigantic spires were carved by glacial ice and upon entering the park, you will see a series of lakes with intense colors, mountains covered in ice, and an array of local fauna. In Patagonia, you will feel the immensity of nature and delight in feeling completely insignificant in its presence. The jaw-dropping landscapes of turquoise waters, glaciers, and towering granite horns of the Torres del Paine National Park is a humbling experience. You will have two days to experience the wonders of Torres del Paine National Park on various hikes suited to your fitness level. You will pass several estancias (ranches) en route to the national park, and you will witness the landscape change from a steppe eco-region to deciduous forest. Along the way, pause amongst the mountains to admire views of the lakes called Amarga, Sarmiento, and Nordenskjold, and Salto Grande waterfall. You may be able to see some of the local fauna, including many species of birds including the majestic condor. Look out for foxes, huemul (Andean deer), and guanacos, which are wild camelids related to the llama. The reclusive difficult-to-spot puma has also been seen inside the national park where authorities are happy to report a healthy growing population. We spend the night at a comfortable hotel located just outside of the national park offering superb mountain and river views. Here, you will enjoy local cuisine and Chilean wine and hear about the various hiking options available to you and suited to your individual interests and fitness level. On the afternoon of your second day in Torres del Paine National Park, you will be transported back to the vessel in time for dinner, swapping stories on the drive back of your exploration of the park. Later this evening, enjoy the crossing of the Kirke Narrows. From the observation areas and perhaps from the bridge, it's an ideal opportunity to watch the scenery unfold as you sail through this beautiful channel. Enjoy informative and entertaining presentations from our hand-selected expedition team, who will bring to life the natural environment, wildlife, culture, and history of the places you'll be experiencing. You can choose from one of the following three itineraries to suit your fitness levels: Easy, Medium, and Difficult. Day One in Torres del Paine National Park: Easy option - Minimal walking required with visits to the national park's most impressive lookouts, shorter days. Highlights include: Sarmiento Lake viewpoint; Laguna Amarga lookout; Nordenskjold Lake lookout; Salto Grande lookout; Lunch at Pehoe Lake; End the day at Villa Serrano to check into your hotel for the evening. Medium option - Easy treks of up to 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) per day. Highlights include: Lazo-Weber trek, stopping for lunch during the trek (the trek is not difficult but it is long in distance, walking poles for this trek are recommended). End the day at Villa Serrano to check into your hotel for the evening. Difficult option - Longer and more challenging treks of up to 22 kilometers (13.7 miles) per day. Highlights include: Fauna Trail from Sarmiento to Amarga; Salto Grande + Mirador Cuernos; Lunch at Pehoe Lake; Condor lookout. End the day at Villa Serrano to check into your hotel for the evening. Today's itinerary consists of three short treks, which combined makes for a long, challenging, and rewarding day. Accommodation: Hotel Rio Serrano (or similar); Day Two in Torres del Paine National Park: Easy option - Highlights include: Depart from Villa Serrano; Visit Cascada del Rio Paine and Laguna Azul. On your way back to ship stop at Cerro Castillo. Medium option - Today's itinerary consists of two short treks of up to 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) each. Highlights include: Salto Grande + Mirador Cuernos; Nordenskjold Lake lookout; Fauna Trail from Sarmiento to Amarga; Laguna Amarga lookout. Drive back to Puerto Natales to rejoin the ship. Difficult option - Las Torres Base trek (up to 20 kilometers or 12.5 miles). You will explore the Ascencio Valley, walking through a beautiful lenga forest and getting up close to the astounding Torres del Paine viewpoint. Throughout the trek you will walk through forests, along streams, and across glacier moraines. Drive back to Puerto Natales to rejoin the ship. ...
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