Chilean PatagoniaPatagonia is the southern extreme of South America and one of the remotest and most beautiful areas of the world, with lush forests, deep fjords, spectacular shaped mountains and awe inspiring glaciers. Amongst the scenery is an abundance of wildlife including puma, condors, llama, guanaco, rhea and Magellan penguins. Chilean Patagonia has a wide range of attractions including; the awe inspiring Torres del Paine National Park, Punta Arenas and its penguin colonies, Tierra del Fuego and a cruise through the Magellan Straits. Below are some suggestions regarding what can be seen and done in the region. Due to the size of the area and the fact that it can be combined with Argentinean Patagonia, we would recommend talking to us to get a more comprehensive idea of a specific itinerary. Tierra del FuegoSitting off the southern tip of the mainland, this island is the closest point to Antarctica. Tierra del Fuego means land of fire, named after the fires the Onas Indians kept continuously burning; the early explorers thought the land was literally on fire. This is where the sea and the mountains meet, the Pacific and Atlantic oceans merge and the roaring 40's blow; it is a legendary passage of water. Consult our Argentina page for more information on what to see and do in Tierra del Fuego. Torres del PaineUndoubtedly one of the most beautiful and dramatic places in Latin America. Its trademark towering granite peaks preside over a string of iceberg-studded lakes ranging in colour from emerald green to aquamarine to grey, encircled by huge glaciers, waterfalls and surrounded by forest. This national park can be offered in a variety of ways, though owing to its extraordinary beauty and remote location we would suggest a minimum of 2 to 3 nights inside the park. There is a wide range of accommodation, varying from rustic lodges to an upmarket hotel. Hiking: the park offers some of the best trails in South America to suit everyone, from half to full day walks, 1 hour trails to hiking the grand circuit around the Paine Massif which lasts anywhere from 6 to 10 days. Please contact us for more detailed information regarding trekking in the park. Horse riding: several options are available, two of the best are, (a) Valle del Frances with good views overlooking the entire park with its multicoloured lakes, and, (b) riding along the edge of Grey Lake to the tip of the Glacier, where icebergs float on the Lake. Vehicle: for the non-walker the entire park can be viewed by vehicle or boat. Some of its highlights are the Grey Glacier with its queue of icebergs on the shoreline, Laguna Azul offering a different view of the Torres Massif and crossing the bizarrely coloured lakes of Nordenskjord and Pehoe to mention a few.Puerto NatalesPuerto Natales is a windblown, charming town reminiscent of a western film and is a gateway to Torres del Paine. Colourful wooden houses, hotels and posadas are scattered across the landscape. The route north and south from here can be broken up with an overnight stay in an 'estancia' (farmhouse), with superb traditional food and enormous wood fires. Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. Full day. Departing by boat from Puerto Natales, you can cruise up the Esperanza Fjord, hopefully spotting sea lions en-route to the foot of the impressive Serrano and Balmaceda glaciersPunta Arenas and a Cruise around Cape HornPunta Arenas sits on the magellan straits and has controlled shipping between the oceans for centuries. It is from here that you can embark on a stunning cruise aboard the Mare Australis to Tierra del Fuego. The cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuia (Argentina) can be done as a one-way trip, making for an exciting trip into Argentina (5D/4N) or alternatively returning to Punta Arenas (8D/7N). She has 63 cabins distributed into 3 categories; all have standard beds, panoramic windows, private bathroom and heating. She has two lounges, dining area and a top deck with a large viewing platform ideal for spotting dolphin and whales. During the cruise several activities/stops are planned to spot wildlife and to visit the surrounding fjords. She comes equipped with several small motor boats enabling you reach the very foot of nearby glaciers and to allow you to explore terra firma.
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