In the early hours, we cross the Kirke Narrows to Puerto Natales. 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. 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. At low tide this evening, we cross the White Narrows - a narrow channel of water approximately 80 meters wide. Find a spot on one of the many observation areas and appreciate the masterful skills of our captain as they navigate us through this difficult channel. 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 the cafeteria overlooking Grey 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: Enter the Laguna Azul area of Torres del Paine National Park and hike the Canadon Macho trail. Highlights include Sarmiento Lake lookout, Nordenskjold Lake lookout. Visit the Salto Grande and Pehoe areas. 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, Las Torres Base trek up to 20 kilometers (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. End the day at Villa Serrano to check into your hotel for the evening. Accommodation: Hotel Rio Serrano (or similar).; Day Two in Torres del Paine National Park: Easy option - minimal walking required with visits to the national park's most impressive lookouts, shorter days: Drive from Villa Serrano to a point near Laguna de los Cisnes, where an easy, mostly flat walk begins. The trail passes Laguna Larga, colorful lagoon landscapes and diverse wildlife, with excellent views of the iconic Cuernos del Paine along the way. The hike ends at the Nordenskjold Viewpoint, followed by a visit to Cascada Rio Paine for photos and birdwatching before returning to Puerto Natales Pier. Medium option - easy treks of up to 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) per day: 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, Laguna Amarga lookout, Mirador Condor. Drive back to Puerto Natales to rejoin the ship. Difficult option - longer and more challenging treks of up to 22 kilometers (13.7 miles) per day: Hike the Lazo-Weber trek, starting from the base of Sierra del Toro. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the Paine Massif, Lake Sarmiento, and several picturesque lagoons. Walking poles are recommended for this moderate trek. Drive back to Puerto Natales to rejoin the ship. ...
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