To the Uttermost Part of the Earth - a classic camping expedition to the lakes, mountains and glaciers of Patagonia in the far south of Chile and Argentina

An adventurous journey starting in the vibrant cities of Buenos Aires and Santiago and travelling from the Chilean and Argentine lake districts to Tierra del Fuego. The rarely visited Camino Austral provides access to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world and is in complete contrast to the wild and desolate Patagonian Steppe. The dramatic becomes commonplace as we trek around the imposing Fitzroy peak, sheer faces of Torres del Paine, and view the colossal Moreno Glacier. Look out for penguins and sea lions as we cruise along the Beagle channel from Ushuaia.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Santiago. 2 To Pucon, in beautiful Chilean Lake District. 3 Optional ascent of Villarica Volcano (2840m) for superb views along the Andes and into its (usually) smouldering cone. 4 Follow Seven Lakes route across border to Bariloche, on the shores of deep blue Lake Nahuel Huapi. 5 Continue south to Futaleufu in Chilean Patagonia; evening rafting briefing. 6 Optional rafting, fly fishing, trekking, horse riding or mountain bikes. 7 Camino Austral; views of Lago Yelcho and Risopatren; camp near hanging glacier in Queulat N.P. 8 Spectacular drive via Coihaique to shores of Lago General Carrera. 9 Narrow cliff tracks into Argentina and the Patagonian Steppe. 10 Route 40 to El Chalten; short afternoon treks. 11 Trek to Mount Fitzroy base camp. 12 Morning drive to El Calafate. 13 Visit awe-inspiring Moreno Glacier, stemming from the Patagonian ice field. Optional boat trip. 14 Torres del Paine N.P. Camp at Lago Pehoe with views of the Horns of Paine. 15-16 Trek to the base of the Towers and visit Lago Grey. Optional horse trekking. 17 Drive to San Gregorio on the shores of Magellan Straits. 18 Cross Primera Angostura to Tierra del Fuego - end of the world! 19 Boat trip along the Beagle Channel. 20 End Ushuaia

Mode of travel: A group participatory camping trip on purpose-built expedition vehicle, with ferry crossing across the Magellan Straits. Dirt roads, early starts and camping all the way (except Buenos Aires, El Calafate and Santiago).
Group size: Min. 10, max. 20, plus leader, driver and local guides as necessary.
Accommodation: 16 nights camping, 4 nights hotel (reverse itinerary 17 nights camping, 3 night hotel).A
Food: Typically 15 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners included (subject to weather and transport timings).
Trip Reference: AAC
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.