It's a 4 hour flight due south from Santiago to Punta Arenas, followed by a drive alongside the Straits of Magellan and Last Hope Sound via Puerto Natales, to the pinnacle of Chile's natural landscapes, Torres del Paine National Park. The Cuernos del Paine is a granite massif which has been sliced apart and polished smooth by glaciers. Beyond are the vertical triple towers of the Torres del Paine, the crowning glory of this massif which dominates one of South America's greatest national parks. Wind-battered grasslands lead up to sheltered glacial valleys with flowery meadows, torrential rivers surging with ice are interlaced with glassy lagoons. Wildlife abounds everywhere, from geese to guanaco; lucky visitors may spot a puma or condor, especially in the low season from April to October.There are enough different ways of exploring the park to suit everyone. You can tour in comfort by vehicle, with occasional leisurely walks, or go on invigorating all-day hikes. Accommodation ranges from cosy hotels (Hosteria Lago Grey and Hosteria Las Torres), to the luxurious lodge at explora and innovative, permanent camps: Patagonia Camp (below) and Eco Camp (p146).For a unique experience just outside the park you can spend a few days at Estancia Cerro Guido, a vast working sheep ranch dating back to the pioneering days of the early 20th century.Torres del Paine is within a day's drive of El Calafate in Argentinean Patagonia and, beyond, the sheer towers of the Fitz Roy massif, with its landscape of turquoise lakes and glaciers (pp158-161).Torres del Paine National Park explora en patagonia View the violent theatre of a Patagonian storm or contemplate the artistry of a fiery sunset through a huge picture window from a comfy sofa, maybe a glass of wine in your hand, after a gourmet meal. This extremely high quality hotel has the best setting in the Park, on the shores of Lake Pehoé (right)and there's a sense of intimacy with, rather than seclusion from, the elements. There is an indoor swimming pool and an open-air Jacuzzi-great for a relaxing soak after an invigorating day in the wilds. You can choose from a comprehensive programme of excursions - from rambles and horse rides, to full-day hikes. 144 Chile Torres del Paine - windy, wild with epic scenery. FM, NantwichBelow Sunrise at the Patagonia Camp, above Lago Toro. A canvas-width separates you from the elements, but the warm and cosy yurts are as well-appointed as a hotel room.exploraexploraDAVID NICHOLS

CHILEARGENTINA.....Puerto MonttBarilocheTo SantiagoEl Calafate(Perito Moreno Glacier)Puerto VarasPunta ArenasPatagonia in style 16 days, 13 nightsSantiago 1 night, Puerto Varas 2n, Bariloche 2n, Los Glaciares National Park (El Calafate area) 3n, Torres del Paine National Park 4n, Santiago 1n.Day 1 Fly from the UK. Day 2 Arrive Santiago, transfer to luxury hotel Ritz Carlton, rest of the day at leisure. Days 3&4 Fly to Puerto Montt and short drive to lakeside Puerto Varas and the new first class hotel Cumbres Patagónicas with views to the snow-capped peak of Mt Osorno. Day 5 By boat and by road, follow the most beautiful of Andean passes to Bariloche in the Argentine lake district. Spend two nights at the grand countryside resort Llao Llao (pp162-163). Day 6 At leisure to enjoy the resort's extensive facilities. Days 7-9 Fly from Bariloche to El Calafate and on to Eolo (p159), a modern hotel built in the style of a traditional Patagonian ranch but with top quality facilities. It's in an isolated location surrounded by savagely wild scenery off the road to the Perito Moreno glacier, to which an excursion is organised. All meals are included as are various activities such as mountain-biking and bird-watching. Days 10-13 By road across the steppes to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile with accommodation for 4 nights at explora en Patagonia with a choice of excursions included as well as all meals. Day 14 Drive to Punta Arenas airport and fly to Santiago for a final night at the Ritz Carlton. Day 15 Fly to the UK, arriving day 16. Prices from £4,714pp based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Regular departures from the UK 020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 145exploraexploraTorres del Paine National Park