Where to go in Chilean Patagonia

Deep in the southern half of the Chilean Patagonia, right on the border with Argentina, is Torres del Paine National Park. A UNESCO biosphere reserve, it’s a mesmerising reminder of nature at its technicolour best, from the emerald forests and ice-blue lagoons to brilliantly-white, snow-hatted massifs and teal grasslands. At the heart of the park is Cuernos del Paine, an enormous outcrop of granite towers and serrated peaks sliced apart by knife-sharp glaciers, whilst just beyond are the triple needles of Torres del Paine. Together, the outstanding scene not only capture the hearts of most who visit, but also provides the backdrop to some of the best walking and hiking in the world, be it 100-kilometre adventures or shorter treks to the beautiful lookout spots. It is, in fact, the only park in Patagonia that allows hut-to-hut hiking and, if it’s your cup of tea, the multi-day options are unparalleled. But, if you fancy leaving the hard work to someone else, there’s plenty on offer: hire a driver and 4WD to the highlights (the Grey Glacier, the French Valley and the three peaks of Las Torres), kayak on the glacial lakes, or horse-ride through the back country, spotting puma, guanaco and condors as you ride.

The bottom half of the famous Carretera Austral highway meanders across one of Patagonia’s most varied landscapes and, at every turn, there’s another vista vying for your attention be it a classic mountain and glacier-studded snowscape, deep blue lakes, rainforest or brooding steppe. Add to that the sparkle of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field – and the ever-encroaching tip of its northern counterpart – and all the elements for a sublime, end-of-the-world escape are in attendance. It’s this variety that allows for world-class outdoor activities, including ice hiking and horseback riding, kayaking through the Marble Caves, and boating and fly-fishing amid the fjords and lagoons. Up the ante with a day of white water rafting or venture out to sea to catch a glimpse of dolphins, marine otters and sea lions.

When you hear chatter about the 'Most Scenic Highway in the World', there should only be two words on your lips: road trip. This superlative title has been given to the Carretera Austral, a rugged, meandering route that spans 1,247 kilometres, and wants for nothing in the views department. The northern portion begins in Puerto Montt, winding through acres of thick forest and sprawling valleys, with ample opportunity to explore Chilean Patagonia's parks and reserves. Find yourself in the magnificent Futaleufu Reserve, famous for its iridescent river and some of the most thrilling rapids in the world, hike into Queulat National Park to see the imposing Hanging Glacier, or search for puma, red fox, pudu and soaring condors.

A historic and booming city, Punta Arenas is an oddity at the very tip of Chile's mainland. Sitting beside the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas gazes over frigid waters towards the islands beyond - and indeed, it's very easy to reach their shores for a good helping of hiking amidst sensational scenery. Speaking of which, the Tierra del Fuego archipelago is a wild and woolly playground complete with soaring peaks reaching over 7,000 feet, glaciers and mirror-smooth lakes. Take on some of the most challenging and epic treks on Earth, all the while keeping your eyes peeled for unique birdlife. Your travels may also lead you to colonies of Magellanic and King penguins or Navarino Island, where the chance to traverse the world's southernmost trekking route awaits along the island's 'teeth', the Dientes de Navarino.

Puerto Natales may have the look of a quaint fishing village, and in many ways the atmosphere is befitting of one, but adventure is never far away, amplified by the icy Patagonian vistas. Sitting on the shore of the serene Ultima Esperanza Sound, the town is a springboard for activities of every kind. Set sail on a ferry ride through the frozen Chilean fjords, trek across the Southern Ice Fields to stand, dumb-struck, in the shadow of one of over 45 glaciers, and watch ice turn to pockets of emerald forest while hiking or kayaking in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. For the ultimate view of the fjords laid out below, make your way to the top of Cerro Dorotea - and keep an eye out for condors who nest on its sheer cliffs. Back in Puerto Natales, get warm over a dish of fire-roasted lamb Magallanico and relish the vistas once more.