What better way to recover from the flight to Chile, Santiago, than by heading straight to the wine lands of the Maipo Valley. Staying at Hotel Casa Real, I was surrounded by beautiful gardens, a swimming pool and the vineyards of Vina Santa Rita where I quaffed a delicious bottle of red with my four-course evening meal. Total relaxation and a great start!










Heading south I flew over the Continental Ice Shelf to Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales. I travelled by boat up the Last Hope Sound, seeing penguins, seals and condors on the way, arriving at the Serrano Glacier and the huge Balmaceda Glacier, which slides down into the Rio Serrano. I changed boat and shot up river into the Torres del Paine National Park in a fast rubber inflatable zodiac.







There can be few more spectacular settings for a hotel than the very comfortable Explora Patagonia. Straight out of the set of a Bond film, the huge picture windows of Explora look straight out onto the towering peaks of Torres del Paine. One of earth's most beautiful parks and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, Torres del Paine has stunning glaciers, milky blue lakes, sparkling waterfalls and golden beech trees. Added to this is its unique flora and fauna including the shy but handsome huanco.




Heading across the pampas, I passed from Chile into Argentina, to the town of El Calafate. From here I visited the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is a staggering 5 kilometres wide and 70 metres high. I was lucky enough to see huge chunks of ice come crashing down into Lago Argentino - a spectacular sight and ear-splitting noise.




Next I headed north to the extremities of the Los Glaciares National Park to the frontier town of El Chalten, where I stayed in the very comfortable Los Cerros. From here I walked, ice trekked and climbed through this stunningly wild and beautiful park. Very few people visit this pristine and unspoiled area.








Finally I headed north, to the most cosmopolitan cities in South America, Buenos Aires where I tasted the best Argentinean asado meat while being entertained by sensual tango dancing. When can I go back?

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