Cerro Castor
Our journey starts on Cerro Castor in the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, the southern most point of Argentina. The region was named the Land of Fire for the natives' bonfires, sighted by the first conquistadors. But today, you're more likely to see people enjoying the slopes.
Torres del Paine
The Torres del Paine take their name from the word for 'blue' in the native Tehuelche language - and one look at Lago Pehoé shows you why. These rocks and icefields are yet to have been surveyed, so don't rely entirely on your maps.
Chorillo del Salto
You can easily reach the Chorillo del Salto in a few hours, starting from the village of El Chaltén. The waterfall is found at the end of the Arroyo del Salto, just before it flows into the De las Vueltas river. On your way, keep an eye out for Magellanic orchids.
Fitz Roy
Not far from Chorillo is the mountain that inspired the logo of outdoor sports brand 'Patagonia'. Fitz Roy, also known as Cerro Chaltén, has a distinctive ridge of knife-sharp peaks, recognisable from miles around. It was first climbed only in 1952, the same year as Everest.
Huemul Glacier,
While staying at the village of El Chaltén, you simply can't miss the Huemul Glacier. This meltwater lake is fed directly by the glacier, named after the small deer native to the region. The hike is tough, but well worth the effort.
Los Antiguos
Los Antiguos lies just 2km from the Chilean border on the shore of Lago Buenos Aires, an enormous freshwater lake shared by the two nations. Unusual geological features are found throughout here, known as the Marble Caves, Marble Chapel, and Marble Cathedral.
El Telon
Our journey north takes us across the border into the Aysén Region of Chile, and near to the Lago Carlota National Reserve. The cold steppe climate of this region makes it one of the most sparsely-inhabited areas of the nation.
Lago Rivadavia
After all that desert trekking, the glacial waters of Lago Rivadavia, nestled between the Sierra Rivadavia and Cerro Coronado, are a welcome sight. Lodges and campsites surround the lake, whose turquoise waters are filled with Rainbow Trout and landlocked Atlantic Salmon.
Cerro Catedral
Our journey ends a the peak of Cerro Catedral, inside the Nahuel Huapí National Park. In the winter, the mountain is the biggest ski centre in the southern hemisphere, but right now it's perfect for day trips and longer hikes. We'll see you at the bottom!
Giant Sequoia Tree, Yosemite National Park, USA (2005-09-15) by Digital Vision.Getty Images
Feeling the wanderlust? Take a trip to the USA and discover the Hidden Worlds of the National Parks
