Torres del Paine Classic Trek

The soaring granite peaks of Los Cuernos, as viewed looking north across Lake Pehoe in Torres del Paine National Park, are among the best-known mountain images in all of Patagonia.  Linking the valleys and lakes beneath these peaks, the trail network in the crown jewel of Chile’s National Parks offers visitors some of the world’s classic short treks.  Your days spent hiking beneath the glaciers, by clear-running rivers, alongside turquoise lakes and through native forests are exhilarating and inspirational.  Patagonia’s unique wildlife, abundant in the park, includes troops of guanacos (the wild relative of the llama), plus flamingos, many migratory birds, and Austral parakeets.  Pumas and condors are more elusive, and are rarely seen.

It is a long journey to reach Torres del Paine National Park.  The most common gateway is Punta Arenas airport, a 4 hour flight south from Santiago.  From here you have a 3 hour drive to Puerto Natales and then another 2 hours to reach the park.   Given the park’s remoteness, the pace on our 7-day program allows you sufficient time to appreciate the magnificent setting and explore the spectacular back country.

Use these Activity Level Ratings as a general guide to help determine which of our adventures is best for you. Your perception of level of difficulty may vary from ours according to your own level of fitness and travel experience. Whether or not you stay in your comfort zone on the trip you select may also be influenced by the pacing we build into the itinerary, and your own preparation for the trip. While relatively high elevations are unavoidable when you're traveling in the Andes Mountains, we may judge a trip as "moderate" so long as passengers have sufficient time for acclimation. Our detailed trip itineraries give much more information about what you can expect. If you are unsure which trip is best for you, please call us. We'll help guide you toward the right fit.

Moderate

These adventures involve fairly easy travel. There is no camping: you sleep in hotels and country inns each evening. Trips may include short hikes and/or walks of two to three hours. Our itineraries include excursions in passenger mini-vans, over roads with many curves and potholes. Elevations rarely exceed 12,600'. At Machu Picchu and other Inca sites, we climb and descend relatively steep stone staircases. Trips to Amazon lodges involve travel by boat and canoe, plus hikes on forest trails at a moderate pace. In the rainforest, you may encounter rain, mud, and pooled water. Trips to the Galapagos include optional hikes on sometimes uneven rocky and/or slippery terrain. Passengers must get into and out of dinghies on beaches and at docks.

Active

These adventures include more hiking than in our moderate trips. You negotiate a variety of terrain, at elevations no more than 15,000'. Some trips include long days of overland travel. You sleep comfortably in hotels each evening.

Strenuous

While we rate all of our treks as strenuous, there is a substantial range of challenge between the easiest and the most demanding of our treks. Expect to hike 6-8 hours each day over steep and rugged terrain. You may hike to elevations of 17,000', with options to hike higher from several camps. Many include camping multiple nights at relatively high elevations. On most treks in the Andes, night-time temperatures can drop below freezing on one or more nights. On our Inn to Inn based treks, you'll spend each evening in a comfortable mountain lodge.

Extreme

Our toughest treks are suitable for those that enjoy a good physical challenge. You trek (and in some cases climb) over steep, rugged terrain at high elevations with substantial altitude gains. Some glacier travel requires knowledge of basic climbing techniques including use of crampons, ice axe, and ropes. These trips are in remote wilderness areas and include camping as high at 17,700'. Successful summit bids top out at 18,871' (Nevado Pisco), 19,347' (Volcan Cotopaxi) and 20,945' (Nevado Ausangate).

Departures: The 7-day/6-night trip starts every Monday morning from Punta Arenas airport from October through April. For a description of the 5-day/4-night version which operates Sunday through Wednesday, see below.

 

Land cost:  from Punta Arenas, in twinshare accommodation

From Nov 1, 2010 to  Mar 15, 2011: $1,990 per person, double occupancy

($50 surcharge on Dec 22 and Dec 29 departures) 

From Mar  22 - Apr 26, 2011: $1,592

For  Oct 2011 onward – on request

For "included/not-included," please see the detailed itinerary

5-day/4-night Quick Getaway

Departures: The trip starts every Sunday morning in the Punta Arenas airport from October 1st  to April 30th.

Land cost: in shared twin: 

$1,550 (high season: Nov, Dec, 2010 & Jan, Feb, Mar, 2011)

$1,200 (shoulder season: Oct 2010 & Apr, 2011)

 

No single accommodation possible

Serrano River Add-on: minimum 2 people, on request. Call for rates.

Catamaran up Last Hope Sound, Zodiac up the Serrano River to arrive into the park via the southwestern drainage.

 

Patagonia Wildlife Safari: inclusive programs with airport transfers, all guided excursions and lodging in deluxe Eco-Camp Suite Domes, spacious domed tents with en suite bath. 4-night inclusive programs: $1,588 per person; 3-night: $1,388/person

Day 1  To Torres del Paine Park

Our tour leader meets you as you arrive in Punta Arenas airport from your flight* from Santiago or Puerto Montt.   We transfer by private van to Puerto Natales (254 km/158 miles;  after a brief stopover here, we continue to  Las Torres Eco-Camp (147 km/ 91 miles in Torres del Paine National Park.  Lunch and a visit to the Milodon Cave is provided en route. We reach our EcoCamp at Las Torres in early evening.  *Important: Travel on the earliest morning flight from Santiago or Puerto Montt, arriving into Punta Arenas no later than 1 PM.  (LD)

Day 2  Paso Los Cuernos Trail

We trek west through rolling open hills above the rocky northern shore of Lake Nordenskjold (12 kms, 4hrs).  The trail is named for its spectacular proximity to the Cuernos of the Paine massif.    We are walking on the slopes of one of the peaks which dominate the skyline during the drive in from Puerto Natales:  Mount Almirante Nieto (2,640 m/8,660 ft).  Condors are commonly seen along this route, as they nest in the rugged cliffs rising above us.  We cross several rushing streams draining the mountain, and watch the play of wind on the turquoise waters of the lake.  The easiest of all the walking days so far contains some of its most breath-taking scenery.  We reach the 32-bed Los Cuernos Refugio in mid-afternoon on this warm-up hiking day (12 km/8 mi). (Horses or porters transport the camp gear today while we walk with daypacks.) Note: on some departures, the group will travel in a clockwise circuit, rather than the counter-clockwise circuit described here.   (B,L,D)

Day 3  French River Valley

We trek west, first skirting the shoreline and noting the curious salt-and-pepper effect of the beach gravel which contains rocks from black and white strata exposed on the cliffs towering over us.  We climb into the hills as the trail curves inland from the lake, some 8 kms/5 mi to Campamento Italiano.  Here we pick up the trail parallel to the French River, and start climbing up moraine through fantastic southern beech forest. We’re directly beneath the sheer granite faces of the “Cuernos”.  It’s an easy climb to the French Glacier lookout.  Ambitious hikers can continue up the valley another 90 minutes to a lookout above Campamento Británico (12 km, 3-4 hrs). In this magnificent setting we are surrounded by high peaks and sheer granite walls on three sides of a magnificent cirque – well worth the steady climb! Once we are back at Campamento Italiano we cross the river on a suspension bridge, and continue west (2 hrs) through rolling terrain until we reach the modern, 72-bed Refugio Pehoe for overnight. B,L,D)

Day 4  To Lake Grey

We hike north along the eastern edge of Grey Lake.  It is a  4 hour hike (12 km/8 mi)  to the northern end of the lake.  We climb to a lookout over the Grey Glacier to enjoy picnic lunch amid impressive scenery.  After lunch, we board a motor launch for an exciting  cruise to the face of the Grey Glacier.  Together with the Dickson and Perito Moreno glaciers (in Argentina), the Grey Glacier drains the giant South Patagonian Icefield.  After photographing the headwall, we leave the boat near the southern end of the lake.  We depart by van along a spectacular drive through the heart of the park.  En route we see troops of guanacos, as well as abundant migratory birds in the many ponds.  Overnight in the Ecocamp.  (B, L, D)

Day 5 Ascencio River Valley

Today we enjoy another of the park’s classic treks, up the Ascencio River to a viewpoint at just under 1,000m/3,280 ft. directly opposite the impressive Towers of El Paine (2,900m/9,400ft).  These three granite monoliths are remnants of a great cirque that has been sheared away by glacial ice.  Though at the highest point in our hike we’re close to sea level and thus altitude doesn’t come into play, today’s hike challenges us with two steep pitches.  The first is when the trail ascends the grassy slopes of the glaciated Serrano River Valley to a terrace high above the turbulent Ascencio River. We then continue across a big scree slope, losing altitude and gaining it again before we drop down toward the river and enjoy a mainly level stroll through delightful southern beech forest.  On the final pitch we switchback up through the rocks of a terminal moraine to the tarn at the foot of the Towers – a heart-pounding experience with a huge emotional payoff at the top.  10 km/6.3 mi round trip.  Note:  if visibility is poor today, we’ll switch activities with the nature hikes scheduled for next day.  (BLD)

Day 6  Guanacos and Migratory Birds

We have a full day to hike and photograph in the wildlife zones between Lakes Nordenskjold and Sarmiento.   We typically include a hike through guanaco breeding grounds, observe migratory birds in the ponds, and visit some caves where we observe cave paintings.  Our guides shape this delightful day according to the weather and the particular interests of participants.  Once back at Las Torres Eco-Camp, we enjoy a classic Patagonian lamb barbecue cooked over open coals to celebrate our shared experience. Overnight at Las Torres Eco-camp (B, L, D);

 

Day 7  Travel to Punta Arenas

In mid-morning we head back to Puerto Natales, with a stop for lunch before continuing via private transfer to Punta Arenas in time to catch the late afternoon flight departing back to Santiago (B).

 

Included:All ground transport private and domestic as indicated in the itinerary, including airport transfers to/from El Calafate and Punta Arenas- catamaran crossing over Lago Grey;- 2 nights in park refugio with dorm-style bunks, shared bath, 4 nights accommodation, sharing a tent in our Eco-Camps; - Park fees for Milodón Cave and Torres del Paine National Park;- Meals as indicated on the itinerary: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner- One typical lamb barbecue dinner - One English-speaking trekking guide per each 8 persons;- One Spanish-speaking cook & assistant while in Pehoe and Torres.- porterage on the trek

 

TORRES DEL PAINE QUICK GETAWAY – 5 Days/4 Nights

 

During the Patagonian summer season (November through March), Torres del Paine National Park enjoys 18 hours of daylight.  Select this departure if you want to see all the classic destinations in the shortest possible time.  You hike to the Torres viewpoint, to Grey Glacier, and up the French Valley, while staying at night in comfortable fixed camps and refuges.  Despite some long travel days you’ll enjoy the highlights of this unforgettable park.

In choosing between the 4-night and the 6-night itineraries, keep in mind:- only the longer itinerary includes the beautiful hike along the north shore of Lake Nordenskjold, beneath the dramatic cliffs of the Cuernos.  - on the longer itinerary we include a buffer day for bad weather, so you have more opportunity to hike to the Towers on a day with cooperative weather.

 

 

Day 1) Travel to Torres del Paine

We meet you in Punta Arenas airport (travel on the earliest morning flight from Santiago or Puerto Montt, arriving around 1 PM). We depart immediately in our private van to Puerto Natales (254 km/158 miles;  after a brief stopover here, we continue to  Las Torres Eco-Camp (147 km/ 91 miles), located within the Torres del Paine National Park. In summer time, the sun sets around 11PM, giving us plenty of light to admire the landscape en route and the craggy mountains while entering the park. We will make short stops in the town of Puerto Natales for lunch, and at the enormous Cueva del Milodón, a giant geological wonder that once sheltered a prehistoric sloth. Overnight camping at the Las Torres EcoCamp (L, D);

 

Day 2) Grey Glacier

We drive through the guanaco breeding grounds to Grey Lake and board a motor launch to view the calving face of the Grey Glacier at close range.  We leave the boat at the Grey Refugio and hike along the eastern shore of the lake to Refugio Pehoe at the north end of the Pehoe Lake. This is a new (opened 2004) 72-bed hostal with dorm-style 6-person bunk-bed rooms, shared bathrooms, and spacious comfortable common and dining areas.  (B,L,D)

 

Day 3) French River Valley

We trek east through easy, rolling terrain some 8 kms (2.5 hrs) to Campamento Italiano, then start climbing up moraine through fantastic southern beech forest. We’re directly beneath the sheer granite faces of the “Cuernos” or Horns of Paine.  It’s a fairly easy climb to the French Glacier lookout.  Ambitious hikers can continue climbing to the higher section of the valley, to Campamento Británico (12 km, 3-4 hrs). In this magnificent setting we are surrounded by high peaks on three sides – well worth the work! Return to the lake for the 6.30PM boat to Pudeto, and drive to the Torres Eco-Camp (B,L,D).

 

Day 4) Ascencio River/The Towers

Today we enjoy one of the park’s classic treks, up the Ascencio River to the foot of the impressive Towers of El Paine (2,900m/9,400ft).  These three granite monoliths are remnants of a great cirque that has been sheared away by glacial ice.  Though we’re close to sea level and thus altitude doesn’t come into play, today’s hike challenges us with two steep pitches.  The first is when the trail ascends the grassy slopes of the glaciated Serrano River Valley to a terrace high above the turbulent Ascencio River. We then continue across a big scree slope, losing altitude and gaining it again before we drop down toward the river and enjoy a mainly level stroll through southern beech forest.   On the final pitch we switchback up through the rocks of a terminal moraine to the tarn at the foot of the Towers – a heart-pounding experience with a huge emotional payoff at the top.   Farewell dinner at the Eco-camp (B,L,D)

 

Day 5) Travel to Punta Arenas

In mid-morning we head back to Puerto Natales, with a stop for lunch before continuing to Punta Arenas via private transfer in time to catch the late afternoon flight departing back to Santiago (B).

EcoCamp

How rough is this camping trip?In our Eco-Camp, you sleep in spacious dome-style tents with a regular bed with mattress, cozy polar-fleece sheets and a luxurious feather duvet.  During the two nights in refugios, we supply sleeping bags; you sleep in bunk-beds in mixed-gender dorm rooms. A professional cookstaff prepares varied and delicious meals, with ample vegetarian options. You will have to shoulder only a day-pack with your camera, box-lunch, rain gear and personal items during the walks. Because the weather is unpredictable in Patagonia and on some days you may encounter rain, wind and cold, an open mind and good sense of humor is mandatory for this trip.

We have a permanent Eco-Camp at Estancia Las Torres in  Torres del Paine National Park.  The infrastructure is quite superior to the one offered by traditional portable camps and includes: -4-person capacity sleeping tents accommodating only two guests each provided with comfortable beds and mattresses; -One dining and get-together tent provided with group table and comfortable chairs;-One kitchen tent provided with refrigerator to keep drinks cool-ecological composting toilets, and on-demand hot-water showers;-Complete first aid kit and radio communications.

Group Size & Guiding StaffThe typical group size is 8-12 passengers plus staff. Maximum is 20 passengers. Guide to passenger ratio: 1:8

Fixed DeparturesDeparture trips are guaranteed with 2 persons minimum.You must arrive from Santiago in any of the flights that arrive in between noon and 1 PM. The trip ends in the airport of Punta Arenas at 5PM approximately. You should book your return flight to depart after 6PM.

Physical DemandsThis trip, rated moderate, is recommended for people in good physical condition in the habit of walking long distances and camping outdoors. All passengers over 65 years old are requested to send ahead a medical examination that states that they are able to safely accomplish moderate hiking.  While altitude is not a factor, as your average elevation is close to sea level and maximum elevation is less than 2,000 feet, the weather can be very wet with a severe wind-chill.

What you need to bringMid-sized day-pack, frameless backpack or duffel bag (large enough to accommodate your personal gear), waterproof trekking boots, waterproof parka & pants.  Ski poles are optional but widely used. Personal equipment:  regular underwear, wicking long underwear, socks, loose-fitting hiking pants, hiking shorts, bathing suit, T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, polar-fleece jacket, gloves, ski hat, sun hat, toilet kit, sunscreen, camera and film, binoculars, water bottle.  The outfitter provides small duffels to haul your personal gear during the two trek nights away from Eco-camp.

The climateThe vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to the saturated winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, the strong marine influence makes the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and eventually snow. Even in summer (December to March) you should come prepared for cold- strong winds (up to 80 km/hr) and rainfall. The summers average temperature is 11ºC/ 52ºF ( 24 ºC max, 2ºC min).

• 6-night or 4-night programs
• in/out Punta Arenas
• comfortable basecamp and park refugios
• professional English-speaking Chilean guides

• Map