trip specifics

price

September 2013 to April 2014

At the far south of the Andes is the Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most impressive sights in the Southern Hemisphere. The dramatic mountain formations crowded with glaciers, lakes, fjords, ancient forests and wildlife such as guanacos, flamingos, condors, ñandus and huemules also offer some of the most magnificent trekking and nature in the world. This 7 day trek will take you through these wonderful hot spots on a tour you will never forget.

Day 1 - Punta Arenas, EcoCamp Patagonia

The Torres del Paine Trek begins in Punta Arenas early morning, either at your hotel or at the airport. From Punta Arenas, drive to the EcoCamp Patagonia located in the world famous Torres del Paine National Park for briefing and your first nights’ stay. On the way, make stops at: Puerto Natales - a small but lively town on the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza “Last Hope Sound” to enjoy a hearty lunch with delicious local food; and Cueva de Milodon - a massive prehistoric cave where the remains of a giant ground sloth were discovered in the 1890’s. The surrounding area is very scenic with plenty of wild birds to be seen. The day ends with an overnight at the EcoCamp in Las Torres.

Accommodations: EcoCamp
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 - Los Cuernos

Today's adventure begins in the Park with a pleasant walk through the curly Cuernos trail located beside beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this ‘appetizer walk’ take in the park’s charming flora and fauna. As we advance through the trail, enjoy magnificent views of the park’s central lakes and the Paine’s Horns which are majestic black horn-like peaks of slate atop gray granite which crown the center of the Massif. Stop to enjoy a delicious box lunch to energize ourselves for the rest of the walk. The trek ends at Refugio Los Cuernos, a small and cozy mountain refuge located by the shores of Lake Nordenskjold. The evening is left free to enjoy dinner and share experiences.

Accommodations: Refugio Los Cuernos
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Valle Frances

After breakfast, we begin a challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley), a steep trail that goes into the very heart of the Paine Massif. How deep we go depends on our groups’ rhythm. An active walk leads us to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the south east face of the Massif. From this point, enjoy our first truly wonderful view and then continue up the trail until reaching the upper prospects of the valley.

It’s time to have a picnic and recover from the walk. An optional trek to Mirador Britanico is available as well. Next, descend through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest until reaching the Refugio Paine Grande, located in the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe. Finally, upon reaching the Refugio, the luggage is organized and there’s time to talk about the day while enjoying a replenishing dinner.

Accommodations: Refugio Paine Grande
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Glacier Grey

Today hike from Paine Grande Lodge along the shores of mountain-lined Lake Pehoe to the northern end of glacial Lake Grey. Enjoy a picnic lunch before boarding the boat that sails to the blue face of Glacier Grey. You’ll have lots of time to marvel at this calving glacier before the boat ride across this lake with its floating pieces of ice. Your clothes and personal belongings are once again transported separately from the lodge in duffel bags. From Lake Grey’s southern end transfer to the EcoCamp. If the weather conditions don’t allow us to navigate Lake Grey, no problem, we’ll instead hike to Glacier Grey and return, then at Paine Grande’s dock we’ll board the catamaran crossing the Lake Pehoe heading to Pudeto. From there, we’ll take a short drive back to the EcoCamp, where we’ll enjoy the night.

Accommodations: EcoCamp
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Torres del Paine

Time for a big breakfast and lots of enthusiasm! Our goal today is to complete the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine NP. Walk from the camp site towards Hostería Las Torres and connect with the winding uphill path to Ascencio Valley – the valley which supports the eastern face of the Towers’ base. Dry mountain spots, beech forests and small rivers are passed along the scenic walk into the valley.

It’s not a difficult walk, but you might want to save some energy for the final challenge: the moraine. This mass of boulders is the last guardian before our face to face with the uplifting Torres del Paine. The moraine is sufficiently steep to consider doing it slowly and with a fair amount of precaution. After a considerable effort, the Towers come into full view, rising majestically before us with the glacial lake visible below. This is one of the most breathtaking sights of the world! The famous Torres del Paine (2, 900 m/ 9, 400 ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Is there any better place on this planet to have lunch? At the feet of the mighty Torres del Paine, enjoy life, the view, and a bite to eat! Once everyone is ready, backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley, and return to the EcoCamp.

Accommodations: EcoCamp
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Eastern Lakes

Today is a relaxed day after yesterday's challenge. Set off lesuirely after breakfast and drive to Laguna Azul passing by Cañadón Macho, home to a rich fauna including guanacos and ñandúes. Stop en route to enjoy views of the Patagonian steppe and the towers from a different angle. At Laguna Azul hike to the viewpoint for a gorgeous view of both the lagoon and granite towers. After lunch drive to the northern shore of Sarmiento Lake where the Fauna Trail begins. As you walk northwards along the trail look for fauna on the Patagonian plains including guanacos, ostrich-like ñandús and maybe the occasional puma print! Pass by Goic lagoon and after an approximate 5-km relaxed walk reach the Laguna Amarga ranger station where you’re picked up and driven back to Ecocamp to celebrate over a farewell dinner.

*Please note that if there are more than 6 travellers in the group there's an option to split into two groups, with one group (or the whole group if everybody's in the mood!) cycling to Laguna Azul.

Accommodations: EcoCamp
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Punta Arenas

Board an early morning vehicle, sit back, relax and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas on time to catch the evening flight to Santiago.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch



Itinerary Notes: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of cruising unique.

Included: All ground transport private and domestic as indicated in the itinerary. Regular bus tickets Calafate * Natales if starting/finishing in Calafate, check last section. Boat crossing over Lake Grey. 4 nights accommodation at EcoCamp standard domes (shared basis). 1 night accommodation at Refugio Paine Grande and 1 night in Refugio Los Cuernos. Park fees for Cueva del Milodon and Torres del Paine National Park. One expert English speaking trekking guide. Sleeping bag for the refugios if needed. Transportation for your luggage within the Park: while trekking you will carry just your daypack.

Exclusions: Air fare. Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip). Voluntary tipping to guides and staff. Soft drinks or snacks not served with the meals included at the EcoCamp or refuges. Bringing US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP is suggested. Items of personal nature. Dec 24 & 31 have a Christmas surcharge of $62 per person.

Room Configurations: Single rates available upon request where applicable.

Arrival & Departure: The Torres Del Paine Trek starts on Monday morning in Punta Arenas, and ends on Sunday at Punta Arenas Airport. Plan flights to arrive to Punta Arenas before 3:00 pm on day 1, and to depart from Punta Arenas after 3:00 pm on the final day.

Payment & Cancellation: A 20% nonrefundable deposit is required at the time of booking. The rest of the total amount shall be provided 90 days before departure. Cancellation of the confirmed booking outside 90 days prior to departure entails loss of deposit, which is 20% of the total trip cost. Thereafter the following applies:
90 - 30 days 40% of total fare
29 - 0 days 100% of total fare.

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: The Torres del Paine Trek involves extensive hikes and an opportunity to cycle on Day 6 if enough travelers are interested. The following table can give you an idea of what to expect, listed in order of walking time, distance and max altitude:
Day 2: 7 hours, 10 miles, 800 feet
Day 3: 8 hours, 15 miles, 2250 feet
Day 4: 4 hours, 9 miles, 800 feet
Day 5: 10 hours, 13 miles, 3000 feet
Day 6: 3 hours, 4 miles, 590 feet

Qualifications: The Patagonia Torres del Paine Trek will be enjoyed by anyone with a love for nature and the outdoors.

Seasonal Pricing: High Season rates apply November 2013 through March 2014. Shoulder Season rates apply September to October 2013 and April 2014.


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