Treks in Chile

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Chile Tours and Travel

Treks in Chile

5 Day Patagonia Trek	7 Day Patagonia Trek	8 Day Patagonia Trek
9 Day Patagonia Trek	Patagonia Nomad	Patagonia Domes - Daily
Atacama Trek	Serious Patagonia Treks from Argentina	Patagonia Adventures

7 DAY TORRES DEL PAINE TREKKING

The trails in between the Torres del Paine famous craggy mountains are among the world's classic trekking routes. Breathtaking views together with glaciers, rivers, lakes, forests and abundant wildlife provides the trip with constantly changing scenarios and experiences. During summer (Nov-Mar) there are 18 hours of daylight which gives the explorers plenty of time for the walking journey.

Day 1, Monday, the Patagonic Adventure Starts…Torres del Paine NP, Chile
The trip starts during the morning in the city of Punta Arenas, either at your hotel or at the airport (last pickup time is at 12:30pm). From Punta Arenas we drive to EcoCamp Patagonia located in the world famous Torres del Paine National Park. During summer the sun sets around 11pm, so as you drive in you’ll have plenty of light to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon. Before arriving though, there are a couple of stops. One is at Puerto Natales, a small but lively town on the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza - “Last Hope Sound”. You’re invited to check the town out, meanwhile leave any unwanted luggage in our office, and finally enjoy a hearty lunch with delicious local food. The other stop is at 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. (L,D)

Day 2, Tuesday, Warming up in Los Cuernos Torres del Paine NP, Chile
We start our adventure in the Park with a pleasant walk through the curly Cuernos trail located beside beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this ‘appetizer walk’ we take in the park’s charming flora and fauna, its strong wind and the curious 4-season weather that’ll accompany us during the next days. As we advance through the trail we 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. We’ll of course stop to get some great first shots of the park and also 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. (B,L,D)

Day 3, Wednesday, Stepping into the Paine Massif’s Heart: Valle Frances Torres del Paine NP, Chile
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, we can enjoy our first truly wonderful view and then continue up the trail until reaching the upper prospects of the valley. The entire group of geological formations of the high valley can be admired here: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza! (Fortress). It’s time to have a picnic and recover from the walk. An optional trek to Mirador Britanico is available as well. Next, we 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. (B,L,D)

Day 4, Thursday, Torres del Paine’s Big Daddy is on the Way: Glacier Grey! Torres del Paine NP, Chile
Today we’ll hike from Paine Grande Lodge along the shores of mountain-lined Lake Pehoe to the northern end of glacial Lake Grey. We’ll 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 we transfer to the EcoCamp. If the weather conditions do not allow us to navigate Lake Grey, 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 Cascada EcoCamp in where we’ll enjoy the night. (B,L,D)

*During Shoulder Season (October and April) the navigation on Glacier Grey might be cancelled as the boat requires a minimum of 10 passengers to sail, which in some cases might not be reached. In this case we will get up early and trek about two hours the Grey trail until reaching a sightseeing point offering a splendid view of the Glacier, and then return to Paine Grande on time to take a catamaran to Pudeto’s dock.

Day 5, Friday, the Great Challenge: The Mighty Torres del Paine Torres del Paine NP, Chile
Time for a great breakfast and lots of enthusiasm! Our goal today is to complete the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine NP. We 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, we will enjoy life, the view, and a bite to eat! Once everyone is ready, we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley, and return to the EcoCamp. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Saturday, Soft Day in the Eastern Lakes Torres del Paine NP, Chile
We hike to the Laguna Azul lookout where we have a gorgeous view of both the lagoon and granite towers. We continue along the eastern side of Lago Sarmiento to the calcium formations on the lake’s shores where guanacos are often seen. Later we trek to Paso Las Corneas with spectacular views of Rio Paine, Lake Pehoe and the massif of Paine. Depending on the group, we can also hike to the Toro lookout point that offers more jaw-dropping scenery - Lago Toro and the pampa, or steppe! Upon returning to the Ecocamp, a farewell dinner is celebrated. This is sadly our last night in Torres del Paine, we take notes and talk with our friends, relax, feel the strong Patagonic wind while watching the heavens above. These past days spent in the Park will be profound memories that we shall take home with us. (B,L,D)

Day 7, Sunday, Adios Torres del Paine! Punta Arenas, Chile
We 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. (The trip finishes on Sunday at Punta Arenas Airport at 4 pm or later depending on the group flight schedule) (B,L)

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* please check day 4 of the itinerary.
- 4 nights accom. at EcoCamp standard domes (shared basis).
- 1 night accom. 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.
- Meals mentioned

Excluded
- Flight tickets.
- 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.

Accommodation Details

EcoCamp
Located in the heart of Torres del Paine, the EcoCamp consists of tented igloo-type domes built to minimize the environmental impact while providing a comfortable setting and maximum exposure to nature. There is electricity available for charging just camera batteries (voltage: 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, two round pins plug). Food at the EcoCamp has the same quality as the one you could have on a family dinner back home, this means it’s plenty and delicious!

Standard Domes at EcoCamp
For our trekking programs the accommodations at the standard domes are in a sharing basis only. There is not single accommodation availability unless a "forced" single accommodation is needed due to different gender single travelers not willing to share. Bathrooms are located in a single facility divided by gender and are shared by all the guests; they have showers with hot water.

Superior Domes at EcoCamp (Optional upgrade)
The superior domes are 23mt² / 250 ft² semispherical tented domes equipped with private bathrooms and a comfortable queen size bed. They also have an innovative compost device for generated waste and electric stove for heating the interior.

Refugios
These are typical mountain huts, open to the public that visits Torres del Paine. It has rooms for 4-6 people. The beds are single, bunk type and we’ll provide you with a sleeping bag and a polar fleece liner (you don't need to bring a sleeping bag!). Bathrooms are also shared and they have hot water. The refugios are heated and have a very comfortable dining area. Food at the refugios could sometimes not match your expectative, it’s simple food prepared for mountain people with low emphasis in flavor and presentation.

Group Size & Guiding Staff
8-12 travelers are the most typical group size plus guiding staff. Maximum is 14 clients. Guide to passenger ratio: 1:6

Transport
In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia transport is in minivans that normally seat from 8 to 14 people. When we have only 2 to 4 people we use smaller vehicles, usually 4x4, driven by the tour guide. On the regular departure trips you’ll share the vehicle with other EcoCamp guests joining other tours. On a private departure, the vehicle will be of your use exclusively, although limited to the given itinerary and time schedules; additionally arrival and departure transfers for private groups might be shared with other passengers following our environmental policy which impel our operations to keep the ecological impact as low as possible and thus avoiding to drive the same way at the same time with two half-empty vehicles.

5 DAY TORRES DEL PAINE ACTIVE TOUR

Day 1: Travel to Torres del Paine
Arrive around noon-1PM. in Punta Arenas with the earliest morning flight from Santiago. Drive to Cascada Ecocamp (345 km/ 216miles /5hrs) inside the famous Torres del Paine National Park. In summer time (Dec-Mar), 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 township of Puerto Natales, to take a look of the town (you have here the chance to leave in our office in Puerto Natales any luggage that you will not need during the trek), and in the enormous Cueva del Milodon, a giant geological wander that once sheltered a prehistoric sloth. Overnight at Cascada Ecocamp at Las Torres (L,D);

Day 2: French Valley - Valle del Frances
After breakfast, we start our day driving towards Pudeto dock, located by the shores of Pehoe Lake. Once there we board the catamaran that takes us to the northern west sector of the Lake from where we’ll start the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley), taking 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, we can enjoy our first truly wonderful view and then continue up the trail until reaching the upper prospects of the valley. The entire group of geological formations of the high valley can be admired here: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza! (Fortress). It’s time to have a picnic and recover from the walk. An optional trek to Mirador Britanico is available as well. Next, we 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.. (B,L-,D);

Day 3: Pehoe - Grey Glacier
We’ll hike about four hours from Refuge Pehoe to the northern end of Lago Grey. At 16:00 hrs board the boat which sails alongside the face of Glaciar Grey. We will have ample time to marvel at this calving glacier before the boat crosses Lago Grey (40 min.). Transfer (1,5 hrs) from Lake Grey's southern end to Cascada Ecocamp in Las Torres for overnight. (B,L-,D); 1) If the weather conditions do not allow us to navigate the Grey Lake, we’ll instead hike to the Grey Glacier (6-8 hrs, roundtrip) and then at Pudeto board the catamaran to cross Lake Pehoe.

Day 4: Torres del Paine (Ascencio Valley)
An all day hike (10 km/6 mi, 8 hrs round-trip) to the foot of the impressive granite massif of El Paine where the towers rise majestically before us, and the glacial lake is visible below: one of the most scenic sights in the world! The famous Torres del Paine (2.900m/9.400ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, remains of a great cirque that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Once back at the Ecocamp, a farewell dinner is honored with a typical Patagonian lamb barbecue; overnight at Cascada Ecocamp (B,L,D)

Day 5: Travel to Punta Arenas
Early in the morning board the vehicle back to Punta Arenas on time to catch the evening flight back to Santiago. (B, L).

Included
- All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary.
- Regular bus tickets Calafate<>Natales if starting/finishing in Calafate, check last section.
- One expert English/Spanish speaking trekking guide.
- Cueva del Milodon and Torres del Paine NP fees.
- 3 nights accom. at EcoCamp standard domes (shared basis).
- 1 night accom. at Refugio Paine Grande (shared basis).
- Boat crossing over Lake Pehoe and Lake Grey* please check day 3 of the itinerary.

- Sleeping bag for the mountain refuges if needed.
- Luggage transport: while trekking you will carry just your daypack.
- Meals indicated

Ecocamp Patagonia has been highly commended in the Best in a Mountain Environment category at this year’s Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards organised by responsibletravel.com. At a ceremony hosted at World Travel Market (WTM), Docklands, London, on Wednesday 11th November, the Awards were handed out by Justin Francis, managing director of responsibletravel.com, organizers and founders of the Awards, and Amanda Wills, managing director of Virgin Holidays, headline sponsor of the Awards.Dr. Harold Goodwin, Director, International Centre for Responsible Tourism and Chair of Judges said: "Working our way through this year's long lists, we were impressed by the willingness of so many organizations to take responsibility and to do what they can to help make better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit. Despite the economic difficulties being faced by the travel and tourism industry, responsible tourism continues to move ahead and I'm continually impressed as more is achieved by more people. As judges we are all very aware of the great work that is being done by so many and our decisions are often very difficult and sometimes long debated.“
The citation for Ecocamp Patagonia from the judges is as follows:

“Ecocamp Patagonia sits at the cutting edge of environmental practice with the design and creation of their innovative 4 star geodesic dome tented hotel; a 99 per cent portable hotel that can be dismantled and removed without leaving a trace in the richly biodiverse National Park. Their Environmental Management System is comprehensive – incorporating a range of practices from hydroelectric turbines and wind generators, to composting devices and solar panels.”

What is the Eco-camp? - It's a luxury camp, of a kind never seen before in Chile and similar in concept to the famous African lodges. It is a more comfortable alternative, but above all environmentally friendly, especially in a national Park with the characteristics of Torres del Paine. The Eco-camp has been designed with the comfort of our travelers in mind but above all stressing the importance of interfering as little as possible with the surroundings in which we have installed it. This need to protect the environment has meant that we have had to be very efficient in managing the eco-camp; this has meant that we cannot offer some of the comforts normal in unprotected areas (private bathroom with septic tank, diesel generators etc) and, on the other hand, utilizing technologies and sustainable processes but ones which demand a greater effort and more patience from our guests (less availability of water and solar energy for electricity, making compost, less waste etc). We think that the camping solution that we have designed for our guests, in one of the most important national parks of the southern hemisphere, is a novel alternative, efficient and in harmony with the current demands of tourism.

What is the Eco-camp like? - Sleeping is in big comfortable domed tents, which take 2 people. They are 2 meters high and the floor is of vitrified wood. The tents are resistant to the strongest winds, rain and even Patagonian snow and they are each equipped with 2 single beds, sheets, blanket and feather cover with heating from a gas stove. The Ecocamp also has a big tent for kitchen/dining room: this is a dome of 9 meters diameter (30 ft) and
4.5 meters high (15 ft). It is equipped with a living area, dining room and kitchen. The space is light and airy with a big panoramic window and it invites our guests to enjoy in a completely new way the surprising evenings of Patagonia. The Ecocamp in Torres also includes a bathroom module (another large dome) with showers and hot water. The toilet system is a compost one (i.e. it transforms human waste into compost). A chef runs the kitchen of the Eco-camp. The rest of the staff in the Eco-camp is composed of a camp host and the circuit guides.

Pehoe and Fitzroy Upgraded Camp - Pehoe is located in a strategic location within the park. From there we start our hikes to the Grey Glacier and the French Valley. The park management has special regulations for Pehoe and here we have a very comfortable and portable camp: Our Upgraded camp in Pehoe uses comfortable and large mountain tents (designed for 4 but used by 2 person) and a large “Space Station” central dome (6 m. diameter -20 ft-) as common area. We provide for our clients an inflatable mat, sleeping bag with a polar fleece liner and lamp. The toilet facilities we use at Pehoe are those built by the park administration for this area. Those are located 150 meters from our camp and are shared with other people camping in the area. Hot showers are available there. Fitzroy Upgraded camp is a mix between Torres Ecocamp and Pehoe upgraded camp. It is located in a strategic place next to the Fitzroy Park and is composed by a larger 9m/30 ft diameter kitchen/dinning/living dome and smaller tents for clients. Bathroom is a 24ft diameter dome fully conditioned with composting toilets and hot showers. By far, the best base camp in the region!

Refugios - Our 7 day program includes one night in Los Cuernos refuge. This is a typical mountain refuge, open to the public that visits Torres del Paine and they are run by other businesses. It has rooms for 4-6 people. The beds are single, bunk type and we provide you a sleeping bag and a polar fleece liner. The bathrooms are also shared and they have hot water. The refugios are heated and have a dining area.

Vehicles: A domestic bus will be taken in the route Punta Arenas/ Puerto Natales/ Punta Arenas. On the 7 day trek, a private van will deliver us in Torres del Paine National Park on day 1 and will pick us up on day 6. There won´t be transportation available in between.

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

I want to book this!

2011-2012 Prices:
7 day trek:
High Season: USD 2,146 p.p. (Nov ’11 to Mar ’12)
Shoulder Season: USD 1,503 p.p. (Oct ’11 and Apr ’12)
Private trek with minimum of 2 people on any date avaailable: USD 2843p.p.
- Dec 20th and 27th have a Christmas surcharge of USD 51 p.p.

5 day trek:
High: USD 1,568 p.p. (Nov ’11 to Mar '12)
Shoulder: USD 1,098 p.p. (Oct ’11 and Apr 2012)
Private trek with minimum of 2 people on any date avaailable: USD 2093 p.p.
- Dec 19th and 26th have a Christmas surcharge of USD 51 p.p.

- Flight tickets not included;.
- For bookings made within 40 days prior to the trip departure we can’t guarantee space at the refuges. If space isn’t available then accommodation will be provided at the refuges camping area consisting in a comfortable tent, including mat, sleeping bag and a polar fleece liner; our team will set and dismantle all this; the camping provides satisfactory bathroom facilities. Meals will be served inside the refuges.
- no single supplement.

Fixed Departures:
7 Day Trek: The trip starts every Monday morning in the airport of Punta Arenas from Oct 2010 to Apr 11 2011.
5 Day Trek: The trip starts every Sunday morning in the airport of Punta Arenas from Oct 2010 to Apr 10 2011

The trips start in the morning in Punta Arenas, last pick-up time: 12:30 pm at the airport. The trip finishes on Sunday at Punta Arenas Airport at 4 pm or later depending on the group flight schedule. For domestic flights you have to be at the airport 1 hour before the flight leaves You should book the last return flight, which normally departs about 630pm. Departure trips are guaranteed with 2 persons minimum. The average size of the group 8 to 12 persons.

Transfers to Start / Finish in El Calafate, Argentina

Option 1: Interprovincial Public Bus (tickets included in the program price)
***Calafate to Torres del Paine***
Pick up at hotel 7:00-7:30 AM, arrive at EcoCamp 7 PM.
We pick you up at your hotel in Calafate and take you to the bus terminal; we give you the tickets to board a public bus heading to Puerto Natales. You reach this town around 2 PM, we wait for you at the bus terminal and arrange lunch for you. Close to 4 PM board our van going to Torres del Paine and reach the EcoCamp on time for dinner.

***Torres del Paine to Calafate***
Leave EcoCamp at 8 AM; arrive at your hotel in Calafate at 2 PM.
After breakfast board the van that will drop you off at Cerro Castillo (borderline) on time to catch the public bus going to Calafate. Arrive in Calafate bus terminal where our transfer waits for you and then drive to your hotel. Transfers to Calafate Airport have an additional cost.

Option 2: Semiprivate van transfer (not included); +US$120 p.p. each way
(This service is available from mid October to March)
This service consists of comfortable vans that seat maximum 9 people, all of them guests of both EcoCamp and Hostería Las Torres. The service provides a direct and relaxed connection between El Calafate and Torres del Paine NP, with just one stop at the borderline for exchanging vans.

***Calafate to Torres del Paine***
Pick up at hotel 7:00-7:30 AM, arrive at EcoCamp 1 PM.
We pick you up at the hotel in Calafate and start driving to Chile. Once we reach Cancha Carrera (borderline) about 11 AM we do the immigration process, and then we drive to the Chilean side where we board another van. We continue driving towards Torres del Paine NP and finally arrive at the EcoCamp on time for lunch.

***Torres del Paine to Calafate***
Leave EcoCamp at 10 AM; arrive at your hotel in El Calafate at 3:30 PM.
After breakfast we board the van and drive towards the borderline. We reach Cerro Castillo around 11:30 AM, do the immigration process and continue to the Argentine side where we board another van. We start driving towards El Calafate city and we reach our hotel in the early afternoon.

Why not add a 3 day kayak trip in the park to the end of your trek?

Physical Demands: This 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.

What you need to bring: Sleeping bag (comfortable to 0ºC), day backpack (10lt), mountain backpack or duffel bag (70 litres), waterproof trekking boots, waterproof parka & pants and ski poles (optional). We will send you by E.Mail detailed pre-departure information containing all extra information necessary to plan and participate in the trip: Personal equipment you should bring, climate conditions, estimated allowance for extra meals, beverage and souvenirs, domestic flights schedules and costs, etc.

About the itinerary: The numbers in brackets (distance-kms, time-hrs) are approximated and refer to the trekking portions exclusively; In general the itinerary submitted and the estimated of time is reasonable for well fit passengers, considering also good weather conditions and occasional stops for sightseeing and pictures.

The climate: The 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 Antartic 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 to find cold- strong winds(up to 80 km/hr) and rainfalls. The summer's average temperature is 11ºC/ 52ºF ( 24 ºC max, 2ºC min).

9 DAY TORRES DEL PAINE TREKKING CIRCUIT

The Torres del Paine circuit around the famous craggy mountains that crown the Park is one of the world's classic trekking routes. Breathtaking views together with glaciers, rivers, lakes, forests and abundant wildlife provides the trip with constantly changing sceneries and experiences. The full circuit, rated moderate, is normally done in seven to nine days, depending on the itinerary, and covers a distance of approx. 80 kms. The trek is best done in an anti-clockwise direction that saves the hardest sections until later and prevents the walkers from being stopped by strong wind currents. During summer (Dec-Mar) there are 18 hours of daylight which gives the explorers plenty of time for the walking journey.

Day 1: Punta Arenas - Torres del Paine
We will pick you up at 12:15 PM at your Punta Arenas’ hotel or 1PM at Punta Arenas’ airport if your are flying that same day. (so be sure to arrive in the morning!). Transfer to Puerto Natales (250 kms/156 miles/3 hours), lunch, and from there transfer (140 kms/ 88 miles /2 hrs) to EcoCamp Las Torres inside the famous Torres del Paine National Park. In the Chilean 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 township of Puerto Natales, to take a look of the town (you have here the chance to leave in our office in Puerto Natales any luggage that you will not need during the trek), and in the enormous Cueva del Milodon, a giant geological wonder that once sheltered a prehistoric sloth. Overnight camping in Las Torres (optional upgrade to Ecocamp) (L-,D)

Day 2: Valle Ascencio (21 kms/13 miles, 9-10 hrs round-trip)
We start our trekking journeys with the celebrate hike to the foot of the impressive granite massif of El Paine. From here admire the most typical sight of the Paine Towers (weather permitting) rising above a green lagoon. The famous Torres del Paine (2.900m/9.400ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, remains of a great cirque that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Overnight camping in Las Torres (optional upgrade to Ecocamp) (B, L-, D);

Day 3: Ecocamp- Laguna Azul – Lago Dickson (28 kms/18 miles, 9 hrs)
Early transfer to Laguna Azul The day will start trekking through the lenga forest of the northern side of Laguna Azul lake which was affected by the Feb. 2005 fire. In this sector you may observe black woodpeckers, typical birds of Patagonia. Once arriving to the Dickson lake, have a spectacular view on Glacier Dickson and part of the Hielo Patagonico Sur (South Patagonia Ice Field). The trek continues along the eastern bank of the Rio Paine. You will stop at a lookout point with a wonderful panoramic view of Lago Paine below. Descend to the lake level and continue across open grasslands along the Rio Paine to Refugio Dickson. Our stunning campsite will be in the Dickson Valley surrounded by towering snow capped peaks and the pretty waters of Dickson Lake with Mt. Cubo in the distance. Hot showers available. Overnight camping at Dickson (B, L-, D).

Day 4: Glacier Dickson hike (14 kms/9 miles, 6 hrs rt)
An easy hike to recover yourself from the last 2 demanding days. Today we will trek north to Lago Quemado and get close to the beautiful Dickson Glacier and its iceberg-filled lake. (B, L-D);

Day 5: Lago Dickson- Los Perros (9 kms/6miles, 5 hrs)
The trail follows Los Perros river and encounters the wildest and least accessible section of the trek. Virgin beech forests crossed by many water courses leads the way towards the lovely Laguna Los Perros where we set up camp. Spend the night camping at Los Perros (B, L-, D)

Day 6: Los Perros- Camp Grey (14 kms/9miles, 10-11 hrs)
In this section we reach the highest point of the circuit at 1300 mts (4000 ft) with an awe-inspiring view of the Grey glacier, an enormous fractured mass of ice choking the valley. The route continues roughly south along forested slopes with occasional landslides and a beautiful view of the enormous glacier Grey (more than five miles across and ten miles in length). Overnigth at camp Grey. (B, L-, D)

Day 7: Camp Grey - Camp Pehoe (11 kms/7 miles, 4 hrs)
Free morning. Those willing to do a half day hike on the Grey Glacier with the use of crampons might book the trip on site (this is a great way to see the glacier up close. No previous glacier hiking experience is needed and all the technical gear is provided. PM: The trek continues down alongside Grey Glacier until it calves into the Lake Grey. Then it keeps going by the eastern side of the lake through clearings of Calafate bushes. The view over the lake, with numerous giant icebergs drifting across the waters is very impressive at this point. Finally, the track climbs onto flat ridges and passes a small lake one hour before descending through a shallow dry valley to arrive at Lago Pehoe. We spend the night in our camp by the turquoise lake Pehoe. (B, L-, D)

Day 8: Valle Frances (22 kms, 8 to 10 hrs round trip)
The track makes its way north through undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest, passing two small lakes, and continues by the south-east slopes of Cerro Paine to meet river Frances. From here we follow the river upstream passing Camp Italiano, below Glaciar Frances, and –weather permitting- keep going until it reaches a small hut built by some British climbing expedition. This magnificent setting is surrounded by high peaks on all sides being especially spectacular the Cuernos del Paine (the horns). Later we return to Pehoe and take the 6:30PM boat that crosses the Pehoe lake and drive back to the camp in Las Torres (optional upgrade to Cascada Ecocamp) (B, L-, D);

Day 9: Punta Arenas
Early in the morning board the vehicle back to Punta Arenas on time to catch the evening flight back to Santiago. (B, L).

Note:
During shoulder season, months of October and April, boat schedule at lake Pehoe changes, modifying slightly our itinerary.

2011-2012 PRICE - USD 2,200 p.p. (based on 4+ people)
2 people group supplement: USD 345
3 people group supplement: USD 230
Private trek with minimum of 2 people on any date available: USD 3652 p.p.
Single tent supplement: USD 224p.p.
3 nights upgrade to EcoCamp's Standard Domes: USD 300 p.p. (days 1, 7 and 8)

Christmas surcharge: USD 230 p.p.

NOTES:
- The porter service for this trip is included in the trip’s price. Nevertheless for the trekking days with overnight out of Las Torres camp the porters can only carry up to five kilos per person. The handling works this way: the day the group arrives each person has to separate his luggage in two dry bags provided by Cascada, maximum 5 kilos of content in each one. One bag will be carried by the porter service and the group until they reach Camp Grey on day 4. The other bag will reach the group on day 4 with the content needed for the days 5, 6 and 7, so this day the group leave their first bag to be sent back to Camp Las Torres and continue just with the second bag. This method allows trekkers to change clothes and gear in the middle of the trek without surpassing the 5 kilos limit per bag.

I Want to Book this

- Minimum: we need at least 2 people to launch a regular departure trip.

Departures for Season 2011-2012: every Wednesday from Nov ’11 to March ’12

GENERAL INFORMATION
You will be picked up from your hotel in Punta Arenas around 12:15PM or, from the airport in Punta Arenas, at 1 PM. The trip finishes on day 9 at the airport of Punta Arenas at 3 PM approx. If your are flying out of Punta Arenas that same day, you should book a flight departing from Punta Arenas later than 4PM. Keep in mind that we might book for you any local flight in Chile. Shall you prefer to book them on your own, please contact us in advance to coordinate schedules.

Included
- All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary.
- 8 nights camping. In addition we use backpacking stoves to cook our meals, take advantage of fresh water sources and beautiful views.
- Park fees for Cueva del Milodon and Torres del Paine National Park.
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary: B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / BL = Box Lunch / D = Dinner.
- Complete dinning & camping equipment.
- Ferry crossing over Lake Pehoe on day 8.
- One English speaking trekking guide. One assistant guide provided if 4 or more members in the trip.

Excluded
- Air fares.
- Insurance (it is mandatory that you purchase appropriate insurance for this kind of trips).
- Optional tipping to guides and staff.
- Items of personal nature (laundry, sodas, alcoholic beverages, etc.).

Group Size & Guiding Staff
6-12 travelers is the most typical group size plus EcoCamp staff. Maximum is 20 clients.

Weather
The 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, both the strong marine and the South Patagonic Ice field influence make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rains and eventually snow. Even in summer (December to march) you should come prepared to find cold- strong winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfalls. The summer's average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºCmax, 2ºC min).

Physical Demands
This trip, rated strenuous, is recommended for people in good physical condition in the habit of walking long distances and camping outdoors. All passengers over 65 are requested to send ahead a medical examination that states that they are able to safely accomplish strenuous hiking. One portion of the 9-day circuit crosses a mountain pass called El Paso. This section takes app. 10 to 12 hrs. A person well trained, equipped and in good physical condition should have no problem hiking it, but it might be a very strenuous hike in bad weather conditions.

What you need to bring
Day backpack (30-40 lts), mountain backpack, waterproof trekking boots, waterproof parka & pants, inner isolating layer (fleece or wool), three changes of clothes, sun hat, sun screen, hiking socks, sandals (for after hikes), bathing suit, sunglasses, towel (optional), ski poles (optional), sleeping bag, sleeping pad, long underwear, extra change of socks, flashlight/headlamp, extra insulating layer (fleece, wool, or expedition weight long underwear).

About the Itinerary
The numbers in brackets (distance-kms, time-hrs) are approximated and refer to the trekking portions exclusively. In general the itinerary submitted and the estimated of time is reasonable for well-fit passengers, considering also good weather conditions and occasional stops for sightseeing, pictures and lunch.

Itinerary Modifications
We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary under the sole discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can also modified, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety or weather considerations.

Additional Information
Once you book the trip, we will send you a pre-trip Information booklet with useful and detailed information about your trip with us.