Patagonia Winter Adventures
Winter W Trek - 6 Days |
5 Day Multisport |
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Enjoy the peaceful winter season with this Torres del Paine trekking adventure. Hike to lakes, glaciers, forests and the Park’s spectacular French Valley on this active program at a time when there will be few others enjoying the park
Day 1 - In the morning, you will be picked up from the Punta Arenas Airport. We recommend arriving before 11 AM. After gathering the group, we will start driving towards EcoCamp Patagonia in Torres del Paine. On the way, we will stop for lunch in Puerto Natales, a lively town on the shores of Last Hope (Ultima Esperanza). Once arriving at EcoCamp, we’ll have some time to relax, eat dinner and get ready for the adventure to come. Additionally, our group will be introduced to the basic principles, methodology and history of “leave no trace.” We’ll also be briefed on the best way to pack and travel with a backpack. In the coming days, we will learn more about each of the seven “leave no trace” principles and gain a new sense of environmental awareness. Overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia. Day 2: Cuernos Trek We’ll dive into our Patagonian adventure with walk along the Cuernos Trail which leads to the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this warm-up walk, we will have the opportunity to admire the park’s exquisite flora and fauna and take in the views of the horn-like peaks of slate that sit atop the gray granite of the Paine Massif. The trek will end at Refugio Los Cuernos, a campsite located on the shores of Lake Nordenskjold. During the journey, we’ll learn about traveling and camping on durable surfaces, as well as how to properly dispose of waste. At the end of the day, we’ll spend the evening relaxing over dinner. Overnight at Los Cuernos Campsite. Day 3: The Paine Massif's Heart: Valle Frances Get your boots ready for today’s challenging, yet rewarding, trek. After breakfast at Refugio Los Cuernos, we'll begin hiking along a steep trail leading into the very heart of the Paine Massif - the famed French Valley. How far we’ll go depends on our group's trekking rhythm. A swifter walk will lead us to the French River’s hanging bridge, located at the foot of the south-eastern face of the Massif. We will then continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley to marvel at the extensive mass of the valley's geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). Through our “leave no trace” training, our guides will explain why all travelers should “leave what they find.” We will walk back to Paine Grande Campsite to spend the night and share a comforting dinner. Overnight at Paine Grande Campsite. Day 4: Grey Trail & Navigation* Today we’ll hike our 7 hour (12 km) from the Paine Grande Refugio along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern end of the glacial Lake Grey. Along the trek, we will have different views of this breathtaking glacier, as well as the chance to enjoy various perspectives of the Southern Ice Fields. After that we will board the boat that sails to the huge, crystalline facade of Glacier Grey. From the southern end of Glacier Grey, we will transfer to EcoCamp. Due to the temperamental weather of the region, boat trips across the lake may occasionally be canceled or if the required minimum of 15 passengers is not reached. If this is the case, we will trek up to the sightseeing point to enjoy wonderful, panoramic views of Grey Glacier instead. Afterward, it is time to return on foot to Paine Grande and take a catamaran to the dock, where we will be picked up and driven to EcoCamp. Along the way, our guides will also explain the importance of respecting wildlife and other visitors. After arriving at EcoCamp, you can snuggle in your cozy dome and enjoy a relaxing night with tasty food and fantastic company. Overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia. Day 5: Trek base of the Towers After a refreshing night sleep at EcoCamp Patagonia, we’ll walk from EcoCamp to the baseview of the Towers, three gigantic granite monoliths and the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. We’ll head up through the Ascencio Valley, located on the Tower's eastern face. Snowy mountain ridges, beech forests and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. Our big challenge comes in the form of the steep moraine, a huge mass of boulders which will lead us to that iconic base of the Towers. After a challenging uphill climb in the snow, the Towers eventually come into full view and will rise majestically before us with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting on the view and our picnic, we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley to return to EcoCamp for the night. We’ll also finish up our “leave no trace” training and earn our certificate, hopefully passing on our new conservation knowledge to others! Overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia. Day 6: depart Today it is time to board the transfer back to Punta Arenas Airport. Sit back, relax and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas in time to catch the evening flight. We recommend booking a flight that leaves after 4 PM. Proposed 2022 Start Dates: June 29th, July 27th, August 24th, 2022 RATES 2022: (p.p. = per person) Base rate - 4+ people CLP 2,089,375 per person 2 people group supp. CLP 536,250 per person 3 people group supp. CLP 250,000 per person Important Notes:
***Please make sure your flight arrives before 11hrs to Punta Arenas airport and leaves after 16 hrs on the last day.
Includes: • All ground transport • Boat crossing on Grey Lake • 3 nights at EcoCamp Suite Domes. • 1 night at camping Paine Grande. • 1 night at camping Los Cuernos. • Park fee Torres del Paine NP. • One expert English speaking trekking guide (Ratio 1:4). • Transportation for shared equipment. Important notes:
EXCLUDED
Children 14 years and older are ok, but pay as adults TRANSPORT In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia, transport is in minivans that normally seat from 8 to 14 people. 5 Day Package - 3 options From Las Carretas:
We will meet at the office in Puerto Natales the night before for an orientation talk. Day 1: Puerto Natales – Paine Grande This morning, we will pick you up from your hotel (between 8 and 8:30 am) and drive 2.5 hours in a private shuttle to Torres del Paine National Park. Upon reaching Las Carretas, we will launch into a light hike of around 5 hours to Paine Grande Mountain Refuge for the first overnight. If the weather is clear, we will see a striking view of the entire range throughout the hike. Day 2: Hike to Sector Francés The morning starts by visiting a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Grey Lake and Grey Glacier. After, we will return to Sector Paine Grande, the hike continues to Francés Campsite along a trail that wraps around Paine Grande (highest point in the range at 3,050 meters) with its incredible hanging glaciers and then, along the shore of the beautiful Nordenskjold Lake. Day 3: Hike to Valle Francés On this day, we will do an ascent to another icon of the circuit, the Valle Francés (French Valley). The hike starts with a light walk to the Italiano Campsite before climbing for about 2 km through forest to the Valle Francés lookout point with its breathtaking views of the landscape framed by Paine Grande, Catedral, Hoja, Máscara, Espada, Aleta de Tiburón and Cuerno del Norte peaks. Depending on the weather, the guide will decide whether or not to continue the climb up to the Británico lookout point before descending to Paine Grande Mountain Refuge for dinner and overnight. Day 4: Hike to Sector Central The focus of today is a hike along the shore of Nordenskjöld Lake, Almirante Nieto Hill and the amazing Cuernos del Paine. This day is full of magnificent views of hanging glaciers, lakes and lush vegetation that reveals the rich areas, varied flora and fauna. Dinner and overnight at Sector Central Campsite. Day 5: Hike to Base Las Torres Early in the morning, we will start hiking to one of the park’s landmarks — Mirador de Las Torres at the base of the granite peaks. The first stretch leads across the pampa and the Ascencio River before climbing 3 km up to Los Vientos Pass for amazing views of the valley, lakes and glaciers. The walk continues to Chileno Mountain Refuge and deep into a lenga forest to La Morrena, where the hardest part of the hike begins. A steep rocky trail, rises to the spectacular Base Las Torres lookout point. After taking in the awe-inspiring scene, we will descend back to Sector Central for transfer back to Puerto Natales. US$1188 per person, double occupancy. US$890 single supplement. Daily departures from May 1-Aug. 31, 2019, with minimum of 2 people and maximum of 8 Included: Transportation from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park and back. 1-night lodging at the Paine Grande Mountain Refuge, 2 nights at the Francés Campsite, and 1 night at the Central Campsite. Mountain refuge includes sleeping bag. Campsite includes: tent, sleeping bag y sleeping pad. All meals: breakfast, lunch (box lunch) and dinner. Box lunch on the first day and return day. Guide. Torres del Paine National Park entrance fees. Welcome kit. Wilderness bathroom kit with toilet paper, a shovel and plastic bags.
Not included: Any service not specified in the program. Additional activities. Health insurance. Gratuity. Drinks. Shower amenities. Restrooms are not available in winter season, please remember to take trash and wastes to the closest town. From Grey
The day before, we will meet at the office in Puerto Natales for an introduction talk Day 1: Puerto Natales – Grey Glacier Sector – Suspension Bridges This morning, we will pick you up at your hotel in Puerto Natales between 6:00 and 6:30 am to begin our trip to the Grey Pier in our private shuttle. We will check in at 10:00 am to board the catamaran that will take us through the lake to the Grey Mountain Refuge. During the trip by lake, we will enjoy amazing views of the Paine Grande Hill and the Grey Glacier, with its intense shades of blue opening up the path through the mountains. We will have lunch and then walk to El Paso Campsite, from where we will go around the Grey Glacier to reach the Suspension Bridges, two footbridges measuring 51 and 56 m, across gorges that belong to the Paine circuit better known as the “O.” Then, we will return to spend the night at the Grey Mountain Refuge. Day 2: Hike Paine Grande – Francés Sector We will begin our hike early in the morning, leaving behind the magnificent Grey Glacier and following the lakeshore through spectacular lookout points and forests of Antarctic Beech (ñirre), Dombey’s beech (coigüe), and Chilean firebush (notro). After walking about 11 km, we will have lunch at the Paine Grande Sector where we will enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of Los Cuernos del Paine. After lunch, we will go on to the Francés Sector, walking between the shores of Pehoe, Skottsberg and Nordenskjöld Lakes to our right and Paine Grande Hill to our left, the highest peak in the mountain range (3,050 m). We will have dinner and camp at the Francés Sector. Day 3: Hike Francés Valleys On this day, we will visit one of the icons of the circuit, the Francés Valley. We will begin early with a light walk to the Italiano Campsite. From there, we will begin our 2 km climb through the woods up the Francés River Valley to the Francés Lookout Point where we will enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of the circuit, the view to the valley framed by the Hills Paine Grande, Catedral, Hoja, Máscara, Espada, Aleta de Tiburón, and Cuerno del Norte. Depending on the weather, the guide will decide whether to continue the climb up to the Británico Sector or not. Day 4: Hike Estancia Paine Hill Sector We will walk about 13.5 km along the shore of Nordenskjöld Lake, the amazing Cuernos del Paine and Almirante Nieto Hill. During the hike, we will enjoy magnificent views of Los Cuernos, hanging glaciers, lakes, and lush vegetation that will allow us to appreciate the rich and varied wildlife of the area. This journey will allow you to connect with the unique landscape and nature of the Chilean Patagonia. Day 5: Hike Las Torres Base Lookout Point – Return to Puerto Natales We will depart early for one of the park’s landmarks, Las Torres Base Lookout Point. During the first stretch, we will walk through the pampa, cross the Ascencio River and then climb 3 km up to Los Vientos Mountain Pass. From there, we will enjoy amazing views of the valley, lakes and glaciers. We will continue our journey to the Chileno Mountain Refuge, and then go deep into a lenga beech forest up to La Morrena, where the hardest part of the hike begins. We will follow a rock trail to the spectacular Las Torres Base Lookout Point. After beholding the breathtaking scene, we will return to the Estancia Sector and take the van back to Puerto Natales US$1360 per person, double occupancy. US$948 single supplement. Minimum of 2 and maximum of 8 people. Days of program departure: Saturdays from May 4 to August 31, 2019 Included: Transportation from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park and back, 1-night lodging at Central sector campsite, 2 nights at the Francés campsite, and 1 night at the Grey mountain refuge (refuge includes sleeping bag). Campsite includes tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. All meals: breakfast, lunch (box lunch) and dinner. Box lunch on return day to Puerto Natales. Grey lake Catamaran. Guide. Torres del Paine National Park entrance fees. Welcome pack. Wilderness bathroom kit with toilet paper, a shovel and plastic bags.
Not included: Any service not specified in the program. Additional activities. Health insurance. Gratuities. Drinks. Shower amenities Restrooms are not available in winter season, please remember to take trash and wastes to the closest town. From Base Torres
Day 1: Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine At 3:00 pm, we will meet at the office in Puerto Natales for an introduction talk. Then we will travel 2.5 hours in a private shuttle to the Torres del Paine National Park, where we will have dinner and camp at the Estancia Sector Campsite Day 2: Hike Las Torres Base Lookout Point Early in the morning, we will begin our hike to one of the park’s landmarks, Las Torres Base Lookout Point. During the first stretch, we will walk through the pampa, cross the Ascencio River and then climb 3 km up to Los Vientos Mountain Pass where we will enjoy amazing views of the valley, lakes, and glaciers. We will continue our journey to the Chileno Mountain Refuge, and then go deep into a lenga beech forest up to La Morrena, where the hardest part of the hike begins. We will follow a rock trail to the spectacular Las Torres Base Lookout Point. After taking in the awe-inspiring scene, we will begin our descent to the Estancia Sector where we will have dinner and camp. Day 3: Hike Francés Sector We will walk about 13.5 km along the shore of Nordenskjöld Lake, Almirante Nieto Hill, and the amazing Cuernos del Paine. During the hike, we will enjoy magnificent views of Los Cuernos, hanging glaciers, lakes, and lush vegetation that will allow us to appreciate the rich and varied wildlife of the area. Day 4:Hike Francés Valley Our day begins with one of the icons of the circuit, the Francés Valley. We will begin early with a light walk to the Italiano Campsite. From there, we will begin our climb (about 2 km) through the woods up the Francés River Valley. We will continue to the Francés Lookout Point, where we will enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of the circuit, the view to the valley framed by the Hills Paine Grande, Catedral, Hoja, Máscara, Espada, Aleta de Tiburón, and Cuerno del Norte. It will leave you speechless. After this magnificent spectacle, we will begin our descent to the Paine Grande Mountain Refuge. Day 5: Hike Grey Glacier Sector – Grey Glacier Navigation – Return to Puerto Natales On this day, we will reach the third milestone of the circuit, a place that o ers one of the most unforgettable sceneries of the park, the magnificent Grey Glacier. The trail goes around the Paine Grande Hill, the highest peak in the mountain range (3,050 m), with incredible views of its hanging glaciers. Walking amidst Antarctic Beech (ñirre), Dombey’s beech (coigüe), and Chilean firebush (notro), we will reach the first lookout point of Grey Lake, where we will see chunks of glacier floating. We will continue to walk towards the imposing view of Grey Glacier to reach the Grey Mountain Refuge. Then, at 11:30 am we will wait for the catamaran that will take us to the foot of the glacier, where we will enjoy the view of this great block of ice, with more than 6 km wide and 30 m high, divided in two fronts, and which belongs to the Southern Ice Fields. After this magnificent spectacle, we will continue our trip by lake to the Hotel Lago Grey area to return to Puerto Natales, arriving there around 5:00 pm. US$1360 per person, double occupancy. US$948 single supplement. Minimum of 2 and maximum of 8 people. Days of program departure: Tuesdays from May 7 to August 31, 2019 Included: Round trip transfer between Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park. 2-nights lodging at sector Central campsite, 1 night at the Francés campsite (or Cuernos, depending on the availability), and 1 night at the Paine Grande mountain Refuge (including sleeping bag). Campsite includes tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. All meals: breakfast, box lunch and dinner; plus a box lunch on return drive to Puerto Natales. Grey Lake Catamaran. Guide. Torres del Paine National Park entrance fees. Welcome pack. Wilderness bathroom kit with toilet paper, a shovel and plastic bags.
Not included: Any service not specified in the program. Additional activities. Health insurance. Gratuity. Drinks. Shower amenities Restrooms are not available in winter season, please remember to take trash and wastes to the closest town |
Day 1, Arrival
Upon arrival at Punta Arenas airport you will be met by a representative and driven to your hotel in the city. After a chance to leave your luggage and freshen up you’ll be taken on an afternoon city tour to see the highlights of Punta Arenas including the central square and its monuments, the panoramic viewpoint at the top of Cross Hill and the famous cemetery. The evening is free for you do continue exploring at your own leisure or try the hotel's swimming pool with a view over the Magellan Strait. Overnight at Hotel Cabo de Hornos 4* (1st option) in Punta Arenas Day 2, Kayaking Today’s an early start and after breakfast at your hotel you head off on an exciting kayak adventure! Leaving at 7am you’ll be driven 65 km south of Punta Arenas (approximately one hour’s journey) to the San Isidro cape, a beautiful pristine area home to marine fauna and evergreen forest landscapes lining the sea shore. After preparing the equipment (everything is provided for you) and a short safety briefing off you go! Hopefully you’ll see schools of dolphins swimming through the water as you kayak past and sea birds roaming the skies overhead. The excursion will be accompanied at a distance by a zodiac boat which will carry lunch and also serve in case of emergency. After two hours you’ll arrive at the San isidro lighthouse where you’ll do a short walk and visit the lighthouse before enjoying a tasty lunch and some relax time in a sheltered area. After lunch it’s time to paddle back to the starting point then celebrate the 20 km and approximately 6 hours paddling kayak adventure with a group beer before heading back to Punta Arenas. We arrive back at the hotel at approximately 9pm.
Day 3, TREK LAGUNA SOFÍA Only half an hour (driving) away from Puerto Natales you will find a hidden gem. Far from Torres del Paine yet as wild as the region's highlight, Laguna Sofia is a beautiful lake surrounded by majestic mountains and lush green forests. The best viewpoint is Cerro Benitez, a 500 mts. / 1900 ft. mountain that is also a refuge for the elusive South American Condor. A 3-hour round-trip, this hike is ideal to spot one of the Earth's biggest birds while enjoying an incredible view of the surrounding peaks and fjords. Overnight at Hotel Costa Australis 4* (1st option) in Puerto Natales Day 4, Torres del Paine Today’s the big adventure as you head to the famous Torres del Paine national park! After a 2 hour scenic drive to the park, covering 130 km of open Patagonian land, you will be greeted by the long anticipated majestic view of the Torres themselves - 3 dominating granite peaks formed by the remains of glacial ice erosion. First though, there are a few stops en route. Shortly after leaving Puerto Natales you’ll stop at Milodon cave, a prehistoric cave where the remains of a giant ground sloth were discovered in the 1890’s. A replica of the ground sloth can be found in the cave. After a further 30 minutes journey you’ll arrive at the 2nd stop, Cerro castillo, a tiny border town between Chile and Argentina with a little cafe to enjoy a tea or coffee. Next stop Torres del Paine! You’ll arrive at the Laguna Amarga sector and enjoy views of the grandiose Paine massif with its snow capped peaks and sharply contrasted rock colours. It’s highly probable you’ll see Andean Condors and small foxes. You’ll drive along the shores of Nordenskjold and Pehoé lakes, enjoying views of guanaco herds and ñandús, and feel the strong winds in the park as you disembark from the vehicle to do a short walk to the beautiful Salto Grande waterfall with its cascading white water. The view of the Cuernos (horns) is incredible from this point. In the afternoon you continue westwards towards Grey lake where you do an hour and a half walk to a viewpoint over the brilliantly blue icebergs which have floated down the lake from the glacier. The walk itself is stunning, a winter wonderland of Lenga forests, frosty leaves and glacial views. After this spectacular sight you begin the drive back to Puerto Natales.Overnight at Hotel Costa Australis 4* (1st option) in Puerto Natales Day 5, Departure Punta Arenas After breakfast you’ll check out of your hotel and be driven to the airport to catch your return flight. Adios Patagonia! Regular Departures: Every day on request. Regular Departures: Every day on request. Prices valid from 1st of May, 2018 to 31st of August 2018:
Starting / Finishing Points The trip starts at the Airport of Punta Arenas. Included
WEATHER
The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. In addition, the strong marine influence and the effect of the Southern Patagonia Ice field make the weather hard to predict. Winter’s temperature rage is between -2ºC/28ºF and 6ºC/43ºF. June, July and August are the wettest months in Torres del Paine and sub-zero temperatures are common. Nevertheless the winds are relatively mild in winter. Just as quickly as the weather turns nasty, it can become lovely and sunny. So come prepared for all types of weather! PHYSICAL DEMANDS This is the right trip for energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. To enjoy this trek, it’s essential to be in good shape before you arrive. It’s not wise to regard this trek as a means of getting into shape or losing excess weight. Start a program of physical exercise well before departure. WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING Passengers need to be prepared for winter. Essential equipment includes a one day backpack (10 liters - to carry camera, glasses, rain coat, etc), trekking or hiking boots, extra shoes for evenings or in case others get wet, warm waterproof jacket, two pairs of woolen socks, fleece jacket or sweater, shorts or comfortable loose pants, sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm and sunscreen) and optional Capilene underwear for the upper and lower body. ITINERARY MODIFICATIONS The weather in Patagonia can be difficult to deal with at times. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations. |
