Patagonia Winter Adventures
Winter W Trek - 5 or 7 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, MONDAY - PUNTA ARENAS-PUERTO NATALES
The trip begins with your morning pick up from the Punta Arenas airport or your Punta Arenas hotel, and journey to Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of "Seno de Ultima Esperanza". Here, we’ll enjoy a hearty local lunch, and afterward you will be driven to your hotel. Your winter journey brings with it the short, intense days of Patagonia’s colder months - which are very different from its longer, lighter summer days. As we know, the south is a land of extremes! Overnight at Hotel Martin Gusinde DAY 2, TUESDAY - TREK BASE OF THE TOWERS Today we depart early in the morning to Torres del Paine National Park and our goal for the day, the base of the Towers! After leaving our luggage in the Refugio Central, we will walk towards Hostería Las Torres before ascending to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. 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-view of the Towers - three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After a tough uphill climb, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising 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 the refugio for a well-deserved dinner and to rest for the next day’s adventure. Overnight at Refugio Central DAY 3, WEDNESDAY - LOS CUERNOS TRAIL Today we start the day with a pleasant walk through the Cuernos Trail which leads us alongside the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this walk we will have the opportunity to admire the park’s exquisite flora and fauna, as we enjoy the magnificent views of the park’s central lakes and the Paine’s Horns, majestic black horn-like peaks of slate atop gray granite which crown the center of the Massif. The trek ends at Refugio Los Cuernos, a small and cozy mountain refuge located by the shores of Lake Nordenskjold. The evening is free for relaxing and enjoying dinner. Overnight Refugio Cuernos DAY 4, THURSDAY- THE PAINE MASSIF’S HEART: VALLE FRANCES After breakfast at Refugio Los Cuernos, we will begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley), along a steep trail that leads to the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far in we go depends on our group's trekking rhythm. A swifter walk will lead us to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the south east face of the Massif, where we will be treated to fantastic views of the valley. We will then continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley where we will be able 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). After our upward trek, we will pause for a picnic and to relax a while. This day's trek will end as we descend through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest which will take us to Refugio Paine Grande. N.B. An optional trek to Mirador Britanico may be available weather and time permitting. Overnight Refugio Paine Grande DAY 5, FRIDAY, GREY GLACIER Today we hike from Paine Grande Refugio along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern end of glacial Lake Grey. Along the trek we will have different views of this breathtaking glacier, as well as the chance to enjoy perspectives of the Southern Ice Fields. Once we arrive, those who still want to walk will have the chance to approach the glacier from different lookouts. Overnight Refugio Grey DAY 6, SATURDAY, GREY GLACIER After breakfast we will board the boat that sails right up to the huge, crystalline facade of Grey Glacier, where we will have plenty of time to marvel at the calving glacier. From the southern end of Grey Glacier, we will transfer to Puerto Natales to enjoy a free afternoon.Overnight at Hotel Martin Gusinde DAY 7, SUNDAY - BACK TO PUNTA ARENAS We board a morning vehicle, sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas in time to catch the evening flight. Rates are valid from May 2021 to August 2021 Price is based on a 4 people group (2 or 3 people groups need to pay a supplement) 4 people group: CLP 1,260,000 per person Supplements:
Fixed Departures: May 4th, 2020 , May 18th, 2020, June 1st, 2020, June 15th, 2020, June 29th, 2020, July 13th, 2020, August 3rd, 2020, August 17th, 2020 Important Notes:
***1 transfer in from Punta Arenas to Ecocamp, departing around 10:30am (hotel or Airport). Last arrival time at Punta Arenas Airport is 9:30am. Box lunch included. We suggest add one night In Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales
1 transfer out from Ecocamp to Punta Arenas, departing around 9am and guests will be able to catch flights after 4pm. We suggest add one night in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales INCLUDED
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. 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. The “What to bring” document is not a suggestion, but mandatory • Guests must bring sleeping bag, mat, dry bag and flashlight. If they want to rent, please advise in advance. • Guests must have previous experience • Crampons included • There’s no porter for guests on this program. Porters will take care only of camping equipment. • Italian and Cuernos Campsite have basic infrastructure. No hot water!!! 5 Day Packages - 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 tow |
Add some kayaking to your hiking to
work some other muscles! 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 hike excursion to Magallanes National Park, 7 km west from Punta Arenas city. Here you will hike along ancient lenga an ñirre trees. The evening is free for you to continue exploring at your own leisure or try the hotel's swimming pool with a view over the Magellan Strait. Overnight at Boutique Hotel La Yegua Loca (1st option) in Punta Arenas Day 2 - CAVE PAINTINGS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCURSION Today’s an early start and after breakfast you head off to the city of Puerto Natales. After lunch we will visit the Milodon Cave Natural Monument, one of the most important Paleontological sites in South America and one of the oldest human settlements in Patagonia. The Milodon Cave Natural Monument, located about 24 kilometers north of the city. In it we will visit the Milodon cave, where Hermann Eberhard, the first settler of the province discovers a piece of skin of an unknown animal for that time and that two years later would come to light to the surprise of scientists and researchers from around the world , thus discovered a new species already extinct, the Milodon. After this you will visit the cave paintings of the area, manifestations that 5,000 years ago in a sector known as Dos Herraduras. We will go to a conglomerate of almost 40 meters high known as the Devil's Chair to enjoy a snack in the middle of a beautiful natural environment. In the course we will visit the middle cave, used as a human settlement, for the first migration of the Paleoindian or Primitive Indian. Overnight at Hotel Vendaval (1st option) in Puerto Natales Day 3, KAYAKING After breakfast you will go on an exciting kayaking adventure! Kayaking in the Eberhard Fjord is a half-day activity, which begins roughly 30 minutes from Puerto Natales. Upon arrival, we’ll meet in an old house from 1909 with the owners who have lived there for generations. From here, we’ll get on our semi-dry suits and leave our valuables in a safe area. Our guides will also go over all safety rules and regulations. Then the kayaking adventure begins! We’ll navigate through the historic Eberhard Fjord, traveling from Puerto Prat to Puerto Consuelo. Along the way, we’ll pass by Isla Kruger, also known as Isla de Los Muertos. Don’t forget to look out for native birds that inhabit the area! We’ll stop for a brief 40 minute walk to visit the magnificent viewpoints and enjoy a quick snack and hot tea. After arriving back at the house in Puerto Prat, we’ll sit together for a typical Chilean “once,” which is a small meal consisting of jam, eggs, bread, pastries, coffee and tea. *Please note that the route is dependent on the weather conditions. After receiving our box lunch the big adventure continues as we head into the famous Torres del Paine national park! After a 2-3 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 towers themselves - 3 dominating granite peaks formed by the remains of glacial ice erosion. We will make a short stop along the way at Cerro Castillo, a tiny border town between Chile and Argentina with a little cafe where you can enjoy a tea or coffee. Next stop is Laguna Amarga where we will enjoy views of the grandiose Paine massif, its snow capped peaks and sharply contrasting rock colors. 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 feeling the Park’s strong winds Overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia, Suite Dome. Torres del Paine National Park. The main restriction for this program is regarding the Kayaking. Guests should be over 16 years old and weight less than 100kg. If you can not do this activity, we can quote an alternative, such as a half day horseback riding Day 4, Torres del Paine Do an excursion according to the EcoCamp's winter excursion schedule: Tuesdays - Towers Base Trek (demanding hiking) or Miradores Excursion (ride + easy hike) Wednesdays - Cerro Paine Trek (demanding hiking) or Pingo trek (moderate hiking) or easy nature walk + Grey Glacier boat ride Thursdays - Cuernos Trek (medium hike) or Sarmiento Lake nature walk Fridays - Towers Base Trek (demanding hiking) or Miradores Excursion (ride + easy hike) Saturdays - Cerro Paine Trek (demanding hiking) or Pingo trek (moderate hiking) or easy nature walk + Grey Glacier boat ride Overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia, Suite Dome. Torres del Paine National Park. Towers Base Trek Day 5, Departure After breakfast, you’ll be driven in EcoCamp's regular transfer to Punta Arenas airport to catch your return flight. Adios Patagonia! Departures: available when Eco Camp is open (May 4-10, 18-24, June 1-7, 15,21, 29-July 5, July 13-19, August 3-9, 17-23). The program can start any day of the selected weeks, but they will not have regular excursions on Sundays or Mondays. • Private excursions are subject to availability • Wednesday and Saturdays are the only possible days for navigation by Lake Grey. If navigation does not reach the minimum request, they have a trek to Ferrier Hill or Pingo Trail available. Prices valid from May to August 2021:
Starting / Finishing Points
The trip starts at the Airport of Punta Arenas. *** 1 transfer out from Ecocamp to Punta Arenas, departing around 9am and guests will be able to catch flights after 4pm. We suggest add one night in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales Included
What will be the Ecocamp operation in winter? • 4 superior domes + 2 dbl suite domes will be available. • The 2 Suite domes can have an extra bed each. • Community domes: The Dome Bar will be open for breakfast and dinner, as well as the Living dome. • The meals will be adapted to the weather, with more caloric and warmer options such as soup, “cazuelas”, beans, etc. Dinner will be a 3 course meal with vegan/ vegetarian options (available if informed in advance). Box Lunch will have more simple sandwiches, and will provide a thermos, where guests can have creams/soups. Guides will take coffee and tea with them • As the daylight hours are less, the excursions will end earlier than usual. Passengers will be able to enjoy EcoCamp with games, books and even meetings with some invited guests and guides 4 -6 Day Custom AdventureThis program lets you choose to experience the best of winter in Torres del Paine at your own pace by selecting the activities that better fit you. This trip starts and ends at either: Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or Cerro Castillo.
Valid from May 4th to September 2nd, 2020 DEPARTURES: available when Eco Camp is open (May 4-10, 18-24, June 1-7, 15,21, 29-July 5, July 13-19, August 3-9, 17-23) STARTING/FINISHING POINTS: This trip starts and ends at either: Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales .
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
2020 rates per person in Chilean pesos:
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