Price 2010: $1,880 per person
Dates 2010: Departures all Mondays until April 18th
The trails in between the famous Torres del Paine craggy mountains are among the world's classic trekking routes. Breathtaking views together with glaciers, rivers, lakes, forests and abundant wildlife provide constantly changing scenarios to nourish your nature-hungry soul.
Day 1: Torres del Paine NP, Chile
The trip starts in Punta Arenas city during the morning either at your hotel or at the airport. From Punta Arenas we drive to Cascada EcoCamp located in world famous Torres del Paine National Park. Before arriving though, there are a couple stops. One is at Puerto Natales, where you are invited to check out the town and to leave any luggage you will not need for the trek in our office. The other stop is at Cueva de Milodon. 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: 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. We will of course stop to get some great first shots of the park and also enjoy a delicious box lunch to energize us 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: 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. 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. Then 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 is time to talk about the day while enjoying a replenishing dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 4: 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. 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. Then at Pudeto we’ll board the catamaran to cross Lake Pehoe. From there, we’ll take a short drive back to Cascada EcoCamp in where we’ll enjoy the night. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Torres del Paine NP, Chile
Time for a great breakfast and lots of enthusiasm! 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. It’s not a difficult walk, but energy should nevertheless be saved for the final challenge: the moraine. The moraine is sufficiently steep to consider doing it slowly and with an adequate amount of precaution. After a considerable effort, the Towers come into full view, rising majestically before us with the glacial lake visible below. Once we are in Patagonia, 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: 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. Upon returning to the Ecocamp, a farewell dinner is celebrated with a regional favorite – Patagonian lamb barbecue! 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, all these days in the Park will be profound memories when we return home. (B, L, D)
Day 7: 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. (B, L)
Included
- All ground transport private and domestic as indicated in the itinerary
- Boat crossing over Lake Grey
- 4 nights accommodation sharing a 2 or 3 person domes while in EcoCamp
- 1 night accom. in 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 according to days (B: breakfast, L: lunch, D: dinner)
Excluded:
- Flight tickets
- Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip)
- Voluntary tipping to guides and staff
- Items of personal nature (laundry, sodas, alcoholic beverage other than our famous pisco sour and wine offered in dinners, etc)
