From $2073 per person, based on
double occupancy. Price includes
ground transportation, camping equipment, meals as specified,
guide, packhorses/porters, park fees
Group departures
every sUnday, October 14, 2007 - March 30, 2008. Private
trips can depart any day.
We also offer
5 and 7-night (The "W") Torres del Paine treks
The Torres del Paine circuit around the
famous craggy mountains is one of the world’s classic
trekking routes. A breathtaking view together with glaciers,
rivers, lakes, forests and abundant wildlife provides
the trip with constantly changing scenarios 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. 50 miles. The trek is best done
in an counter-clockwise direction that saves the hardest
sections until later and prevents walkers from being impeded
by strong wind currents. During summer (Dec-Mar) there
are 18 hours of daylight, which gives trekkers plenty
of time for the journey.
Day 1: Punta
Arenas – Torres del Paine
Upon arrival at the Punta Arenas airport, you will be
met by your guide and transferred by private vehicle approximately
5 hours to Camp Las Torres in Torres del Paine National
Park. Stop in the town of Puerto Natales for lunch and
a short visit. Another stop at the Milodon Cave, a giant
geological wonder that once sheltered a prehistoric sloth.
You'll also pass by Figueroa Lagoon and several beautiful
lakes, keeping your eyes peeled for guanacos, ostriches,
black-necked swans, flamingos and condors along the way.
Dinner and overnight at the comfortable EcoCamp. (L, D)
Day 2: Valle
Ascencio
This morning begin the day hike up the Valle Ascencio
to the foot of the impressive granite massif of El Paine.
From here admire the classic view of the Paine Towers.
The Torres del Paine (2,900m) stand just north of the
Cuernos (horns) peaks and consist of three gigantic granite
monoliths - the remains of a great cirque that has been
sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Return to EcoCamp
for dinner and overnight – 9-10 hours, round-trip.
(B, L, D)
Day 3: Laguna
Azul - Lago Dickson
Early transfer to Laguna Azul (blue lagoon), a very unique
forest landscape from where you have a spectacular view
over the Paine. The lagoon hosts many species of birds
including Parinas and black woodpeckers. At Dickson Lake
you will have a spectacular view of 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 lake level
and continue across open grasslands along the Rio Paine
to Refugio Dickson. Your campsite will be in the stunning
Dickson Valley surrounded by towering snow capped peaks
and the pretty waters of Dickson Lake with Mt. Cubo in
the distance. Overnight camping at Lago Dickson (hot showers
available) - 9 hours (B, L, D)
Day 4: Glacier
Dickson
An easy hike to recover from the last two demanding days.
Today you will trek north to Lago Quemado and get close
to the beautiful Dickson Glacier and its iceberg-filled
lake. - 6 hours. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Lago
Dickson- Los Perros
Today your trek follows the Rio Los Perros and crosses
the wildest and least accessible section of the trek.
You will hike through virgin beech forest and cross several
smaller rivers along the way to Laguna Los Perros, where
camp will be set up - 5 hours. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Los Perros-
Camp Grey
Today you reach the highest point of the trek (1300mts.)
with an awe-inspiring view of the Ventisquero Grey, an
enormous fractured mass of ice choking the valley. The
route continues south along forested slopes (with occasional
landslides) above the glacier to Camp Grey. Dinner and
overnight at Camp Grey. – 10 hours. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Camp
Grey - Camp Pehoe
Free morning. Optional half day hike on the Grey Glacier
with the use of crampons. (You can 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).
This afternoon, 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 at camp by the turquoise Lake
Pehoe. - 4 hours. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Valle
Frances
The trail 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 the Rio Frances. From here you follow the
river upstream passing Camp Frances, below Glaciar Frances,
and continue until reaching a small hut built by a British
climbing expedition. This magnificent setting is surrounded
by high peaks on all sides none more spectacular than
the Cuernos del Paine. Later you return to Pehoe, take
the 6:30PM boat that crosses Lago Pehoe and drive back
to EcoCamp at Las Torres - 8-10 hours, round-trip. (B,
L, D)
Day 10: Las
Torres – Punta Arenas
Depart by private vehicle to Punta Arenas with box lunch
provided en route. You will be transferred to the airport
in Punta Arenas in time for your departing flight. (B,L)
Contact
us to include the Torres Del Paine Trek in Patagonia
in a customized itinerary of travel in Chile.
