Moderate
to strenuous trekking based on camping
In the Southern extreme of Chilean Patagonia, just north of the
Magellan Straits, lies a large granite pluton crowned with rugged
spires of black turbidities and gleaming white glaciers. To the east
stretch the endless pampa of Argentina, to the west looms the Patagonian
Ice Cap. The native Tehuelche Indian inhabitants called this area
"Paine," their name for the turquoise blue lakes of the
area.
The towers are surrounded by a network of rivers and lakes, Southern
Beech (Nothofagus) rain forests, and scrub steppe. Here resides the
guanaco (native camalid), puma, and fox. Tremendous varieties of exotic
birds, from the rhea (native ostrich), condors, and Black-necked Swans
to parakeets, flamingos, and Flightless Steamer Ducks, thrive here.
Unique displays of flora fascinate the botanist while stupefying scenery
awaits the photographer.
Our trekking passes around the feet of the massive granite towers
that soar almost 10,000' above us. We utilize various base camps,
so despite the sometimes tempestuous climate we always have a comfortable
camp set up including showers and delicious meals.
For the most part the trails are not rugged or difficult; although
optional 8 hours trail days are not uncommon. We will be trekking
through some of the most spectacular terrain anywhere in the world.
Weather is always unpredictable and adds to our adventure.
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| Day 1
PUNTA ARENAS - PUERTO NATALES |
| Reception
at the airport and drive towards Seno Otway to visit a rookery of
over 3 thousand Magallenic Penguins. Later continue to Puerto Natales
(3 hours driving). Accommodation at our hotel. Evening orientation.
Welcome dinner and overnight in cozy hotel. (D) |
| Day 2
PUERTO NATALES - TORRES DEL PAINE - PEHOE CAMP OR SHELTER |
| Breakfast.
Morning pick-up at your hotel. Drive to Torres del Paine National
Park. After two hours drives we enter into Park, we have a great viewing
of guanaco and rhea. We start our trekking adventure. Hiking to the
electric falls of Salto Grande, we make a short crossing of Lago Pehoe
on a stable catamaran to our campsite. All meals included through
day 6. (B,L,D) |
| Day 3
GREY LAKE & GLACIER - PEHOE CAMP OR SHELTER (8 hours) |
| Today we
hike to the edge of the Grey Glacier through a temperate rainforest
that clings to the mountain's steep sides. Such lush vegetation next
to the ice and below the steep summit of Paine Grande is a unique
environment. Often we are treated to the sight of the magnificent
Magalenic Woodpecker or the incredible explosions of calving ice!
Return to Pehoe camp. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4
VALLE FRANCES - PEHOE CAMP |
| In the
morning we will trek along Lago Skottsberg. Here we have terrific
views of Paine Grande and the famous turbidity tipped towers of the
Cuernos. We continue to the mouth of Rio Frances and hike up Valle
Frances, directly below the Frances Glacier to the British camp between
the granite walls of Fortaleza, the Cuernos, and Paine Grande. Avalanches
from the Frances Glacier keep us mesmorized while views of the Southern
Patagonia Icecap are amazing. Return to Pehoe camp. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5
PEHOE - NORDENSKJOLD LAKE - LAS TORRES CAMP OR SHELTER |
| Returning
by boat across Lago Pehoe, we traverse along the south shore of Lago
Nordenskjold with fantastic views of the whole Paine pluton right
in front of the famous "Horns" of Paine (The Cuernos). Windswept
water on the exposed lake sometimes creates 500 foot waterspouts.
Our vehicle meets us and carries us on through guanaco breeding grounds
then east to camping Las Torres. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6
VALLE ASCENCIO - PUERTO NATALES |
| Today we
ascend Valle Ascensio to the very base of the granite Towers of Paine.
It is a beautiful hike through the steppe and Southern Beech forests
to the alpine glacier and its tarn beneath an incredible vertical
world of ice and granite. The views are spectacular. Return to camp
in the evening and continue driving to the picturesque town of Puerto
Natales, on the shores of the famous Last Hope Sound. Here a cozy
hotel and farewell dinner await us. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7
PUERTO NATALES - PUNTA ARENAS |
| Morning
transfer back to Punta Arenas and to afternoon connections at the
airport. Or you may wish to connect the Trip Extension Last Sound
Cruise (see below), Los Glaciares Adventure in Argentina (7 days)
or sea kayaking expedition in the Andean Fjords of Pumalin Park from
Puerto Montt. (B) |
| TRIP EXTENSION
"LAST HOPE SOUND CRUISE" |
| Day 7
PUERTO NATALES - SERRANO & BALMACEDA GLACIERS (9 hours) |
| Full day
boat excursion up Last Hope Sound to the Serrano and Balmaceda Glaciers.
On the way we pass spectacular scenery, cormorant and sea lion rookeries,
and isolated estancias nestled in the steep sided fjord. Arriving
at Serrano Glacier we take a hike right to the very toe of the glacier.
Afternoon return to Puerto Natales and transfer to a modern public
bus for the return trip to Punta Arenas. Transfer from bus station
to your hotel. Overnight. (B, L) |
| Day 8
PUERTO NATALES - PUNTA ARENAS |
| Breakfast.
Morning at leisure o explore this city and transfer by regular bus
to the airport of Punta Arenas (3 hours). (B) |
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B = breakfast
L = box lunch or launches
D = dinner |
| Daily departures
min. 2 people from September to April. |
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| Optional
combination trips: |
1)
You may also continue with another amazing trekking "Los Glaciares
Argentina Adventure" on day 7, or
2) you may continue with our sea kayaking trip into the Andean Fjords
of Pumalin Park, 6 days. |
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TENTS CAMPSITES
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SHELTER
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2-3 persons
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US$ 1.472
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US$ 1.647
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4-6 persons
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US$ 1.329
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US$ 1.440
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7 up
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US$ 1.110
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US$ 1.236
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Single supplement
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US$ 126*
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| *Available
only at the hotels in cities . |
| TRIP
EXTENSION COST US$ 194 per person |
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| Note:
If our regular departures are not coincident with your travel
plans, we may confirm any other date with minimum 2 people at request.
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INCLUDED :
- All accommodations (quoted per person, based on sharing a double
room or tent)
- All camp meals, bilingual guide & camp staff
- All community camp gear (two man tents)
- All transfers and ground transportation during trekking, entrance
fees, and sightseeing where noted.
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NOT INCLUDED :
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Any type of insurance
- Tips and other items of a personal nature (laundry, drinks out
of program and other items not mentioned)
- Internal Airfares and taxes
- Meals and drinks noted as on your own
- Personal gear (sleeping bag and pad, etc)
- Medical expenses.
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| DEGREE
OF DIFFICULTY AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONING: |
| This trip
is moderate to strenuous. Trekking is generally easy but we do cover
some rugged trails. Members are expected to be in good physical condition.
No special abilities are needed although group members should realize
that tempestuous weather is normal for this region. |
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TRIP
SUPPLEMENTS:
On receipt of your deposit, we will send you our General Information
for this trip including equipment list. |
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| Please
ask for our General Terms and Conditions Form. |
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