Chile: Patagonia Explorer


The trails between the famous craggy mountains of Torres del Paine in Patagonia are among the world´s classic trekking routes. Breathtaking views of glaciers, rivers, lakes, forests, and abundant wildlife provides the trip with constantly changing scenes and experiences. During summer (Nov–Mar) there are 18 hours of day light which gives us plenty of time for exploring!

The trek itinerary is mostly what is known as the “W”, visiting the Grey glacier and lake, French Valley, Los Cuernos pass and Las Torres. This popular Patagonian trek is suitable for active travelers sensitive to nature and physically fit to make moderate 5–6 hours walks over 5 days. All the day hikes start from the “door” of your tent at either of two camps.

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive Santiago

Transfer to your comfortable 3 star hotel.

1

Arrive Santiago

Day free to relax or explore Santiago on an optional half day sightseeing tour. Overnight at hotel.

2

**OPTION TO START TRIP ON THIS DAY IN PUNTA ARENAS** Travel to Torres del Paine, Patagonia

In the morning, transfer to Santiago airport and fly to Punta Arenas, arriving around 12 noon. Reception at the airport and transfer to EcoCamp Las Torres by vehicle (345 km/ 216miles /5hrs) inside the famous Torres del Paine National Park. In summer time, the sun sets around 11pm giving us plenty of light to admire the landscape en route and the craggy mountains while entering the park. We will make short stops in the township of Puerto Natales, to take a look at the town and enjoy lunch, and in the enormous Milodon Cave, a giant geological wonder that once sheltered a prehistoric sloth. Overnight at EcoCamp in Las Torres, a semi-permanent encampment with geodesic-domed tents built on raised wooden platforms large enough for two beds. (L,D);

3

In Paine National Park (Grey Glacier and Lake Pehoe)

Drive across the park (about 1 1/2 hrs) viewing the spectacular mountain views of Paine Grande and Los Cuernos (the horns), and spotting frequent guanaco herds along the way. Reach Lago Grey and board a boat for a 40-minute trip across the lake to the towering glacier walls. After ample time to marvel at this calving glacier, and enjoy a picnic lunch, we¹ll hike about four hours to the Refugio (simple mountain lodge) at Lago Pehoe. (Your clothes and personal belongings needed for this and the next night are transported separately to the lodge in duffel bags that we will provide you upon arrival at the EcoCamp). If the weather conditions do not allow us to navigate Lake Grey, we will instead drive 45 minutes from the EcoCamp to Pudeto to board a catamaran ferry to Pehoe. We¹ll then hike to the Grey Glacier and return in the late afternoon. The hike all the way to the glacier and back takes about 6-7 hours, but you have the option of turning back at any point you wish to make the hike shorter. Overnight at simple mountain lodge called Refugio Pehoe. (B,L,D)

4

In Paine National Park (Valle del Frances)

In the morning, the trek from Pehoe will cover about 8 km/ 5 miles (2.5­3.5 hrs) over undulating terrain through mixed grassland and light forest to meet the Frances river at Camp Italiano where we have lunch. From here there is an optional round trip hike of another 3 km/ 2 miles (1.5 ­ 2.5 hrs) following the wild river upstream to the lookout point over the French Glacier where there is a magnificent view of one of the most spectacular cirques in the Paine range. Once we are back at Camp Italiano, we continue walking (1hr) along the shore of lake Nordenskjold until reaching Refugio Los Cuernos for overnight. The dining room of this lodge has a panoramic view of the mountains above and the beautiful lake below! (B,L-,D).

5

In Paine National Park (Valle del Frances)

Hike over the undulating Los Cuernos Trail beside the lake (12km/8mi) until reaching Estancia Las Torres and the Eco Camp. The name of the trail is taken from the fact that it passes under the famous Cuernos (horns) of the Paine massif. The trip ends at the Eco-camp in Las Torres for overnight (B,L,D)

6

In Paine National Park (Towers of Paine, Laguna Azul)

On either day, depending on the best weather conditions we hike 10km/6,3miles (8hrs rt.) to the foot of the impressive granite massif of El Paine. From here admire the most amazing sight of the Paine Towers (weather permitting). The famous Torres del Paine(2.900m/9.400ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, remains of a great cirque that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. The other day is saved to walk (2-3hrs) around the beech forest at Laguna Azul and then trek (2-4hrs) across the pampa (steppe) terrain back to Laguna Amarga or EcoCamp. Farewell dinner at the EcoCamp is honored with a typical Patagonean lamb barbecue. (B,L,D)

7-8

Travel to Punta Arenas

Early in the morning board a vehicle back to Punta Arenas in time to catch the evening flight back to Santiago. (B, Box lunch). Overnight at hotel.

9

Trip ends

Fly home or begin extension trips into the Andes around Santiago.

10

 

Synopsis

Trip Grading:

Length: 10 days total

Max. Altitude: 1100m / 3600ft

Begins/Ends in Santiago, Chile (Contact our office for other dates).

Land Cost: $2845 (per person sharing twin)

Oct 01– Oct 10 ’16
Nov 05 – Nov 14 ’16
Dec 17 – Dec 26 ’16
Dec 31 - Jan 09 '17
Jan 21 – Jan 30 ’17
Feb 04 – Feb 13 ’17

Feb 11 – Feb 20 ‘17
Feb 18 – Feb 27 ’17
Mar 04 – Mar 13 ’17
Mar 18 – Mar 27 ’17
Mar 25 - Apr 03 '17
Apr 01 - Apr 10 '17

Domestic Air tickets: Apx. $495 (Santiago - Punta Arenas)

Single Supplement: $250us (if requested/required)

Climate: Central Chile enjoys an ideal Mediterranean climate, mild temperate, being the warmest months November to February when temperatures reach 32°C. June to August are the coolest with temperatures as low as 0°C.

Note: CANADIAN HIMALAYAN EXPEDITIONS reserves the right to modify or change any program itinerary to ensure client safety. The company does not accept any responsibility for maltreatment (damage) of equipment, loss, accident, unforeseen costs, unavoidable delays, services provide by intermediaries, nor direct or indirect acts which are out the company’s control.

You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.

Synopsis

Trip Grading:

Length: 10 days total

Max. Altitude: 1100m / 3600ft

Begins/Ends in Santiago, Chile (Contact our office for other dates).

Land Cost: $2845 (per person sharing twin)

Oct 01– Oct 10 ’16
Nov 05 – Nov 14 ’16
Dec 17 – Dec 26 ’16
Dec 31 - Jan 09 '17
Jan 21 – Jan 30 ’17
Feb 04 – Feb 13 ’17

Feb 11 – Feb 20 ‘17
Feb 18 – Feb 27 ’17
Mar 04 – Mar 13 ’17
Mar 18 – Mar 27 ’17
Mar 25 - Apr 03 '17
Apr 01 - Apr 10 '17

Domestic Air tickets: Apx. $495 (Santiago - Punta Arenas)

Single Supplement: $250us (if requested/required)

Climate: Central Chile enjoys an ideal Mediterranean climate, mild temperate, being the warmest months November to February when temperatures reach 32°C. June to August are the coolest with temperatures as low as 0°C.

Note: CANADIAN HIMALAYAN EXPEDITIONS reserves the right to modify or change any program itinerary to ensure client safety. The company does not accept any responsibility for maltreatment (damage) of equipment, loss, accident, unforeseen costs, unavoidable delays, services provide by intermediaries, nor direct or indirect acts which are out the company’s control.

You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.