Torres del Paine - 7 day Trek - Ref: PAT025
Trekking in the Torres del Paine National Park is one of the top listed places for keen hikers. We offer 5 day, 7 day and 10 day trips and these can be done back to back with a trek to Mount Fitzroy in the Argentinian Patagonia.
This 7 day trek takes in the Grey glacier and lake, French Valley, Los Cuernos pass and Las Torres, with many views of the Torres del Paine. This is our most popular trek in Patagonia, suitable for the active traveller who is sensitive to nature and physically fit to make moderate 5-6 hours walks during 5 days. All the day hikes start from the "door" of your tent at either of our two camps.
The Eco Camp
It's a luxury camp, similar in concept to the famous African lodges. It is a more comfortable alternative to refugios. They are environmentally friendly, which is very important especially in a national park with the characteristics of Torres del Paine.
The Ecocamp has been designed with the comfort of our travellers in mind but above all stressing the importance of interfering as little as possible with the surroundings in which we have installed it. This need to protect the environment has meant that we have had to be very efficient in managing the eco-camps. This means that we cannot offer such comforts as ensuite bathrooms, diesel generators etc.
We are utilising new technologies and sustainable processes which demand a greater effort and more patience from our guests (less availability of water and solar energy for electricity, making compost, less waste etc). We think that the solution that we have designed for our guests, in one of the most important national parks of the southern hemisphere, is efficient and in harmony with nature, we hope you agree.
Tour Details:
Trekking Grade - moderate;
The maximum number - 20, but usually there are about 4 to 8 people with a mixture of nationalities (mainly North American & Western European). The typical age range core is 30-40 with a possible range from 21 to 75;
Accommodation - mostly in our Eco Friendly super tents, with some nights in local mountain huts (refugios);
Dates - every Monday from early November through late March. If you do not make your reservation well in advance there is a chance that there will be no space in the EcoCamps and you will be accommodated elsewhere;
Visas - a visa is not required for UK and US passport holders. Argentina requires those travelling without visas to have round-trip or onward tickets;
Personal insurance - comprehensive travel insurance is required on this trip.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 1 (Mondays) - Travel to Torres del Paine
You should plan to arrive at Punta Arenas by about 12 noon on the earliest morning flight from Santiago. Reception at the airport (we will pick you up from your hotel in Punta Arenas if you are already in the city) and transfer to Camp Las Torres. This a drive of 345 km/216miles and takes about 5hrs to reach the famous Torres del Paine National Park and our camp at Las Torres. In summer time, the sun sets around 23:00 hours giving us plenty of light to admire the landscape en route and the Torres as we enter the park. We will make short stops in Puerto Natales, to take a look of the town and enjoy lunch, and in the enormous Cueva del Milodon, a large geological wonder that once sheltered a prehistoric giant sloth. Overnight at our EcoCamp in Las Torres (L, D).
Day 2 - Lake Grey
Drive to the southern end of Lake Grey, cross the hanging bridge onto Grey beach overlooking floating icebergs and start walking gently over the Grey Peninsula to have a splendid view of the distant Grey Glacier. After lunch, drive back and take a short hike (2hrs round trip) up to Mirador Pehoe to admire the most spectacular sight (weather permitting) of the Paine massif. Once at the shores of lake Pehoe walk softly to Salto Grande, a giant waterfall between Lake Nordenskjold and Lake Pehoe. From here we have another splendid view of Paine Grande and Los Cuernos rising dramatically behind the lake. At 18:00 hours we board the catamaran that sails the turquoise Lake Pehoe. Overnight at Camp Pehoe (B, L-, D).
Day 3 - Glacier Grey
Trek to Mirador Grey (3hrs round trip) or beyond and approach the towering walls of Grey glacier which delivers the giant South Patagonic icefield to the lake. The view is very impressive at this point with numerous large icebergs drifting across the water. Depending on the group participants physical condition and the weather, we may proceed (3 hrs round trip) to the foot of the glacier to get an outstanding view. Return to Pehoe Camp to overnight (B,L-,D).
Day 4 - Valle del Frances
Today we trek about 8 kms (2,5 - 3,5 hrs) up to Campamento Italiano and then continue with a round trip to Mirador del Frances (3 km, 1,5-2,5 hrs). The trail between Camp Pehoe and Camp Italiano makes its way north through undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest to meet River Frances and Camp Italiano. From here we follow the wild river upstream until we reach El Mirador (lookout point) facing Glaciar Frances with a magnificent broad view of the lakes below. Once we are back at Camp Italiano we continue walking for about 1 hour to the shore of lake Nordenskjold and Refugio Los Cuernos for our overnight stop (B,L-,D).
Day 5 - Paso Los Cuernos
Today will be an easy trek starting at Refugio Cuernos and ending at Refugio Las Torres. The name of the trail is taken from the fact that it passes under the Cuernos (horns) of the Paine massif. Todays trek ends at our Ecocamp in Las Torres for your overnight stop (B,L,D).
Day 6 - Valle Ascensio
Today the trekking (10 km, 8 hrs round-trip) take us to the foot of the impressive granite massif of El Paine. From here admire the Paine Towers from the best viewpoints. The famous Torres del Paine (2900m / 9400ft) consist of three granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Once back at the camp, enjoy a farewell dinner and celebrate our achievements. Overnight at our EcoCamp in Las Torres (B,L-,D).
Day 7 - Travel to Punta Arenas
Early in the morning we drive back to Punta Arenas on time to catch the evening flight (book your seat on a flight that takes off after 18:30 hours) to Santiago. (B, Box lunch).
If you are combining this trip with the 7 day Fitzroy and Glaciares Trek, then, instead of driving to Punta Arenas, we will leave you at Cerro Castillo - just 1 hr from our Ecocamp - to join our other group which is heading to Calafate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
What is included
Accommodation as detailed. English speaking guide. All meals as detailed by the code (B=breakfast, L=lunch, "L-"=boxed lunch, D=dinner). All ground transport - from/to Punta Arenas Airport and at all times in between. Portage of the group equipment. All park fees.
What is not included
The price allows for joining in Punta Arenas. International or internal airfares (but we are happy to quote you) and airport taxes etc. Sleeping bags. Personal extras and special request purchases. Drinks other than tea / coffee as served with the meals. Visa fees (if required), vaccination costs, personal clothing and all items of a personal nature. Medical treatment, emergency & evacuation costs. Personal Travel Insurance.
Airfare
As a guide, the national R/T airfare for Santiago - Punta Arenas - Santiago should be about USD350 for economy class return ticket. We can provide a competitive quote with excellent service for your International flight tickets.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Chile
Argentina
Hiking & Trekking
National Parks
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