Chile - Southern Patagonia
Torres del Paine 9 day Hike "The Full Circuit"

General Information & Outline Packing List

Pack horses and Porters:

We use packhorses on days 3, 4 and 5 to take clients backpacks and the communal camping equipment. On these days you hike only with your daypack. You are allowed to send up to 15 kgs. (30 pounds) on your backpack with the horses those days.

There is a very demanding section of the trail known as "Perros / Pehoe" (days 6 to 8), which lasts three full days. The trails are too narrow and rocky to use horses on this section. We hire porters to carry all the communal gear and food those days. You can use the porter service to send your personal pack instead of carrying it yourself, for an additional cost (see the main itinerary or ask us). You are allowed, in that case, to send up to 10 kgs (circa 20 pounds).

Our policy to our staff does not allow porters to carry more than 25 kgs (10 kgs each for two clients and 5 kgs for the porter's personal belongings).

Tier Pricing

In order to operate small groups, this trip is priced according to the number of full-price passengers on the trip. Our staff, invited passengers as journalists or tour operators' representatives under a familiarization trip and other discounted travellers are excluded from the count for this purpose. We initially invoice you at the highest tier level price. If the price drops due to an increase in group size, you will be refunded the difference.

Vehicles

A private vehicle will deliver us to Torres del Paine National Park on day 1 and will pick us up on day 10 and drop us at the airport or at a hotel in Punta Arenas..

Group Size

2 people minimum. 6-12 clients is the typical group size plus staff. Maximum is 20 clients.

Fixed Departures

The trip starts every Wednesday morning in the airport of Punta Arenas from October 1st to March 31th. You must arrive from Santiago in the first flight that arrives around noon. The trip ends in the airport of Punta Arenas at 5PM approx. You should book your return flights with the last flight (usually leaves Punta Arenas after 6:30PM). 

Physical Demands

The trip, rated strenuous, is recommended for people in excellent physical condition in the habit of walking long distances and camping outdoors. To enjoy this trek it is essential to be in shape before you arrive. It is not wise to regard this trek as a means of getting into shape or losing excess weight. Start a programme of conditioning well before departure -in fact as soon as you book- and be aware that short walks on the flat do little to prepare you for the gradients of the Torres del Paine National Park. Regular aerobic exercise (power walking, jogging, cycling on hills, swimming, cross country skiing, etc) for al least one hour 4-5 times a week is suggested. Additionally, you must be able to sustain exercise for prolonged periods. Consult your Usual medical advisor if you have questions concerning your underlying health. All trekkers over 65 years old are requested to send ahead a medical examination that states that they are able to safely accomplish strenuous hiking in the opinion of the usual medical advisor / alternative medical advisor.  One portion of the 10-day circuit crosses a mountain pass called John Gardner (between Perros and Grey).  This section is very strenuous and takes about 10 hrs. The highest point we reach is 4000ft.

What you need to bring

Day backpack (30-40lt), mountain backpack, waterproof trekking boots, waterproof parka & pants, inner isolating layer (fleece or wool), three changes of clothes, sun hat, sun screen, hiking socks, sandals (for after hikes and few creek crosses), bathing suit, sunglasses, towel (optional), ski poles (optional). sleeping bag, sleeping pad, long underwear, extra change of socks, gaitors (very useful), flashlight/headlamp, extra insulating layer (fleece, wool, or expedition weight long underwear). A complete booklet with detailed information about what to bring will be sent to you once you book the trip.

Extra services

We can also book and purchase for you at the best rates available the following side services: Domestic flights, Hotel accommodation in Santiago (3 to 5 stars), Airport and Hotel pick ups in Santiago, side trips in Santiago and longer extension trips (rafting, riding, hiking, etc) in other areas throughout Chile.

About the itinerary

The numbers in brackets (distance-kms, time-hrs) are approximated and refer to the trekking portions exclusively.  In general the itinerary submitted and the estimated of time is reasonable for well-fit passengers, considering also good weather conditions and occasional stops for sightseeing and pictures. 

Additional Information and References

Once you book the trip, we will send you a Pre-trip Information booklet with useful and detailed information about your trip with us.

Not sure about us? We will be happy to provide you with references of satisfied past travelers. 

The climate

The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to the saturated winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, both the strong marine and the South Patagonic Icefield influence makes the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rains and eventually snow. Even in summer (December to march) you should come prepared to find cold- strong winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfalls. The summers average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºCmax, 2ºC min).