Muir's Tours
 Chile - Patagonia

  Torres del Paine - 4 day Soft Adventure

Suitable For: you if you are short of time or want a easy trip into the most beautiful national park in the Americas, this trip is for you.

In addition we offer a 7 day and a 10 day hike in the Torres del Paine National Park - South America's most stunning and diverse environment.

A comprehensive visit to Torres del Paine National Park with two full days of exploration inside this celebrated World Biosphere area. Accommodation is at the innovative and comfortable EcoCamp (subject to availability) which features the latest technologies in sustainable design. Suitable for travellers not having much time in Chile and continuing into Argentina or connecting with cruises to Antarctica.

 

To access the park's most popular sight at the foot of the Towers one must walk a steep trail and virtually hike up its very steep last boulder stretch. This trek 18km/11miles long may be too tough, therefore we schedule Laguna Azul, which is a much better spot for wildlife watching and, generally, has better weather conditions. However, the hike to the foot of the Towers might be scheduled instead of Laguna Azul for physically fit travelers.

This is camping, but not as we know it Jim

Torres del Paine National Park is one of the world´s classic locations. Breathtaking views together with glaciers, rivers, lakes, forests and abundant wildlife provides constantly changing scenery and experiences. During high summer (December and January) there are 18 hours of daylight which gives plenty of time each day to enjoy the trekking and time to spare for other interests.

The park is a world biosphere reserve, with a huge variety of plant and animal species in an incredibly beautiful setting. It is certainly one of the top 5 world destinations for trekkers, ecology-lovers and the adventurous. Snow-capped mountain peaks, cascading rivers and waterfalls, glaciers and mirrored lakes: in all respects Torres del Paine National Park deserves its reputation. And our environmentally friendly EcoCamps are really at home here, just outside the national park.

Late bookings (within 60 days) may incur a surcharge and the prime accommodation we normally offer may not be available. Ideally you should book at least 6 months in advance.

Grade: Easy Activities

 

 

Detailed Itinerary
  
 Day 1 (Sunday) Travel to Torres del Paine
Arrive before 12.30 hrs in Punta Arenas on the earliest flight from Santiago. You will be met at the airport and transfered by private vehicle to EcoCamp Las Torres set just outside the famous Torres del Paine National Park. In summer the days are long, giving us plenty of light to admire the landscape enroute and the craggy mountains on entering the park. We will make short stops in Puerto Natales, to take a look of the town and enjoy lunch.  We visit the enormous Cueva del Milodon, a large cave that once sheltered a prehistoric sloth. Overnight at our EcoCamp in Las Torres (L,D).


 Day 2   Torres del Paine National Park
 Drive across the park with views across to the impressive Paine Grande and Los Cuernos and we eventually reach the shores of lake Pehoe. Walk close to the furious Salto Grande (a waterfall) that pours the waters of Lake Nordenskjold over Pehoe. Continue walking softly over the Nordenskjold trail (1h RT) until reaching its look out point. Once back at Lake Pehoe we board our vehicle and drive south to the shores of Lake Grey. After a boxed-lunch on the lakeside, we board the ship that sails (1,5hrs round trip) across the lake to the towering glacier walls. Weather permitting we can take the chance to walk gently (45 mins) over lake Grey´s windy beach where icebergs frequently run aground. Retire to the EcoCamp for dinner and overnight; (B, L-, D)


 Day 3  In Paine National Park (Grey Glaciar)
We drive to the eastern side of the park to Laguna Azul, an area that enjoys a warmer microclimate and offers a distant view (weather permitting) of the Paine Towers rising above the blue lagoon. The famous Torres del Paine (2900m / 9400ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, remains of a great circa that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. At Laguna Azul we walk gently under ancient beech forest with opportunities for spotting diverse birds.  Return to the EcoCamp for dinner and overnight . (B, L-, D).


 Day 4  In Paine National Park (Valle Frances)

After breakfast at the EcoCamp we board the vehicle that drops you either in Puerto Natales or at the border crossing of Cerro Castillo on time to connect with the regular bus onwards El Calafate (Argentina); (B)

 

 

what some of our previous guests thought about it all 

 

Dates: 1st October through to 15th April, starting on Sunday or Wednesday, plus private dates (at higher cost).

 

 

Price Indication per person:  USD880                                   Email for availability

 

Sundays or Wednesdays

 

The tour is open to individuals and small groups. There is no single supplement, you share a two person tent, unless there is no other person to share with. If you are on your own in the tent, there is nothing extra to pay.

 

The minimum number of participants is 2, the maximum number in the group is 12.

 

Late bookings (within 60 days) may incur a surcharge and the prime accommodation we normally offer may not be available. Ideally you should book at least 6 months in advance.

 

 

What is included

Accommodation for 3 nights at the EcoCamp.  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. Boat charges for Lake Grey.

 

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.

Private Departures
Private departures can start on any day in October and through to the 15th of April. Pick up points are hotels or the airport in Punta Arenas. If flying in on the morning of the start of your trip you must arrive no later than 1PM / 13:00 hrs if we are to visit Cueva del Milodón. In any other case you must arrive no later than 15:00 hrs in order to have time enough to reach Torres del Paine in the evening. The trip ends in either Cerro Castillo, Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas by means of our private vehicles. If flying out from Punta Arenas the final day of the trip you must book a flight that departs after 18:00hrs to avoid missed connections and allow a pleasant drive from Torres del Paine to Punta Arenas.

Internal Airfare
As a guide, the airfare for Santiago - Punta Arenas - Santiago should be in the range GB£140 - GB£250 / US$200 - US$450 for economy class return ticket. 

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.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk  As Insurance is always provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.