Chile - Patagonia - Torres del Paine Trek

The Torres del Paine trek is one of the world´s classic trekking routes. As you hike there are breathtaking views of glaciers, rivers, lakes and forests. Hiking in this area of abundant wildlife provides a constant flow of new experiences. Hiking the full circuit, rated moderate to hard, is normally done in seven to nine days, depending on the itinerary, and covers a distance of about 80 kms. The trek is best done in an anticlockwise direction as this saves the hardest sections for last and prevents the hiker from being exposed to strong head winds. During summer (Dec-Mar) there are 18 hours of daylight which gives plenty of time each day to enjoy the trek and spare time.

From the wind bent trees of the Patagonian plains to the sheer cliffs of the Andes, the 935 square miles of Torres del Paine National Park ranks high among South America's stunning and diverse environments.

A world biosphere reserve, it has a huge variety of plant and animal species which, with its incredibly beautiful setting has made it an almost unequalled destination 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.

If you plan to arrive prior to the start date, we can help you with accommodation in Santiago or Puerto Arenas.

Trip Ref: PAT017
Departures: Most Wednesdays during Nov - April.
Best Period: Dec - Mar.
Highest Point: 1300 m above sea level.
Activity Grade: Moderate / Hard trekking. One section is Very Hard (Porters available)
Distance Covered: 80 kms
Ground Transport: Public & Private. Horses carry your main backpack on most days.
Accommodation: Tented camping.

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.

Day 1: Punta Arenas - Torres del Paine NP
Arrive around 12 noon in Punta Arenas with the earliest morning flight from Santiago. Reception at the airport and transfer to Camp Las Torres (345 km/ 216miles /5hrs) inside the famous Torres del Paine National Park. In summer time, the sun sets around 23:00 hours giving us plenty of light to admire the landscape enroute and the craggy mountains while entering the park. We will make short stops in the township of Puerto Natales, to take a look of the town and enjoy lunch, and in the enormous Cueva del Milodon, a giant geological wander that once sheltered a prehistoric sloth. Overnight at Cascada Ecocamp at Las Torres (L, D);

Day 2: Valle Ascencio (10 km, 8 hrs round-trip)
We start trekking to the foot of the impressive granite massif of El Paine. From here we admire the most photographed view of the Paine Towers (weather permitting) sitting above a green lagoon. Torres del Paine (2900m / 9400ft) consists of three granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Overnight at our Eco-camp in Las Torres (B, L-, D);

Day 3: Laguna Azul - Lago Paine (4 hrs)
Drive to Laguna Azul (blue lagoon), set in a forest landscape that is quite unique, from where you have a spectacular view of the Paine. The Lagoon area is home to many species of bird, including parinas and black woodpeckers. From Laguna Azul we trek to Lago Paine. On the way we pass through beautiful forest, as here the trees survived the great fire. The size of the tree trunks gives us an idea about the size of these ancient trees. In this sector you will observe many black woodpeckers. Once we arrive at Lago Paine, we have a spectacular view of Glacier Dickson and part of the Hielo Patagonico Sur. Overnight camping Lago Paine. (B, L-, D)

Day 4: Lago Paine - Lago Dickson (3.5 hrs)
After breakfast the trek continues along the eastern bank of the Rio Paine. You will stop at a lookout point with a wonderful panoramic view of Lago Paine below. Descend to lake level and continue across open grasslands along the Rio Paine to Refugio Dickson. Optional trek to Mirador Glacier Dickson (3 hrs round-trip). Overnight camping Dickson. (B, L-, D)

Day 5: Lago Dickson- Los Perros (8.5 kms, 4 hrs)
The trail follows Los Perros River and encounters the wildest and least accessible section of the trek. Pristine beech forests which is crossed by many watercourses is the terrain we experience along the way towards the lovely Laguna Los Perros. Spend the night camping at Los Perros (B, L-, D)

Day 6: Los Perros- Camp Paso
In this section we reach the highest point of the circuit at 1300 mts with an awe-inspiring view of the Ventisquero Grey, an enormous fractured mass of ice choking the valley. The route continues roughly south along forested slopes until we reach Camp Paso. Overnight camping. (B, L-, D)

Day 7: Camp Paso - Camp Grey (4 hrs)
We continue trekking along forested slopes with a beautiful view of the Glacier Grey until we reach Camp Grey. In the afternoon you can spend some time exploring the amazing area around Grey Glacier and if desired you can book (at extra cost) an optional walk over the glacier. Overnight camping. (B, L-, D)

Day 8: Camp Grey - Upgraded Camp Pehoe (14 kms, 6 to 7 hrs)
The trail continues down alongside Grey Glacier until it calves into Lake Grey. Then it follows the eastern side of the lake through clearings of calafate bushes. The view over the lake, with numerous giant icebergs drifting across the water is very impressive at this point. Finally, the trail climbs higher and passes a small lake one-hour before descending through a shallow dry valley to arrive at Lago Pehoe. We spend the next two nights in our upgraded camp by the turquoise Lake Pehoe. (B, L-, D)

Day 9: Valle Frances (22 kms, 8 to 10 hrs round trip)
The trail makes its way north through undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest, passing two small lakes, and continues on the southeastern slopes of Cerro Paine to meet River Frances. From here we follow the river upstream, passing Camp Frances as we keep going until we reach a small hut built many years ago by a British climbing expedition. This magnificent setting is surrounded by high peaks on all sides and especially spectacular is the Cuernos del Paine. Overnight at our upgraded Camp Pehoe. (B, L-, D)

Day 10: Camp Pehoe - Punta Arenas
Early in the morning we board the earliest catamaran back to Pudeto and then by vehicle to Punta Arenas with a box lunch enroute. Arrive at the airport in Punta Arenas in time to catch the evening flight (you should book a flight that leaves after 18:30 hours) to Santiago. (B)

Dates: Every Wednesday 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.

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.

Group Size: The maximum number in the group is 20, but usually there are about 4 to 8 people with a mixture of nationalities (mainly North American & Western European). The average age is typically about 30 with a possible range from 22 to 75. We need a medical certificate for those over 65.

2 people - GBP1295 / USD2360
3 in the group - GBP1275 / USD2295
4 - 12 in the group - GBP1071 / USD1948 Email for current price

You can book as an individual, but we need a minimum of 2 for the trip to proceed at these prices.

Single Supplement: GBP82 / USD120
The supplement only applies if you specifically request a tent to yourself on certain nights. If because of odd numbers you have sole use of a tent, but you did not request such, there is no supplement.

Optional Porter Service
Days 5, 6 & 7, Refugio Dickson to Refugio Grey, are demanding days as you have to shoulder your backpacks as pack-horses are not available here. Should you wish to use the services of a porter the extra cost is GBP130 / USD199 per porter. The porter will carry a maximum load of 15 kgs.

What is Included
Accommodation (more detail). English speaking guide. All meals as detailed by the code (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner). All ground transport - from & back to Punta Arenas Airport and at all times in between. Portage of your gear on pack-horses, except on days 5, 6 & 7 (optional porter service). All park fees.

What is Not Included
The price is based on joining in Punta Arenas and does not cover international or internal airfares (see below) 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.

Internal Airfare
As a guide, the airfare for Santiago - Punta Arenas - Santiago should be in the range GBP140 - GBP250 / USD200 - USD450 for economy class return ticket.

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.