Chile:
Torres del Paine Circuit
(9 days; trekking)
Highlights
- Stunning mountain SCENERY.
- Classic TREKS or hike + SAILING + KAYAKING option.
- INCLUDED UPGRADE: Stay in ECOCAMP standard domes for 3 nights.
- Enjoy awe-inspiring views of GREY GLACIER.
- Camp at beautiful LAKE PEHOE.
- Hike up the ASCENCIO VALLEY to the base of the dramatic TORRES DEL PAINE towers.
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Brief Itinerary
Day 1 - PUNTA ARENAS to TORRES DEL PAINE (L/D): Drive to Torres del Paine, stopping at Puerto Natales and the Cueva de Milodon, a massive prehistoric cave. Note: our cost includes the upgrade to EcoCamp standard domes.
Day 2 - TO CAMP DICKSON (B/BL/D): Today is our longest day of trekking and views will include Dickson Glacier, part of the South Patagonia Ice Field, Lago Paine, Dickson Valley, and the towering snow capped peaks with Mt. Cubo in the distance. (29km/maximum altitude 300m)
Day 3 - TO CAMP PERROS (B/BL/D): Follow the trail along the Los Perros river, the wildest and least accessible section of the trek. End at Laguna Los Perros where we set up camp for the night. (9km/maximum altitude 500m)
Day 4 - TO CAMP GREY VIA JOHN GARDNET PASS (B/BL/D): The pass is highest point of the circuit (~1300m), offering awe-inspiring views of Grey Glacier. Descend steeply on forested slopes, all the while enjoying views of Grey Glacier (8km wide x 16km long). Overnight at Camp Grey. (22km/maximum altitude 1300m)
Day 5 - TO PEHOE LAKE (B/BL/D): Optional morning outing on Grey Glacier or relax. After lunch, hike along the eastern shore of Grey Lake reaching Lago Pehoe where we camp tonight. (11km/maximum altitude 400m)
Day 6 - TO VALLE FRANCES (FRENCH VALLEY) AND CAMP CUERNOS (B/BL/D): Trek into the heart of the Paine Massif on a challenging, steep trail that leads to Valle Frances. Take in the views of the entire group of geological formations. Relax over lunch. You may hike to Mirado Britanico (viewpoint), then we continue to Camp Cuernos. (25km/maximum altitude 686m)
Day 7 - NORDENSKJOLD LAKE (B/BL/D): A winding trail takes us along Lake Nordenskjold, with views of the park’s central lakes and Paine’s Horns. Our day ends at Camp Las Torres. Note: our cost includes the upgrade to EcoCamp standard domes for your 2 last nights in the park. (16km/maximum altitude 244m/EcoCamp elevation 40masl)
Day 8 - THE FINAL CHALLENGE - THE TORRES DEL PAINE (B/BL/D): Today we take the trail up to Ascencio Valley at the base of the Towers. The famous Torres del Paine (~2100-2500m*) consist of three granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. We stop here for lunch, then retrace our steps, returning to the EcoCamp for the night. (21km/maximum altitude 914m/EcoCamp elevation 40masl)
Day 9 - DEPART (B/BL): We transfer back to Punta Arenas in time to catch the evening flight to Santiago.
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Dates 2010-2011
- Departs every Wednesday from Nov. 3, 2010 to Mar. 23, 2011
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Cost
From Punta Arenas (USD, per person sharing):
- US$2,235 including the upgrade to EcoCamp's Standard Domes (3 nights; days 1/7/8)
Based on 4+ people (prices available for smaller groups and singles; see full itinerary). All quoted prices effective at time of publication (Oct. 21, 2010). While not expected, itinerary and prices are subject to change.
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