Torres del Paine Circuit Trek
Highlights Trek to the rock spires, snow-covered
peaks, shimmering glaciers, jewel-coloured lakes and sun-scorched grasslands
of Torres del Paine
See
guanacos, rheas, condors, Chilean flamingos, foxes, buff-necked ibis, swans,
geese, woodpeckers
Live
it up in a beautiful turn-of-the-century estancia with a fine restaurant
and a fireside bar
Day 1 Collection from airport or hotel and drive
to see the cute burrowing Magellanic Penguins at their colony in Otway
Sound. There will be plenty of time to observe and photograph these fascinating
creatures before continuing on across the Patagonian Steppe where you
will have your first opportunity to see some of the unusual plant and
animal life that exists in this area. After a short stop in Puerto Natales,
the capital of the Ultimo Esperanza region of southern Chile, we will
transfer to Cerro Castillo and the extremely comfortable Hosteria El Pionero.
Converted from a villa built by settlers to Tierra del Fuego at the beginning
of the century, this was once home to one of the most important and influential
estancieros (or local farmers) in the region. It offers comfortable accommodation
and an excellent restaurant offering a variety of typical local foods
and international cuisine. The fireside bar is an excellent place to enjoy
a fireside pisco sour whilst your guide gives a briefing and answers any
questions about the days ahead. Comfortable ensuite accommodation.
Day 2 After breakfast, we will we will continue on towards the
towering peaks of the Torres del Paine National Park. Our route will take
us through summer grazing grounds of giant herds of guanacos as we enter
the western sector of the Torres del Paine. After loading our daypacks we begin our
introductory trek along the shores of Laguna Azul through ancient southern
beech forests towards the Towers that give the Torres del Paine its name. We will
continue on to Lago Paine where we will camp lakeside in this very remote
and pretty site. Wild camping, no facilities. B,L,D.
Day 3 After a camp breakfast, we will continue on across this very
open valley crossing lakes and riverbeds. After a few hours hiking we
will enter an ancient southern beech forest which takes us into the beautiful
Dickson Valley where we will see the Paine River and lake and the towering
mountains that surround this remote valley. Lunch will be taken in the
valley with a nice view of the mountains and camp will be set up at the
pretty Dickson campsite. Chance to relax and enjoy some Chilean wine and
snacks whilst the evening meal is prepared. Organized camp with facilities,
hot water not reliable. B,L,D
Day 4 A shorter but steeper walk today takes us along the Los Perros
River and a lovely old growth forest under the shadows of the Indian Head
mountain. A spectacular vantage point will give us views of the immense
Dickson Glacier and lake and at days end we will set up camp just below
the Los Perros glacier. Eat in Refugio. Organized camp with some facilities.
B,L,D
Day 5 Our most challenging trek today we will climb John Gardner
pass and with luck see the southern Patagonia Ice Cap laid out in front
of us with endless glaciers, mountains and waterfalls in every direction.
A truly special place in Patagonia that sees very few visitors. In the
afternoon we will descend down and camp near the face of Grey Glacier.
Organized camp with facilities. Eat in Refugio. B,L,D
Day 6 Continuing along the lake fed by Grey glacier today we enjoy
an easier day walking out of this beautiful valley. Today, we will be
viewing the huge glacier on our right for most of the morning from high
atop a ridgeline. This is one of Torres del Paine's classic treks. Our
destination is the crystal blue waters of Lago Pehoe and the busy but
organized camp along its shores. Organized camp with full facilities.
B,L,D
Day 7 Today we will head out towards the French Valley walking
along the foothills of the Horns of Paine with the tranquil shores of
Lake Nordenskjold on our right. A full day's hike we will enjoy fantastic
views of the amphitheatre of granite peaks that make up this enclosed
valley as well as the waterscapes below including lakes Pehoe, Skottsberg,
Toro and Nordenskjold. Our destination is the lively refugio Cuernos set
below the imposing horns of Paine. Night in bunk bed accommodation with
shared facilities. B,L,D
Day 8 After breakfast we set off once again along the shores of
Lake Nordenskjold and for the brave a chance to swim in the frigid waters
of this spectacular lake. Another one of the Torres del Paine's classic
treks, today's hike passes just below the towering Horns of Paine all
day until we cross the Ascending Valley and arriving at our camp at Las
Torres. B,L,D
Day 9 Our final days trek and a fitting end to this adventure today
we climb up to the base of the Towers themselves. A steep climb crossing
mountain trails, rivers and valleys and finally a clamber up glacial moraine,
the rewards today are truly spectacular. Lunch (for those who make it
to the top) can be enjoyed in the shadow of these enormous granite peaks
whilst watching the icebergs drift across a glacial pool of water. A memorable
lunch spot and a highlight of every visitor's itinerary. After lunch we
will head back down to our camp where our vehicle awaits for the short
drive back to Hosteria Pionero (1 hour) and a well-deserved celebration
pisco sour and dinner by the roaring log fire. Hot showers, some rooms
with baths. All rooms ensuite. B,L,D
Day 10 After breakfast transfer back to Punta Arenas airport to
arrive late morning. Time permitting we will once again make a short stop
in Puerto Natales and this will give clients an opportunity to purchase
any souvenirs/books/postcards etc. Clients will be dropped off at the
airport for onward flights. B
info@bluegreenadventures.com

Puerto Natales Patagonia Chile

+56 (61) 410 009
Trip length 10 days
Group size min 2, max 12
Accommodation 2 nights hotel, 1 night refugio (mountain
refuge), 6 nights camping
Price 2 pax $3,710; 3 pax $3,175; 4-6 pax $2,950; 7-12 pax $2,700
Single supplement $270
Dates* Nov 23
to Dec 2 2008; Nov 30 - Dec 9 2008; Dec 21 to Dec 30 2008; Jan 18 to Jan 27 2009; Feb 16 to 25
2009; Mar 21 to Mar 30 2009
Includes all accommodation; transfers to and from airport or
hotel in Punta Arenas and while in Torres del Paine; guide throughout;
pack horses, vehicle support or porters for luggage; all meals with wine while camping; camping equipment (except
sleeping bags and mats); park and penguin fees
Excludes flights; airport taxes; gratuities; hotels or meals
in Punta Arenas; drinks and personal items while in hotels; sleeping
bags and mats (available to rent on request); lunches in Puerto Natales
Suitability: A fairly strenuous hike the circuit takes in some of the very best scenery in Patagonia with its endless sea of ice, snow and glaciers. To enable you to relax and enjoy some home comforts before and after your hiking, you will get to stay in the lovely converted estancia house of el Pionero both at the start and finish of the trip.
For this hike, you should be in good physical condition and be fit enough to hike for full days on varied terrain. Terrain can be rocky, steep and/or boggy and the section on the Pass can be made more challenging if the weather is bad. The trip is camping for the main part and you should be comfortable with travelling in remote areas.
Note the trip is fully supported by pack horses and/or porters so you will only need to carry a day pack. Your experienced English speaking wilderness guide will be assisted by a cook who will take care of the practical arrangements while on the hike. All our circuit guides are experienced, trained mountaineers who will provide the safest and most beneficial experience leaving you free to enjoy the jaw dropping scenery and pristine wilderness scenery.
* or on request throughout the season for a minimum
of 2 clients
Torres del Paine Treks: custom
Torres del Paine Treks: scheduled