Trekking Torres del Paine and Fitzroy

Classic treks of Patagonia covering both Chile and Argentina

The trails in between the Torres del Paine famous craggy mountains are among the world’s classic trekking routes. Breathtaking views together with glaciers, rivers, lakes, forests and abundant wildlife provide the trip with constantly changing scenarios and experiences. During summer (Nov-Mar) there are 18 hours of daylight, which gives the explorers plenty of time for the walking journey. You’ll enjoy the famous classic treks in both Chile and Argentina’s Patagonia region, as well as a visit to the spectacular Perito Moreno glacier, and an option for ice-trekking on this famous glacier. In Chile, this program stays in a “luxury” permanent campsite on days 2, 5, 6 & 7 complete with large tents, cots, mattresses, dining tent with refrigerator, shower & toilet tents. In Argentina, you have a choice of two different categories of accommodations.

2008-2009 Departure dates:

Every Sunday from October 30 to April 9-- with a minimum of two passengers.

2008-2009 Prices:

• $3975 per person, based on double accommodations
• $4200 per person using upgraded accommodations in Argentina
• $4195 single occupancy (sharing while in camps, single room in hotels)
• $4595 single occupancy using upgraded accommodations in Argentina
• Low season special—save $200 per person for trips originating in October 2008, or March 16-Apr 13, 2008

Itinerary

Day 1/Sunday:Arrival in Santiago. After clearing customs and immigration (note that you need to pay an entry tax in Chile before going through immigration & receive a stapled receipt in your passport. Current fee is $100, subject to change) proceed outside the airport where our local representative will be waiting to transfer you to the Hotel Eurotel, Rugendas or Orly or similar, located in the Providencia/Las Condes districts of Santiago. Remainder of the day to rest and explore Santiago. Optional tours available.

Day 2/Monday: Travel to Torres del Paine National Park. Breakfast is included at your hotel. You will be picked up at the prearranged time for your transfer to the airport for your flights to Punta Arenas, which need to be scheduled to arrive around 1:00 PM. Suggested flight is Lan Chile’s 7:30 AM departure, 11:50 AM arrival. (note: our office can assist with arrangements for these tickets). Transfer (345km/216 miles/ 5 hrs) to Camp Las Torres in Torres del Paine National Park. You’ll make short stops in Puerto Natales to take a look at the town and enjoy lunch. Note: If you are not returning to Santiago after this trip, and have luggage with you that is not needed for the trek, you can also leave this at our office in town, and pick it up on your return to the Punta Arenas airport on Sunday. Continue a short distance to the enormous Milodon Cave, a geologic wonder that once sheltered a prehistoric sloth. Overnight camping at eco-camp at Las Torres. (Two person dome tents built on platforms with cots & bedding, gas stoves, separate dining & kitchen tent + bathroom & shower facilities) (B, L, D)

Day 3/Tuesday: Paso Los Cuernos. Today is fairly easy trekking along Sendero Los Cuernos, starting at Las Torres Eco Camp and ending at Refugio Cuernos, of approximately 5-6 hours. A few gradual ups and downs take you through changing landscape along the shores of Lago Nordenskjold. Time to stop along the way to look for condors, and enjoy the changing colors of the lake and a picnic lunch along the way. The name of the trail is taken from the fact that it passes under the Cuernos (horns) of the Paine massif. These are peaks with beautiful black “horns” of slate atop gray granite. (Your clothes and personal belongings needed for this night and the following are transported separately in duffel bags we provide you with on day 1). Overnight in cozy cabins at Cabanas Cuernos. (B, L, D)

Day 4/Wednesday: French Valley - Valle del Frances to Pehoe. Today the trekking will go over 8 kms/5 mi (2,5-3,5 hrs) up to Campamento Italiano and will continue with a round trip to Mirador del Frances (3 km/2 mi, 1,5-2,5 hrs), one of the most spectacular cirques in the Paine Range. We start walking (1hr) by the shore of lake Nordenskjold until arriving at Campamento Italiano. We continue following the river Frances upstreams until El Mirador (lookout point) facing Glaciar Frances which descends from Paine Grande, the highest summit in the Paine range. From here we have a magnificent view of the lakes below. Optional trek (2 hrs) to Mirador Britanico available. Once back at Camp Italiano, the trail between Camp Italiano and Camp Pehoe makes its way over flat terrain of mixed grassland and light forest until reaching Refugio Pehoe for overnight. Duffel bags are carried in by porters from Refuge Los Cuernos to Refugio Pehoe (B, L, D)

Day 5: Pehoe--Grey Glacier.We’ll hike about 4 hours from Refuge Pehoe at the shores of Lago Pehoe to the northern end of Lago Grey. At 4 PM we will board the boat which sails alongside the Glaciar Grey. We will have ample time to marvel at this calving glacier before crossing Lago Grey (40 min.). Your clothes and personal belongings are transported separately from the Refuge in duffel bags. Transfer (1,5 hrs) from Lake Grey's southern end to the Ecocamp. 1) If the weather conditions do not allow us to navigate the Grey Lake, we’ll instead hike to the Grey Glacier (6-8 hrs, roundtrip) and then at Pudeto board the catamaran to cross Lake Pehoe. From there we drive 45 minutes to Ecocamp at Las Torres for overnight (B, L, D)

Day 6/Friday: In Paine National Park (Valle Asencio).Today the trekking (10 km, 8 hrs round-trip) takes us to the foot of the impressive granite massif of El Paine. From here admire the most typical sight of the Paine Towers (weather permitting). The famous Torres del Paine (2.900m/9.400ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, remains of a great cirque that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. If the weather is poor with no chances to view the Torres del Paine, we will hike instead (40 min.) to the lookout point of Laguna Azul from where we have a beautiful view of Laguna Azul and the Torres. Transfer to Lago Sarmiento where we continue walking along the eastern side of Lago Sarmiento until the calcium formations at the shores of Lake Sarmiento where we have a good chance to see guanacos. Later we trek (3 hrs) the Paso Las Cornizas with views of Rio Paine, Lake Pehoe and the massif of Paine. Depending on the group, we could also hike (1-1,5 hrs) to lookout point Toro with views to Lago Toro and typical pampa (steppe). (B,L, D)

Day 7/Saturday: Laguna Azul (Eco-Camp LasTorres). Today we will hike (40 min.) to the lookout point of Laguna Azul from where we have a beautiful view of Laguna Azul and the Torres. We continue along the eastern side of Lago Sarmiento until the calcium formations at the shores of Lake Sarmiento where we have a good chance to see guanacos. Later we trek (3 hours) the Paso Las Corneas with views of Rio Paine, Lake Pehoe and the massif of Paine. Depending on the group, we could also hike (1-1.5 hrs) to lookout point Toro with views to Lago Toro and typical pampa (steppe). Once back at the Ecocamp, a farewell dinner is honored with a typical Patagonian lamb barbecue; Overnight camping at Las Torres. (B, L, D)

Day 8/Sunday: Travel to El Chalten (Argentina).We will start early in the morning from Torres del Paine and drive onwards to the Cerro Castillo border crossing. There, we will meet the regular bus to Calafate (287 kms/180 miles), a small town set on the edge of Los Glaciares National Park amid dramatic scenery and natural beauty. Once in Calafate, we will have lunch with time afterwards to explore the main street and the town’s center.
From Calafate, we will take the regular bus and continue on about 4 hours to Chalten (220 kms/138 miles). We drive on isolated dirt roads across the pampas and along the northern end of Lago Viedma to reach the settlement of El Chalten, a tiny outpost beside Parque Nacional Los Glaciares at the foot of the impressive Mount Fitzroy. We will arrive in late evening to Chalten and transfer to your hosteria. You’ll spend three nights at the Hosteria el Puma; or Fitzroy Inn (standard option) in rooms with private bath. (B)

Day 9 & 10/Monday & Tuesday. We will have the next three days to explore the park. We shall undertake two main walks into the nearby mountains. One may take us to the Fitzroy Base Camp (about 6-7 hours) and the other in the direction of Cerro Torre (6-7 hours), but this will depend on weather conditions at the time. Most of these hikes are on well established trails so that shorter options are often available. While hiking in the park, the trails will take us to places as Laguna Torre, the base camp of Cerro Torre climbs; Laguna Capri and Laguna Madre, Laguna de los Tres, directly in front of Fitzroy and Piedras Blancas. The scale of the scenery, with it's jagged peaks and glimpses of glaciers suspended between them makes these walks extremely rewarding . (B, L)

Day 11/Wednesday:We will start the day with a walk that follows the banks of the Rio Eléctrico with some of the most beautiful Beech forests in Patagonia. Afterwards, we are transferred to Chalten Bus Station on time to board the regular bus back to Calafate. On arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Two night stay at Hostal Libertador, or Pioneros (standard option). (B)

Day 12/Thursday: Today we will have the Perito Moreno Glacier excursion, a 60m-high relic of the Ice Age, creates a unique geographic event approximately every three or four years. As it advances, it pushes out across the surface of the lake, cutting the lake into two separate sections. As water pressure builds up on one side over the years, the glacier eventually explodes open with a torrent of water and a fury of calving icebergs. Although this spectacular event no longer occurs as cyclically as it did during the past 50 years, the Moreno Glacier is constantly moving, calving, and crackling an incredible sight and sound at any time.
We will start our excursion early in the morning (around 8 AM) to have the area to ourselves, with no rush and plenty of time for bird watching and photography. After our scenic drive through the National Park accompanied by an expert guide, we will arrive at the Moreno Glacier. However, unlike the regular tours, we will not go straight to the regular panoramic points. Instead, we start by marveling at the glacier's much less-traveled north face in all its splendor- watching and hearing giant chunks of ice plummet into the waters of Lake Argentino. Our guide will answer all questions about the area, as we walk in front of Moreno Glacier on a nature walk. We will then continue on to the footbridges area where we break so you have time to enjoy at your leisure. At the end of the tour, we have the option of boarding a boat that goes in front of the Iceberg Channel (Not included – option can be arranged). After the thrilling encounter with the Moreno Glacier, we head back to Calafate and arrive around early evening. (Option exists to add mini-trekking on the glacier for $15 per person-please advise if you would like this option when confirming your trip) (B, L)

Day 13/Friday:Early morning--board the regular bus to Puerto Natales (218 Miles-5 hours). You’ll be met and transferred on arrival to the Hotel Aquaterra or Francis Drake (standard option) or similar for a one night stay. Arrival time is approximately 1:00 PM< so you’ll have time to walk around & explore Puerto Natales this afternoon. (B)

Day 14/Saturday:You’ll be transferred to the bus station for the regular bus to Punta Arenas, which stops at the airport. Afternoon flight to Santiago (not included in trip cost). On arrival to Santiago, you’ll need to collect your luggage, you will need to exit the airport, where our local representative will be waiting to transfer you to the Hotel Eurotel, Rugendas or Orly or similar for a one night stay. (B)

Day 15/Sunday: Transfer to evening flights back to the US, or continue with more travel & adventure in South America.

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner

Trip Notes:

• Single supplement provides for transfers and accommodations in Santiago, and hotels in Calafate, Pto. Natales & Fitzroy only and applies to passengers who are traveling alone. We do not “match-up” single participants for the hotel portions. There are no single accommodations available during the camping/trekking portion of the program. Note that a minimum of 2 passengers are required in order to operate any departure.
• Weather: 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 Ice field influence make 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 summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºCmax, 2ºC min).
• Itinerary Modifications . We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary under the sole discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can also modified, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.
• Camping on this trip is in our private permanent camp-site, with full amenities on days 2, 5, 6 & 7.  We provide you with large tents (4 person capacity, sleeping 2), comfortable cots, bedding and mattresses. Our kitchen tent has a refrigerator, and the dining tent has tables and comfortable chairs.  We also have portable toilets and showers, a complete first aid kit and radio communications. A complete list of recommended clothing and equipment will be provided once you are confirmed on the trip.
• The stay at Refugio Cuernos on Day 3, and Refugio Pehoe on Day 4 are in rooms for 4-6 people with shared baths (one each for men & women) & hot water showers. Sleeping bags provided.
• This trip is rated moderate, and is recommended for people in good physical condition in the habit of walking long distances and camping outdoors. You will need to carry a day pack with your personal gear (water, camera, rain gear, etc) on all hikes.
• Porters will help us on days 3 and 4 to carry part of you personal belongs from Refugio Pehoe to Refugio Cuernos and then to the Ecocamp Torres. Once you arrive into the Ecocamp on day 2, we will give you a small duffel bag where you will have to pack your clothes and personal belongs needed for the next 2 nights. We will send that small bag with the porters. The bigger duffel bag you brought into Patagonia will be stored at the Ecocamp until you arrive back on day 5.
• This trip begins and ends in Santiago, Chile, which can be easily reached on a daily basis by several international airlines. Airline tickets are required Santiago-Punta Arenas-Santiago. Ticket prices average between $600-$750 round-trip, and will be confirmed once we have your trip deposit. Lower prices may be available if using LAN airlines for international flights, or local airlines w/in Chile. These arrangements can all be made through Latin American Escapes.
• Latin American Escapes offers excellent discounted international airfares from most US cities, local airpasses, and complete land packages through-out Latin America.

To confirm reservations:

A deposit of $300 per person is required to confirm reservations. In addition, the following payment procedures apply:

Payment for airline tickets is due at the time tickets are issued, but no later than time of final payment.

Last Minute Bookings: Last minute reservations (less than 30 days before departure) will be accepted, subject to availability, if payment has been received, and documents can be delivered. Any special communication costs and delivery charges will be at the client's expense.

Revision Fee: Revision fees will apply once the initial deposit has been received. Charges will vary based on itinerary, and extent of changes, with a minimum charge of $50. Changes requested after documents have been issued (generally with-in 30 days) will incur a minimum $100 change fee, plus additional services requested.

International bookings: We gladly accept bookings from passengers outside the US. However, an additional surcharge of $50 per booking is applied to cover additional shipping charges.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS--At the time we receive written notification that you must cancel your trip, money will be returned less the following cancellation fees:

Note:  A change in travel dates is considered a cancellation

Trip Documents: Trip documents will be forwarded approximately 3 weeks prior to travel, and once all payments and completed application forms have been received.

Risk and Responsibility

In arranging these trips, Latin American Escapes, Inc. acts only as the agents for the owners, contractors and suppliers actually providing tour services for these trips with whom Latin American Escapes, Inc. has no legal connection or joint ownership. These local tour operators attempt to conduct these trips as described in the preceding itineraries. However, it is possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, itineraries may vary from what is described. Participants are responsible for extra costs due to travel delay or itinerary changes for reasons beyond our control and assume all risks, whether identified in advance or unforeseen, as described under Limitation of Liability, and Trip Member Responsibility, located in our Terms and Conditions, which all travelers agree to sign. Traveler's insurance is not included, but is offered, and is strongly recommended. CST # 2023695-40.