Torres del Paine National Park, declared a UNESCO Biosphere reserve in 1978, offers some of the best trekking in South America.
Torres del Paine National Park, declared a UNESCO Biosphere reserve in 1978, offers some of the best trekking in South America.
Torres del Paine National Park
Dramatic mountain formations, including the black sediment-topped Cuernos del Paine (Paine horns) and the three jagged “towers” for which the park is named are sure to be some of the most unforgettable sites of any trip. The park bursts with vibrant green forests, blue glaciers, turquoise lakes, roaring rivers, and steep escarpments. Winding trails lead hikers through multiday circuits exploring one of the last frontiers of secluded, unspoiled natural beauty.
This spectacular hike is preceded by an equally spectacular cruise through the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. A stunning introduction to Patagonia, this 7-day trip with moderately challenging hiking offers accommodation in tents with an arrival night in the beautiful contemporary hotel Weskar in Puerto Natales.
Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Puerto Natales
Welcome to Patagonia! You will be met at the airport and transferred to Puerto Natales, where you will check into the Hotel Weskar for the night. Your guide will meet you at the hotel for a trip briefing and dinner. You will have time to explore the picturesque “Last Hope Sound” and to walk along the waterfront before dinner.
Hotel: Weskar (www.weskar.cl)
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Patagonian Glaciers & Arrival to Torres del Paine National Park
After breakfast we will walk to the pier for a fantastic cruise up the fjord to the beautiful Mt Balmaceda. We will get a chance to admire the Balmaceda hanging glacier which spills down into the fjord. After a short hike, you can get up close to the Serrano Glacier which tumbles down into an iceberg-filled lake. After lunch we will board zodiacs and cruise up the Serrano River, entering Bernardo O’Higgins National Park and passing the massive Tyndall glacier en route to our destination, Torres del Paine National Park. We will spend our first night in Torres del Paine in the pretty cabins close to the Serrano River with spectacular views across the pampas towards the Paine massif. Enjoy a stroll and a glass of wine while dinner is prepared. Cabins have hot showers and bathrooms. Note for early risers, this area offer some of the most beautiful sunrises in all of Patagonia.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (including wine)
Cerro Balmaceda
Day 3: Glacier Gray to Lake Pehoe
Today we will pack our lunches and transfer to Lago Grey where we will walk along the shores of the cold waters and admire the seemingly turquoise icebergs floating in the lake. The huge mass of white behind the icebergs is Grey Glacier, the largest in Torres del Paine. After our walk we will board the new “Grey 2” and set off into the lake towards the walls of this spectacular Glacier. The short boat trip will give us up close views of this incredible glacier as well as stunning views of Paine Grande and surrounding mountains. The boat will get us fairly close to the glacier where we will disembark and continue up along the shores of Grey Lake to the lookout on foot. One of the classic Torres del Paine hikes, this climb up and out of the valley includes views of Grey Glacier, the Patagonian icecap, and innumerable mountains. We continue towards the stunning blue waters of Lake Pehoe to our destination and camp for the night.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: The French Valley
Today we have all day to explore the remote French Valley, hiking into the high country and to between the awe-inspiring granite walls that enclose the valley. The French Glacier hangs on the side of one of the mountains and is often seen – and heard – as cascading avalanches of snow and ice plummet into the valley below. This full day of full day will present fantastic views of an amphitheatre of granite peaks as well as the waterscapes below including lakes Pehoe, Scottsburg, Toro, and Nordenskjold. Night at the beautifully situated campsite at Los Cuernos.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Los Cuernos de Paine
Today’s hiking takes us along the foothills of the Cuernos (Horns) of Paine, with the tranquil shores of Lake Nordjenskold to accompany us. For the brave, there will be a chance to swim in the frigid waters of this spectacular lake as we hike towards the three granite spires that give the Park its name, Torres del Paine, the “Towers of Paine.” We will camp in the shadow of these monoliths in an organized camp with full facilities.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (including wine)
Las Torres del Paine at sunset
Day 6: The Towers of Paine
Today’s hiking is our most arduous yet, but well worthwhile as we climb to the towers themselves. We will ascending up the valley and through beautiful old growth beech forests to a rock moraine just under the towers. A steep climb over the moraine will reward us with one of the most spectacular views in the park and, weather permitting, we will enjoy our last trail lunch at this amazing vantage point. Return to camp for our last night under canvas enjoying a fireside dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (including wine)
Day 7: Departure
Today we will pack up camp for our transfer back to Puerto Natales where the trip ends. You will have the chance to enjoy a yoga session to stretch tired muscles or an aromatherapy or hot stone massage to soothe aching limbs and relax. Private transfer back to Punta Arenas.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Guanacos grazing outside Torres del Paine National Park
Please inquire for 2013 – 2014 Departure Dates.
Price Per Person (US$): Starting at $4,766 Per Person *based on 2 travelers
*Single supplement: Add US$250 for all clients wanting guaranteed single accommodation
*Price valid through August 31st, 2014.
We can upgrade accommodations on this hike to either refugios, a combination of 3 star hotels/ refugios or 4 star-hotels. Please ask your Travel Specialist for details/prices.
Suitability: The hiking on this trip is moderate – challenging and clients should be fairly fit. Terrain is rocky and boggy on some of the trails and the last section of the hike to the base of the Towers is a clamber over glacial moraine. As this is a camping departure, clients should also be used to travelling in remote areas and be prepared for challenging weather conditions.
Equipment is provided and meals are prepared for guests. The trip is fully supported from start to finish. The arrival night is in the Hotel Weskar (www.weskar.cl).
Group size: 2 – 12 hikers, custom departures available any size
The Cuernos de Paine
Price Includes:
Hotel Weskar: Situated a short walk from Puerto Natales, this wooden hotel has lovely views of Last Hope Sound and the Serrano Glaciar in the distance. Rooms are comfortable and there is laundry and internet available. Dinner included at hotel, excluding wine/drinks. www.weskar.cl
Hotel Weskar
Within Torres del Paine National Park, you will stay in campsites with full facilities such as hot showers, indoor dining, and bathrooms. Sleeping arrangements are 3-man dome tents which can withstand the sometimes high winds in the area. Tents are double accommodations. At Camping Pehoe and Cuernos, meals are taken inside the refugio.