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Home > Destinations > South
America > Chile > Torres Del Paine Base Camp Trek
Torres Del Paine Base Camp Trek
Go trekking in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, one of the most spectacular hiking areas in the world. Our route features several days of trekking in Patagonia up to 10 miles per day, penetrating into the heart of the Paine Massif including the three primary sites: Grey Glacier, Francis Valley, and the Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine). Starting at the Las Torres EcoCamp as our base, we hike among spectacular mountain peaks, mostly over moderate undulating terrain at elevations below 2,500' between rustice refugios in the heart of the massif. Our trails contour past turquoise lakes, waterfalls, hanging glaciers, and alpine meadows where guanaco roam. Optional hikes to high base camps and lookouts afford spectacular views of sheer rock walls, calving glaciers, soaring condors , and chances to observe climbers.
DAY 1 : SANTIAGO
Early morning airport reception and transfer to the Hotel Plaza San Francisco. In the afternoon take a tour of Santiago, focusing on its history, including the Presidential Palace (once the National Mint and thus called "La Moneda"), the historic main square or "Plaza de Armas," the Cathedral, the National History Museum, and "Casa Colorado" the historic residence of the Governor. Continue on to Santa Lucia the hill upon which the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. Overnight at the Hotel Rugendas, conveniently located near the heart of downtown Santiago and many important national monuments.
DAY 2 : TORRES DEL PAINE
Transfer out for morning flight to Punta Arenas, Patagonia. We travel north through the vast Patagonian "pampa" to Puerto Natales following the coastal route along the Straits of Magellan in Tierra del Fuego (256km/160 miles/3 hrs). After lunch in Puerto Natales we continue into Torres del Paine National Park (246 km/153 miles/2 hrs), stopping at the Milodon Cave where the remains of a giant prehistoric sloth were discovered. We arrive at the EcoCamp for dinner under the Southern Cross and a spectacle of other southern hemisphere constellations. Overnight at Las Torres EcoCamp. [BLD]
DAY 3 : PASO LOS CUERNOS
Today's trek of 5-6 hours parallels Lago Nordenskjold and offers broad views of the Cuernos del Paine, dramatic carved horns of black slate atop the gray-granite massif. Watch for condors soaring from their nests on the steep cliffs. We arrive at Refugio Los Cuernos in the late afternoon in time to shower and settle in for the evening. Enjoy wine, a hot fresh meal, commraderie with other trekkers, and perhaps a game of cards by the fire before retiring for the night. [BLD]
DAY 4 : VALLE FRANCES
This morning we trek along the shores of beautiful Lago Nordenskjold until reaching Campamiento Italiano (1 hr). From here, follow Rio Frances to Mirador del Frances, an awe inspiring cirque high in the Paine Range with breathtaking vistas of Glaciar Frances and the sparkling lakes below (2 mi/2.5 hours). Add an optional 2 hour hike to Mirador Britanico from Mirador del Frances if you're up for it! Upon returning to Campamento Italiano, hike through the undulating terrain of grassland and forest to Refugio Pehoe on the edge of Lago Pehoe (5 mi/3.5 hours). Overnight at the refugio. [BLD]
DAY 5 : LAGO GREY
This morning we hike from Refugio Pehoe to the northern end of Lago Grey (4 hrs). In the forests along the lake you are likely to spot the impressive Magellanic woodpecker. After a picnic lunch, we board the boat and cross the sparkling lake to Grey Glacier, where ample time is spent observing the many faces of this active, calving glacier. On board, you may enjoy a pisco sour chilled with glacial ice. At the end of the navigation, return to Las Torres EcoCamp (1.5 hrs by van) for dinner and overnight. [BLD]
DAYS 6-7 : TORRES DEL PAINE
Hiking itineraries are weather dependent on these days. An all-day hike (6 mi/8 hours) to Valle Ascencio takes us to the base of the impressive granite massif of El Paine, where the iconic towers rise from a glacial lake. The famous Torres del Paine (2900m/9400ft) consist of three granite monoliths, remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice over the millennia. We can also hike in the beech forest at Laguna Azul, trekking across open Patagonian steppe terrain where herds of guanacos and many birds are found. The final night we enjoy a festive farewell asado or typical Patagonian lamb barbecue. Overnight at Las Torres EcoCamp. [BLD]
DAY 8 : PUNTA ARENAS-SANTIAGO
Early in the morning board the vehicle back to Punta Arenas in time to catch the late afternoon flight back to Santiago. Airport reception and transfer to the Hotel Rugendas. [BL] Note: Consider trip extensions to the Lakes District, Atacama Desert, Seno Otway Penguin Reserve, Easter Island or Fitz Roy, Argentina.
DAY 9 : SANTIAGO OR VISIT MAIPO OR WINE COUNTRY
Day at leisure in Santiago with optional excursion rafting and/or horseback riding in Maipo or wine tasting outside the city. Evening transfer to the airport for your return flight to the US. [B] Note: Optional departure this morning to a family-run retreat located one hour from Santiago in the Maipo Valley. Numerous activities can be arranged, including trekking and horse back riding in the foothills of the andes or white-water rafting in the Maipo River. Facilities include a restaurant and a swimming pool to unwind and relax prior to your international departures this evening. Or enjoy additional city tours or wine country.
| - Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services - |
Days: 9 | Grade: III (click for grades definition) | 2010 Price: From $2495 per person. Land cost based on Season | Season | Price | Low Season | $2495 | High Season | $2895 | Local Airfare | $475 |
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| Single Supplement: $300 (click for info) | *Low Season departures: Mar 15 -April 2010. Christmas surcharge $75 per person. Single occupancy in Santiago hotels only, shared accommodations throughout trek. Santiago-Punta Arenas airfare is not included. Rate of $475 is subject to change until ticketed. | | | | | 2010 Departure Dates | 2011 Departure Dates | | | (Weekly departures) | (Weekly departures) |
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| | | Included: Services as specified in the itinerary above include first class (where available) lodging and accommodations; English-speaking certified naturalist guides; porters and/or pack animals with tents, sleeping bags and camping gear; guided tours and excursions; airport-hotel transfers and land transportation; meals as specified [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner]; services of in-bound land operator offices for airline reconfirmation; and tour operations and Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services | | | Not Included: Services unless specified otherwise in the itinerary above such as international air transportation; local in-country flights; airport taxes; tips and gratuities; optional or suggested services that are on your own; insurance of any kind; personal expenses; extra beverages and alcoholic drinks; medical costs; and hospitalization and evacuation and any other extra expenses due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond control. You will need to carry about $300-$500 extra cash (must be in local currency or US dollars cash, not travelers checks nor credit cards) to cover the fees, taxes, tips and meals not included in your itinerary. Always carry enough change for airport departure taxes ($18 international and around $5 local, as well as a special $131 fee for American citizens to enter Chile). Advance visas are not required for US citizens.
Meals, souvenirs and other local and personal expenses not specified in the above itinerary are also not included. | | | Trip Notes: Single supplement applies to hotels only, shared accommodations throughout trek. Santiago-Punta Arenas air subject to change until ticketed. In general, all meals are included on cruises, treks, and camping safaris and at mountain and jungle lodges. Continental breakfasts are usually included at hotels in major cities. All other meals are not included unless otherwise specified in your itinerary. Always carry enough change for airport departure taxes ($18 international and around $5 local, as well as a special $100 fee for American citizens to enter Chile). Advance visas are not required for US citizens.
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