Option II

2017-2018 Season

7 days- *B, BL, D included

DAY 1, MONDAY, THE PATAGONIAN ADVENTURE STARTS

Torres del Paine NP, Chile

The trip begins with you being picked up from your hotel in Punta Arenas or Punta Arenas airport in the morning and driven to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. Alternatively, you can start your trip in Calafate (see our weekly transfer board for EcoCamp’s pick up & drop off schedule). En route we make a couple of stops – First in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of “Seno de Ultima Esperanza”, where we enjoy a hearty local lunch, and second at Cueva de Milodon, a massive prehistoric cave where the remains of a giant ground sloth were discovered in the 1890’s. The journey is scenic and highly atmospheric, featuring many wild birds and wonderful Patagonian landscapes. The day ends with our arrival and overnight stay at EcoCamp Patagonia, nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park and with a prime view of the majestic Torres. Sunset is usually around 11 pm during the summer months, meaning that there will still be enough daylight for you to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon once you arrive.

 

Overnight EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park

 

DAY 2, TUESDAY, LOS CUERNOS

Torres del Paine NP, Chile

We begin our Patagonian adventure with a pleasant walk through the sinuous Cuernos Trail which leads us alongside the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this warm-up walk we will have the opportunity to admire the park’s exquisite flora and fauna, as we enjoy the magnificent views of the park’s central lakes and the Paine’s Horns, majestic black horn-like peaks of slate atop gray granite which crown the center of the Massif. The trek ends at Refugio Los Cuernos, a small and cozy mountain refuge located by the shores of Lake Nordenskjold. Alternatively the trek ends at Domo el Francés, located between Cuernos and Italiano camping sites, with an amazing view of Nordenskjöld lake. The evening is free for relaxing and enjoying dinner.

Overnight Refugio Cuernos or Domo El Francés (depending on availability), Torres del Paine National Park

 

DAY 3, WEDNESDAY, THE PAINE MASSIF’S HEART: VALLE FRANCES

Torres del Paine NP, Chile

After breakfast at Refugio Los Cuernos, we will begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley), along a steep trail that leads to the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far in we go depends on our group’s trekking rhythm. A swifter walk will lead us to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the south east face of the Massif, where we will be treated to fantastic views of the valley. We will then continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley where we will be able to marvel at the extensive mass of the valley’s geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). After our upward trek, we will pause for a picnic and relax a while. This day’s trek will end as we descend through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest which will take us to Refugio Paine Grande.

N.B. An optional trek to Mirador Britanico is also available.

Overnight Refugio Paine Grande, Torres del Paine National Park

 

DAY 4, THURSDAY, GLACIER GREY

Torres del Paine NP, Chile

This day will see us hike from Paine Grande Refugio along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern side of the glacially beautiful Lake Grey. We will feast on a picnic lunch before boarding the boat that sails right to the huge, crystalline facade of Glacier Grey, where we will have plenty of time to marvel at the calving glacier. From the southern end of Glacier Grey we will transfer to EcoCamp. Due to the temperamental weather of the region, boat trips across the lake may occasionally be cancelled if the required minimum of 15 passengers is not reached. If either is the case, we will trek up to the sightseeing point and profit from wonderful, panoramic views of the Glacier instead. Then we will return on foot to Paine Grande and take a catamaran to Pudeto’s dock, where we will be picked up and driven to EcoCamp.

*Optional Kayaking around Glacier Grey: This excursion starts at 13:00 and lasts 2,5 hours where you will discover the amazing glacier and kayak around huge floating icebergs, towards the east side of the glacier to get closer to the giant ice wall (Min. age: 15 ; Max age: 65) (Note: Kayaking option is only available until March 19th)

Overnight EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park

 

DAY 5, FRIDAY, THE BIG CHALLENGE: TORRES DEL PAINE

​Torres del Paine NP, Chile

The goal of our fifth day of our 7-day Trek will be to complete the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine National Park! We will walk from the campsite towards Hostería Las Torres before ascending to Ascencio Valley on the Tower’s eastern face. Mountain ridges, beech forests and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. Our big challenge comes in the form of the steep moraine, a huge mass of boulders which will lead us to that iconic base-view of the Towers – Three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After a tough uphill climb, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before us, with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting on the view and our picnic, we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp for a well-deserved dinner.

Overnight EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park

 

DAY 6, SATURDAY, EASTERN LAKES*

Torres del Paine NP, Chile

The sixth day will consist of a less strenuous trail in order to counter the exhausting efforts of the previous day. After breakfast, we will take a leisurely car journey towards Laguna Azul, passing Cañadón Macho, home to many wild guanacos and ñandúes, en route. We will pause occasionally to admire the views of the Patagonian steppe and the towers from a different perspetive. At Laguna Azul, we will hike to the lookout point where we will be treated to a gorgeous view of both the lagoon and granite towers. After lunch, we will drive to the northern shore of Sarmiento Lake where the Fauna Trail begins. As we hike northbound, we will spot an impressive range of Patagonian fauna on the vast plains, including: guanacos, ostrich-like ñandús and maybe the occasional puma print! We will pass the charming Goic lagoon and after approximately 5km of relaxed walking, we will reach the Laguna Amarga ranger station where we will be picked up and driven back to Ecocamp to celebrate over our farewell dinner.

*Please note that if there are more than 6 travellers in the group there’s an option to split into two groups, with one group (or the whole group if everybody’s in the mood!) cycling to Laguna Azul!

Overnight EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park

 

DAY 7, SUNDAY, ADIOS TORRES DEL PAINE!

Punta Arenas, Chile

We will board an early morning vehicle, sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas in time to catch the evening flight to Santiago. Or, alternatively, we board an early morning vehicle to the border to continue our journey to El Calafate.

 

Patagonia Torres del Paine 7 Day W Trek – Trekking Chart

Data / Day	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7
Trail Name	arrive inTorres delPaine NP	Los Cuernos Trail	Valle Frances Trail	Grey Glacier Trail	Las Torres Trail	Eastern Lakes	leaveTorresdelPaineNP
Starting Point		EcoCamp Patagonia	Refugio Cuernos	Refugio Paine Grande	EcoCamp Patagonia	EcoCampPatagonia
Finishing Point		Refugio Cuernos(or Domo El Francés)	Refugio Paine Grande	EcoCamp  Patagonia(Trekking ends at Grey Viewpoint)	EcoCamp Patagonia	EcoCampPatagonia
appx. Walking Time		4.5 hrs(or 5.5 hrs)	10 hrs	4 hrs	9 hrs	3 hr
Distance		12 km / 7.5 mi(14 km / 8.7 mi)	26 km / 16 mi	11 km / 7 mi	22 km / 14 mi	6km / 4mi
max Altitude Point		244 m / 800 feet	686 m / 2250 feet	244m / 800 feet	914 m / 3000 feet	180 m / 590ft

 

Accommodations:

EcoCamp Domes- Nights 1,4,5,6

Standard Domes:

Superior Domes:

Suite Domes:

Suite Loft Domes:

EcoCamp Patagonia DomeComparison

 

 

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REGULAR DEPARTURES

Every Monday from October 2017 to April 2018**

 

Low Season: 2 Oct 2017 to 15 Oct 2017 (Spring) & 18 Apr 2018 to 29 Apr 2018 (Autumn) – last departure on April 23th, 2017

Shoulder Season: 16 Oct 2016 to 31 Oct 2017 (Spring) & 01 Apr 2017 to 17 Apr 2018 (Autumn)

High Season: 1 Nov 2016 to 14 Dec 2017 & 21 Jan 2018 to 31 Mar 2018 (Summer)

Peak Season: 15 Dec 2017 to 20 Jan 2018 (Summer)

 

OPTIONAL KAYAKING AROUND THE GREY GLACIER ON DAY 4

Price: CLP 60,000 per person

Duration: 2,5 hours departing at 13:00

Available from October to March 19th

Minimum: 3 passengers

Maximum: 12 passengers

Includes: Neoprene suit, waterproof jacket and boots, poogies (kayak gloves), skirt, life-jacket.

*For this kayak excursion the minimum age is 15 years old and maximum 65 years old

 

STARTING / FINISHING POINTS

The trip starts on Monday and finishes on Sunday with pick ups and drop offs in Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or El Calafate.

TRANSFER FROM PUNTA ARENAS (AIRPORT & HOTELS) TO ECOCAMP (STOPPING IN PUERTO NATALES)

Weekly Transfer Board

*If you arrive at the Puerto Natales Airport, you will be picked up at the time of your arrival and join one of the regular transfer services coming from Punta Arenas

**In any case, we will be waiting for you at the Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ). Please look for our staff with an EcoCamp sign at the airport at the time of your arrival

IMPORTANT

If you arrive on an early flight or earlier than the rest of the passengers, you will be taken to the city either to enjoy a breakfast/lunch (extra charge) or to walk around the city while we wait for the rest of the passengers

The transfer might leave earlier in some cases, when there are no more passengers to wait for

In the event of a late or delayed arrival at Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) or Puerto Natales Airport, a private transfer will need to be arranged at an extra cost

 

INCLUDED

All ground transport – private and domestic – as indicated in the itinerary

Regular bus tickets Calafate <> Natales if starting/finishing in Calafate (check last section).

Boat crossing on Grey Lake* please check day 4 of the itinerary

4 nights accommodation in EcoCamp***

1 night accommodation at Refugio Paine Grande**

1 night in Refugio Los Cuernos or Domo El Francés (depending on availability) **

Park fees for Cueva del Milodon and Torres del Paine National Park

One expert English speaking trekking guide

Sleeping bag for refugios if needed

Transportation for your luggage within the Park: while trekking you will carry just your daypack

Meals (B: breakfast, BL: box lunch, L: Lunch, D: dinner):

day 1: L, D

day 2: B, BL, D

day 3: B, BL, D

day 4: B, BL, D

day 5: B, BL, D

day 6: B, BL, D

day 7: B, BL

 

Important notes:

*During Low & Shoulder Season (October and April) the boat trip to Glacier Grey may be cancelled, if this is the case we will offer you a good alternative of excursion within the park.

**If refugios are unavailable, alternative accommodation will be provided in tents or domes with prior notice.

***If you choose a standard dome and you are travelling alone, you can share the dome with another person of the same gender and pay the double base price. If you want the dome to yourself, you need to pay a Single Supplement

N.B. During Shoulder and Low Season (October and April) the Towers Trek excursion might be cancelled because of weather conditions and safety considerations.

 

EXCLUDED

Flight tickets

Insurance (available and recommended)

Voluntary tipping of guides and staff

Soft drinks or snacks not served with the meals included at the EcoCamp. Bringing US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP is recommended

Items of a personal nature

GROUP SIZE & GUIDING STAFF

9 travelers is the most typical group size, plus guiding staff. Maximum 12 clients. Guide to passenger ratio: 1:6

 

TRANSPORT

In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia transport is in minivans that normally seat from 8 to 14 people. Pick up / Drop off times shown in the Weekly Transfer Board are approximate and will be confirmed locally by our operations team. An exclusive toll-free emergency number will be available for anyone needing additional support while they are in Chile.

 

WEATHER

The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. In addition, the strong marine influence and the affect of the Southern Patagonia Ice field make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and even snow. Even in summer (December to March) you should come prepared to find strong cold winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfall. The summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºCmax, 2ºC min). However, just as quickly as the weather turns nasty, it can become lovely and sunny. So come prepared for all types of weather!

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is the right trip for energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. To enjoy this trek it is essential to be in shape before you arrive. It is not wise to regard this trek as a means of getting into shape or losing excess weight. Start a program of conditioning well before departure.

 

CHILDREN

Youngsters who are 13 years of age or older are welcome and are considered adults.

Children between the ages of 10 and 12 can only participate in this program if their parent or legal guardian hires an independent, private guide to accompany the child during excursions, as well as signs Cascada’s legal waiver, which states that the child is prepared for such an intense trekking trip, and includes information about the independently hired guide.

Children under 10 years of age cannot participate in this trip.

This trip doesn’t offer a special discount for children.

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

Passengers need to be prepared for summer and winter all at once. Essential equipment includes a one day backpack (30 liters – to carry camera, glasses, rain coat, etc), trekking or hiking boots, extra shoes for evenings or in case others get wet, waterproof jacket, two pairs of woollen socks, fleece jacket or sweater, shorts or comfortable loose pants, sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm and screen) and optional capilene underwear for the upper and lower body. US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP.

 

ITINERARY MODIFICATIONS

The weather in Patagonia can be difficult to deal with at times. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.

 

Payments and Cancellation Policy:

Payment conditions:
Prepayment: 50% of Rate upon confirmed services.
Balance: 70 days prior to departure.

Our Cancellation Policy*:
– More than 60 days prior arrival: 30% of total reservation
– 59 to 31 days prior arrival: 50% of reservation
– 30 to 0 days prior arrival: 100% of total rate
– No-Show: 100% of Total Rate

*A cancellation by the client must be made in writing. The date we receive the email will determine the cancellation charge. Each supplier has their own cancellation policy, most restrictive policy will apply.

Option III

2017-2018 Season

4 nights- All meals included

Available only between November 16th, 2017 and March 15th, 2018 (recommended age: min. 15 years).

 

Hotel Las Torres Patagonia invites you to enjoy an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful and moving places on the planet… Our program “W in Comfort” is designed to visit the three valleys which form the famous “W” circuit, the French Valley, the sector of Las Torres with the Ascencio Valley and the sector of Lago Grey.

Live the untamed Patagonia without any concerns just to enjoy the freedom of our pampas and observe the beauty of the mountains.

We will transfer you every evening back to the Hotel Las Torres, where you can recharge in comfortable accommodations before hiking another part of the trail.

 

Programs Rates USD – Rates per person.

Nights	View	SGL	DBL	TPL	CHD
4	Mountain	$ 3,350	$ 2,530	$ 2,090	$ 1,010
	Garden	$ 3,100	$ 2,280	$ 1,850	$ 910

 

 

Program includes:

• Transfers IN / OUT from Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or Calafate. • Visit to Cerro Negro Ranch en route from Punta Arenas.
• Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park.
• All meals.
• Open Bar (not including premium spirits).
• All excursions inside the National Park.
• Bilingual guides Spanish/English (ask for quote of other languages). • WI-FI (only in common areas).
• Accommodation in superior room.
• A 20% discount in our spa.

“Full Paine” with navigation on Lago Grey: only tour that requires prior reservation (Limited availability, no date modifications); requires a minimum of 15 guests in March. All excursions have fixed schedules in the mornings.

Program does not include:

• Premium wines, premium liquors & premium beer.
• Transfers outside our regularly scheduled times (listed below). • Laundry.
• Tips.
• Phone Calls.
• Unscheduled meals.
• Accommodation outside Torres del Paine National Park.
• Travel Insurance.

 

Extra costs

• Upgrade to a suite.

No extra charges for reservations for New Year ́s and Christmas.

 

With each reservation you support our NGO “AMA Torres del Paine” and help us to reduce the impact that tourism has on the Torres del Paine National Park.

 

Day 1:

• Transfer from Punta Arenas.
• Visit to the Cerro Negro Ranch, a typical Patagonia ranch where our guests get the chance to enjoy an authentic

sheepdog and sheep shearing show organized by the ranch workers and the family owners. Lunch at the ranch.

• Arrival to Hotel Las Torres.
• Accommodation at Hotel Las Torres.

 

Day 2-4:

During the next 3 days you will explore the 3 beautiful valleys that form the “W” circuit. Each afternoon, we ́ll head back to the hotel to enjoy the comfort of our authentic estancia in the Chilean Patagonia.

• Excursion Las Torres, Sendero del Ascencio. 6-8 hrs.

You will explore the Ascencio Valley, walking through a beautiful len- ga forest and getting up close to the astounding Towers of Paine. The trail travels through native bushland and crosses streams and moraines. If you like horses you may opt to horseback ride to El Chileno Lodge, which is located halfway up the trail. Then you may continue on toward the base of the Towers on foot.

• Excursion to the French Valley. 12 hrs.

We will take you to the Pudeto boat dock by vehicle. Here, you will board the “Hielos Patagónicos” Ferry for a 30 minute crossing of the Pehoé Lake, to reach the trailhead for the trek towards the French Valley. The trail is surrounded by lakes, rivers and streams, and a wonderful view of the Paine massif. Once you reach the foot of Paine Grande Mountain you will be able to rest in front of the French Glacier, where you might witness one of the frequent avalanches from a distance.

• Excursion to the Grey Lookout. 10-12 hrs.

We will take you to the Pudeto boat dock by vehicle. Here, you will board the “Hielos Patagónicos” Ferry for a 30 minute crossing of the Pehoé Lake, to reach the trailhead for the trek towards the Grey Gla- cier viewpoint. The hike travels through rocky areas, evergreen and deciduous forests. From the lookout you will have a wonderful view of the Grey Glaciar and the Grey Lake which is often filled with icebergs.

 

Day 5:

Departure to the airport in Punta Arenas.

• END OF OUR SERVICES.

 

* The itinerary and the scheduled activities can change due to weather conditions.

* Coordinate order of excursions with our guides upon arrival at the hotel.

 

Payments and Cancellation Policy:

Payment conditions:
Prepayment: 50% of Rate upon confirmed services.
Balance: 70 days prior to departure.

Our Cancellation Policy*:
– More than 60 days prior arrival: 30% of total reservation
– 59 to 31 days prior arrival: 50% of reservation
– 30 to 0 days prior arrival: 100% of total rate
– No-Show: 100% of Total Rate

*A cancellation by the client must be made in writing. The date we receive the email will determine the cancellation charge. Each supplier has their own cancellation policy, most restrictive policy will apply.