Chile Trekking
9 DAY TORRES DEL PAINE
TREKKING CIRCUIT
The Torres del Paine
circuit around the famous craggy mountains that crown the Park is one of the
world’s classic trekking routes. Breathtaking views together with glaciers,
rivers, lakes, forests and abundant wildlife provide the trip with
constantly changing sceneries and experiences. This is one of the greatest
scenic wonders of the world and one of those places to which all serious
mountain-lovers must make a pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. The
circuit, rated strenuous, covers a distance of approx. 100 kms/60 miles.
This is a demanding trip, best suited for very physically fit hikers who
enjoy camping and hiking in a challenging and remote environment.
The trek is done in an
anticlockwise direction that saves the hardest sections until later and
prevents the walkers from being stopped by strong wind currents. During
summer (Dec-Mar) there are 18 hours of daylight which give the explorers
plenty of time for the walking journey.
We are
offering optional horse-pack and porters support for your personal belongs,
allowing you to complete this adventure only carrying your day pack.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Punta Arenas - Torres del Paine
We will pick you up at 12:15 PM at your Punta Arenas’ hotel or 1PM at Punta
Arenas’ airport if your are flying that same day. (so be sure to arrive in
the morning!). Transfer to Puerto Natales (250 kms/156 miles/3 hours),
lunch, and from there transfer (140 kms/ 88 miles /2 hrs) to EcoCamp Las
Torres inside the famous Torres del Paine National Park. In the Chilean
summer time, the sun sets around 11PM giving us plenty of light to admire
the landscape en route and the craggy mountains while entering the park. We
will make short stops in the township of Puerto Natales, to take a look of
the town (you have here the chance to leave in our office in Puerto Natales
any luggage that you will not need during the trek), and in the enormous
Cueva del Milodon, a giant geological wonder that once sheltered a
prehistoric sloth. Overnight camping in Las Torres (optional upgrade to
Ecocamp) (L-,D)
Day 2:
Valle Ascencio (21 kms/13 miles, 9-10 hrs round-trip)
We start our trekking journeys with the celebrate hike to the foot of the
impressive granite massif of El Paine. From here admire the most typical
sight of the Paine Towers (weather permitting) rising above a green lagoon.
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. Overnight camping in Las Torres (optional
upgrade to Ecocamp) (B, L-, D);
Day 3:
Ecocamp- Laguna Azul – Lago Dickson (28 kms/18 miles, 9 hrs)
Early transfer to Laguna Azul The day will start trekking through the lenga
forest of the northern side of Laguna Azul lake which was affected by the
Feb. 2005 fire. In this sector you may observe black woodpeckers, typical
birds of Patagonia. Once arriving to the Dickson
lake, have a spectacular view on
Glacier Dickson
and part of the Hielo Patagonico Sur (South Patagonia Ice Field). The trek
continues along the eastern bank of the Rio Paine. You will stop at a
lookout point with a wonderful panoramic view of Lago Paine below. Descend
to the lake level and continue across open grasslands along the Rio Paine to
Refugio Dickson.
Our
stunning campsite will be in the Dickson Valley surrounded by towering snow
capped peaks
and
the pretty waters of Dickson Lake with Mt. Cubo in the distance.
Hot showers available.
Overnight camping at
Dickson (B, L-, D).
Day
4:
Glacier Dickson hike (14 kms/9 miles, 6 hrs rt)
An easy hike to recover yourself from the last 2 demanding days. Today we
will trek north to Lago Quemado and get close to the beautiful Dickson
Glacier and its iceberg-filled lake. (B, L-D);
Day 5:
Lago Dickson- Los Perros (9 kms/6miles, 5 hrs)
The trail follows Los Perros river and encounters the wildest and least
accessible section of the trek. Virgin beech forests crossed by many water
courses leads the way towards the lovely Laguna Los Perros where we set up
camp. Spend the night camping at Los Perros (B, L-, D)
Day 6:
Los Perros- Camp Grey (14 kms/9miles, 10-11 hrs)
In this section we reach the highest point of the circuit at 1300 mts (4000
ft) with an awe-inspiring view of the Grey glacier, an enormous fractured
mass of ice choking the valley. The route continues roughly south along
forested slopes with occasional landslides and a beautiful view of the
enormous glacier Grey (more than five miles across and ten miles in length).
Overnigth at camp Grey. (B, L-, D)
Day 7:
Camp Grey - Camp Pehoe (11 kms/7 miles, 4 hrs)
Free morning. Those willing to do a half day hike on the Grey Glacier with
the use of crampons might book the trip on site (this is a great way to see
the glacier up close. No previous glacier hiking experience is needed and
all the technical gear is provided. PM: The trek continues down alongside
Grey Glacier until it calves into the Lake Grey. Then it keeps going by the
eastern side of the lake through clearings of Calafate bushes. The view over
the lake, with numerous giant icebergs drifting across the waters is very
impressive at this point. Finally, the track climbs onto flat ridges and
passes a small lake one hour before descending through a shallow dry valley
to arrive at Lago Pehoe. We spend the night in our camp by the turquoise
lake Pehoe. (B, L-, D)
Day 8:
Valle Frances (22 kms, 8 to 10 hrs round trip)
The track makes its way north through undulating terrain of mixed grassland
and light forest, passing two small lakes, and continues by the south-east
slopes of Cerro Paine to meet river Frances. From here we follow the river
upstream passing Camp Italiano, below Glaciar Frances, and –weather
permitting- keep going until it reaches a small hut built by some British
climbing expedition. This magnificent setting is surrounded by high peaks on
all sides being especially spectacular the Cuernos del Paine (the horns).
Later we return to Pehoe and take the 6:30PM boat that crosses the Pehoe
lake and drive back to the camp in Las Torres (optional upgrade to
Ecocamp) (B, L-, D);
Day 9:
Punta Arenas
Early in the morning board the vehicle back to Punta Arenas on time to catch
the evening flight back to Santiago. (B, L).
Note:
During shoulder season, months of October and April, boat schedule at lake
Pehoe changes, modifying slightly our itinerary.
Notes:
-
During shoulder season, months of October and April, boat schedule at lake
Pehoe changes, modifying slightly our itinerary.
-
Days 6-8 porters will carry the
participant’s gear. The maximum amount of gear for these days is 7 kg
p/person.
-
Depending on weather and
availability of accommodation we can sleep in mountain shelters (sextuple
room basis) instead of tents.
Included:
-
All ground
transport private and domestic as indicated in the itinerary;
-
Boat
crossing over lago Pehoe;
-
Park fees
for Cueva del Milodon and Torres del Paine National Park;
-
Meals as
indicated on the itinerary: B=breakfast, L=lunch, L-=Box Lunch, D=dinner
-
One expert
English speaking trekking guide and one English speaking assistant guide;
-
One Spanish
speaking cook & assistant while camping;
-
Packhorses
to carry all communal gear as well as optional clients gear on day 3, 4 and 5;
-
Porters to
carry the communal gear and food on day 6, 7 and 8;
-
Optional
days 6-8 porters will carry the participant’s
gear. The maximum amount of gear for these days is 7 kg p/person.
-
Complete
dinning & camping equipment during the circuit.
Not Included:
-
Air fares;
-
Insurance
(it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this kind of trips);
-
Optional
tipping to guides and staff;
-
Items of
personal nature (laundry, sodas, alcoholic beverage other than our famous
pisco sour and wine offered at dinners, etc.)
Vehicles:
A private
van will deliver us in Torres del Paine National Park on day 1 and will pick
us up on day 10.
Fixed Departures
The trip starts
every Sunday morning in the airport of Punta Arenas from October
1st to March 31st. You must arrive from Santiago in the first flight that
arrives around noon. The trip ends in the airport of Punta Arenas at 5PM
approx. You should book your return flights with the last flight (usually
leaves Punta Arenas after 6:30PM).
If wished, you may ask us to also handle your local flights and hotels
arrangements while in Chile and/or Argentina.
Physical Demands
The trip,
rated strenuous, is recommended for people in excellent physical condition
in the habit of walking long distances and camping outdoors. 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 programme of conditioning well before departure -in fact as soon as
you book- and be aware that short walks on the flat do little to prepare you
for the gradients of the Torres del Paine National Park. Regular aerobic
exercise (power walking, jogging, cycling on hills, swimming, cross country
skiing, etc) for al least one hour 4-5 times a week is suggested.
Additionally, you must be able to sustain exercise for prolonged periods.
Consult your physician if you have questions concerning your underlying
health. All passengers over 65 years old are requested to send ahead a
medical examination that states that they are able to safely accomplish
strenuous hiking. One portion of the 10-day circuit crosses a mountain pass
called John Gardner (between Perros and Grey). This section is very
strenuous and takes app. 10 hrs. You should note that we will not reach
altitudes over 1,300 mt/4,000 ft on this trek.
What you need
to bring
Day backpack (30-40lt), mountain
backpack, waterproof trekking boots, waterproof parka & pants, inner
isolating layer (fleece or wool), three changes of clothes, sun hat, sun
screen, hiking socks, sandals (for after hikes and few creek crosses),
bathing suit, sunglasses, towel (optional), ski poles (optional). sleeping
bag, sleeping pad, long underwear, extra change of socks, gaiters (very
useful), flashlight/headlamp, extra insulating layer (fleece, wool, or
expedition weight long underwear). A complete booklet with detailed
information about what to bring will be sent to you once you book the trip.
Extra services
We can also
book and purchase for you at the best rates available the following side
services: Domestic flights, Hotel accommodation in Santiago (3 to 5 stars),
Airport and Hotel pick ups in Santiago, side trips in Santiago and longer
extension trips (rafting, riding, hiking, etc) in other areas throughout
Chile.
About the
itinerary
The numbers
in brackets (distance-kms, time-hrs) are approximated and refer to the
trekking portions exclusively. In general the itinerary submitted and the
estimated of time is reasonable for well-fit passengers, considering also
good weather conditions and occasional stops for sightseeing and pictures.
The climate
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 Icefield influence makes 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 summers average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºCmax, 2ºC min).
