Eco Camp Patagonia presents…
NEW!
Suite Domes
Following EcoCamp’s tradition of quality service and
sustainable innovation we are happy to announce a new way to experience
Torres del Paine National Park: Suite
Domes at Eco Camp Patagonia!
What are they?
Suite Domes are comfortable 28mt²/ 300 ft² tented
igloo-type double domes built the same way as the ancient native
Kaweskar’s dwellings. Its structure produces minimal environmental
impact while providing an efficient thermal and wind resistant unit,
with great exposure to nature in the most magnificent Patagonian
setting. Each dome has a private bathroom, comfortable double or twin
beds, and it is heated by a modern low-emission wood stove. In addition,
every dome has its own composting device to process waste and a solar
panel as an energy source.
Eco Camp’s cozy decoration makes great use of fallen
trees or branches, collected leaves & feathers, natural fibers and other
natural elements bringing the local heritage of natives and settlers
indoors, blending with the surrounding harsh nature. The Suite domes
are located in a Lenga (beech) forest next to the existing standard
domes but allowing enough distance so as to create a separate and
independent atmosphere with more refinement and comfort.
What about capacity?
Capacity is limited to 16 guests only for the 2008-09
season considering 8 Suite Domes with two single beds (1.2 x 2m beds)
which can also be equipped with king size beds (1.9x 2m). The domes are
set up with enough space between them to provide adequate intimacy and
introspection.
What about tour packages?
Suite Domes were created to share the EcoCamp’s
experience with the less active traveler who doesn’t necessarily want to
hike and requires more comfort. Programs at EcoCamp’s Suite Domes will
work differently than our hiker’s programs at the standard domes as the
“team building” factor is not that important here and guests enjoy being
more independent throughout their stay. Therefore, Suite Domes will have
total flexibility and will offer 2, 3, 4 and 5 nights full-board
programs based on the Weekly Excursions Chart (Details in table 1) and
programs can start and finish any day of the week. Additionally,
there will be regular daily transfers going in /out of the Park
in connection with Punta Arenas Hotels/Airport/ Australis Cruises Dock,
Puerto Natales Hotels/Skorpios Cruises Dock, and Cerro Castillo
Argentine border. (Details in table 2)
What Excursions are included?
Table 1shows the daily excursions available during the
week for all passengers staying at the Suite Domes; the menu offers
mainly easy tours which details are included on the back page. All these
excursions have fixed schedules and remain common for all guests.
Private excursions at different days/hours can be offered upon request
for an extra cost.
Table 1: Weekly Excursions Chart
Check the excursions brief itineraries & facts in the last section of
this document.
What transport is included?
Table 2 indicates the daily regular transfers provided
during the week for the guests going in/out of EcoCamp from/to different
points outside the Park. All these transfers are shared with other Eco
Camp clients. Please bear in mind that our environmental goal is
to minimize the transportation frequency within the Park on a certain
day so all EcoCamp guests, hiker´s and not hikers, will very likely
share the same vehicle on the whole route or on portions of it.
Eco Camp´s vehicles are 14-16 seats minibuses powered by
diesel for now, until a renewable source of power is available. Vehicles
do not have a bathroom.
Table 2: Weekly SIB Transfers
Board
Times shown are approximate and will be confirmed locally by our
operations team.
Who guides?
Excursions on Table 1 are all led by an experienced local
English-Spanish speaking guide. Although guests staying at Eco Camp
Suites will share the transportation with other Eco Camp fellow
travelers they will have one or two exclusive guides to lead them on
their excursions. We want to keep hikers and not hikers comfortable at
their own pace and also want to encourage the complicity and conformity
created in each independent group.
Weekly
Excursions Brief Itinerary
·
Drive & Walk Western Lakes, Boat across Grey Glacier
Full day visit to Salto Grande, Nordenskjold Lake Trail
and Grey Lake Beach. Round trip navigation to Grey Glacier.
Depart EcoCamp: 09:00 hrs, arrive back: 18 hrs approx.
Approximate total walking time on the different lake
trails: 2 hours
Walking distance: 3 to 5 km / 2 to 3 miles (depending on weather
conditions and the group pace)
Boat crossing Grey Lake: approx. 2 hours round
·
Drive & Walk Western Lakes, Hike Cerro Ferrier
Full day visit to Salto Grande, Nordenskjold Lake Trail
and Grey Lake Beach. Then steep hike on Ferrier Trail until reaching
sightseeing point.
Depart EcoCamp: 09:00 hrs, arrive back: 19 hrs approx.
Approximate total walking time on the different lake
trails: 5 hours
Distance: 5km / 3 miles (depending on weather conditions and the group
pace)
·
Walk Laguna Azul and Fauna Trails
Full day Visit to Laguna Azul sector, walk to the lookout
point through Lenga forests, continue to the Fauna Trail to watch the
Park’s local flora and fauna, closely.
Depart EcoCamp: 09:00 hrs, arrive back: 18 hrs approx.
Approximate total walking time on the different lake
trails: 3 hours
Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles (depending on weather conditions and the
group pace).
·
Trek Towers Base
Full day trek up the Ascencio Valley to the Towers base.
Depart EcoCamp: 08:00 hrs, arrive back: 18 hrs approx.
Approximate walking time: 10 hrs round trip.
Distance: 21 km /13 miles round trip.
·
Visit Las Torres Flora & Fauna Interpretative Center
Visit the Interpretative Center at Las Torres and walk its trail. Up to
45 different birds might be seen.
Approximate visit time: 3 hrs.
·
Hike Cerro Paine
Located near the Ecocamp, the summit of this hill is a good point for
appreciating the Park’s rivers & lakes.
Approximate walking time: 4 hrs round trip.
Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles round trip.
·
Walk Mirador Toro
From the different lookout points of this hill there are splendid views
of the Park’s Western lakes.
Approximate walking time: 2.5 hrs
Distance: 3 km / 2 miles
·
Boat across Pehoe Lake, Trek French Valley
Boat across the Pehoe Lake and trek up the French Valley
in the very middle of the Paine Massif.
Depart EcoCamp: 08:00 hrs, arrive back: 19 hrs approx.
Boat across Pehoe Lake: 30 min each way.
Approximate walking time: 6 hrs round trip.
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles round trip.
·
Optional Activities, free morning or free afternoon
- Visit Hostería Las Torres Spa & Massage Center, just 10 min walk from
the Eco Camp (not included)
- Half day horseback riding or ride per hour, just 10 min walk from the
Eco Camp (not included)
Facts
Included
- Accommodation at Eco Camp’s Suite Domes.
- Meals as indicated.
- All ground transport as indicated.
- English-Spanish speaking expert escort guide. Guide ratio 1:12 pax.
Max group size: 16 people.
- Park fees for Cueva del Milodon and Torres del Paine National Park.
- Boat crossing ticket over Grey Lake and/or Pehoe Lake.
Excluded
- Flight tickets.
- Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this
type of trip).
- Voluntary tipping to guides and staff.
- Items of personal nature.
Meals at the Eco Camp
One of the most popular features of Eco Camp is its delicious and
plentiful food – this is what our clients say! This is a short
description of the meals we serve:
Breakfast
All that you will find at home: fruits, whole grain and white bread
toast, cheese, scrambled eggs, butter, peanut butter, jam, cereals,
granola, yoghurt, milk, juice, honey, ham, coffee, tea, herb teas, and
much more.
Box Lunch
We call it a ‘buffet box lunch’ –it is prepared after breakfast by each
client before starting the excursion- they will find a pretty big table
full of tasty elements to prepare a great sandwich: whole grain and
white bread, cheeses, tuna, chicken, turkey ham, beef, salami, sauces,
variety of vegetables, hard boiled eggs, and more; additionally they
will also find chocolate and granola bars, nuts and fruits.
Lunch or Dinner
It starts with a cocktail consisting of our famous pisco sour and
different small appetizers. Then the meal starts with a local soup and
is followed by a piece of white or red meat with rice, potatoes or
vegetables, everything accompanied by good Chilean wine - we provide a
bottle per each 3 persons. Finally a cup of coffee or herb teas with a
delicious dessert will crown the meal. The meals often vary to make
client experience different flavors and local preparations. We also
serve vegetarian and gluten-free meals if indicated with anticipation
when booking.
Clients can also buy: juices, sodas, beers, wines and alcoholic drinks.
Inside Domes
The 28mt²/ 300 ft² tented igloo-type double domes will have everything
clients need for a comfortable stay. There will be two single beds (1.2
x 2m beds) or a king size bed (1.9x 2m), and a modern low-emission wood
stove that will keep the place warm. Bathrooms will be well equipped and
will have towels available. For sustainable purposes clients will keep
the same towels and blankets during their stay. Additionally, since the
Suite Domes will be powered with solar panel generators, there will be
no electric capacity to plug devices such as hair dryers, electric
shavers, etc, nevertheless camera batteries can be charged in other
facilities at the EcoCamp . The Suite Dome will be nicely decorated
with natural fibers and other elements from the local culture.
Transport
In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia transport is in minivans
that normally seat from 8 to 14 persons. Pick up / Drop off times shown
in the Weekly SIB Transfer Board are approximate and will be confirmed
locally by our operations team. An exclusive toll-free emergency
number will be available for clients if they need additional support
once they are in Chile, dialing 800 374440
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. Also, 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).
Physical Demands
This trip does not demand physical activity other than walking a maximum
of two consecutive hours over rather flat terrain considering many stops
as necessary to fit with the rhythm of the group. The travelers doing
the active excursions will find them the right choice for energetic
people - to enjoy these treks it is essential to be in shape before
arriving. All trails visited in the programs are below 1,000 m / 3,000
ft so passengers don’t need to worry about altitude.
What people need to bring
Passengers need to be prepared for summer and winter all together and
consider al least two changes of clothes. Some essential equipment is
one day backpack (10 liters, to carry camera, glasses, rain coat, etc),
trekking or hiking boots, extra shoes for evenings or in case the others
get wet, waterproof jacket, two pairs of wool 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.
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 under
the sole discretion of the trip guide and based on operational
considerations. The trip guide can also modify, change or eliminate part
of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.
Important:
Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival
Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you
upon receipt of final payment.
All itineraries are
subject to change without prior notice.
