Short
Trekking
If you are traveling in Chile, Argentina or Antarctica, you shouldn't
miss the spectacular Torres del Paine. Rising from the sea to over
11,000 feet, these granite spires are truly impressive. The Park is
well deserving of its designation as a World Biosphere Reserve.
Our expert guides will enthusiastically point out the variety of exotic
flora and fauna during our daily hikes in and around the Park. We
will see guanaco, rhea, condors, and penguins. Foxes, steamer ducks,
and flamingos are often sighted, sometimes even the wary puma. We
will hear stories of the nomadic Tehuelche Indians while marveling
at the Patagonian Ice Cap, its glaciers and surrounding peaks.
This program is designed to be flexible to accommodate the group's
wishes. While some may want to linger and photograph the fabulous
sights, others may want to stretch their legs in a rigorous hike.
We also can offer overnight backpack options to Grey Glacier or Valle
Frances.
Our camps are very comfortable and some even offer hot showers. We
use roomy and sturdy two man tents and gather to eat at tables under
a large dining canopy. This program is designed to connect with our
other Patagonia programs; perhaps you'll wish to sample one of our
Chilean sea kayak experiences!
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| All of
our itineraries are flexible to accommodate group needs and weather
conditions. Different hikes may be substituted to take advantage of
appropriate conditions. |
| DAY 01
PUNTA ARENAS |
| Reception
at the airport in Punta Arenas and transfer to the hotel. Evening
orientation. Welcome dinner and overnight in a cozy hotel. (D) |
| DAY 02
PUNTA ARENAS-PUERTO NATALES-TORRES DEL PAINE |
| Morning
pick-up at your Punta Arenas hotel. Drive to Seno Otway to visit a
rookery of Magallenic Penguins. Picnic lunch. Continue our drive in
the afternoon past picturesque Puerto Natales. In the afternoon we
enter the Park where we have great viewing of guanaco and rhea. Evening
arrival at our Hosteria/Refuge or Camp site in the Park. All meals
breakfast, lunch and dinner included through Day 4. (B,L,D) |
| DAY 3
ASCENSIO VALLEY (8 hours) |
| Today weather
permitting we will ascend Valle Ascensio to the very base of the granite
Towers of Paine. It is a beautiful 6 to 8 hour hike through the steppe
and Southern Beach forests to the alpine glacier and its tarn beneath
the Paine Towers. Return to Hosteria/ Refuge or camp for the night.
(B,L,D) |
| DAY 4
TORRES DEL PAINE WEST SIDE TRAILS - GREY LAKE |
| In the
morning we'll drive to the west side of the Park through guanaco breeding
grounds, and hike along the shores of Lago Grey. Icebergs from the
Grey glacier wash up right next to our trail on the lake's shores.
The temperate rainforest that clings to the mountain's steep sides
creates a unique environment lying next to the glacial ice. Often
we are treated to the incredible explosions of calving ice! Weather
permitting an optional boat ride will take you to the face of the
glacier. Afternoon hike around Sierra Toro gives us spectacular views
of the entire massif. Return to an organized camp; Hosteria or Refuge…
(B,L,D) |
| DAY 5
PUERTO NATALES - PUNTA ARENAS (6 hours) |
| In
the morning and after breakfast, we depart the Park and drive to Puerto
Natales to start the Last Hope Sound trip extension or transfer to
Punta Arenas for departing flights. (B) |
| TRIP EXTENSION
can be done before or after the trip. |
| DAY 5
PUERTO NATALES |
| In the
afternoon we are dropped off at our cozy hotel in Puerto Natales (instead
of Punta Arenas). Rest of the afternoon free to explore this picturesque
port. Hotel included, meals on your own. (B) |
| DAY 6
SERRANO & BALMACEDA GLACIERS - PUNTA ARENAS |
| Full day
boat excursion up Last Hope Sound to the Serrano and Balmaceda Glaciers.
On the way we pass spectacular scenery, cormorant and sea lion rookeries,
and isolated estancias nestled in the steep sided fjord. Arriving
at Serrano Glacier we take a hike right to the very toe of the glacier.
Afternoon return to Puerto Natales and transfer to a modern regular
bus for the return trip to Punta Arenas. Transfer to the hotel on
your own. Overnight in a cozy hotel, dinner on your own. (B,L) |
| DAY 7
PUNTA ARENAS |
| Breakfast.
Morning at leisure to explore the town. At the agreed times transfer
to the airport. (B) |
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DEPARTURES DATES AT REQUEST MIN 2 PERSON
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Based on Camping
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Based on Refuges
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Based on hosterias (INNS)
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2-3 persons
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US$ 1.014
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US$ 1.152
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US$ 1.642
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4-6 persons
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US$ 904
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US$ 1.044
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US$ 1.287
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7 up persons
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US$ 735
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US$ 855
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US$ 1.131
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Single supplement
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US$ 33
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US$ 33
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US$ 349
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| TRIP
EXTENSION US $232 per person based on double occupancy |
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| Note:
Single supplement are available only in city hotels and hosterias,
not in shelters. |
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INCLUDED :
- All accommodations quoted per person, based on sharing room,
refuge or tent
- All meals in camp, refuge or hosterías
- Land transportation
- Park entrance fees
- Bilingual guides and camp staff
- Full comunity camping gear.
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NOT INCLUDED :
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Any type of insurance
- Tips and extra expenses, as laundry, meals and drinks out of
program and other items not mentioned
- Airfares Santiago-Punta Arenas-Santiago.
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| DEGREE
OF DIFFICULTY AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONING: |
| This trip
is moderate to difficult. Hiking is optional. We do day hikes with
our guide and return to base camps or hotel for meals and the night.
No special abilities are needed although group members should realize
that tempestuous weather is normal for this region. |
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT FOR CAMPING :
- Sleeping gear: comfortable sleeping bag to use in freezing conditions,
foam pad or air mattress
- Small daypack
- Flashlight or head lamp and extra batteries
- Wind breaker and polar
- Warm clothes and thermic underwear
- Light clothes
- Water bottle
- Trekking shoes and or high snickers.
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TRIP
SUPPLEMENTS:
On receipt of your deposit we will send you the General Information
for this trip including equipment list. |
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| Please
ask for our General Terms and Conditions Form. |
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