Starting / Finishing Points
The trip starts on Sunday and finishes on Thursday with pick ups and drop offs in Punta Arenas, or Puerto Natales (El Calafate can be arranged at an additional cost). Please visit our Weekly Transfer Board for details of EcoCamp pick up and drop off times from both Chile and Argentina.
INCLUDED
- All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary
- One expert English/Spanish speaking trekking guide
- Torres del Paine National Park fee
- 3 nights accommodation at EcoCamp (dome of your choice)
- 1-night accommodation at Refugio Paine Grande (shared basis)- OR camping (depending on availability)
- Boat crossing over Pehoe Lake and Grey Lake (2)
- Sleeping bag for the mountain hut or camping
- Luggage transport: while trekking you will carry just your daypack
Meals:
- Day 1: L, D
- Day 2: B, BL, D
- Day 3: B, BL, D
- Day 4: B, BL, D
- Day 5: B, BL
B: breakfast, BL: box lunch, L: lunch, D: dinner.
Important Notes:
- Either in refugio or refugio's camping area
- During Shoulder and low season (October and April), some excursions are subject to the weather conditions and might be canceled or modified for reasons of security, for example, the Navigation on Grey Lake, the excursion to the French Valley and to the Tower base trek. In any case, we will either modify the original itinerary or offer you a good alternative of excursion within the park.
EXCLUDED
- Flight tickets
- Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip)
- 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
- Transfer from El Calafate
GROUP SIZE & GUIDING STAFF
9 travelers is the most typical group size, plus guiding staff. Maximum 12 clients. Guide to passenger ratio: 1:6
TRANSPORTATION
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 (24ºC max, 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 a 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 wool socks, fleece jacket or sweater, shorts or comfortable loose pants, sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm and screen) and optional base-layer 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.