When packing, we need to section our gear into 2 x 20-25lt dry sacks. A dry sack is a water proof bag that you can purchase at outdoor shops. Soft suitcases are preferable to travel with than a hard suitcase. I use a large Mountain Design soft bag that has wheels. But don’t go out and purchase one specifically for this. We can get by with hard suitcases.
The porters have their own large packs and will carry your 2 dry sacks in those. Try not to have them too bulky as become too hard for them to pack.
Day Pack: Below is what we will either be wearing or carrying in our 35 litre day pack. Make sure you day pack is comfortable, with shoulder straps and waist straps.
Dry Sack 1:
Into this dry sack goes your night gear - Our crew carries this
This must not weigh more than 5kgs.
Dry Sack 2
Into this dry sack goes: Our crew carries this
Sml Dry Sack or zip lock bag- Into this goes clean clothes that they will deliver to us at the half way point.
They will take your dirty clothes back to Eco Camp.
We normally wear the same underwear and socks for the first 4 days and only bring into the half way point 1 set of clean undies and socks for the next 4 day. It is cold so we do not sweat and smell like we do in the tropics. But if you want to change your underwear and socks only take in 1 extra set for first four days and 1 extra set for last four days.
We can leave a bag of clean clothes at Eco Camp. We are tenting for 5 nights. A bag can also be left at the hotel in Punta Arenas if required.
Very important that trekkers have everything on the gear list.
This 7 day trek along the Torres del Paine Trail, is one of the world renowned trekking routes in Patagonia, Chile’s most famous national park. The trail is located in the south of Patagonia, approximately 2500kms from Santiago and is an internationally acclaimed trekking destination providing our trekkers with panoramic scenery, exotic wildlife and diverse ecosystems. Torres del Paine is recognised as one of the most breathtakingly unspoiled places on earth, being declared a World Heritage site in 1978. The spectacular Pine Massif, with peaks Cuernos (Paine Horns) and Grande, dominates the panoramic landscape of the park. We will trek through numerous ecosystems including, carving glaciers, snow-capped mountains, cascading rivers and waterfalls, lush meadows, mirror like turquoise lakes, Magellenic forests and arid Pampas. Expect to see birds like the Andean Condor, American ostrich, Cara Cara’s and Pink Flamingos. Mammals such as Guanaco’s (like Lamas) Grey and Culpeo Foxes and possibly Pumas. This is a strenuous hike; trekkers must be in good physical condition and be fit enough to hike full days on varied terrain. Certain days on the trail are long and hard trekkers must be able to sustain a steady pace. There is time for photo's and to take in the amazing scenery. Terrain can be rocky, steep and/or boggy, the section on the Pass can be made more challenging if the weather is bad. The trip is camping for the most part and you should be comfortable with travelling in remote areas. Note the trip is fully supported by our crew so you will only need to carry a day pack. Your experienced English speaking wilderness guides will be assisted cooks who will take care of the practical arrangements whilst on the hike. Our guide Pablo is the most experienced, trained Torres del Paine guide who will provide the safest and most beneficial experience leaving you free to enjoy the jaw dropping scenery and pristine wilderness scenery. For those of you out there that are not trekkers we do have non walking Safari's available. Please enquire direct with Pam regards this. This expedition starts and ends in Puerto Natales.
Group arriving into Puerto Natales. Transfer from airport to hotel is approximately 15 minutes. The rest of the day please relax, explore Puerto Natales which is a very quaint town situated on the shores of Seno Ultimo Eperansa "Last Hope Sound" Accommodation: Noi Blend Hotel
Transfer from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine starts during the morning (time TBC). From Puerto Natales transfer to EcoCamp, located in the world famous Torres del Paine National Park. The surrounding aras is very scenic with plenty of wild birds to be seen. During summer the sun sets around 10:30pm, so you'll have plenty of light to admire the Patagonian steppe with guanaco and now-peaked mountain horizon. Trek brief this evening. Accommodation EcoCamp.
The day will start at the EcoCamp Patagonia with a hill of course. We'll stop at a lookut point with a wonderful panoramic view of Lago Paine below, we then descnet to lake level and continue across open grasslands along the Rio Paine to Seron Campsite. Hiking Distance: 13 km./8 mi.. Hiking Time: 5 hrs.
This morning we will head north along the Paine River’s eastern shore, stopping at a vantage point for panoramic views of Paine Lake. Then we’ll continue west across open plains to Refugio Dickson, one of the most beautiful locations inside the Paine Massif. This site offers views of snow-capped mountains, Lake Dickson, and the distant Dickson Glacier and Southern Patagonian Ice Field. We’ll spend the night here, enjoying a hearty dinner and a hot shower. Hiking Distance: 23 km./ 14 mi. Hiking Time: 7/8 hrs. Max. Altitude: 392m./1286 ft.
We will continue our trail along the Los Perros River in what will be the wildest and most remote grounds that we will cover on the trek. We will pass under the Los Perros Glacier, where it merges into a small lake, and then cross virgin beech forest before reaching the beautiful Laguna Los Perros. Here, we will set up camp at Camping Los Perros and enjoy the tranquil evening. Cold showers Hiking Distance: 12.9 km./8.1 mi. Hiking Time: 5 hrs. Max. Altitude: 584 m./1916 ft. Elevation gain: 373 m./1224 ft.
This day marks our ascent to the Circuit’s highest point, the John Gardner pass, a must-do for any serious trekker. From an altitude of around 1300 mts (4000 ft), we will be able to get an amazing view of the Grey Glacier, an enormous fractured mass of ice that towers over the valley below. The John Gardner pass is one of the most famous sectors of Torres del Paine and a must-do for any serious trekker. We will then continue south along forested slopes with more beautiful views of the Grey Glacier before reaching Grey Campground on the shores of Lake Grey. Hiking Distance: 17.3km./10.7 mi. Hiking Time: 12 hrs. Max. Altitude: 1364 m./4475 ft. Elevation gain: 984 m./3228 ft.
During the morning, we will take some time to rest, replenish, and revel in the beautiful surroundings of Lake Grey. After this, it is time to make our way along the eastern side of the Lake through clearings of gorgeous Calafate bushes. Today is one of the shorter days, and less challenging. There will be plenty of views over the lake, with its numerous giant icebergs drifting across the waters. The trail after this point becomes flatter as we descend through a shallow dry valley towards the turquoise waters of Lake Pehoe, where we will set up camp and rest for the night. Hiking Distance: 11 km./6.8 mi. Hiking Time: 5 hrs. Max. Altitude: 302 m./990 ft. Elevation gain: 243 m./797 ft.
OPTIONAL AM KAYAKING EXCURSION (Starting at 8:30 AM, this 2.5-hour excursion takes you kayaking around massive floating icebergs towards the glacier's eastern side, offering a closer view of the giant ice wall. Ages 15-65 only. US$233 per person
After breakfast at Camp Paine, we will begin a challenging trek along a steep trail into the heart of the Paine Massif in the French Valley. The goal is to get to the French Valley lookout, to enjoy the view of the geological formations of the Paine Massif, and the French Glacier. This is one of the highlight hikes of many visitors in the park because of its stunning views. On top, we will take a lunch break if the weather permits. Afterward, we'll descend through mixed grassland and forest to Camp Frances. Please note: An optional hike to Británico Lookout is available if weather and group conditions are favorable. This hike adds 6.8 km (4.2 mi) to the day's distance. Pablo your guide will decide if it’s feasible. Hiking Distance: 20 km./12.4 mi. (Including Británico Lookout). Hiking Time: 8 hrs. Max.
Once we’re done with breakfast we start our trekking day heading back to Eco Camp Patagonia through the curly Cuernos trail located beside beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During the day we take in the wind and the curious 4-season weather that has accompanied us these past few days. As we advance through the trail central lakes and admire other perspective of the Paine’s Horns. We’ll of course stop to enjoy a delicious box lunch to energize us for the rest of the walk. The trek ends at the Eco Camp. The evening is left free to enjoy dinner and prepare for our hike up to the Towers tomorrow. Hiking Distance: 16 km./9.94 mi. Hiking Time: 7 hrs. Max. Altitude: 247 m./810 ft.
Time for a great breakfast and lots of enthusiasm! Our goal for today is to complete the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine NP. We walk from the camp site towards Hostería Las Torres and connect with the winding uphill path to Ascencio Valley – the valley which supports the eastern face of the Towers’ base. Dry mountain spots, beech forests and small rivers are passed along the scenic walk into the valley. This mass of boulders is the last guardian before we are face to face with the uplifting Torres del Paine. Consider doing it slowly and with a fair amount of precaution. The Paine’s rising majestically before us with the glacial lake visible below. This is one of the most breathtaking sights of the world! The famous Torres del Paine. (2, 900 m/ 9, 400ft) consists of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Is there any better place on this planet to have lunch? At the foot of the mighty Torres del Paine we’ll enjoy life, the view, and a bite to eat! Once everyone’s ready, we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley, and return to Eco Camp. This is sadly our last night in Torres del Paine, we take notes and talk with our friends, relax, feel the strong Patagonic wind while watching the heavens above. All these days spent in the Park will be profound memories to take back home with you. Hiking Distance: 22 km./13.6 mi. Hiking Time: 10 hrs. Max. Altitude: 914 m./3000 ft. Elevation gain: 796 m. / 2611 ft
This morning the group takes 7:30am transfer back to Puerto Natales. Please book departing flight out of Puerto Natales after 12 noon.
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