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Chile - Torres del Paine
9 Days - $6,150 to $6,875
Argentina Extension
5 Days - $2,790 to $3,140
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In the far south of Chile your adventure begins when we arrive in the town of Punta Arenas and drive to Puerto Natales, on the shores of the Última Esperanza Sound.
In 1557 sailor Juan Ladrilleros named the sound, “Última Esperanza,” or “Last Hope,” as it seemed to be his last possibility of getting to the Straits of Magellan. Puerto Natales was then foudned in 1911, and long served as a main port from which much of Patagonia's wool wealth sailed.
These days the scent of adventure wafts over town, as it is the perfect launching point to the Torres del Paine National Park and our last hope to stock up before we venture deeper into the Patagonian wild.
On day two in Natales we get out on a spectacular hike to Laguna Sophia, and visit the Milidon cave, where remains of the now extinct giant sloth were found.
Overnight at Indigo Hotel or similar.
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~3-HOUR CUTTER BOAT ~1-HOUR HIKE ~2-HOUR ZODIAC BOAT
After an early breakfast we head to the dock for a cruise up the Última Esperanza. Our goal is the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park where we’ll have stunning views of the massive Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. Bernardo O’Higgins is home of the Southern Patagonia Icefield, the second largest extra polar ice field on the planet.
After soaking in the icy views, we disembark for a quick hike to the foot of the Serrano glacier, and then cross the Serrano River by zodiac to enjoy lunch - with stunning views of the snowcapped Donoso and Ferrier Mountains.
After lunch we start an exhilarating zodiac ride up the river, catching our first views of the renowned towers as we enter Torres del Paine National Park. Up river we land at Serrano Village and drive to our lodge for the night.
Overnight at Pampa Lodge or similar.
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~2-HOUR CATAMARAN BOAT ~3-HOUR ICE HIKE
Today we drive deep into the park, and board the Grey Lake catamaran for a scenic cruise to the Grey Glacier. At the north end of the lake we disembark from the catamaran and check in to the Refugio, and prepare to explore the glacier.
The Refugios in Torres del Paine are comfortable hostel-style lodges, traditionally used by trekkers who prefer hiking without carrying camp. Complete with lounge areas for meeting other trekkers, comfortable beds, hot showers, and cold beverages, the Refugios provide basic yet comfortable accommodation.
Trekkers who wish to get upfront and personal with the glacier can boat across the bay to take an exciting hike on the turquoise ice with our specialist ice climbing guides.
Overnight at Refugio Grey or similar.
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~12.5 MILES/20 KM ~7-8 HOUR HIKE
Sunrise at Refugio Grey is awe inspiring, with warm colors bathing the massive rock ridge above the lodge. We lace up our boots and begin a full day of trekking towards Lake Pehoe (peh-way).
As we trek up and down the rugged trail we take in the expansive views of Grey Lake on our way to Pehoe. If luck is with us we might see Condors - the largest flying bird in the western hemisphere. The trail takes us past a site where these massive winged scavengers make their nests.
Once we descend to the pristine Lake Pehoe, the undulating trail takes us to our home for the night, French Domes Refugio on the shores of Lake Nordenskjold.
Overnight at Domos Frances or similar.
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~9.3 MI/15 KM ~6-7 HOUR HIKE
Today we’ve got our work cut out for us! To lighten the loads for our climb up the French Valley we stash our extra weight at the Refugio, taking only what we need for the day.
As we climb the rugged trail, glaciers calve on the far side of the canyon with loud cracking and rumbling. We make our way up the valley to the highest lookout, one of the most iconic views in the park.
Surrounded by the Torres (towers) del Paine, you’ll gain a new appreciation for rock and ice. We return down-valley to a well-deserved rest at the Refugio.
Overnight at Domos Frances or similar.
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~8.6 MI/14 KM ~6-7 HOUR HIKE
After breakfast we pack up and head out for another adventurous day of trekking in Torres del Paine. The trail meanders along the stunning Lake Nordenskjold as we make our way towards Las Torres, with the Cerro Paine Grande towers and the Almirante Nieto Mountain above.
Our lunch stop at the top of Cuernos Pass affords us an incredible panoramic view of Nordenskjold and the surrounding mountains.
We cross the foot bridge over Arriero River, and make our way past the Laguna Inge before the final stretch into Las Torres.
Overnight at Refugio Las Torres or similar.
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~13.6 mi/22 km ~7-8 HOUR HIKE ~3-HOUR DRIVE
Our goal today is one of the finest sights in the park - Las Torres lookout. After an early breakfast we fill up, pack up, and hit the trail in time for the towers.
The rugged hike is steep as we make our way up the river valley, and into the forest where the trail steepens once again. When we finally get above tree line we’re surrounded by exquisite granite beauty. At the lookout you’ll need to pinch yourself, as it seems like a dream!
The towers stretch beyond belief, a big payoff for our tough hike. After plenty of pictures and lunch we descend to our vehicles and drive back to Puerto Natales for dinner.
Overnight at Indigo Hotel or similar.
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If you’re not joining the trek in Argentina, you take a 3-hour drive back to Punta Arenas in time for the afternoon flight home.
Argentina Trek Extension: If you’re joining the Argentina Trek, we drive to El Chaltén today, in Argentina - 5-6 hour drive.
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After crossing the border into Argentina we continue our drive to El Chaltén, our adventure-base for the next few days.
El Chaltén lies at the foot of the granite spire range. The views from here are stupendous, taunting us for the spectacular days of hiking ahead.
Overnight at Hosteria El Pilar or similar.
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~11 MI/17.7 KM ~7-8 HOUR HIKE ~3 HOUR DRIVE
After an early breakfast, we start our full-day trek to the southwest and climb a ridge called Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, reaching 4,590-ft/1,400-m.
While hiking on the ridge we get very close magnificent views of the Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy ranges. After the hike we drive to El Calafate.
Overnight at Hosteria Los Hielos or similar.
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~14.2 MI/22.9 KM ~10 HOUR HIKE
Our long trek today takes us through the forest along the Rio Blanco River, then up to Laguna de los Tres. From here we have a stunning view of the Fitz Roy massif, alongside the Poincenot and Saint Exupery granite needles.
We picnic at a spectacular view point, then trek back to El Chaltén.
Overnight at Hosteria El Pilar or similar.
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~3 HOUR DRIVE ~2-3 HOURS HIKING
Today it's a full day at the world famous Glaciares National Park. We drive to the park, and stop for a delicious BBQ lunch at the estancia, owned by the family that first settled here.
We navigate the Brazo Rico and the south of Lake Argentino for spectacular views of Perito Moreno Glacier and Adriana face.
We hike amongst the wild horses, and take in breathtaking views of the Moreno glacier from the specialized viewing walkways. The vehicles then take us back to El Calafate.
Overnight at Hosteria Los Hielos or similar.
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After our last South American breakfast, we say adiós to El Calafate before driving to the airport for our flight home.
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