This itinerary covers by far the best trekking areas in Patagonia, the last land of the Americas. Tehuelche Indians, the first inhabitants of the Patagonian plains, were the first to set eyes on the stunning granite colossus. On the Chilean side the towers were surrounded by a fantastic deep, blue lake, and accordingly, natives gave the name of "Paine" (the place of the blue waters); and on the Argentine side, as the main peak has always been enveloped in the clouds, it was christened "Chalten" (the volcano). Centuries later, those 3.375 meters of jagged, vertical, grey granite took the official name of Charles Darwin's captain - Robert Fitz Roy. Today, together with the climber's ultimate challenge - Mt. Torre (3.128 meters) in the northern section of "Los Glaciares" National Park, "Torres del Paine" National Park embodies the central trekking point of Patagonia, and one of the top five in South America.
Departure Dates and Costs
2010/2011 Departures
Monthly departures November, 2010 - February, 2011
Tour Cost:
$ 2,295 USD per person
Single travellers will be matched with a travel mate as there is no single accommoation available at the ecocamp and tents.
Trip starts in Puerto Natales, Chile and ends in Calafate, Argentina. Airfare can be added to join up with the trip in Chile or to extend the trip in Argentina.
Itinerary
DAY 1 PUERTO NATALES
Check in Puerto Natales Hotel and meet with group and local guide.
DAY 2 PUERTO NATALES - PAINE (B,L,D)
(4-5 hour trek, approximately 10 kilometers). Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park. The park, created in 1959 is "Humanities Heritage" site as declared by UNESCO. It is a paradise for both flora and fauna lovers. Take the boat across Lake Pehoe to Pehoe Camp. Trek 4-5 hours to Grey Refuge. Overnight in the refuge.
DAY 3 GREY REFUGE - PEHOE REFUGE (B,L,D)
(4-5 hours trek approximately 10 kilometers). Trek to Grey Glacier. View the extraordinary scenery of the huge icebergs coming from the Patagonian icecap. In the afternoon, walk back to Pehoe Camp (4-5 hours) to spend the night.
DAY 4 PEHOE CAMP-FRENCH VALLEY-CUERNOS REFUGE (B,L,D)
(10 hours trek approximately 20 kilometers). Full day
trekking (8-10 hours) into the French Valley between the impressive granite walls. In the afternoon trek to Cuernos refuge to spend the night.
DAY 5 CUERNOS - REFUGE-TORRES REFUGE (B,L,D)
(5 hours trek, approximately 10 kilometers). Trek along Lake Nordenskjoeld to reach Torres ranch. Common camping equipment will be transported by boat and car to Torres camping.
DAY 6 TORRES CAMPING - TORRES DEL PAINE - PUERTO NATALES (B,L)
(8 hours trek approximately 15 kilometers). Today is a full day hike to the foot of the Torres del Paine, granite pinnacles standing over 1000 meters high. At the foot of the towers lies a beautiful lake. Transfer back to Puerto Natales. Stay in hotel.
DAY 7 PUERTO NATALES - CALAFATE (B)
Transfer to Puerto Natales' bus station. It is necessary to be at the bus terminal 30 minutes before the bus departure. Take the regular bus to the town of Calafate by the shores of Lake Argentino (6 hours by bus). Reception and transfer to hotel.
DAY 8 CALAFATE - CHALTEN (B)
Begin the day with an excursion to the world famous Moreno glacier. Late afternoon transfer to bus terminal for bus to Chalten; herds of guanacos, rheas and armadillos can be seen on the drive. Drive alongside Lake Viedma, seeing Fitz Roy, Torre, Huemul and Solo Mountains. Arrive at the climbers' village of Chalten, within Los Glaciares National Park. Reception and transfer to hotel. (230 kilometers driving, 4 hours)
DAY 9 EL CHALTEN - FITZ ROY (B,L,D)
After breakfast, a short drive takes us to Blanco River where we start our trek at the northeast face of Fitz Roy Mountain. From across a fantastic sub-Antarctic beech tree forest visitors can glimpse Piedras Blancas Glacier. After the last climb, awaits the most incredible view: Laguna de los Tres set against Mt. Fitz Roy. Descend and walk southwest to Torre Lagoon. Stay at camp overnight. (10 hours walking) 
DAY 10 TORRE GLACIER ICE TREK (B,L,D)
The mythical Mt. Torre (3,128 meters) is one of the most difficult peaks to climb due to its shape and the weather conditions at the summit. By the Torre Lagoon, a vantage point for seeing both the legendary pinnacle in all its glory and its glacier, take a breathtaking ice trek. Guides will provide all the necessary equipment such as crampons, icepicks and harnesses. (6 hours walking)
DAY 11 TORRE LAGOON - CHALTEN (B,L)
Free morning to rest and stroll by the lagoon. After lunch, trek to Chalten following the Fitz Roy River. Reunite with excess luggage, and a shower is provided. Transfer to bus terminal in Calafate. (4 hours walking, 4 hours driving). Transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 12 CALAFATE
Tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Extensions are available on an individual basis
Additional Information
Includes:
- All transfers mentioned
- Lodging as listed in the itinerary, fully equipped camps, refuges and hotels w/pvt bathroom - according to mentioned program above
- Meals (B: breakfast, L: lunch or D:dinner) as mentioned
- English speaking mountain guide from day 1 to 5 and day 8 to 10
- On treks, a boxed lunch is provided. There are separate personal, dining and toilet tents. Isomats, local coordination, boat ride across Lake Pehoe.
- Hot drinks during camp meals, visits,entrances, park fees and public bus transfers when mentioned
Does not include:
- Personal clothing
- Sleeping bags
- Drinks during meals (excluding water) /alcoholic drinks during the trek
- Porters for personal equipment
- Tips & laundry