Eco Camp – The Circuit (9D)
The “Circuit” is one of Patagonia’s most famous treks. Amidst the unforgettable setting Las Torres National Park, it encompasses the beautiful and formidable Paine Mountains and is considered one of the world’s classic trekking routes. This trip is for the most adventurous and physically fit traveler, willing to camp in mountain style and to hike in varying weather conditions. The trail reaches the remote Paine Lake and Dickson Lake and offers a full view of Grey Glacier from John Garner Pass. This route is a must for the wilderness trekker. The Circuit, rated strenuous, covers a distance of approx. (100 kms/60 miles). 3 nights will be spent in the comfortable Eco Camp.
Itinerary
Eco Camp - The Circuit (9D)
DAY 1 (Wed) PUNTA ARENAS - PAINE NATIONAL PARK
Pickup from hotel (12:15 pm) or airport (1 pm), and drive (156 miles / 256 kms - 3hrs) to Puerto Natales with box lunch en route. After a brief stop in Puerto Natales, we continue another 88 miles / 140 kms - 2hrs to Paine National Park. Along the way we will stop at Milodón Cave – a cave that once sheltered a prehistoric sloth. Arrive at Las Torres Camp for a welcome dinner and overnight. Overnight Tent Camp (or upgrade to optional EcoCamp). (L-,D)
*Calafate Transfers (Argentina) - Start/Finish transfers in Calafate also can be arranged. Please contact us for details and pricing.
DAY 2 (Thu) PAINE TOWERS
Today we hike along the Paine River to the foot of the impressive El Paine granite massif. Here we stop and admire the striking sight of 3 gigantic granite monolith towers (9400 ft / 2900m) that give the park its name – Torres del Paine. Return to EcoCamp. Overnight Tent Camp (or upgrade to optional EcoCamp. (B,L-,D)
DAY 3 (Fri) LAGUNA AZUL - DICKSON VALLEY
Early transfer to Laguna Azul. The day will start with trekking through the Lenga forest of the northern side of Laguna Azul. Once arriving to the Dickson Lake, we have a spectacular view of Glacier Dickson and part of the Hielo Patagonico Sur (South Patagonia Ice Field). The trek continues along the eastern bank of the Rio Paine. You will stop at a lookout point with a wonderful panoramic view of Lago Paine below. Descend to the lake level and continue across open grasslands along the Rio Paine to Refugio Dickson. Horse-pack support will be used to carry communal gear. Showers available. Our stunning campsite will be in the Dickson Valley surrounded by towering snow capped peaks and the pretty waters of Dickson Lake with Mt. Cubo in the distance. Overnight Camp Dickson - Tent Camp. (B,L-,D)
DAY 4 (Sat) GLACIER DICKSON
An easy round trip hike to recover from the previous 2 demanding days. Today we will trek north to Lago Quemado and get close to the beautiful Dickson Glacier with its iceberg-filled lake. Overnight Camp Dickson - Tent Camp. (B,L-,D)
DAY 5 (Sun) LOS PERROS
Today our trek will follow the Los Perros River through virgin beech forests and the least accessible section of the trek. Our destination is the lovely Laguna Los Perros. Overnight Camp Los Perros - Tent Camp. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 (Mon) CAMP GREY
Today the trek reaches the highest point of the circuit at John Garner Pass (4000 ft / 1300 mts) with an awe-inspiring view over Grey glacier. We will descend along the forested slope trail with incredible views of the glacier and set up tents at camp Grey. Overnight Camp Grey - Tent Camp. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 (Tue) CAMP PEHOE
Free morning for optional walk on Grey glacier*. In the afternoon, the trek continues down alongside Grey Glacier until it calves into the Lake Grey. The view over the lake, with numerous giant icebergs drifting across the waters, is very impressive at this point. Finally, the track climbs onto flat ridges and passes a small lake one hour before descending through a shallow dry valley to arrive at Lake Pehoe. We spend the night at camp Pehoe. Overnight Camp Pehoe - Tent Camp.
*Grey Glacier Walk - From the Grey campsite, we board a Zodiac for a 10- minute ride on Lago Grey to the starting point of the hike. Once on the glacier we rope up in teams and receive a thorough instruction on how to walk on the glacier with crampons before we start hiking (2-3 hours; it depending on the weather). This is a great way to see the glacier up close. No previous glacier hiking experience is needed. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 (Wed) FRENCH VALLEY - LAS TORRES CAMP
Today's round trip trek makes its way north through undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest, passing two small lakes, and continues by the south-east slopes of Cerro Paine to meet river Frances. From here we follow the river upstream passing Camp Italiano, below Glacier Frances, and keep going until it reaches a small hut built by a British climbing expedition. This magnificent setting is surrounded by high peaks on all sides being especially spectacular the Cuernos del Paine. Later we return to Pehoe and take the 6:30 PM boat that crosses the Pehoe lake (30 min). Transfer to Las Torres camp for farewell dinner and overnight. Overnight Tent Camp (or upgrade to optional EcoCamp. (B,L,D)
DAY 9 (Thu) LAS TORRES CAMP - PUNTA ARENAS
Early in the morning board the vehicle back to Punta Arenas Airport (arrive ~4 pm) on time to catch the evening flight back to Santiago (End of Services). *Trip Extensions or Extra Nights in Santiago can also be arranged. (B,L)
KEY: (B)reakfast, (L)unch, (D)inner
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This adventure involves 7 days of strenuous to moderate trekking/hiking. Trekking is generally moderate but we do cover some rugged trails; long trekking days are the norm. Good physical condition is required. It is the traveler's responsibility to best assess their physical ability to meet the stated Physical Requirements.
NOTES: Depending on weather and availability of accommodation we can sleep in Refugios (sextuple room basis) instead of tents if necessary.
Refugios (Mountain Huts): heated, with shared dining area, bunk rooms (4-6 passengers), toilet and showers facilities.
Horse-pack and porters: this optional pack and porter service is available if you want to hike with only a day pack during the entire trek. Contact us for details.
Details
Pricing
TRIP COST (per person)
DEPARTURES: Every Wednesday
SEASON: Nov 2009 – Mar 2010
$1595 Circuit Trek Camp (9D) (4+ passenger) - Tents Only
$1845 Circuit Trek Camp (9D) (4+ passenger) - Tents / Eco Camp - 3 Nights
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Scheduled Departures: Departures are setup to run with as few as 2 passengers (14 maximum per group). Scheduled Departures brings together singles and couples traveling from around the world into small groups to ensure that your trip won't be cancelled due to lack of participation.
Price includes: Bilingual naturalist guide, all land transport during the itinerary, sea kayaking equipment, snorkel equipment (snorkel, mask, fins), all hotel accommodations * (on a twin share basis including continental breakfast), all meals as noted and accommodations. * Additional and or single accommodations can be arranged at the clients' request.
Not included: Galapagos airfare (will be quoted with trip proposal), international airfare, airport taxes, entrance fees to Galapagos National Park (unless otherwise noted), hiking boots and other personal gear, meals not noted in itinerary, personal expenses (tips and gratuities, alcoholic beverages, medical or travel insurance, laundry, etc.).
Cash Price: Prices listed are cash prices. Credit card payments are subject to a 3% processing fee.
Tent & Camping Sites: The tents arranged for this program are typical mountain tents with enough room for a 2 people overnight in comfortable conditions. We provide all the camping gear; nevertheless you have to bring your own mat and sleeping bag (please ask us for mats and bags rental rates). Our team will be responsible for setting up the tents in the camping site. There also will be a big and comfortable dining tent for enjoying dinners and breakfasts. Additionally, the camping sites along the trek will have mountain bathrooms facilities in good conditions to be used by the group.
What is an Eco Camp: It's a luxury camp, of a kind never seen before in Chile and similar in concept to the famous African lodges. It is a more comfortable alternative, but above all environmentally friendly, especially in a national Park with the characteristics of Torres del Paine. Each big, comfortable tented dome sleeps 2 people. The domes are resistant to the strongest winds, rain and even Patagonian snow. Each sleeping dome is equipped with 2 single beds (double beds also available), fleece sheets, blankets and feather comforters.
Torres Eco Camp: The need to protect the environment has meant that very efficient processes are in place to manage the eco-camp; thus the Eco Camp cannot offer some of the comforts found in unprotected areas and certain lodge settings (private bathroom with septic tank, diesel generators, etc). On the other hand, by utilizing efficient technologies and sustainable processes that demand a greater effort and more patience from our guests the Eco Camp can stay true to the mission of reduced water consumption and reduced waste production, to name a few. The solution that has been designed for guests, in one of the most important and most visited national parks in the Southern Hemisphere, is a novel, efficient and harmonious alternative that positively addresses the demands of tourism.
Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements: This adventure, involves 7 days strenuous or moderate trekking/hiking. Trekking is generally moderate but we do cover rugged steep trails, long trekking days are the norm. Good physical condition is required. It is the traveler's responsibility to best assess their physical ability to meet the stated Physical Requirements.
