Eco Camp - The Torres del Paine Circuit (9D)

WEDNESDAY DEPARTURES

9 Day Circuit - Temporary Modified Itinerary due to Park Fire (click to view)

DAY 1 (Wed) PUNTA ARENAS - PAINE NATIONAL PARK
Pickup from hotel (11 am) or airport (12:30 pm, at the latest), 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 EcoCamp (or 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) CAMP TORRES – CAMP DICKSON
The day will start with a long trek heading to Dickson Lake. Once arriving to Dickson Lake we enjoy a spectacular view on Dickson Glacier and part of the South Patagonia Ice Field. The trek continues along the eastern bank of the Paine River. We will stop at a lookout point with a wonderful panoramic view of Lago Paine below and then we descend to the lake level and continue across open grasslands along the Paine River to Refugio Dickson. Our stunning campsite will be in the Dickson Valley surrounded by towering snowcapped peaks and the tranquil waters of Dickson Lake with Mt. Cubo in the distance. Hot showers available. Overnight Camp Dickson - Tent Camp. (B,L-,D)

DAY 3 (Fri) CAMP DICKSON – CAMP LOS PERROS
The trail follows Los Perros river and encounters the wildest and least accessible section of the trek. A virgin beech forest crossed by many water courses leads the way towards the picturesque Los Perros Lagoon where we set up camp. Enjoy the night camping at Los Perros. Overnight Camp Los Perros - Tent Camp. (B,L-,D)

DAY 4 (Sat) CAMP LOS PERROS – CAMP GREY
In this section we reach the highest point of the circuit at 4000 ft. (1300 m) with an awe-inspiring view of the Grey glacier, an enormous fractured mass of ice choking the valley. The “John Gardner Pass” (named for one of the original trailblazers in this incredible park) is one of the most famous points of Torres del Paine and a literal high point to the trek. If the weather conditions have been tough on the trail, it is at this point where the guide might propose a short, non-technical rappel to continue advancing. Once leaving the highest point the route continues roughly south along the steeply forested slopes with beautiful views of the enormous Grey Glacier (more than five miles across and ten miles in length). Overnight Camp Grey - Tent Camp. (B,L-,D)

DAY 5 (Sun) CAMP GREY – CAMP PEHOE
After the big effort done yesterday, the group will have the morning to rest and enjoy the surroundings of Grey Glacier. During the morning there is an opportunity to do optional ice trekking until midday(Grey Glacier Walk*). After lunch the trek continues along the eastern side of Grey Lake through clearings of Calafate bushes. 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 Pehoe Lake. We spend the night in our camp by the turquoise Pehoe Lake. Overnight Camp Pehoe - Tent Camp. (B,L-,D)

DAY 6 (Mon) CAMP PEHOE – FRENCH VALLEY – CAMP CUERNOS
After breakfast, we begin a challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley), a steep trail that goes into the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far we go depends on the group. An active walk leads us to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the south east face of the Massif. From this point, we can enjoy our first view and then continue up the trail until reaching the upper part of the valley. The entire group of geological formations of the high valley can be admired here: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza! (Fortress). It is time to have a picnic and recover from the walk. An optional trek to Britanico Viewpoint is available as well. Next, we descend through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and continue walking until we reach Camp Cuernos. Overnight Camp Cuernos - Tent Camp. (B,L-,D)

DAY 7 (Tue) CAMP CUERNOS – TORRES CAMP
After breakfast, we start our trekking day returning to the Torres Camp through the winding Cuernos trail located beside beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During the day we take in the park’s varied flora and fauna, its strong wind and Patagonia’s 4-seasons weather that has accompanied us all these days. As we advance through the trail we enjoy magnificent views of the park’s central lakes and enjoy other views of the Paine’s Horns (Cuernos). We will stop to enjoy a delicious box lunch. The trek ends at the EcoCamp. The evening is left free to enjoy dinner and share experiences. Overnight in a tent at Torres Camp (or upgrade to optional EcoCamp). (B,L-,D)

DAY 8 (Wed) TORRES CAMP – TOWERS OF PAINE – TORRES CAMP
Today we hike the most famous trek in the park. From our camp we trek to the beginning of the trail up the Ascencio Valley. We will do an all day round trip hike to the foot of the impressive granite massif of El Paine, where the towers rise majestically from the glacial lake at their base. The famous Torres del Paine (9.400ft/2.900m) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, remains of a great cirque that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Once back at the EcoCamp (or Torres Camp), a farewell dinner is prepared and memories shared. Overnight in a tent at the Torres 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 approx.) in time to catch the evening flight back to Santiago (End of Services). (B,L) Time permitting we will make a short stop in Puerto Natales giving you an opportunity to purchase any souvenirs/books/postcards/etc  *Trip Extensions or Extra Nights in Santiago can also be arranged. (B,L)

KEY: (B)reakfast, (L)unch, (L-) Box Lunch, (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.