Eco Camp W Trek (7D) - Torres Del Paine "W" Trek

MONDAY DEPARTURES

DAY 1 (Mon) PUNTA ARENAS - ECO CAMP
Passengers will need to arrive around noon (12PM) to Punta Arenas airport on the earliest morning flight from Santiago.  From there, we will drive to EcoCamp (5.5 hrs) inside the famous Torres del Paine National Park.  In summer time (Dec-Mar), the sun sets around 11PM, giving us plenty of light to admire the landscape en route and the craggy mountains as we enter the park.  We will make short stops in the township of Puerto Natales to check out the town (here you have the chance to leave any luggage that you will not need during the trek in our office), and at the enormous Milodón Cave, a giant geological wonder that once sheltered a prehistoric sloth.  Overnight at EcoCamp in Las Torres.  (L,D)

DAY 2 (Tue) ECOCAMP – LOS CUERNOS
The 5-6 hour trek starts at the EcoCamp and follows the Los Cuernos (Horns) trail.  The name of the trail is taken from its location that it passes under the horn-like Cuernos del Paine – peaks with beautiful black “horns” of slate atop gray granite.  As you trek, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Lake Nordenskjold and surroundings.  Overnight in the comfortable and cozy Refugio Los Cuernos (your clothes and personal belongings needed for this night and the following are transported separately in duffel bags we provide you with on Day 1).  (B,L,D)

DAY 3 (Wed) FRENCH VALLEY – PEHOE LAKE
Today the trek will go over 8 km /5 mi (2.5-3.5 hrs) up to Campamento Italiano (Italian Camp) and will continue with a round trip to Mirador del Frances (French viewpoint)  (3 km/2 mi, 1,5-2,5 hrs), one of the most spectacular cirques in the Paine Range.  We start walking (1hr) by the shore of Lake Nordenskjold until arriving at Campamento Italiano.  We continue following the River Frances upstream until El Mirador (viewpoint) facing Frances Glacier that descends from Paine Grande, the highest summit in the Paine range.  From here, we have a magnificent view of the lakes below.  Optional trek (2 hrs) to Mirador Britanico (viewpoint) available if time permits.  Once back at Camp Italiano, the trail between Camp Italiano and Refugio Pehoe makes its way through undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest until reaching Refugio Pehoe.  Duffel bags are carried in by porters from Refuge Los Cuernos to Refugio Pehoe.  Overnight Refugio Pehoe.  (B,L,D)

DAY 4 (Thu) PEHOE – GREY GLACIER – ECOCAMP
We’ll hike about four hours from Refugio Pehoe on the shores of Lago Pehoe to the northern end of Lago Grey.  Enjoy a picnic lunch before boarding the boat that sails alongside the face of Grey Glacier.  You will have ample time to marvel at this calving glacier before the boat crosses Lago Grey (40 min.).  Your clothes and personal belongings are transported separately from the Refugio in duffel bags.  Transfer (1.5 hrs) from Lake Grey's southern end to the EcoCamp.  If the weather conditions do not allow us to navigate the Grey Lake, we’ll hike instead to the Grey Glacier (6-8 hrs, roundtrip) and then at Pudeto board the catamaran to cross Lake Pehoe.  From there, drive 45 minutes to EcoCamp in Las Torres.  Overnight at EcoCamp. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 (Fri) LAGUNA AZUL
Today we will hike (40 min.) to the lookout point of Laguna Azul from where we have a beautiful view of Laguna Azul and the Towers.  We continue along the eastern side of Lago Sarmiento where we have a good chance to see guanacos.  Later we trek (3 hours) along the Paso Las Corneas with views of Paine River, Lake Pehoe and the massif of Paine.  Depending on the group, we also could hike (1-1.5 hrs) to Toro lookout point, with sweeping views of Lago Toro and pampa grasslands (Patagonian steppe).  Once back at the EcoCamp, our farewell dinner is honored with a typical Patagonian lamb barbecue.  Overnight at EcoCamp. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 (Sat) ECOCAMP – TOWERS OF PAINE
Our hiking itinerary for the day is the most famous trek trail in the park.  We will start trekking from EcoCamp to the beginning of the trail up the Ascencio Valley.  We will do an all day hike (10 km/6 mi, 8 hrs round-trip) 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 (2.900m/9.400ft) consists of three gigantic granite monoliths, remains of a great cirque that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice.  Overnight at EcoCamp. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 (Sun) ECOCAMP – 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).  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 also can be arranged.  (B,L)

KEY: (B)reakfast, (L)unch, (D)inner

REFUGIOS (MOUNTAIN HUTS): heated, with shared dining area, bunk rooms (4-6 passengers), toilet and showers facilities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This adventure involves 5 days moderate to strenuous trekking/hiking. Trekking is generally moderate but we do cover some rugged trails. Good physical condition is required.

NOTE: 1) Accommodations in park are shared only. If Refugios are full, tents will be used. 2) During shoulder season, months of October, November, 2nd half of March and April, boat schedules at Lago Grey and Pehoe change, slightly modifying our itineraries

Pricing

TRIP COST (per person)
DEPARTURES: Every Monday

$1795: High Season (Nov 2009 - Mar 16, 2010)

$1450: Shoulder Season (Oct 2009 & Mar 17 - Apr 14 /2010)

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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 (the guide will handle the first aid kit), All land transport during the itinerary (as noted), Park entrance fees, All accommodations as noted (on a twin share basis), Sleeping bags & pads at Refugios, All meals (as noted).

Not included: International round-trip airfare USA/Santiago/USA, Airfare (Santiago/Punta Arenas/Santiago - upon request), Lunches and dinners in towns or cites (unless otherwise specified), Hiking boots and other personal gear, Personal expenses (tips and gratuities, alcoholic beverages, medical, insurance, laundry, airport taxes, etc.).

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.

Cash Price: Prices listed are cash prices. Credit card payments are subject to a 3% processing fee.

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.