• (Deluxe Yurts & Estancias)
• Towers of Paine
• Grey Glacier
• French Valley
• Serrano River

Patagonia Experience (6 Day)

DAY 1 - PUNTA ARENAS - LAGO TORO
Late morning collection from airport or hotel.  Drive to see the cute burrowing Magellanic Penguins at their colony in Otway Sound.  There will be plenty of time to observe and photograph these fascinating creatures before continuing on across the Patagonian Steppe where you will have your first opportunity to see some of the unusual plant and animal life that exists in this area. After a short stop in Puerto Natales, the capital of the Ultima Esperanza region of southern Chile, we will transfer at the Yurts, night at the pretty very private and stunningly located on the shore of Lago Toro. Comfortable and independent tent with a spectacular view the Paine Massif each Yurt has a private bathroom, terrace and is fully equipped.  Transfer time: 6 hours approx.  www.patagoniacamp.com
Overnight Yurts.  (D - drinks at Yurts available at extra cost)

DAY 2 - GREY LAKE & GLACIER
After breakfast, we will transfer across the pampas for the short walk to Grey Lake Beach.  The huge mass of white behind the icebergs floating in the lake is Grey Glacier, the largest glacier in the park.  After our walk, we will board a launch and set off into the iceberg choked lake towards the walls of this spectacular Glacier.  This short boat trip will give us an up-close view of the glacier, as well as stunning views of Paine Grande and the surrounding mountains.  After our return, those still with energy can opt for a hike up to a stunning viewpoint of the entire western side of the park with your guide or take the van back to the Yurts.  Overnight Yurts.  (B,L,D - drinks at Yurts available at extra cost)

DAY 3 - MIRADOR DEL TORO - FRENCH VALLEY - LAGUNA VERDE
After breakfast pack our lunches and a short drive (30 minutes) prepare for our ‘Up and Over’ route across the heart of the park.  This is a beautiful walk that sees very few hikers.  We will ascend to the fabulous Mirador del Toro (Toro Viewpoint) to enjoy the spectacular views of the peaks of Paine hike through verdant green valleys and southern beech forests passing turquoise lakes and crossing hills dotted with eerie windswept trees.  With luck we will see magnificent condors hovering high above mountain peaks whilst down on the plains, herds of guanaco scatter as we approach.  The route today crosses amazing scenery dominated by the French Valley and Paine Horns.  Lunch will be taken in the valley.  Our route will take along the shores of Laguna Verde we will see the traditional red roofs of the lovely Estancia Lazo come into view.  Our base for 1 night, this very comfortable converted Estancia situated beside this pretty tranquil lake offers splendid views, great food and comfortable accommodation.  The lake shore is a great place to stroll spotting the wild geese and ducks bobbing in the water.  Dinner will be in the restaurant offering an excellent variety of local foods and wine.  Overnight Estancia Lazo.  (B,L,D - excluding wine/drinks)

DAY 4 - ASCENCIO VALLEY – TOWERS OF PAINE
Today after breakfast and a short drive (1 hr approx.), we will begin our most challenging hike to the base of the Paine Towers themselves.  A steep climb crossing mountain trails, rivers and valleys and finally a clamber up glacial moraine, the rewards today are truly spectacular.  Lunch (for those who make it to the top - 1,800 feet) can be enjoyed in the shadow of these enormous granite peaks whilst watching the icebergs drift across a glacial pool of water.  This is a memorable lunch spot and a highlight of every visitor's itinerary.  After the hike we will hop in the van for the last section taking us to the beautifully situated and comfortable Estancia Tercera Barranca (45 minutes).  Situated on the eastern perimeters of the Park this authentic estancia property has some of the most spectacular views in the Park.  Country-style  accommodation in pretty guest house with all the comforts of home.  Overnight Estancia Tercera Barranca.  (B,L,D - drinks available at extra cost)

DAY 5 - ZAMORA WATERFALL
Today we will set off on our exciting and unique adventure into the hills and forests of the Sierra Contreras.  Our destination is the pretty waterfall known as Cascada Zamora.  It is normal for us to see no other visitors here enabling us to enjoy a peaceful lunch in this pretty wood.  After lunch we will back at the Estancia Tercera Barranca to enjoy views of the Las Chinas Valley and the Sierra Baguales in the distance. Overnight Estancia Tercera Barranca.  (B,L,D - drinks available at extra cost)

DAY 6 - LOS TORRES PARK - PUNTA ARENAS
After a breakfast of home-baked bread, preserves and cake we will be transferring out of the park and back to the airport in time for afternoon flights 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 Extension or Extra Night in Santiago can also be arranged. (B)

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

Pricing

TRIP COST: (per person)
SEASON: Nov - Dec 2009
DEPARTURES: Varied 

$3095:    2 passenger minimum     
$2695:    3 plus passengers

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TRIP DATES: Nov 2009 - Dec 2010
16-21 November 2009
07-12 December 2009
11-16 January 2010
01-06 February 2010
14-19 March 2010
16-21 November 2010
07-12 December 2010

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Scheduled Departures: Departures setup to run with as few as 2 passengers (12 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, park entrance fees, all hotel/lodge accommodations* (on a twin share basis including continental breakfast), all meals as noted in itinerary.
* Additional and or single accommodations can be arranged at the client's request. 

Not included: International round-trip airfare USA/Santiago/USA, airfare: Santiago/Punta Arenas/Santiago, 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...) .

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

Santiago Services: All trips start and end in Punta Arenas. Overnight Santiago Hotel/Transfer package is available.

Physical Requirements: This adventure involves 4 days of moderate hikes with van transport.  Hiking is generally moderate but we do cover some rugged trails and glacial moraine on the Towers hike.  Good physical condition is recommended.  Challenging weather is always possible on the trail so clients should pack accordingly. It is the traveler's responsibility to best assess their physical ability to meet the stated Physical Requirements.