Patagonia in Style - small group trekking itinerary.
Day 1 Arrive Calafate, trfr in to hostal
Join the tour in El Calafate. A small town of some four thousand inhabitants, El Calafate was for several decades a tiny staging post for the wagons transporting wool between remote estancias (sheep stations) and the coast. It lies near the shore of the vast, turquoise lake Argentino and is today a gateway to the natural wonders of the Los Glaciares national park. (1 night hotel)
Day 2 Perito Moreno day trip, bus to Chalten, Arrival El Chaltén, trfr to camp, trip briefing
This day is dedicated to observing close-up the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier. Vast in scale (over four miles wide and 60 metres high at its face!), this almost surreal spectacle is set amid a labyrinthine system of iceberg-filled waterways, and backed by deciduous beech forests and snow peaks. Spectacular even by the standards of the Los Glaciares National Park, this glacier also represents an anomaly: The Perito Moreno, unlike the other glaciers of the region, is still growing. Periodically (every so many years) its advancing edge reaches the near shore, cutting off and damming up the Brazo Sur ice-berg channel. When this occurs, the steadily-building water pressure forces a breach in the ice and eventually a huge volume of water bursts forth and surges through to Lake Argentino. A feature of the glacier is the frequent, ear-splitting calving of ice-bergs.
In the evening, we travel by bus north then west across Patagonia's 'flat, endless' plains, and finally through rolling pre-Andean heath. Our destination is El Chalten, a small settlement on the floodplain of the Rio de Las Vueltas. It is set amid the magnificent surroundings of the Fitzroy Range on the edge of Los Glaciares National Park. The park comprises some 2300 square miles of forested mountains, sheer granitic spires and immense glaciers and lakes. It is one of the great glacial regions of the world. Transfer to our adventure camp. There will be a trip briefing before dinner to explain what awaits us in the days ahead. (B,D)
Day 3 Adventure camp, hike/bike/raft
Our adventure camp is set on the banks of Rio De Las Vueltas, north of the small town.
Today it’s up to you how you wish to start your trip, as we have a menu of options to choose from, or you can simply relax by the fire place after your long journey.
Cyclists can hop on our mountain bikes, (guided or independent biking), and head to Lago del Desierto. The road has little traffic and it a good chance to visit this beautiful setting.
For those keen to get the trekking legs stretched, there is a magnificent hike up Loma del Diablo. You can choose to hit the ridge only, or trek all the way to the summit (1,800m), depending on weather conditions.
Water lovers can canoe Rio de las Vueltas. River guides can take you down a couple of kilometres of the river, hopefully with Mt. Fitzroy in the background. Return to camp (B, BL, D)
Day 4 Fitz Roy Base Camp – Cerro Torre Base Camp
After breakfast, we leave the adventure camp and a short drive brings us to the trailhead for our trek. We ascend gradually all morning along the Rio Blanco to the base camp of the same name. This is the camp where climbers wait for a break in the weather when attempting the always-difficult ascents of the granite monolith Fitzroy, named after Darwin’s boat captain.
The ascent starts to steepen as we approach Laguna De Los Tres. From here, we have close-up views of several of the routes used to climb Fitz Roy, weather permitting.
The afternoon’s walk is mostly downhill, with some sections of flat trail, through the valley of Lagunas Madre e Hija, to Thorwood Base Camp at the edge of Lago Torre. All your gear, other than what’s in your daypack, is carried to this camp by porters. (B, BL, D)
Day 5 Ice Trek on Torre Glacier
Today’s walk atop the Cerro Torre glacier is an experience not to be forgotten. We begin with a crossing of the Fitz Roy River via a Tyrolean traverse, then trek through a native beech forest and along the glacial moraine. When we descend to the edge of the ice, we strap on our crampons, and then spend several hours walking on the ice, with Cerro Torre’s spectacular South Face rising directly above us.
We provide all necessary technical equipment for our glacier hike and there are some easy, introductory ice climbs which the guide will assist all interested trekkers in tackling. We return to Thorwood camp for dinner (B, BL, D)
Day 6 Laguna Toro
We set off again to the Tyrolean traverse and cross the river. Instead of heading for the glacier, we now turn south and west and begin the long ascent to Paso De Las Agachonas.
As we gain altitude, the views of the surrounding peaks get ever more dramatic. Once across the pass we descend into the Rio Tunel Valley, with occasional views of tomorrow’s destination, El Paso Del Viento, the Windy Pass. Upon reaching Rio Tunel, we follow it west to our camp just below Laguna Toro. This will be our camp for two nights, nicely protected by a small beech grove (B, BL, D)
Day 7 Del Viento Pass – Patagonian Ice Cap lookout
Today is the longest and hardest day of our trip, but if the weather cooperates with clear skies, you will be treated to one of the most unforgettable views in Patagonia.
We begin with a crossing (by wading or Tyrolean traverse, depending on the levels) of the river, then begin the long ascent (2,700m) to the Windy Pass.
Early on there is a short stretch of the Tunel Glacier to cross, followed by the steepest terrain we’ve encountered so far. We expect to get to the pass by midday, but it can often live up to its name and it is usually windy enough that even taking photographs can be difficult.
Having said that, the views are breathtaking and you are free to stay and enjoy the views of the Ice Field as long as you like (or are able to endure the wind!). If the sky is clear, you will see, rising up in the middle of the Ice Field, a range of mountains, some of which have no names and have never been visited by humans. This is one of the least seen and visited places outside of the polar regions, and one of the most breathtakingly beautiful as well.
We descend back to our camp by the same route for dinner and overnight. (B, BL, D)
Day 8 Return To El Chaltén
Today’s hike back to El Chaltén is fairly long, but easy in comparison to yesterday’s visit to Windy Pass. We ascend all morning to Loma Del Pliegue Tumbado, where we enjoy one of the best views encompassing Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and all of their satellite peaks. From here, the descend to town is gradual and easy.
We enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and overnight at a local hostería and reflect on the previous day’s adventures. (B, BL, D)
Day 9 bus to Calafate, trfr to hostal
We take the bus to Calafate, and trfr to our hostal.
You can end the trip here in Calafate, or continue on to Paine. (B)
Paine National Park
Day 10 P Arenas – Paine National Park (400 km / 250 miles / 5-6 hrs driving)
You take the bus from Calafate to Puerto Natales.
From here we drive to our eco camp, located in the world famous Torres del Paine National Park. During the summer the sun sets around 23.00, so as we drive in there is plenty of light lingering so we can admire the Patagonian steppe, with its resident guanacos and snow-peaked mountains horizon.
Puerto Natales is a small but lively town on the shores of Seno Última Esperanza - “Last Hope Sound”. You can have a look around, buy any last minute necessities, and leave any luggage at our office that you won’t need for the trek.
Our second stop is at Cueva de Milodon, a massive prehistoric cave where the remains of a giant ground sloth were discovered in the 1890’s. The surrounding area is very scenic with plenty of wild birds to be seen. The day ends with an overnight at the eco camp at Las Torres.
Day 11 Lake Nordenskjold trek to Los Cuernos (16 km / 10 miles / 6-7 hours)
We start our adventure in the Park with a pleasant walk along the Cuernos trail, which skirts the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this walk we get our first glimpses of the park’s charming flora and fauna, and will no doubt experience its strong wind and the changeable weather that will accompany us for the next few days.
As we advance along the trail, we will be able to enjoy magnificent views of the park’s central lakes and the Horns of Paine - majestic black horn-like peaks of slate atop gray granite blocks which crown the centre of the Paine Massif.
The trek ends at Refugio Los Cuernos, a small and cozy mountain refugio located on the shores of Lake Nordenskjold. We have dinner here, and a free evening.
Day 12 Valle Frances (25 km / 15 miles / 8 hours)
After breakfast, we begin our trek up Valle Frances (French Valley), a steady and in places steep trail that goes into the very heart of the Paine Massif.
The trail leads us to a bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the south east face of the Massif. From here we get our first great view and then continue up the trail to the upper reaches of the valley.
As we reach the top of the trail, we enter a vast cauldron, surroounded on almost all sides by impressive peaks and mountains. You can see Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). Here we have a picnic and relax after our ascent, and for those with lots of energy, there is an optional trek to Mirador Britanico.
After lunch, we retrace our steps and at the end of the valley, head west along some undulating terrains of mixed grassland and light forest until we reach Refugio Paine Grande, located on the shores of Lake Pehoe. Here we will camp, and prepare the evening meal.
Day 13 Torres del Paine’s Big Daddy is on the Way: Glacier Grey (14 km / 9 miles / 4 hours)
Today we hike from Paine Grande Lodge and along the shores of mountain-lined Lake Pehoe to the northern end of the glacial Lake Grey. One we reach the place where the glacier and water meets, we stop for lunch.
After sitting and admiring the view. we board a boat that sails close to the blue and icy faces of Glacier Grey. You have plenty of time to marvel at this calving glacier before the boat heads south and sails across the iceburg-filled Lake Grey to where our van awaits.
From Lake Grey’s southern end we hop in our van and drive to the eco camp.
Note: If weather conditions prevent the Lake Grey crossing, we hike to and from Glacier Grey instead. When we get back to camp, we board a catamaran and cross Lake Pehoe to meet the van. Then it's a short drive back to the eco camp.
Day 14 The Towers of Paine (21 km /13 miles / 9-10 hours)
Time for a big breakfast as today our goal is to complete the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine National Park - to the Towers of Paine viewpoint.
We walk from the camp site towards Hostería Las Torres and then connect with a winding uphill path to Ascencio Valley. We pass by beech forests and small rivers along the way into the valley. The first stages are not difficult and energy should nevertheless be saved for the final ascent.
There is a large area of moraine before the Towers, and this is sufficiently steep in places to involve a bit of clambering. After about 45 mintues of crossing the moraine, efforts are rewarded when the Towers come into full view, rising majestically with the its green glacial lake visible below.
The famous Towers of Torres del Paine (2, 900 m/ 9, 400 ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great rock sheared away by the movement glacial ice. At the feet of the mighty Torres del Paine, we admire the view and have lunch, and once everyone is ready, we backtrack along the Ascencio Valley and return to the eco camp.
Day 15 Relaxing day in the Eastern Lakes (5 to 8 km / 3 to 5 miles / 3 hours)
A nice, lazy day where we hike to the Laguna Azul lookout. From here we have a gorgeous view of both the lagoon and granite Towers. We continue along the eastern side of Lago Sarmiento - here guanacos are often spotted, as well as interesting calcium formations close to the water.
Next we head to Paso Las Corneas, which offers spectacular views of Rio Paine, Lake Pehoe and the Massif of Paine. Depending on how the group is feeling, we can also hike to the Toro lookout point that offers more amazing scenery - Lago Toro and the pampa, or steppe.
Upon returning to the Ecocamp, a farewell dinner is prepared in true Patagonian style - barbecue!
Day 16 trfr out to Puerto Natales / Punta Arenas
Early morning we wake, collect our stuff together and drive to Punta Arenas to catch your flight. Alternatively, you can continue to travel through Patagonia, Puerto Natales, Calafate etc.
For a longer trip, trek around the entire Paine massif on our Paine Circuit or, to reach the really remote areas, our Paine W trek and kayak trip.
Check our group and tailor made options. And you can always contact the office with questions or for advice.
Notes on Paine:
For bookings made less than 6 weeks before departure, we can’t guarantee space at the refugios. If space isn’t available then accommodation will be provided in the refugio camping areas in a comfortable tent, including mat, sleeping bag and a polar fleece liner; our team will set and dismantle the camp; refugios provide meals and the bathroom facilities.
Paine Eco-camp
The Eco-camp is very comfortable. It consists of luxury tented igloo-type domes built to minimize the environmental impact while providing a comfortable setting. All accommodation at the Eco-camp is shared basis only, with shared bathrooms, hot-water showers and electricity available for charging camera batteries only. (voltage: 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, two round pins plug). Food at the Eco-camp is plentiful and delicious!
Group Size & Guiding Staff
8-12 travelers is the most typical group size plus guiding staff. Maximum is 14 clients. Guide to passenger ratio: 1:6
Itinerary Modifications
We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary under the sole discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can also modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.
Practical information
Small groups mean flexibility and informality. Your tour leader will be on hand to iron out any problems and give informed advice on things to do, where to eat etc. In towns we use clean, comfortable hostals. In El Chalten, a lodge with dormitory-style accommodation is used.
We transport all the general kit (tents, dinning tent, tables, food, first aid kits etc. You carry your a day pack only: jacket and gloves, camera, water bottle etc.
Fitness and experience:
To get the most out of this tour you should be in good physical
condition. It is not easy to grade the fitness level required for
the treks, since this is a subjective matter. However, we have
classified this trek as strenuous. We will walk approximately six to
nine hours per day. The treks involve several ascents and descents
(some long and steep). Previous experience of hill-walking and
camping in remote areas would be beneficial. While experience in
winter walking and the use of crampons would be beneficial, it is
not a requirement. A grounding in the use of equipment is provided.
Altitude: Not a major
factor on this itinerary, since we do not go above 1500 metres.
Nevertheless, the strong winds which periodically affect Patagonia
during the summer months can make walking much more strenuous.
Climate: [NB This
itinerary takes place within southern Patagonia. Seasonal climate
information below refers specifically to this zone].
May to October
Autumn/winter. Cold and wet. Snow often lying on higher ground.
Proximity of oceans means that temperatures rarely drop below zero
at sea level. Short days. Not suitable for trekking.
November to April
Spring/summer. Average high 14 degrees Celsius, average low 5
degrees Celsius at sea level. Typical feature of the climate here is
strong westerly winds, which lower temperatures significantly.
Weather changeable and localised. In general, the further west, the
wetter and the further east, the drier. Rarely snow lying below 800
metres. Long days. Trekking season.
Visas: British citizens visiting Chile or Argentina currently require no visa. You must have
a passport valid for at least six months after the date of travel.
Non-British passport holders should check their visa requirements
with the Chilean and Argentinean Embassy. All requirements are
subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Vaccinations: Please
check with your doctor or travel clinic for latest advice as
requirements are subject to change.
Personal expenses: We
recommend you carry funds in US dollars cash (mixed denomination,
unmarked and undamaged bank notes) and US dollar travellers cheques,
which can be changed in larger towns and typically incur a 5%
commission. Cash cards are also useful as ATM machines are available
in most large towns visited on this itinerary. Credit cards can be
used in some restaurants and for obtaining cash in certain banks.
The cost of the tour
includes all meals as listed, but you will need money to
cover: other meals, snacks and drinks (approximately the same price
as Europe); any equipment hire; gifts; airport taxes ($25
international, $10 national); optional excursions; extra entrance
fees; tips; laundry etc.
Flights: We can arrange your flight to El Calafate at competitive
rates through our ATOL-bonded agency.
Insurance: Your insurance policy must cover you against medical expenses and repatriation.
Please send us a copy of your policy as soon as possible after
booking.
Luggage & Equipment: You should bring a piece of lockable luggage (eg holdall, kit bag) to be
left at the hostel in El Chalten and Puerto Natales while trekking.
For the main trek you need waterproof walking boots. You will need a daypack (35-40 litre) which you yourself will
carry.
For the Torre glacier
walk you will need: leather boots (3/4 season usually ok) suitable for
crampons, gaiters, gloves/mittens, 'goggle' sunglasses. Crampons and
harness are provided, as is all non-personal trekking and camping
equipment. Plastic boots can be hired in Chalten. Advise us as early
as possible so that they can be reserved. (Please let us know if
you'd like to be sent a comprehensive equipment list).
Optional extensions: If you would like to spend more time in Argentina, Chile or neighbouring countries we can arrange this for you. Please contact the office for more information.
|
