Chile - Hiking Torres del Paine

  Chile

• Santiago: 
Santiago

Dates: Each Monday for the popular 7 day hike

Description: We offer a 5-day, 7-day and a 10-day hike around the Torres del Paine National Park - probably South America's most stunning and diverse environment to trek in.

The 7-day trekking route detailed below takes in the Grey glacier and lake, French Valley, Los Cuernos pass and Las Torres. This is our most popular hiking trip in Patagonia suitable for the active traveller who is sensitive to nature and physically fit to make moderate 5-6 hours walks during 5 days. All the day hikes start from the "door" of your tent at either of our two Camps.

The Torres del Paine trek is one of the world's classic trekking routes. Breathtaking views together with glaciers, rivers, lakes, forests and abundant wildlife provides constantly changing scenery and experiences. The full circuit, rated moderate to hard, is normally done in seven to nine days, depending on the itinerary, and covers a distance of about 80 kms. The trek is best done in an anticlockwise direction this saves the hardest sections until last and prevents the walkers from being exposed to strong head winds. During high summer (December and January) there are 18 hours of daylight which gives plenty of time each day to enjoy the trekking and time to spare for other interests.

The park is a world biosphere reserve, with a huge variety of plant and animal species in an incredibly beautiful setting. It is certainly one of the top 5 world destinations for trekkers, ecology-lovers and the adventurous. Snow-capped mountain peaks, cascading rivers and waterfalls, glaciers and mirrored lakes: in all respects Torres del Paine National Park deserves its reputation. And our environmentally friendly Ecocamps are really at home here.

Highlights: Torres del Paine NP is one of the world's most spectacular areas, with high mountains and glaciers. Moderate to hard going.

Day 1 (Mondays) Travel to Torres del Paine
You should plan to arrive at Punta Arenas by about 12 noon on the earliest morning flight from Santiago. Reception at the airport (or we will pick you up from your hotel in Punta Arenas if you are already in the city) and transfer you to Camp Las Torres. This is a drive of 345 km/ 216miles and takes about 5 hours to reach the famous Torres del Paine National Park and our camp at Las Torres. In high summer (Dec - Jan) the sun sets around 23:00 hours giving plenty of light to admire the landscape enroute and the Torres massif as we enter the park. We will make short stops in Puerto Natales, to take a look of the town and enjoy lunch, and another stop at the enormous Cueva del Milodon, a large cave that once sheltered a giant sloth. Overnight at our EcoCamp in Las Torres (L, D).

Day 2 Lake Grey
We drive to the southern end of Lake Grey and cross the hanging bridge to reach Grey beach. This point has a great view of the floating icebergs and it is from here that we start walking along the Grey Peninsula, all the time with a splendid view of the distant Grey Glacier. After lunch we drive a short way and then hike up to Mirador Pehoe to admire the most spectacular sight (weather permitting) of the Paine massif. From the shores of lake Pehoe we walk to Salto Grande, a giant waterfall between Lake Nordenskjold and Lake Pehoe. From here we have another splendid view of Paine Grande and Los Cuernos rising dramatically behind the lake. At 18:00 hours we board the catamaran that sails the turquoise Lake Pehoe. 4 hours walking. Overnight at Camp Pehoe (B, L-,D).

Day 3 Glacier Grey
Today we hike to Mirador Grey or beyond and approach the towering walls of Grey glacier which delivers the giant South Patagonic icefield to the lake. The view is very impressive at this point with numerous large icebergs drifting across the water. Depending on the group participants physical condition and the weather, we may proceed to the foot of the glacier to get an outstanding view. Return to Pehoe Camp to overnight. 3 - 6 hours walking. (B, L-, D).

Day 4 Valle del Frances
Today we trek up to Campamento Italiano and then continue with a round trip to Mirador del Frances. The trail between Camp Pehoe and Camp Italiano makes its way north through undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest to meet River Frances and Camp Italiano. From here we follow the wild river upstream until we reach El Mirador (lookout point) facing Glaciar Frances with a magnificent broad view of the lakes below. Once we are back at Camp Italiano we continue walking for about 1 hour to the shore of lake Nordenskjold and Refugio Los Cuernos for our overnight stop. 4 - 5 hours walking. (B, L-, D).

Day 5 Paso Los Cuernos
Today will be an easy trek starting at Refugio Cuernos and ending at Refugio Las Torres. The name of the trail is taken from the fact that it passes under the Cuernos (horns) of the Paine massif. The hike ends at our Ecocamp in Las Torres for your overnight stop. 2 hours walking. (B, L, D).

Day 6 Valle Ascensio
Today the trekking takes us to the foot of the impressive granite massif of El Paine. From here we admire the Paine Towers from the best possible viewpoints. The famous Torres del Paine (2900m / 9400ft) consist of three granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Once back at the camp, enjoy a farewell dinner and celebrate our achievements. Overnight at our EcoCamp in Las Torres. 8 hours walking. (B, L-, D).

Day 7) Travel to Punta Arenas
Early in the morning we drive back to Punta Arenas on time to catch the evening flight (book your seat on a flight that takes off after 18:30 hours) to Santiago. (B, Box lunch).

If you are combining this trip with the 7 day Fitzroy and Glaciares Trek, then, instead of driving to Punta Arenas, we will leave you at Cerro Castillo - just 1 hr from the our Ecocamp - to continue with our other group to Calafate.

Cost in US$: 1544

Participants Travel to Chile Independently

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Nepal Kingdom Foundation & Muirs Tours's Mission Statement: The Nepal Kingdom Foundation was established in 1982 to develop community spirit and preserve the culture and traditions of the Nepalese people in the UK. In 1999 the objectives were extended to include development projects in Nepal to help the needy of one of the world's poorest countries. The not-for-profit tour operation - Muirs Tours was set up in July 1999 by the Nepal Kingdom Foundation as a means of raising funds for use in projects in Nepal and the Nepalese Community in the UK. From the outset Muirs Tours planned to provide trips to other places outside of Nepal and support to other charities. It currently supports the WWF, the John Muir Trust, Tourism Concern, Survival International, the Tibetan Government in exile, the American Indian Heritage Foundation as well as the Nepal Kingdom Foundation.

Year Founded: 1982 & 1999