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Day 1 Arrive Punta Arenas

Day 2 Torres del Paine National Park (B,L,D)

Day 3 Los Cuernos Pass (B,L,D)

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Look out for Andean condors as you begin a relaxed hike along the shores of Lake Nordenskjold this morning. Your path follows the Paso Los Cuernos trail under the Paine massif west towards the Refugio Los Cuernos. Your day is spent hiking between the turquoise lake to the south and the imposing mountains and vertical rock walls to the north and below the Cuernos (horns) of black slate that sit atop the grey granite of the massif. The views are magnificient from the refugio, nestled in the center of this landscape and protected from the Patagonian wind. The refugio provides clean dormitory style accommodations where you can swap stories with travelers from around the world.

Day 4 French Valley (B,L,D)

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Waking to a brisk Patagonia morning, you'll prepare for one of your fullest hiking days. Your first trail takes you from Lago Nordenskjold to Camp Italiano and ascends Mirador del Frances. Your route follows undulating terrain of rich grasslands, sparse forest and the torrents off Frances River. Upon reaching the lookout point, you are treated to magnificent views of Frances Glacier and the lakes below. You'll descend in the afternoon to the charming Refugio Pehoe on the shores of Lake Pehoe.

Day 5 Grey Glacier (B,L,D)

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You begin today's hike through a dense forest to Mirador Grey. Here you're rewarded with views of the towering walls of Grey Glacier and floating icebergs below. This huge glacier represents the end of the Southern ice field. Depending on conditions, you might continue another few hours to the very walls of the glacier. Your pathway leads you through a rainforest very different from the equatorial Amazon and more akin to the Pacific Northwest's ecosystem. Along the way you'll spot some of the 115 species of birds and learn a bit about this unique southern forest. In the afternoon, you'll embark on the ferry and set off across the Lago Grey. Passing amongst icebergs of fantastic colors and shapes. From the decks of the boat, you'll be able to appreciate the vastness of the glacier. Occasionally there are times when such large chunks have fallen from the Glacier that it is impossible to navigate the ferry too close. You will disembark on the banks of Lago Grey and transfer back to the EcoCamp where dinner and drinks are waiting for you.

Days 6 - 7 Torres del Paine (B,L,D)

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On either day depending on the best weather conditions you will hike to the foot of the gigantic spires of El Paine (8 hours roundtrip). Weather permitting, you'll witness the most famous sight of the Torres del Paine - the three granite monoliths reaching 9,400 feet- a testament to the massive glacial forces that carved them out of the earth. The other day is saved to walk to the Mirador Laguna Azul and then to the eastern side of Sarmiento Lake, a good spot to observe guanaco. Later you hike the Paso Las Cornizas with views of the Paine River, Pehoe Lake, and the Paine massif. Back at EcoCamp, enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate the experiences of the past week and say your goodbyes to your wonderful hosts.

Day 8 Santiago (B)

Early this morning, you'll transfer to Punta Arenas for the late afternoon flight to Santiago (must be a flight departing after 4:00 pm from Punta Arenas; recommended flight departs at 5:15 pm). With a few more days, you can add extensions to the Atacama Desert, Isla Chiloe, a cruise around Tierra del Fuego to Argentina, or rafting in the Lakes District.  We can also arrange for travelers to transfer from Torres del Paine National Park into Argentina to El Calafate to continue your Patagonia travel adventures.

US$ 2025
8 days starting and ending in Punta Arenas, Chile. Sun-Sun
Tour Code: PP8
Single Supplement: US$30
Supplement for night of Day 1 in Punta Arenas. Single accommodations not available in Torres del Paine

Accommodations: 1 night comfortable hotel, 4 nights safari camp, 2 nights backcountry refugios

Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.

Transportation: 2 local flights, buses, ferries, your own feet in Torres del Paine!

Note: Roundtrip flight Santiago-Punta Arenas-Santiago is not included. Please add US$650 (flight cost subject to travel dates).

Group & Staff: Min 2, Max 14; Patagonian guide and crew throughout.

Personal Budgeting: Allow US$60 for meals not included, US$130 visa reciprocity fee

Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Santiago: Share US$60, Single US$100 Punta Arenas: Share US$45, Single US$70

Is it for Me? An active Patagonia tour of massive glaciers, jagged mountains, glacier lakes, and wonderful wildlife. Hiking each day is moderate and travelers should be fit.

Arrival / Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person

Prices are based on a 3% cash discount