Below are the guided excursions that are included when doing the Patagonia Wildlife Safari or End of the World trips: Transportation, lunch, and guide services are included. Please note the days when excursions are offered each week.
MONDAY
Hiking or Biking Laguna Azul
On they way to Laguna Azul, enjoy some marvelous views of the famous Torres, as well as passing through the pampas (the local steppe) where if you are lucky enough not only to spot many elegant guanacos, but also to hop out of the van and walk amongst them. After soaking up these beautiful surroundings, continue our drive to Laguna Azul (“Blue Lagoon”), where a delicious Chilean barbecue will have been prepared for you! Enjoy our lunch looking out over the lake, with a view of the three granite towers in the distance. An alternative is a bike ride in the wilderness near Laguna Azul where you cycle among the herds of guanacos that roam the pampas. Then jump into the van again, heading back to EcoCamp in time for cocktail hour.
Distance: 3 miles (5 km)
Hiking/Biking time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Low
Navigation Pehoe Lake & Hike French Valley
After breakfast, start your day driving towards Pudeto dock, located on the shores of Pehoe Lake. Board the catamaran and voyage to the north-western sector of the Lake where you'll begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley) along a steep trail that goes into the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far you go depends on the group's rhythm - An active walk leads to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the south-eastern face of the Massif, where there is a truly wonderful view. Then continue up the trail to the upper section of the valley where you can admire the valley's entire group of geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Mascara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburon (Shark's Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). Here, picnic and rest for a while. An optional trek to Mirador Britanico is available as well, if the group isn't keen on resting. Then, descend through a rippling terrain of grassland and light forest until reaching the Refugio Paine Grande, located on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe. From here, the catamaran takes you back to Pudeto to be driven back to EcoCamp. Please note: the excursion to French Valley varies throughout the season depending on the catamaran connecting Pudeto and Refugio Pehoe. Please contact us for more details.
Distance: 11 miles (18 km)
Hiking/Biking time: 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate - High
Towers Base Trek
Walk from Ecocamp towards Hosteria Las Torres and join the uphill path to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. Dry mountain spots, beech forests and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. The big challenge is climbing the steep moraine, a mass of boulders leading towards one of the world's most famous views overlooking the Towers. The famous Torres del Paine (2,900 m/ 9,400 ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After an uphill slog, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before you, with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting on the view and your picnic, backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp.
Distance: 14 miles (22km)
Hiking time: 9 hours
Difficulty: High
TUESDAY
Western Lakes & Grey Glacier Navigation
Start off driving across the Park, admiring the view of Paine Grande and its snowy peaks, and Los Cuernos with its black, granite horn-like spires. Stop at various viewpoints on the way to enjoy observing and photographing herds of guanacos, Andean condors and interesting flora. Drive down past Pehoe lake and enjoy a short scenic walk along the tip of its southern shore, with views of the vast Toro lake. From here drive up to Grey Lake and wander along the beach on the shores of the glacial water. Enjoy a tasty box-lunch by the lake before embarking on a boat ride across the icy waters to the towering blue walls of Glacier Grey. After this incredible sight of the glacier up close, drive back to EcoCamp. (*During September, October and April the boat trip to Glacier Grey may be cancelled as the boat requires a minimum of 8 passengers to sail, which might not be reached in some cases. If this is the case an alternative excursion will be planned in the Park.)
Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8km)
Hiking time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Low
Western Lakes and Cerro Ferrier Hike
Begin the day driving across the park, admiring the view of Paine Grande's snowy peaks and the black, granite, horn-like spires of Los Cuernos. As you walk along the shores of the stunning Lake Pehoe, view the furious Salto Grande waterfalls where the water from Lake Nordenskjold cascades down into Pehoe. The van will drive south to a beach along the shores of glacial Lake Grey. It is here where the hike to Cerro Ferrier begins, a fairly steep route takes you through a fairytale-like Magellanic forest where we might spot the Huemul, the endangered South Andean deer. Go uphill for about an hour and a half to reach a breathtaking lookout that offers a unique perspective of the Paine Massive, Grey Glacier, and some of the most famous lakes of the National Park. Then walk back to Grey Beach to meet our fellow travelers coming back from the boat ride. Return to Ecocamp to enjoy a relaxed evening.
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Hiking time: 3.5 hours
Difficulty: High
Lazo Weber Hike
A drive takes you past the Lazo Weber Estancia where you'll enter the National Park via Laguna Verde and begin our 7.5 miles (12km) hike. The Lazo Weber Trail is packed with native flora and wildlife – so have your cameras ready to snap pics of the guanacos, owls, eagles, condors, and caranchos; another bird of prey – all with the mountainous Paine range on our right. The hike is rather easy and apart from a few hills, the trail remains rather flat. Stop a moment to refuel by the magical Laguna Honda, and enjoy the sights and sensations of the gorgeous landscape and fresh breeze. On your way, hike through one of the quietest forests in the national park, a fantastic opportunity to observe native trees such as the Lenga and the Coihue.
The rest of the hike takes you to El Toro Lookout a amazing 360 degree view of the Paine mountain range, the Patagonian Andes, and a suite of rivers and lakes (including the Paine, Grey, and Serrano Rivers, and Lake Toro, the largest in the region). An hour’s descent towards Paine River to reunite with the van. But before you head back to EcoCamp, search for more animals to photograph and take a final moment to enjoy the scenery. In the evening arrive back at your “dome sweet dome”, ready to share in a tasty dinner and talk about our day hiking the Lazo Weber Trail.
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Hiking time: 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
WEDNESDAY
Sarmiento Lake & Fauna Trail
This predominantly flat trek boasts stunningly diverse natural scenery and offers the chance to feast your eyes upon a startlingly blue lake, which is secluded from all the other water systems of the area. First examine the geology of the area’s turbidite rock folds, before descending the isthmus which separates Lake Sarmiento from Lake Sarmiento Chico (the two lakes were once a single mass of water), walking along a slight slope, and ambling beside the eastern edge of Lake Sarmiento Chico. Eventually arrive at an impressive bay on the western side of Lake Sarmiento, admiring a breathtaking view which could easily be mistaken for a piece of art! Then begins the ascent back to the van, and along the way we will stumble across an awe-inspiring, panoramic vista of Lake Sarmiento from its western shore, looking towards its eastern coast glimmering on the horizon. From here drive back eastwards along the northern shore of Sarmiento Lake until reaching the starting point of the Fauna Trail. As you walk northwards along the trail look for park fauna on the Patagonian plains including guanacos, ostrich-like nandus and maybe the occasional puma print! Pass by Goic lagoon and after an approximate 3.5 miles (5 km) relaxed walk reach the Laguna Amarga ranger station to meet the van and drive back to EcoCamp.
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Hiking time: 5 hours
Difficulty: Low
Navigation Pehoe Lake & Hike French Valley
After breakfast, start your day driving towards Pudeto dock, located on the shores of Pehoe Lake. Board the catamaran and voyage to the north-western sector of the Lake where you'll begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley) along a steep trail that goes into the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far you go depends on the group's rhythm - An active walk leads to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the south-eastern face of the Massif, where there is a truly wonderful view. Then continue up the trail to the upper section of the valley where you can admire the valley's entire group of geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Mascara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburon (Shark's Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). Here, picnic and rest for a while. An optional trek to Mirador Britanico is available as well, if the group isn't keen on resting. Then, descend through a rippling terrain of grassland and light forest until reaching the Refugio Paine Grande, located on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe. From here, the catamaran takes you back to Pudeto to be driven back to EcoCamp. Please note: the excursion to French Valley varies throughout the season depending on the catamaran connecting Pudeto and Refugio Pehoe. Please contact us for more details.
Distance: 11 miles (18 km)
Hiking/Biking time: 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate - High
Towers Base Trek
Walk from Ecocamp towards Hosteria Las Torres and join the uphill path to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. Dry mountain spots, beech forests and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. The big challenge is climbing the steep moraine, a mass of boulders leading towards one of the world's most famous views overlooking the Towers. The famous Torres del Paine (2,900 m/ 9,400 ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After an uphill slog, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before you, with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting on the view and your picnic, backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp.
Distance: 14 miles (22km)
Hiking time: 9 hours
Difficulty: High
THURSDAY
Hiking or Biking Laguna Azul
On they way to Laguna Azul, enjoy some marvelous views of the famous Torres, as well as passing through the pampas (the local steppe) where if you are lucky enough not only to spot many elegant guanacos, but also to hop out of the van and walk amongst them. After soaking up these beautiful surroundings, continue our drive to Laguna Azul (“Blue Lagoon”), where a delicious Chilean barbecue will have been prepared for you! Enjoy our lunch looking out over the lake, with a view of the three granite towers in the distance. An alternative is a bike ride in the wilderness near Laguna Azul where you cycle among the herds of guanacos that roam the pampas. Then jump into the van again, heading back to EcoCamp in time for cocktail hour.
Distance: 3 miles (5 km)
Hiking/Biking time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Low
Navigation Pehoe Lake & Hike French Valley
After breakfast, start your day driving towards Pudeto dock, located on the shores of Pehoe Lake. Board the catamaran and voyage to the north-western sector of the Lake where you'll begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley) along a steep trail that goes into the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far you go depends on the group's rhythm - An active walk leads to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the south-eastern face of the Massif, where there is a truly wonderful view. Then continue up the trail to the upper section of the valley where you can admire the valley's entire group of geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Mascara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburon (Shark's Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). Here, picnic and rest for a while. An optional trek to Mirador Britanico is available as well, if the group isn't keen on resting. Then, descend through a rippling terrain of grassland and light forest until reaching the Refugio Paine Grande, located on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe. From here, the catamaran takes you back to Pudeto to be driven back to EcoCamp. Please note: the excursion to French Valley varies throughout the season depending on the catamaran connecting Pudeto and Refugio Pehoe. Please contact us for more details.
Distance: 11 miles (18 km)
Hiking/Biking time: 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate - High
Towers Base Trek
Walk from Ecocamp towards Hosteria Las Torres and join the uphill path to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. Dry mountain spots, beech forests and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. The big challenge is climbing the steep moraine, a mass of boulders leading towards one of the world's most famous views overlooking the Towers. The famous Torres del Paine (2,900 m/ 9,400 ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After an uphill slog, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before you, with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting on the view and your picnic, backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp.
Distance: 14 miles (22km)
Hiking time: 9 hours
Difficulty: High
FRIDAY
Western Lakes & Grey Glacier Navigation
Start off driving across the Park, admiring the view of Paine Grande and its snowy peaks, and Los Cuernos with its black, granite horn-like spires. Stop at various viewpoints on the way to enjoy observing and photographing herds of guanacos, Andean condors and interesting flora. Drive down past Pehoe lake and enjoy a short scenic walk along the tip of its southern shore, with views of the vast Toro lake. From here drive up to Grey Lake and wander along the beach on the shores of the glacial water. Enjoy a tasty box-lunch by the lake before embarking on a boat ride across the icy waters to the towering blue walls of Glacier Grey. After this incredible sight of the glacier up close, drive back to EcoCamp. (*During September, October and April the boat trip to Glacier Grey may be cancelled as the boat requires a minimum of 8 passengers to sail, which might not be reached in some cases. If this is the case an alternative excursion will be planned in the Park.)
Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8km)
Hiking time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Low
Western Lakes and Cerro Ferrier Hike
Begin the day driving across the park, admiring the view of Paine Grande's snowy peaks and the black, granite, horn-like spires of Los Cuernos. As you walk along the shores of the stunning Lake Pehoe, view the furious Salto Grande waterfalls where the water from Lake Nordenskjold cascades down into Pehoe. The van will drive south to a beach along the shores of glacial Lake Grey. It is here where the hike to Cerro Ferrier begins, a fairly steep route takes you through a fairytale-like Magellanic forest where we might spot the Huemul, the endangered South Andean deer. Go uphill for about an hour and a half to reach a breathtaking lookout that offers a unique perspective of the Paine Massive, Grey Glacier, and some of the most famous lakes of the National Park. Then walk back to Grey Beach to meet our fellow travelers coming back from the boat ride. Return to Ecocamp to enjoy a relaxed evening.
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Hiking time: 3.5 hours
Difficulty: High
Lazo Weber Hike
A drive takes you past the Lazo Weber Estancia where you'll enter the National Park via Laguna Verde and begin our 7.5 miles (12km) hike. The Lazo Weber Trail is packed with native flora and wildlife – so have your cameras ready to snap pics of the guanacos, owls, eagles, condors, and caranchos; another bird of prey – all with the mountainous Paine range on our right. The hike is rather easy and apart from a few hills, the trail remains rather flat. Stop a moment to refuel by the magical Laguna Honda, and enjoy the sights and sensations of the gorgeous landscape and fresh breeze. On your way, hike through one of the quietest forests in the national park, a fantastic opportunity to observe native trees such as the Lenga and the Coihue.
The rest of the hike takes you to El Toro Lookout a amazing 360 degree view of the Paine mountain range, the Patagonian Andes, and a suite of rivers and lakes (including the Paine, Grey, and Serrano Rivers, and Lake Toro, the largest in the region). An hour’s descent towards Paine River to reunite with the van. But before you head back to EcoCamp, search for more animals to photograph and take a final moment to enjoy the scenery. In the evening arrive back at your “dome sweet dome”, ready to share in a tasty dinner and talk about our day hiking the Lazo Weber Trail.
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Hiking time: 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
SATURDAY
Sarmiento Lake & Fauna Trail
This predominantly flat trek boasts stunningly diverse natural scenery and offers the chance to feast your eyes upon a startlingly blue lake, which is secluded from all the other water systems of the area. First examine the geology of the area’s turbidite rock folds, before descending the isthmus which separates Lake Sarmiento from Lake Sarmiento Chico (the two lakes were once a single mass of water), walking along a slight slope, and ambling beside the eastern edge of Lake Sarmiento Chico. Eventually arrive at an impressive bay on the western side of Lake Sarmiento, admiring a breathtaking view which could easily be mistaken for a piece of art! Then begins the ascent back to the van, and along the way we will stumble across an awe-inspiring, panoramic vista of Lake Sarmiento from its western shore, looking towards its eastern coast glimmering on the horizon. From here drive back eastwards along the northern shore of Sarmiento Lake until reaching the starting point of the Fauna Trail. As you walk northwards along the trail look for park fauna on the Patagonian plains including guanacos, ostrich-like nandus and maybe the occasional puma print! Pass by Goic lagoon and after an approximate 3.5 miles (5 km) relaxed walk reach the Laguna Amarga ranger station to meet the van and drive back to EcoCamp.
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Hiking time: 5 hours
Difficulty: Low
Navigation Pehoe Lake & Hike French Valley
After breakfast, start your day driving towards Pudeto dock, located on the shores of Pehoe Lake. Board the catamaran and voyage to the north-western sector of the Lake where you'll begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley) along a steep trail that goes into the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far you go depends on the group's rhythm - An active walk leads to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the south-eastern face of the Massif, where there is a truly wonderful view. Then continue up the trail to the upper section of the valley where you can admire the valley's entire group of geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Mascara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburon (Shark's Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). Here, picnic and rest for a while. An optional trek to Mirador Britanico is available as well, if the group isn't keen on resting. Then, descend through a rippling terrain of grassland and light forest until reaching the Refugio Paine Grande, located on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe. From here, the catamaran takes you back to Pudeto to be driven back to EcoCamp. Please note: the excursion to French Valley varies throughout the season depending on the catamaran connecting Pudeto and Refugio Pehoe. Please contact us for more details.
Distance: 11 miles (18 km)
Hiking/Biking time: 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate - High
Towers Base Trek
Walk from Ecocamp towards Hosteria Las Torres and join the uphill path to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. Dry mountain spots, beech forests and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. The big challenge is climbing the steep moraine, a mass of boulders leading towards one of the world's most famous views overlooking the Towers. The famous Torres del Paine (2,900 m/ 9,400 ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After an uphill slog, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before you, with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting on the view and your picnic, backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp.
Distance: 14 miles (22km)
Hiking time: 9 hours
Difficulty: High
SUNDAY
Cerro Paine Trek
Head to Cerro Paine, a nearby mountain characterized by its two imposing peaks. Hike along the mountain for half an hour, which allows you to warm up while admiring the view of the surrounding pampas. The challenge begins as you start climbing the eastern part of Cerro Paine. Cross the lenga forest with the sound of the local birds and enjoy a few stops to observe the immense Almirante Nieto Mountain and its glacier on the left side. Stop for lunch at a spot with amazing views and maybe some pump tracks! After a heart lunch being the steepest part of the hike, as you leave the forest and hike on the rock. In the ascent admire the spectacular panoramic view of the immense pampas and the mountains in the distance, like the Balmaceda mountain. Walk upward for about an hour up to 4920ft (1500m) to reach the eastern peak of Cerro Paine, which offers an unforgettable lookout of the towers and the Ascencio valley. After resting and taking in one of the most striking views of the national park, backtrack along the same trail and return to EcoCamp.
Distance: 9 miles (16km)
Hiking time: 8 hours
Difficulty: High
Wild Horse Tracking
Head towards the Laguna Azul sector to begin the 4x4 journey through the folds of the Cordillera Masle, where you can really appreciate the Cordillera Baguales, Salto Las Chinas and Barranca de los Toros pass. After about 40 minutes, arrive at a typical puesto where Patagonian gauchos would take refuge while caring for their livestock. Listen to a short but interesting introduction to the area's history and the evolution and characteristics of its wild horses. With the help of satellite tracking equipment, coupled with the guide’s experience and knowledge, begin the trek, searching for the 100 untamed horses that remain isolated in this sector surrounded by mountains, lakes, and plains, in the most pristine and untouched terrain of Torres del Paine. The experience of tracking, observing, and analyzing the horses in such natural surroundings is a once in a lifetime experience. Additionally, enjoy fantastic views of Lago Stokes, the Cordillera Dickson, and the always imposing Towers. After 7-8 hours, return to EcoCamp, ready to enjoy an aperitif before settling down to a warm meal.
NOTE: The Wild Horse Tracking is not available during winter; the excursion is therefore not offered in May & September - See below.
Distance: 4 miles (8km)
Hiking time: 6 hours
Difficulty: Low
Hike Salto Grande & El Condor Lookout. (Alternative activity during May and September)
After breakfast head westwards by van, taking a route along the southern shore of Nordenskjold lake. First stop is the magnificent Salto Grande waterfall, with its impressive cascading waters falling from Nordenskjold lake into Pehoe Lake. From here it's a short walk to Cuernos viewpoint, with a panoramic view of the mighty Horns. From the viewpoint, drive to Pehoe Lake and begin the two hour round-trip walk to El Condor Lookout from its shores. Go gently uphill through the steppe vegetation; a great opportunity to learn about the local flora. Here witness the piercing blue of Pehoe Lake and and the Paine river. On a clear day, you can see the immensity of the Southern Patagonian ice fields in the distance. After a hearty lunch in this perfect location, backtrack along the same trail and drive back to EcoCamp.
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