DESCRIPTION
Embark on a once in a lifetime experience with some of the most spectacular landscapes in Patagonia; Torres del Paine National Park is a world biosphere reserve that is home to a variety of plant and animal species. The Full Circuit or “O” Trek is perfect for physically-active travelers, as it takes you through remote sections of the Torres del Paine National Park and reveals its incredible scenery. Discover rock spires, gleaming glaciers, luminous lakes and the Patagonian Ice Field and marvel at nature’s creations. The crown jewel of the Chilean Patagonia offers stunning views as it explores Los Cuernos, Valle Frances, Glacier Grey and Las Torres.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrival in Santiago
Your first day begins in Santiago, the capital and largest city in Chile. Rich with history the downtown core is of 19th century neoclassical architecture and winding side-streets, dotted by art deco, neo-gothic buildings. After an airport transfer to your hotel, you can spend the day exploring the history of this cultural capital. Overnight Hotel Meridiano Sur
DAY 2
Santiago to Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine National Park
We will pick you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Punta Arenas. On arrival, a private transfer service will transport you to EcoCamp Patagonia located in the Torres del Paine National Park. This 5-hour drive will allow you to observe huge estancias (ranches) and open pampas and view some of the most unique animals. We will make a stop in Puerto Natales – a mountain-fringed fishing town, on the Sound of Last Hope and Cueva de Milodon, a large prehistoric cave where the remains of a giant ground sloth were discovered in the 1890’s. The drive then takes you through unpaved roads to the Torres Del Paine National Park. Here you will have the opportunity to view and photograph exotic birds, as you pass through lagoons filled with black-neck swans and Chilean flamencos. Overnight EcoCamp Patagonia (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 3
Hike to Dickson
After breakfast, you will hike to Dickson Lake, situated in the Dickson Valley surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and the crystalline waters. The trail leads north along the eastern bank of the Rio Paine. We will stop at a natural lookout point and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Lago Paine below, before we descend and continue west across open grasslands towards Refugio Dickson. The stunning Dickson Glacier and parts of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field can be spotted in the distance. Overnight at Dickson Camp (Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 4
Hike to Perros
We begin one the most scenic segments of the park today as the trail enters into an old growth beech forest. The trail passes under the Los Perros Glacier and merges into a small lake. Our hike will take us across a hanging bridge over Los Perros River to arrive at the terminal moraine of the hanging glacier. Overnight at Los Perros Campsite (Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 5
Hike to Camp Grey, via John Gardner Pass
This is the most difficult hiking day of the Full Circuit Trek; the trail starts with a 2-3 hour uphill climb as we cross the highest point in the park, the Paso John Gardner Pass. The southern Patagonia Ice Cap rewards us with endless views of glaciers, mountains and waterfalls in every direction. Grey Glacier spreads in the distance at 17 miles in length, 3 miles wide and nearly 100 feet tall. After climbing vertical ladders and crossing a suspension bridge we arrive at our campsite. Overnight at Grey Campground (Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 6
Hike to Pehoe Lake
We will have a leisurely morning, taking time to rest and enjoy the surrounding views before making our way along the eastern side of Lake Grey through clearings of gorgeous Calafate bushes. The view over the lake features giant icebergs drifting across the waters. The trail then becomes level as we descend through a shallow dry valley headed towards the turquoise waters of Lake Pehoe, where we will set-up camp. Overnight at Pehoe Lake Camp (Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner)
*Optional kayaking around Glacier Grey - begins at 9:00 and lasts 2.5 hours. Paddle around the glacier and giant floating icebergs.
DAY 7
Hike to Valle French
After breakfast, we will begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley). The trail leads to the heart of the Paine Massif and is steep; the pace of the group will determine how far into the valley we go. A quicker pace will get us to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the southeast face of the Massif, where we will be treated to fantastic views of the valley. We then continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley where we will break for lunch. The days trek will end as we descend through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and forest. Overnight Camp Cuernos (Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 8
Hike to Los Cuernos
Today we hike to EcoCamp Patagonia on the Cuernos trail, which will take us along the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. The day's hike is less strenuous with a good mix of terrain, en route we will break for lunch. Once at camp we will enjoy a hearty meal and prepare for the next days challenge. Overnight EcoCamp Patagonia (Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 9
Hike to Las Torres
We hike towards Hostería Las Torres before ascending to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. Mountain ridges, beech forests and small rivers fringe the scenic hike towards the valley. After climbing a steep moraine and a huge mass of boulders we reach the lookout and spot the iconic base of the Towers. After a difficult uphill climb, the Towers come into full view, rising majestically with the glacial lake below. Here we will have lunch enjoy, the views and then backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley. Overnight EcoCamp Patagonia (Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 10
Transfer to Punta Arenas Airport - Fly to Santiago
On the last day, you will be transferred to Punta Arenas and fly back to Santiago. (Breakfast)
END OF SERVICES
INCLUDED
- Airport transfers
- Ground transportation
- National Park fees
- Accommodations
- Camping equipment (except sleeping bag and mattress)
- All meals as stated
- Expert guides and porters
EXCLUDED
- Airfare
- Beverages
- Sleeping bag and mattress
- Tips