|
Hike the "W", the most famous trekking tour in Patagonia,
to discover the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park,
such as Grey Glacier, French Valley and the Torres del Paine
lookout. This 7 day guided tour is for experienced hikers and
outdoor lovers who still want to discover the beauty of a
multi-day trekking tour in an active, but not necessarily
sportive way. If you don't want to carry a heavy backpack and
prefer to stay in "refugios" (mountain huts) within Torres del
Paine, this trek is your right choice. Our small groups are
limited to 12 members maximum, making for a personalized
experience and a family-like atmosphere within the group.
|
|
Magellanic Penguins
(Spheniscus magellanicus)
© Turismo Aonikenk
|
Punta Arenas - Penguin Colony - Puerto Natales
Arrive in Punta Arenas and meet your local guide. In the afternoon, visit the Penguin
Colony at Seno Otway, where during the Patagonian summer months thousands of Magallanic
penguins hatch and bring up their offspring. Later, transfer by public bus to the
picturesque town of Puerto Natales.
[S]
Note:
All participants must arrive in Punta Arenas before 3:30 p.m.
|
|
Los Cuernos del Paine
© Johannes Schache
|
Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine National Park
On board our private van, we explore Torres del Paine, a UNESCO World Biosphere
Reserve and Chile's most celebrated national park. En route, we have the time and
flexibility to enjoy the scenic beauty with incredible views of the whole Paine Massif
with its Torres (towers) and Cuernos (horns) as well as to observe the local flora and
fauna. Later, we reach Lago Grey, from where we continue sailing through icebergs to
the front of the enormous Grey Glacier that flows from the Southern Patagonian Ice
Field far above. Overnight at Refugio Grey near the glacier.
[B, L, D]
|
|
Ice hiking on Grey Glacier
© Turismo Aonikenk
|
Lago Grey - Lago Pehoe
Take an optional Ice Hiking tour to explore Grey Glacier from up close
and be challenged to try yourself in Ice Climbing. This makes for one
of the most fantastic adventures within the park. This afternoon,
start hiking the "W" with wonderful views of Lago Grey and its icebergs.
After about 4 hours, we reach Paine Grande Lodge that peacefully lays
ashore the turquoise-colored Lago Pehoe.
[B, L, D]
|
|
Lookout in French Valley
© Gerd Anders
|
Lago Pehoe - French Valley - Refugio Cuernos
Take off for another unique experience and hike to Valle Frances,
a valley dominated by vertical granite walls and Frances Glacier
that descends from Paine Grande mountain, the highest peak in the
park (10,004 feet / 3,050m). We watch noisy avalanches from a beautiful
lookout in a safe distance, before we continue to Refugio Cuernos.
The total walking time is about 6 hours.
[B, L, D]
|
|
Hikers in Torres del Paine National Park
© Johannes Schache
|
Refugio Cuernos - Refugio Chileno
Continue hiking the "W" along Lago Nordenskjöld and the foot of Monte Almirante Nieto.
There are good possibilities to observe some of the bird species that inhabit
this natural reserve, such as: buff-necked ibis, southern lapwing and the majestic
condor. After about 5 hours walking time, we arrive at Refugio Chileno in
Ascencio Valley.
[B, L, D]
|
|
At the Torres del Paine lookout
© Johannes Schache
|
Torres del Paine lookout
After a good breakfast, we depart for the famous Torres del Paine lookout.
This unforgettable excursion takes you across some small streams and through
native beech forest. The effort of the partly steep ascent is rewarded by a
unique panorama: the peaks of the granite towers, Las Torres, after which the
park is named, stand in front of you, 2,000 meters (6,700 feet) above a glacial
lake. In the afternoon, hike to the foot of the mountain massif, from where we
transfer back to Punta Arenas. Walking time is approximately 4 hours round trip from/ to Refugio
Chileno + 2 hours descent.
[B, L]
|
|
 |
Don't forget
to touch the toe...
© Gerd Anders
|
|
Farewell Patagonia
Enjoy your last morning in Patagonia at your leisure. Transfer from
the hotel to the airport according to your flight schedule to fly to
Santiago de Chile and connect with your homeward-bound flight.
[B]
|
|
|
General Cemetery
Santiago de Chile
 GFDL
|
Stay a Little Longer
Break up the long journey to and/ or from Patagonia and plan to extend your
trip by a day or two. We may book extra nights in Punta Arenas or Santiago
de Chile for you and organize according transfers from/ to the airports
and/ or tours to discover the surrounding. Just let us know, we are happy
to give you individual advice.
|
|
|
Cerro Fitz Roy/
Chaltén
GFDL
|
Related trekking tours
We also offer other exiting trekking tours in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.
If you like this tour, you should also take a look at our
Torres del Paine & Fitz Roy trekking tour,
a 12 day adventure from/ to Punta Arenas to Patagonia's most celebrated national
parks in Chile and Argentina.
|
