Adventure Torres del Paine
ZONDA PATAGONIA has designed a trip specially for you!
This year, escape it all as you kayak and hike your way through some of the WORLD’S MOST PRISTINE WILDERNESS with our experienced, bilingual and awesome guides. They will take the stress out of your travel as your experience the area’s highlights, including PAINE TOWERS, THE HORNS, O’HIGGINS National Park and GREY GLACIER.
You don’t have to be extremely fit to enjoy this trip, but you do have to enjoy being awed by nature, meeting great people, creating unforgettable memories and generally living the dream.
If that sounds like you let us now…PATAGONIA is here for you, and so are we.
F.A.Q. Frequently asked questions about Adventure Torres del Paine
Do I need previous experience for this trip?
- Previous hiking experience is strongly recommended for this expedition, along with an adventurous spirit and a love of straying from the beaten path.
- The hike is considered to be technically easy but moderate in terms of physical challenge. Good physical health is essential
What is included and what is not included?
Included:
- All food during the hike
- All camping sites and tents are provided
- Transport from Bariloche to start of the hike and from end of the hike to Puerto Varas in Private Transfer
- Certified and experienced Mountain Guides with Wilderness First Responder up to date.
- National Park Entry Fee
- Accident Insurance
Not included:
- Transport to Bariloche and from Puerto Varas to your next destination
- Accomodation in Bariloche or Puerto Varas
- Personal HIking gear
- Travel Insurance
GEAR LIST - What can I rent?
- Donwload the Gear List
- 60-80 litres pack for duration of trek
- Waterproof, well worn-in walking boots – Good quality, comfortable footwear is essential. Whatever you wear on your feet the most important thing is comfort. It is vital to ensure your boots are well worn in and lightweight. Ankle support and waterproofing is recommended but if you already have something comfortable with good grip on rocks then don’t go rushing out to buy new boots – you are better off with your well-worn in pair!
- River Crossing/camp Shoes: Crocs Ideal!
- Walking Poles – Can be hired (2 poles for duration of trek USD$40)
- Sleeping bag (0-10 degrees) Can be hired
- Sleeping Matt
- Walking clothing in layers:
- 1-2 Pairs of Hiking pants (zip off pants recommended)
- 1 water proof rain Jacket
- 2 t-shirts short sleeve
- 1-2 t-shirts long sleeve
- 1 Polar Fleece
- 1 down jacket
- 3 Pairs of thick hiking socks
- Warm beanie or woollen hat
- Light Warm Gloves
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and sunhat
- Thermal underwear x 1 pair ( 1 top and 1 bottom to sleep)
- Thermal wear is highly recommended, being light, warm and will keep you warm at night.
- Swim wear
- Head Torch
- Water bottle: 1 x 1.5 litre bottle or hydration bladder
- Personal medication
- Camera and spare batteries, memory cards or film.
- Please note: there are no electrical outlets on the trek so make sure you fully charge and or have spare batteries.
- Snacks: Some snacks are provided during the trek but you may like to bring one or two extras just in case. If you have a dietary requirement then be recommend bringing some suitable snacks from home. We will accommodate you for Breakfast, lunch and dinner however for snacks it’s recommended to bring some just to be safe.
- Toilet paper: Most important! Also, small plastic bags or zip lock bags for rubbish which you will need to hold on to until the end of the trek.
- Wet wipes and or Face wipes: These are an essential and will come in handy after a long day of trekking and no showers.
- Plastic bags: To keep your belongings and clothes dry (wrap everything in plastic bags). RECOMMENDED: – Soft and/or hard copies of all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the hard co pies separate from the originals. While not valid, a copy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary
- Eating Utensills: Bowl, Cup, Cutlery
- Available for rent
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Matt
- Walking Poles
How much weight will I carry?
A good level of physical fitness is required. You’ll need to be able to carry your own 60-75 litre backpack with 10-12 kg. At the welcome meeting we will check everyones pack to make sure you are taking with you only what you need! no more, no less
How can I book the trip?
- Fill in the following BOOKING FORM
- Pay the booking fee to secure your place (Bank data or credit card details at the end of the booking form)
- Fill in the Medical Form
- You have till a month prior to departure to complete the payment
MEETING POINT? WHAT TIME?
- The Welcome meeting is in Perikos Hostel (Morales 555 Bariloche) 16 hs the day before the hike. This meeting is compulsory. Bring all the gear for the hike!!!
Where can I stay in Bariloche (first night) and Puerto Varas (last night)?
- Nights accomodation are not included in the trip price. You decide where you want to stay. Please remember to book in advance since its high season.
- Recomendations:
- Bariloche
- Periko´s Hostel: http://www.perikos.com/
- Hotel Las Marianas: https://www.hosterialasmarianas.com.ar/es-es
- Puerto Varas
- Casa Azul Hostel: http://www.casaazul.net/
- Radisson Park Inn Puerto Varas
- Bariloche
How do I get back to Bariloche from Puerto Varas?
- The trip includes up to Puerto Varas so if you want to come back you can take a bus back the same day or stay enjoy the wonders of Chile.
- Check viabariloche.com.ar/ or https://www.andesmar.com/ For tickets to Bariloche. We arrive around noon to Puerto Varas on the last day and Via Bariloche has a 2 pm service if you wish to get back the same day
How many people are on the trip?
- Trips run from 6 to 14 travelers. We like to keep groups small to enjoy nature at its best
How far do we walk and for how long?
The Vuriloche Pass is approx 70 km long. We walk an average of 13 km per day. Some easy days and some moderate ones. Roughly 5-6 hours daily. Each group will find its pace and well stick to that. Long Patagonia days allow us to take our time and no rush
NEXT DEPARTURES
TRIP SEASON : OCTOBER – MARCH
TRIP PRICE : Contact us
NEXT DEPARTURES
TRIP SEASON : OCTOBER – MARCH
TRIP PRICE : Contact us
The price is in US-Dollars. We will ask you to pay a 30% deposit to secure your place. The rest (70%) must be payed max. 1 month prior departure.
Methods of payment :
– VISA or MASTERCARD (+3%)
– International bank transfer
We will send you the payment information via internet after you have completed the booking form (link).
Remember that you do not need previous experience to participate but you need to be physically fit.
General information
- Activity : Hiking
- Starting point and finishing point : Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas
- Duration : 13 days
- Itinerary : Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park, El Calafate, Perito Morena Glaciar, El Chalten, Fitz Roy, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas
- Accommodation : 7 nights hotel, 4 nights mountain shelters, 1 night tent camping
- Previous experience required : low
- Fitness level required : medium – advanced
- Group size : max. 14 people
- Minimun age : 14 years
Travel itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Welcome Dinner
Our guide will meet you at the Punta Arenas airport.
Transfer to Puerto Natales, a three-hour drive through the Patagonian pampa. Lodging in Puerto Natales at local Hotel, dinner and meeting to discuss trip program.
Day 2: “W” Hike to Torres
Transfer by van to Torres del Paine National Park.
This is a two hour journey crossing the pampa Patagonica. Arrival at Torres del Paine. We will begin trekking to the Ascencio Valley where from above you see the river (of the same name) running wildly past refugio Chileno where we will be spending our 1st night. After a quick stop here we will continue through a forest of the native Lenga (Beech) trees until reaching the glacial moraine. From here it’s a 1 hour trek to the top where the towers appear from nowhere! This trek is spectacular where you get to view the 3 pink granite towers with its glacial lake below that made the park famous. (6 hours round trip, 16 KM ). Lodging & dinner refugio Chileno.
Day 3: “W” Hike to Cuernos
Today we will trek along Lake Nordenskjold.
(Named after the Swedish geologist who’s studies formed an important contribution to world glacial geology) and below the hanging glaciers of Mount Almirante Nieto, where we will reach the base of Los Cuernos (5 hours, 11 km). Lodging and dinner at refugio Los Cuernos.
Day 4: “W” Hike to French Valley
Trek to the French Valley.
This valley, the most beautiful in the park and one of the most unique in the world. Its surrounded by hanging glaciers (where you can see & hear the ice calving off at various intervals) and an amphitheatre of granite walls and spires. There are amazing views throughout this trek and the further you trek into the valley the better they become! On the return journey you will notice the extraordinary turquoise colour of Lake Pehoe (hidden lake in the Tehuelche Indian language). The trekking is 6-8 hrs depending on how far into the valley you go with a total of 24 km. Lodging and dinner at Lodge Paine Grande where you can enjoy a pisco sour in the bar that overlooks Paine Grande & Los Cuernos in the beautiful evening light.
Day 5: “W” Hike to Grey
Trek along enchanting Lake Grey (3-4 hours, 11 KM ) with magnificent views of Glacier Grey and floating icebergs.
Visit to the glacier lookout point and to the lakeshore for up close views of vibrant-blue icebergs (Paine is a Tehuelche Indian word for «blue»). At lunchtime we will navigate in the Grey II boat, 2 hours navigation in this magic lake surrounded by ice bergs where the boat does a circuit right up to the front of the glacier whilst you stand on deck sipping your whisky served with glacial ice! Transfer from Hosteria Grey to Hosteria Tyndall, lodging and dinner.
Day 6: Kayak Serrano to Camp 1
Your trip will begin at the Serrrano river sector,
(located at the southern border of Torres del Paine National Park), here we will prepare and distribute the kayaks and begin with the safety and paddling instructions. Our guides will help to recommend the appropriate equipment you will need to take during the trip and the rest of your luggage will be taken directly to Puerto Natales by a private transfer and will be stored in our office. During this day we will paddle for approximately 2 hours across the first section of the Serrano river, this is a calm zone and gives us the opportunity to see and assess the level and comfort of kayakers during paddling. The first team activity will take place on arrival at a small waterfall in the river and we will carry the kayaks roughly 100metres. Depending on weather conditions and the number of daylight hours remaining we will continue for either 1 or 2 hours before arriving at the camp and preparing dinner.
Day 7: Kayak Serrano to Camp 2
We will continue paddling towards Mount Balmaceda and Glacier Serrano,
where we will be able to see from a distance the glaciers of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field. Finally we´ll arrive at Puerto Toro (Bernardo O´higgins National Park), our camp base here is near the Serrano glacier and this is where we´ll have dinner and spend the night.
Day 8: Fjord Boat trip to Pto. Natales
With an early start; depending on the weather conditions,
we will carry the kayaks 100m to the lagoon of the Serrano glacier so that we can paddle amongst the ice-bergs until 11:00am. Return to Puerto Natales by boat through the Last Hope Sound. Arrival time: 530 p.m. Lodging at a local hotel and a farewell dinner.
Day 9: Transfer to Punta Arenas Airport
Transfer to Punta Arenas airport.
End of the trip.
