Patagonia Explorer Hike

Patagonia Explorer Hike Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Punta Arenas, one of Chile’s main ports located on the Straits of Magellan and considered the southernmost city in the world.  This afternoon, we have the option of enjoying a tour of this historic community, including stops at the Salisano and Patagonian museums, or just relaxing after our international flight. Overnight in Punta Arenas. Meals on your own.

• Day 2

  We depart early this morning and begin our drive northward to Torres del Paine National Park, following a paved highway to Puerto Natales, a quaint fishing town on the Last Hope Sound. We'll stop for lunch en route and visit the Milodon cave, where the remains of its namesake - a giant prehistoric sloth - were found in 1895. During the drive, we may observe some of the local ovejeros (herders) and their dogs as they direct huge herds of sheep and cattle to new pastures. We arrive at our park campsite late this afternoon, set up our tents and enjoy our first dinner in Paine. Driving time: 7-8 hours. All meals included.

• Day 3

  Our warm-up hike skirts the foot of Mount Almirante Nieto (8,755’) and then continues along the base of the immense Paine massif, following an occasionally vague, rolling trail that hugs the northern shores of turquoise-colored Lake Nordenskjold. We’ll pass through brushy areas and negotiate a number of boggy sections and stream crossings as we make our way through the mountain’s foothills. Along the way, we might encounter a red or grey fox crossing the nearby fields or possibly observe hares running in the distance. There are 25 species of mammals recorded in the park including huemul, a type of deer found only in Chile, and puma, both of which are spotted on occasion. Following a creekside lunch break, our trail leads us back to our campsite by late afternoon. Spend the evening under the vast Patagonian sky, beneath the wondrous Towers of Paine. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 8-9 miles (approx. 6-7 hours). Camp elevation: 540’.

• Day 4

  Today, we embark on a demanding, but highly rewarding hike towards the Paine Towers. We follow a trail that leads across the Ascencio River then climbs uphill along a steep path paralleling the river's right bank. As we gain altitude, we have excellent vistas of the Paine River, winding its way through the surrounding countryside below us. We cross a boulder moraine to reach the high cirque where we find the basecamp from which expert climbers from around the world attempt to scale the towers' walls. Before us lies an awe-inspiring landscape encompassing the impressive granite spires of the near-vertical towers, rocky moraines and hanging glaciers, all surrounding a lovely turquoise-colored tarn. After a picnic lunch beneath Torres Norte (8,530'), Central (9,185'), and Sur (9,350'), we descend the same trail back to our campsite. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 11.5 miles (8 hours). Elevation gain 2,600'.

• Day 5

  A one-hour, 19-mile drive over dirt and gravel roads transports us to beautiful Laguna Azul (Blue Lake). We begin our day's hike by following a relatively level trail that parallels the north shore of the lake, offering superb views of the northeast face of the Paine massif. The trail continues towards Laguna Cebolla and eventually curves southward through the scenic Canadon Macho gorge. With luck, we'll have the opportunity to see a nandu (a rare South American ostrich). The hike ends as we return to our vehicle and drive back to the Ascensio campsite for happy hour and dinner. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 12 miles (approx. 8 hours).

• Day 6

  A drive to striking Pehoé Lake, followed by a boat transfer to the comfortable Pehoé Lake Camp, means an early start today. From here, a round-trip hike to the French Glacier, with views of the impressive Paine Horns, is an appealing option. The trail begins on a gentle note and grows steeper upon reaching the Italian Camp as we follow the narrow gorge of the French River. Our route takes us through lightly forested areas on the southeastern slopes of Cerro Paine Grande (the highest peak in the park at 10,665') and across several small creeks. As we gain altitude, we cross rocky boulder moraines and some boggy terrain. On a clear day, our efforts are well-rewarded as fantastic views of the surrounding peaks unfold before our eyes. The granite walls of the Paine Horns (8,530'), as well as the Máscara (7,545') and Espada spires (8,205') directly to the east are especially spectacular. We continue hiking back to camp following a trail that leads through rolling terrain and scattered scrub forests. Passing to the west of Scottsberg Lake, we hope for the chance to observe grebe, coot, upland geese, and oyster catchers. We might also learn to identify some of the 200 species of plants found in the park. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 11.5 miles (8½ hours). Elevation gain 1,850'. Camp elevation: 540'.

• Day 7

  After breakfast, we begin our hike toward Grey Lake to view the dramatic scenery and spectacular glacier. We cross a dry, shallow valley and then continue contouring around the lower slopes of Cerro Paine Grande. Our trail passes a small, secluded lake before reaching a final ridge with fabulous views of Grey Lake and the massive, four-mile wide Grey Glacier at its far end. We might spot some recently-calved pale blue icebergs floating in the lake's milky waters. Views of Cerro Zapata (5,020'), as well as several sparkling waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides, add beauty to this impressive panorama. This is one of three glaciers in the park that originates at the Continental Ice Cap which, in clear weather, we can observe in the distance as a huge ice mass on the horizon. We return to the Pehoé Lake Camp for the night. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 12 miles (approx. 8 hours). Elevation gain 985'.

• Day 8

  We take some time to explore the area further, hiking to some of the small lakes nearby for photography or just enjoying the view before loading our gear onto the ferry. On board, Cerro Paine Grande and the Horns loom over us as we glide past the Salto Grande cascade, formed where Lago Nordenskjold flows into Lago Pehoé. Upon arrival at the Pudeto Refuge, we are met by our driver and transported to our lodging. Along the way, a stop is planned at the Park Visitor's Center where we get an overview of our trekking route and learn more about the geologic forces that created this remarkable landscape. After lunch, we take a short, scenic hike along the shores of Grey Lake and return to our hosteria for dinner. This evening, we dine together and watch the evening sun turn the Paine Horns varying shades of gold and mauve. A perfect end to a great week of hiking! All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 3½ miles (approx. 2½ hours).

• Day 9

  Relax at the hosteria this morning, or enjoy a final walk. We explore either the black sand beaches of Grey Lake, or the slopes of Cerro Ferrier (5,425’) for views of the Paine Massif and the Horns. After a picnic lunch we return to the hosteria and prepare to depart. We drive back toward the park entrance enjoying a last glimpse of lakes Pehoé, Nordenskjold and Sarmiento, and of course, the fabulous Horns and Towers. Small herds of guanaco roam freely in this area so we have numerous opportunities to photograph them before we leave the park and continue across the Patagonian steppes back to Puerto Natales.  Later this evening we join our guide for a farewell dinner at our hotel.  Overnight in Puerto Natales. Driving distance: 85 miles (approx. 3-½ hours with various sightseeing stops/breaks along the way). All meals included.

• Day 10

  Early this morning, we continue driving south to the airport outside of Punta Arenas, where we check in for our flight to Santiago. Once in Santiago, trip members with overnight connecting flights to the U.S. can walk between the domestic and international terminals at the Aeropuerto Internacional Arturo Merino Benitez. Driving distance: 150 miles (approx. 4 hours). Breakfast only included.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather and terrain conditions.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary.  If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate/tentmate if one is available. If a roommate/tentmate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement.  Singles are limited to two per departure.

All meals as noted on itinerary;  accommodations in camps and hotels; guide leadership; group airport transfers; ground transportation to/from/within Torres del Paine National Park; park fees; camping permits; group camping gear such as tents and cooking equipment (bring your own sleeping bag).

Airfare to/from Chile; $100 Chilean visa fee; 1 lunch, 1 dinner; sleeping bags; cost of medical immunizations; insurance of any kind; excess baggage charges; airport taxes; alcoholic beverages or soft drinks; gratuities and items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated Vigorous [4]. Trip members should be strong, experienced hikers and campers in good physical condition and able to hike up to 13 miles in a single day. This is a remote trip, with no easy access. Hiking trails may be muddy with numerous stream crossings and participants should come equipped with a spirit of adventure. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we strongly suggest beginning a regular exercise regimen at least 3-4 months prior to departure. Recommended exercises include hiking, jogging, cycling and/or swimming. Hiking as often as possible, over hilly terrain with a 10-15 pound daypack, is a particularly good way to prepare for this adventure.

The weather in Patagonia is well known for high winds and extreme variability. Days can range from sunny with temperatures in the 70s to rainy, with the possibility of occasional light snow. Please come prepared for all possibilities and equipped with good quality raingear. Nighttime temperatures can drop down into the high 20s or low 30s, requiring a sleeping bag rated to 20° F.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

Weather

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider