TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Hike one of the most famous treks in Patagonia, the 5 day "W-Trek" in Torres del Paine National Park and immerse yourself in a world of granite and ice
- Torres del Paine granite towers, French valley and Grey Glacier
- Take a kayak tour and a boat ride along the Grey Glacier
- Observe local gauchos riding through the wind branded Patagonian Pampa
- Fly over the Darwin mountain range, the legendary Strait of Magellan and Beagle-Channel
- Hike the southernmost trek at the edge of the world, the 4 day wilderness trek Dientes de Navarino Circuit
- Look out for Guanacos, Condores, Nandus and Beavers
Insider Tip
Take a boat trip from Punta Arenas to walk with Magellan penguins on Magdalena Island and learn more about see lions
16 days from/to Punta Arenas
- 9 days trekking
- Kayak tour or Ice hike
- 1 boat ride
- 7 nights expedition tent
- 8 nights hotel
- 15x breakfast
- 8x box lunch
- 9x dinner
from 3.390 GBP
A Patagonia trekking experience of a lifetime! After traveling throughout the world, never have we seen the level of flexibility and professionalism within a travel company. Our guide and porters were fun loving and a pleasure to trek with. We highly recommend to any traveling to Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego.
Beau & Hannah - Australia
TRIP DESCRIPTION
Terra Australis Incognito - or “unknown land of the South” is how the very first sailors and discoverers called this mystic landscape on the edge of the world. Today it still exudes the same fabulous and mysterious atmosphere of these times – just one reason why this secluded area is so incredibly attractive to the real adventurers.
Our fantastic adventure tour takes you to two of the most unique places on this planet that amaze even experienced trekkers. First, you are heading for the famous "W"-Hike in the Torres del Paine National Park to reach the vast Southern Patagonian Ice field. After this awesome experience, you will spend unforgettable days on the “Dientes de Navarino Circuit” in the wild interior of Isla Navarino on the mythic Tierra del Fuego. During your various trekking tours, you will camp next to sub-Antarctic rainforests, snow-capped mountains, and turquoise green lagoons.
This is definitely an outstanding adventure for all trekkers who are looking for a unique trekking experience!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- The group size for this trip has a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 8.
- The offered departure dates include the possibility of booking other people. Individual and/or private tours/departure dates are available on request.
- Best season: from November to March.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Excellent physical fitness and team spirit are necessary requirements for this tour. Moreover, you should be able to walk long distances (4 to 9 hours a day) on muddy, rocky and sometimes snowy trails carrying your own backpack of 50-60l (10-12kg). Your personal items, camping mat and sleeping bag as well as some meals for the trek have to be carried by you.
PORTERS CARRY THE EXPEDITION TENTS, ALL COOKING FACILITIES AND SET UP CAMP!
Torres del Paine NP: In every campsite you will find toilets, showers and a Refugio. The luggage that is not required during the trekking tour can be stored locked in the guesthouse in Puerto Natales.
Isla Navarino: Special comfort like dinning-/cooking-tent, showers and toilets should not be expected on Isla Navarino Trek. The luggage that is not required during the trekking tour can be stored locked in the guesthouse in Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams.
ITINERARY
Day 1-2: Punta Arenas – Puerto Natales
Day 1
Upon your arrival at the airport of Punta Arenas (alternative in El Calafate), a private transfer will take you to the hotel in Punta Arenas (without a guide). Overnight: Hotel in Punta Arenas (alternative in El Calafate) in double room with private bathroom. (-/-/-)
Day 2
Today you take a regular bus from Punta Arenas (or from El Calafate) to Puerto Natales (without a guide, appr. 3 hours from Punta Arenas or 5-6 hours from El Calafate). Upon arrival in Puerto Natales you meet our trekking-guide for a short briefing about the next days. Overnight: Hotel in Puerto Natales double room with private bathroom. (B/-/-)
Day 3-7: Trek W-Hike Torres del Paine – Kayak tour or Ice hike – Boat ride Grey Glacier
Day 3
In the morning you take a private bus to the Torres del Paine National Park and will see some of the native wildlife of this fantastic region like Guanacos and Ñandus. Driving time 2-3 hours, driving distance approx. 130 km. Upon arrival in the park, your first hike leads you to the famous 'Torres' granite needles. At first you hike up to the Ascencio-valley where you take a break at the Refugio Chileno next to the Ascencio River. After 2+ hours and a tough ascent you are rewarded for your efforts: You will stand in front of the impressive Needles with a green lagoon lying at your feet. Altitude Las Torres Lookout: 900m (2,950 ft).
Appr. walking time: 8 hours, walking distance: 19 km (11,8 miles), elevation gain of approx. 950 m (3,100 ft) ascent and descent. You spend the night at camp Central in our tents with unobstructed views of the starry sky. (B/-/D)
Day 4
Today, you hike along Lago Nordenskjöld and the gigantic Monte Almirante Nieto to the wonderful Campamento Cuernos. Near the camp you will have a picturesque view on the Paine Grande massif. There will be enough time to enjoy this inviting campsite while sitting together and sharing your one-time impressions. Appr. walking time: 4-5 hours, walking distance: 12-13 km (7.5-8 miles), elevation gain of approx. 400 m (1,310 ft) ascent and descent. Overnight: in tents on campsite Cuernos or Frances. (B/BL/D)
Day 5
Today you will hike up to the Camp Italiano. From there you walk further up until you reach a superb viewpoint of the Valley Frances. You will see the impressive “Circuito de granito” which looks like a colosseum. Altitude of French Valley Lookout: 550m. Afterwards you descent to the next campsite near the emerald green Lago Pehoe. Appr. walking time: 6-7 hours, walking distance: 17 km (10,5 miles), elevation gain of approx. 600 m (1,970 ft) ascent and descent. Overnight: in tents on campsite Paine Grande. (B/BL/D)
Day 6
Today you continue to the “Camino de los vientos” until you reach a nice viewpoint from where you can admire a striking view over the Glacier Grey. Afterwards, you scale down along the impressive Grey Lake to your next camp. Altitude Grey Glacier Lookout: 280 m (920 ft). Appr. walking time: 5 hours, walking distance: 12 km (7,5 miles), elevation gain of approx. 350 m (1,150 ft) ascent and descent.
In the afteroon you can choose an optional 3 hours day kayak excursion on the Lago Grey along the icebergs of the Grey Glacier or an optional 4-5 hours ice hike on Glacier Grey (extra costs 150/210 USD per person; reservation recommended in advance) - or enjoy some free time to relax. Overnight: in tents on campsite Grey. (B/BL/D)
Day 7
In the morning you take a boat ride on the splendid Lago Grey passing along the icy glacier and crossing the beautiful lake. Subsequently you take a private transfer back to Puerto Natales. Appr. walking time: 0,5 hours. Driving time 2 hours, driving distance approx. 100 km. Overnight: Hotel in Puerto Natales in double room with private bathroom. (B/BL/-)
Day 8-10: Puerto Natales – Punta Arenas - Magellan Penguins - Puerto Williams
Day 8
Today you will have time to explore the tiny fishing village of Puerto Natales on your own. Also you can choose an optional excursion. A boat trip over the Ultima Esperanza Fjord to the gorgeous hanging Glaciers Balmaceda and Serrano or a horseback riding excursion through the vast patagonian pampa.
In the evening you take a regular bus to Punta Arenas (without a guide, driving time 3 hours, driving distance approx. 250 km).
Overnight: Hotel in Punta Arenas in double room with private bathroom. (B/-/-)
Day 9
In the morning you can choose an optional boat trip from Punta Arenas to walk with Magellan penguins on Magdalena Island (extra costs 130 USD per person; reservation recommended in advance).
In the afternoon you have time to explore the city on your own. In the evening you have a briefing with our trekking guide for your tour on Navarino Island.
Overnight: Hotel in Punta Arenas in double room with private bathroom. (B/-/-)
Day 10
In the morning you fly to Puerto Williams where you start your exciting adventure tour. Puerto Williams (2,300 inhabitants) is the southernmost settlement north of the Antarctic. In the afternoon you have time to explore the tiny fishering village of Puerto Williams on your own and to visit the interesting Martin Gusinde Museum, where you can learn about the culture of the Yamana Indigenous. Overnight: Guesthouse in Puerto Williams in double room with private bathroom. (B/-/D)
Day 11-14: Dientes de Navarino Wilderness Trek
Day 11
Today you hike through a deep forest of beech trees and swampland uphill to Laguna Salto (480m). You set up camp close to the gorgeous Laguna where you spend the night in tents. Appr. walking time: 5-6 hours, walking distance: 9 km (5,6 miles), elevation gain of approx. 600 m (1,970 ft) ascent and 200 m (660 ft) descent. Overnight: in tents on campsite Laguna Salto. (B/LB/D)
Day 12
Today you hike over the Paso Primero to the Mirador de los Dientes and enjoy a picturesque view over the Dientes Mountain range with its blue lagoons. Afterwards, you hike further over terrain that might be partly snow covered to reach the Paso Australia (805 m / 2,640 ft). Along the way you discover small lagoons and the sharp rising Dientes mountains until you arrive at your next campsite. Appr. walking time: 5 hours, walking distance: 9,5 km (5,9 miles), elevation gain of approx. 400 m (1,310 ft) ascent and descent. Overnight: in tents on campsite Laguna Escondida. (B/LB/D)
Day 13
Today you walk through the hidden and untouched valleys of Isla Navarino and cross the Paso Ventarron (696 m / 2,280 ft). You move towards the valley where you can observe forests and dams built by beavers. If you are lucky, you may have the chance to watch one of these animals busy at work. Appr. walking time: 5 hours, walking distance: 8 km (5 miles), elevation gain of approx. 300 m (980 ft) ascent and descent. Overnight: in tents on campsite Laguna Martillo. (B/LB/D)
Day 14
You hike uphill on a sometimes muddy trail to Paso Virginia (829 m / 2,720 ft), the highest point of the Dientes de Navarino-Circuit. From up there you have views back to the rock spires of Monte Lindenmayer and also to Hoste Island and Ushuaia. Afterwards, you descent to Laguna Guanacas and hike back to Puerto Williams, passing dense Coigue forest and fire-cleared slopes until you reach Los Bronces. From there you have a private transfer back to your guesthouse in Puerto Williams, followed by a farewell dinner. Appr. walking time: 7-8 hours, walking distance: 15 km (9,3 miles), elevation gain of approx. 420 m (1,380 ft) ascent and 830 m (2,720 ft) descent. Overnight: Guesthouse in Puerto Williams in a cozy familiar atmosphere in double room with private bathroom. (B/LB/D)
Day 15-16: Puerto Williams – Punta Arenas or Ushuaia
Day 15
You fly back over the Darwin Mountain range to Punta Arenas and say goodbye to our local trekking-guide (alternative: boat ride to Ushuaia, if available). You will spend the last night in a hotel in double room with private bathroom. (B/-/-)
Day 16
Private transfer from the hotel to the airport of Punta Arenas (alternative: to the Ushuaia airport) (without a guide). (B/-/-)
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Local PORTERS carry the expedition tents and cooking equipment on all trekking days
- Local English/Spanish speaking certified trekking guide (WFR) (day 2-7, 9-15)
- from 7 participants: Local English/Spanish speaking certified assistant guide
- Accommodation: 8 nights in a hotel or guesthouse in double room with private bathroom and 7 nights in roomy, high quality 2-person expedition tents
- Meals: 15 x breakfast, 8 x box lunch, 9 x dinner
- Transport: all public and private transfers as per the detailed itinerary
- Airport pick up & drop off
- Boat ride along the Grey Glacier
- Domestic flight Punta Arenas-Puerto Williams-Punta Arenas (alternative: boat ride to Ushuaia)
- Entry Fee: to the Torres del Paine National Park
- Emergency equipment: including a first-aid kit and VHF-equipment / satellite phone
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
- Single supplement: extra charge p.p. 400 USD p.p.
- Tour guide on the days of transfer
- Meals and beverages not indicated on the itinerary
- Sleeping bag and camping mat
- Optional trips, such as:
- 3 hours kayak tour on Grey Lake (150 USD p.p.) or
- 4-5 hours ice hike Grey Glacier (210 USD p.p.) day 6
- Excursions on day 8
- Half day exkursion Penguin colony Magdalena Island (130 USD p.P.) on day 9
- Tips for guide and porters
- Local payments
- International and domestic airfare and airport charges - except the flights to/from Puerto Williams
- Excess luggage fees
- Travel insurance is not included in this tour. Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to the start of the trip.
DEPARTURE DATES & BOOKING
PRIVAT JUST4U You can choose your own private departure for this trip with a minimum of 4 of you travelling together.