The Circuit, one of the world's greatest treks, the Torres del Paine Circuit in the heart of Patagonia
Duration: 11 days
4+ Travelers: $3,070 per person
3 Travelers: $3,300 per person
2 Travelers: $3,625 per person
Join us on one of the world's greatest Chile treks, the Torres del Paine Circuit hike, in the heart of Patagonia. This Patagonia tour is a must for dedicated hikers. Days here will be filled with breathtaking views of rock spires, snow-covered peaks, shimmering glaciers, pristine lakes and vast grasslands dotted with wildflowers. Patagonia wildlife abounds here. With luck you'll be sharing the trail with guanacos, Darwin's rhea, condors, Chilean flamingos, fox and buff-necked ibis and catch a glimpse of the elusive South American puma.
A fairly strenuous hike, the Circuit takes in the very best of Patagonia's scenery, including a birds-eye view of the Southern Patagonian Icecap with its endless sea of ice, snow and glaciers. This Patagonia tour features the highlights of Chile's top National Park including Grey glacier, the fabulous French valley with its spectacular granite amphitheatre, and of course, the Towers which give the park its name.
Interested in a private Patagonia tour departure? If so, please contact us regarding details and private departure costs.
The Circuit Hiking Tour Itinerary
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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
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Experience one of the world's greatest challenging hikes with fabulous scenery and wildlife to the base of the Torres del Paine granite monoliths
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Relax in a beautiful turn-of-the-century estancia with a fine restaurant and a fireside bar
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See penguins galore at the Otway Sound Penguin Colony
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Exact schedule may vary, due to weather conditions and group skill levels.
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Day 1 (Thu) ARRIVE PUNTA ARENAS (Via Santiago, Chile)
View Punta Arenas accommodations picture gallery
Your Patagonia tour adventure kicks off with arrival at Punta Arenas airport where you will transfer on your own to your hotel. Overnight.
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Day 2 (Fri) PUNTA ARENAS - CERRO CASTILLO
View Cerro Castillo accommodations picture gallery
Kick off your Chile tour as Southern Explorations drivers pick you up from the airport or hotel and drive to Otway Sound to observe the colony of burrowing Magellanic penguins. After a brief stop in Puerto Natales, the capital of the Ultimo Esperanza region of southern Chile, travel to Cerro Castillo and the charming Hosteria El Pionero. El Pionero offers comfortable accommodations, including an excellent restaurant that serves remarkable regional and international cuisine. Enjoy a Pisco sour at the fireside bar while the guide briefs you on the coming adventure. (L, D)
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Day 3 (Sat) LOS TORRES PARK - LAGO PAINE (5 hrs)
After breakfast, begin todays Patagonia trek toward the towering peaks of the Torres del Paine National Park. At the western entrance, you'll pass herds of giant guanacos grazing on summer grasses. After loading up daypacks, begin the introductory hike along the placid shores of Laguna Azul, through ancient southern beech forests toward the Towers that give the park its name. Continue on to Lago Paine to a lakeside camp to enjoy the views and beauty of this very remote location. Wild camping, no facilities. (B,L,D)
Hiking Details:
11.2 mi; with up and down hike /basically flat.
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Day 4 (Sun) LAGO PAINE - CAMP DICKSON (4 hrs)
View Dickson accommodations picture gallery
After a camp breakfast, continue hiking across this wide open valley crossing lake and riverbeds, typical of Patagonia. After a few hours, your Chile tour unfolds, entering an ancient southern beech forest, nestled in the beautiful Dickson valley with views of the Paine River, the lake and the towering mountains that surround this remote area. Have lunch in a picturesque spot with a view of the mountains. This afternoon, relax and sample Chilean wine and snacks while enjoying the fantastic Patagonia vistas. Organized camp with facilities at the scenic Dickson campsite, though hot water is not reliable. (B,L,D)
Hiking Details:
8.7 mi; gentle with 250 ft elevation gain.
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Day 5 (Mon) CAMP DE LOS PERROS (4 hrs)
A short, but challenging hike takes you along Los Perros River through a lovely old-growth forest, in the shadow of Indian Head Mountain. Enjoy stunning views of Dickson Lake with its impressive glacier. Camp for the evening just below Los Perros glacier with dinner in the refugio. Organized campsite with some facilities. (B,L,D)
Hiking Details:
7.5 mi; with 1,100 ft elevation gain.
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Day 6 (Tue) JOHN GARDNER PASS - GREY GLACIER (10 hrs)*
Today marks the most challenging leg of your Patagonia tour yet, as you travel without the benefit of packhorses, carrying your own gear. Climb John Gardner pass to see the sublime Patagonia Icecap spreading out before you, its striking mountains, glaciers and waterfalls dominating the landscape. Congratulate yourself for reaching one of Patagonia's most isolated spots. In the afternoon, descend into the valley and camp near Grey glacier. *Trekkers carry own gear. Organized campsite with facilities, and dinner in the refugio. (B,L,D)
Hiking Details:
10.6 mi; with 2,200 ft elevation gain.
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Day 7 (Wed) PEHOE LAKE (4 hrs)*
Today enjoy a more relaxing trek, continuing along the pristine lake fed by the magnificent Grey glacier. This is a classic Chile tour trail, with the majestic glacier beside you throughout the morning. The destination is the welcoming campsite along the crystal blue waters Lake Pehoe. Camp at this organized site with full facilities. *Trekkers carry own gear. (B,L,D)
Hiking Details:
7.5 mi; with 600 ft elevation gain.
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Day 8 (Thu) VALLE FRANCES - CUERNOS REFUGE (6 hrs)
Today's hike takes you to the French valley, along the foothills of the Horns of Paine and the tranquil shores of Lake Nordenskjold. The full-day hike passes through the natural amphitheatre of this enclosed valley comprised of towering granite peaks with breathtaking waterscapes below, including lakes Pehoe, Skottsberg, Toro, and Nordenskjold. Camp at Cuernos, situated below the majestic Horns of Paine. (B,L,D)
Hiking Details:
7.5 mi; direct, no altitude gain;
from the French valley floor to French glacier is 750 ft elevation gain with another 1,000 ft elevation gain to camp Britannica.
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Day 9 (Fri) LOS TORRES CAMP (5 hrs)
After breakfast, set off once again along the shores of Lake Nordenskjold, stopping for an exhilarating swim in the frigid waters (optional, of course). The scenic hike follows one of the park's classic trails, below the towering Horns of Paine across the Ascending valley to your camp at Las Torres. (B,L,D)
Hiking Details:
TBD
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Day 10 (Sat) LOS TORRES - HOSTERIA PIONERO (7 hrs)
View Cerro Castillo accommodations picture gallery
After breakfast and a short drive, embark on another challenging hike of your Patagonia tour, all the way to the base of the Paine Towers. Tackling this steep climb across mountain trails, winding rivers, deep valleys and glacial moraine will reward you with unimaginable views. Once the steep slopes have been conquered, enjoy your lunch in this dramatic setting, while watching icebergs drift slowly across glacial pools. Truly an amazing sight, you will remember your time here as one of the highlights of your Chile tour. After hiking back to the campsite, your vehicle will take you to Hosteria Pionero where you'll find hot showers, Pisco sours, a roaring fire and a hearty dinner of Chilean fare. (B,L,D)
Hiking Details:
10.8 mi; roundtrip with 2,500 ft elevation gain.
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Day 11 (Sun) HOSTERIA PIONERO - PUNTA ARENAS
After breakfast, Southern Explorations will drive you to the Punta Arenas airport for your flight to Santiago, marking the end of our services on your Chile tour. If time permits, stop briefly in Puerto Natales for some last-minute souvenir shopping before going on to the airport. Trip extensions or extra nights in Santiago can also be arranged (B)
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Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
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More information about Traveling in Patagonia
Itinerary Map
CONTACT A BOOKING AGENT
CALL
1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111
2008 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Thursday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
October
16-26
November
13-23
December
18-28
2009 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Thursday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
January
15-25
6 Spaces Left
February
12-22
March
5-15
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
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Included in tour cost
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- Professional, English-speaking local guides and camp staff
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- Meals as indicated
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- Plentiful, nutritious meals and snacks while on the trek (Vegetarian option available)
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- All hotel and camping accommodations (twin shared basis including continental breakfast)
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- All transfers in private van
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- Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks, archaeological sites and boats
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- Eureka tents - three person / for 2 people max
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- Southern Explorations pre departure services
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Excluded in tour cost
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- International round-trip airfare USA / Santiago / USA
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- $275 Airfare (Santiago / Punta Arenas / Santiago), subject to change
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- Lunches and dinners in the cities (unless otherwise noted)
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- Backpack - you will need to provide your own backpack for this trekking adventure
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- Sleeping bag, hiking boots and other personal gear
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- Personal expenses (tips and gratuities, alcoholic beverages, medical or travel insurance, laundry, airport taxes, etc.).
PHYSICAL RATING
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Strenuous
CHILE ACCOMMODATION
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The Circuit:
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3 nights hotel
1 night refuge
6 nights camping
(Eureka 3 person tents for 2)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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Additional $380
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- Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.
Prices based on 3% cash discount
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Duration: 11 days)
After breakfast, begin todays Patagonia trek toward the towering peaks of the Torres del Paine National Park. At the western entrance, you'll pass herds of giant guanacos grazing on summer grasses. After loading up daypacks, begin the introductory hike along the placid shores of Laguna Azul, through ancient southern beech forests toward the Towers that give the park its name. Continue on to Lago Paine to a lakeside camp to enjoy the views and beauty of this very remote location. Wild camping, no facilities. (B,L,D)
)
After a camp breakfast, continue hiking across this wide open valley crossing lake and riverbeds, typical of Patagonia. After a few hours, your Chile tour unfolds, entering an ancient southern beech forest, nestled in the beautiful Dickson valley with views of the Paine River, the lake and the towering mountains that surround this remote area. Have lunch in a picturesque spot with a view of the mountains. This afternoon, relax and sample Chilean wine and snacks while enjoying the fantastic Patagonia vistas. Organized camp with facilities at the scenic Dickson campsite, though hot water is not reliable. (B,L,D)
)
After breakfast, set off once again along the shores of Lake Nordenskjold, stopping for an exhilarating swim in the frigid waters (optional, of course). The scenic hike follows one of the park's classic trails, below the towering Horns of Paine across the Ascending valley to your camp at Las Torres. (B,L,D)
