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The Circuit, one of the world's greatest treks, the Torres del Paine Circuit in the heart of Patagonia
Join us on one of the world's greatest Chile treks, the Torres del Paine Circuit hike
Duration: 10 days
4+ Travelers: $3,250 per person
3 Travelers: $3,360 per person
2 Travelers: $3,610 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 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.
View Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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DAY 2 (Fri) PUNTA ARENAS - LAGUNA AZUL
View Cerro Castillo accommodations picture gallery
Morning pick up from your 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 into Torres Del Paine National Park and set up camp at the beautiful campsite at Laguna Azul. The views from this campsite of the Towers is spectacular. Enjoy a glass of Chilean wine by the fire while the guide briefs you on the coming adventure. (B, L, D)
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Day 3 (Sat) LAGUNA AZUL - CAMP DICKSON (4 hrs)
View Camp Dickson accommodations picture gallery
After breakfast, we start our hiking along the shores of Laguna Azul through ancient southern beech forests towards the mighty Towers that give the park its name. Lots of beautiful flower-filled meadows and great mountain scenery. Arrive at Lago Paine where we will stop for lunch before continuing on across this open valley crossing lakes and riverbeds. After a few more hours hiking we will enter an ancient southern beech forest which takes us into the beautiful Dickson Valley where we will see the Paine River and lake and the towering mountains that surround this remote valley. 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)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
8.7 mi; gentle with 250 ft elevation gain.
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Day 4 (Sun) 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)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
Hiking Details: 7.5 mi; with 1,100 ft elevation gain.
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Day 5 (Mon) 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. Organized campsite with facilities, and dinner in the refugio. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
10.6 mi; with 2,200 ft elevation gain.
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Day 6 (Tue) 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. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
7.5 mi; with 600 ft elevation gain.
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Day 7 (Wed) 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)
Patagonia 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 8 (Thu) 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)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
TBD
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DAY 9 (Fri) LOS TORRES - PUERTO NATALES (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 lunch in a spectacular setting, head back to the campsite your vehicle will take you to Puerto Natales and overnight at a charming hotel. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
10.8 mi; roundtrip with 2,500 ft elevation gain.
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Day 10 (Sat) PUERTO NATALES - 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)
View Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
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More information about Traveling in Patagonia
KEY TO MAP
Itinerary Map
CONTACT US
CALL
1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111
2010-2011 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Thursday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
Oct
21-30
Nov
18-27
Dec
09-18
Jan
13-22
Feb
10-19
Mar
03-12
Private Departures can be arranged. Please 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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Airfare $360 (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
5 nights camping
(Eureka 3 person tents for 2)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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Additional $350
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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
After breakfast, we start our hiking along the shores of Laguna Azul through ancient southern beech forests towards the mighty Towers that give the park its name. Lots of beautiful flower-filled meadows and great mountain scenery. Arrive at Lago Paine where we will stop for lunch before continuing on across this open valley crossing lakes and riverbeds. After a few more hours hiking we will enter an ancient southern beech forest which takes us into the beautiful Dickson Valley where we will see the Paine River and lake and the towering mountains that surround this remote valley. 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)
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)
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)
