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Torres Del Paine 'W' Hike, our eight-day version of the famous Torres del Paine hike
Get used to straining your neck as you look up at the awesome sights hiking around Torres del Paine
Duration: 8 days
4+ Travelers: $2,535 per person
3 Travelers: $2,625 per person
2 Travelers: $2,785 per person
This popular eight-day Patagonia tour is our version of the famous 'W' hike in Chile's premier national park, Torres del Paine. By boat you'll visit Last Hope Sound, the Serrano River, Bernardo O'Higgins National Park and Grey glacier before making an exciting trek through the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park. Travel highlights include Lake Pehoe, the beautiful French valley and the three soaring granite towers that give the park its name.
If you'd prefer a private departure to Patagonia, please for details and costs.
Torres Del Paine 'W' Hike Itinerary Details
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PATAGONIA TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
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Sail to the face of Grey Glacier
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Hike to the French Valley, a spectacular granite amphitheatre and the famed granite monolith Towers
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Observe a colony the fascinating burrowing Magellanic penguins
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See guanacos, rheas, condors, and other wildlife
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Follow the scenic trail to the base of the Towers and see emerald pools filled by hanging glaciers
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Due to weather conditions and group skill level, exact schedule may vary.
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Day 1 (Sat) 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 (Sun) PUNTA ARENAS - PUERTO NATALES
View Puerto Natales accommodations picture gallery
In the morning the guide will pick you up at your hotel and you will drive to Otway Sound, home to a charming colony of Magallenic Penguins. After observing and photographing these intriguing creatures, continue across the Patagonian Steppe to Puerto Natales, along the beautiful Last Hope Sound. Spend the evening exploring the waterfront and enjoy dinner at one of the fine restaurants in town. Overnight at a local hotel in Puerto Natales. Dinner included, excluding wine/drinks. (D)
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Day 3 (Mon) LAGUNA VERDE HIKE - SERRANO RIVER
Classic 'W' Hike picture gallery
After a delicious breakfast, your travel in Patagonia continues by private van towards the famed peaks of Torres del Paine National Park. The route travels around Lake Sarmiento with the towering Paine Horns in view. Today's Patagonia tours begin with a trek along the shores of Laguna Verde through ancient southern beech forests towards the Sierra del Toro. After a few hours of classic Patagonia hiking, you ascend to the viewpoint of Mirador del Toro. Here your view takes in the magnificent Torres del Paine peaks and the lakes and waterways that flow through the pampas below. After stopping to take some photographs, you'll start the steep descent of the Sierra del Toro. You'll enjoy lunch in the valley before visiting the park headquarters and visitor's center where your guide will explain more of the park's history and show you maps of your upcoming Patagonia hiking. You'll then travel the short distance to tonight's campsite on the peaceful Serrano River. The beautiful setting provides a full view of the entire Paine massif across the pampas. While guests are awaiting dinner, there will be opportunities for fishing and/or walks. For early risers, this is the place to see some of the most spectacular sunrises in Patagonia. (B,L,D)
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Day 4 (Tue) GREY GLACIER - PEHOE LAKE
Classic 'W' Hike picture gallery
Today begins with a walking tour of Grey Lake beach with spectacular views of the largest glacier in the park, Grey glacier, that dwarfs the icebergs floating along the lake. A boat will take you out on the lake to get a closer look at this remarkable glacier, with Paine Grande and the surrounding mountains providing a striking backdrop. Continue along the lake shore on foot to the Mirador. Climb up and out of the valley on one of the classic Patagonia hikes, enjoying views of Grey glacier, the Patagonian Icecap and many peaks. The shore of beautiful Lake Pehoe is the setting of tonight's campsite, with full facilities. (B,L,D) (Meals taken in refugio.)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
6.1 mi; 500 ft elevation gain.
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Day 5 (Wed) VALLE FRANCES - LOS CUERNOS
Classic 'W' Hike picture gallery
Today you'll hike through the French Valley along the shore of Lake Nordenskjold on an all-day hike. On this scenic route, your breathtaking Chile tour affords views of a natural granite amphitheatre and unique views of lakes Pehoe, Scottsburg, Toro, and Nordenskjold below. The destination is the lively Cuernos refuge, set below the majestic Horns of Paine where you'll spend the night in an organized camp with full facilities. (B,L,D) (Meals taken in refugio.)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
13.2 mi/ 9.3 mi without reaching Britannica; 1,700 ft elevation gain reaching Camp Britannica /600 ft elevation gain without reaching Camp Britannica.
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Day 6 (Thu) LOS TORRES CAMP
Classic 'W' Hike picture gallery
This morning, hike along the rolling foothills of the Horns of Paine alongside the tranquil shores of Lake Nordenskjold. If you are feeling especially adventurous, take a swim in the lake's frigid waters, refreshing yourself for the remainder of the hike that continues in the direction of the Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine), the three granite spires that give this park its name. Stay overnight at Las Torres, an organized campsite offering full facilities. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
7.8 mi; 200 ft elevation gain.
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Day 7 (Fri) ASCENCIO VALLEY - TOWERS OF PAINE
Classic 'W' Hike picture gallery
The most difficult hike of your Patagonia tour, today's route goes all the way up to the Torres del Paine, but the view is worth the hard work. Climbing up into the Ascending valley, you'll hike through beautiful old-growth beech forests just under the towers. A final steep climb over a rock moraine leads to one of the most spectacular views in the park. If the weather cooperates, you'll enjoy a last trail lunch from this memorable spot, with the lowlands stretching out below. Return to camp for a hearty dinner and a last night in paradise. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
10.8 mi; 2,680 ft elevation gain.
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Day 8 (Sat) PUNTA ARENAS
Pack up camp early and travel back to Punta Arenas airport for an early afternoon flight to Santiago, marking the end of Southern Explorations services on your tour of Chile. If time permits, along the way you may stop in Puerto Natales for some last minute shopping. Trip extensions or extra nights and tours 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
Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
Oct
23-30
Nov
20-27
Dec
12/25-01/01
Jan
15-22 6 spaces left
Feb
12-19
Mar
05-12
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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Airport taxes international (around $30) and local (around $5)
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Lunches and dinners in the cities (unless otherwise noted)
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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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Difficult - Strenuous
CHILE ACCOMMODATION
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Torres del Paine 'W' Hike:
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2 nights hotel
5 nights camping
(Eureka 3 person tents for 2)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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Additional $285
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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
Today begins with a walking tour of Grey Lake beach with spectacular views of the largest glacier in the park, Grey glacier, that dwarfs the icebergs floating along the lake. A boat will take you out on the lake to get a closer look at this remarkable glacier, with Paine Grande and the surrounding mountains providing a striking backdrop. Continue along the lake shore on foot to the Mirador. Climb up and out of the valley on one of the classic Patagonia hikes, enjoying views of Grey glacier, the Patagonian Icecap and many peaks. The shore of beautiful Lake Pehoe is the setting of tonight's campsite, with full facilities. (B,L,D) (Meals taken in refugio.)
This morning, hike along the rolling foothills of the Horns of Paine alongside the tranquil shores of Lake Nordenskjold. If you are feeling especially adventurous, take a swim in the lake's frigid waters, refreshing yourself for the remainder of the hike that continues in the direction of the Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine), the three granite spires that give this park its name. Stay overnight at Las Torres, an organized campsite offering full facilities. (B,L,D)
The most difficult hike of your Patagonia tour, today's route goes all the way up to the Torres del Paine, but the view is worth the hard work. Climbing up into the Ascending valley, you'll hike through beautiful old-growth beech forests just under the towers. A final steep climb over a rock moraine leads to one of the most spectacular views in the park. If the weather cooperates, you'll enjoy a last trail lunch from this memorable spot, with the lowlands stretching out below. Return to camp for a hearty dinner and a last night in paradise. (B,L,D)
