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Lodge Based Torres Del Paine 'W' Hike, tour the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park in comfort

Experience Torres del Paine National Park in comfort, without the ruggedness that is a requisite of so many Patagonia tours

Duration: 8 days
4+ Travelers: $3,010 per person
3 Travelers: $3,110 per person
2 Travelers: $3,255 per person
This Patagonia tour is designed for those looking to experience the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park in supreme comfort, without the ruggedness that is a requisite of so many Patagonia tours. This version of the Patagonia "W" hike has the same day to day itinerary as our regular "W" trek, however every night will be spent in comfortable hotels and refugios instead of camping in tents. Tour highlights include Lake Pehoe, the beautiful French valley and the three soaring granite towers that give the park its name.
It is possible to arrange a private departure for this trip. For details and costs, please contact us.

Lodge Based Torres Del Paine 'W' Hike Itinerary

• TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Navigate the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park on zodiacs
  • Visit the Balmaceda, Serrano and Tyndall glaciers
  • Cruise up the fjord of Last Hope Sound past the Balmaceda hanging glacier
  • Sail to the face of Grey glacier
  • Trekking Patagonia to the French valley, a spectacular granite amphitheatre, and the Towers, massive granite monoliths
  • Visit the fascinating burrowing Magellanic Penguins
  • See guanacos, rheas, condors, and other wildlife
  • Follow the scenic trail to the base of the Towers and see emerald pools filled by hanging glaciers
• Exact schedule for each of the Patagonia tours depends on weather conditions and group skill level.
• 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.
  View Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Day 2 (Sun) PUNTA ARENAS - PUERTO NATALES View Puerto Natales accommodations picture gallery From the hotel, drive to Otway Sound, home to a charming colony of Magellanic penguins. After observing and photographing these amazing creatures, continue across the Patagonian steppe to Puerto Natales, along beautiful Last Hope Sound. Spend the evening exploring the waterfront and enjoy dinner at one of the fine restaurants in town. You'll spend the first night of your Patagonia tour at a hotel situated a short walk from Puerto Natales. Dinner included, excluding wine/drinks. (D)
• Day 3 (Mon) LAGUNA VERDE HIKE - SERRANO RIVER View Rio Serrano accommodations picture gallery Lodge Based 'W' Hike picture gallery After a tasty breakfast, your Patagonia tours continue by private van in the direction of the famed peaks of Torres del Paine National Park. You'll skirt the shores of Lake Sarmiento with the peaks of the Paine Horns looming. Today's travel in Patagonia includes a trek along the shores of Laguna Verde through ancient southern beech forests towards the Sierra del Toro. Within a few hours of classic Patagonia hiking, your ascent ends at the welcome viewpoint of Mirador del Toro to enjoy the scenic splendor of the Torres del Paine peaks and the lakes and waterways that flow through the pampas below. After taking photographs and enjoying the marvelous view, you'll start your steep descent of the Sierra del Toro. You'll enjoy a picnic lunch in the valley before a visit to the park headquarters and the visitor's center where your guide will explain more of the park's history and use maps to preview your upcoming Patagonia hiking. From here, you'll drive a short distance to your lodge on the peaceful Serrano River. Where this beautiful Lodge is situated, one sees the entire Paine massif across the pampas. There will be time for fishing and/or walks before dinner. Early risers will witness what are said to be some of the most spectacular sunrises in Patagonia. (B,L,D)
• Day 4 (Tue) GREY GLACIER - PEHOE LAKE View Pehoe Lake accommodations picture gallery Lodge Based 'W' Hike picture gallery
  
  

  Enjoy spectacular views of the largest glacier in the park, Grey glacier

  Todays Patagonia trekking begins with a walking tour of Grey Lake beach. From the beach, enjoy spectacular views of the largest glacier in the park, Grey glacier, which dwarfs the other icebergs floating along the lake. For a closer look, take a boat out on the lake, with Paine Grande and the surrounding mountains providing a striking backdrop. Disembark at the foot of the glacier to explore the opposite shore of the lake on a hiking tour that takes you through the valley, with Grey glacier, the Patagonian Icecap, and numerous snowcapped mountains on the skyline. Overnight at a rustic local lodge with bunk bed accommodations. (B,L,D)
  Patagonia Hiking Details: 6.1 mi; 500 ft elevation gain.
• Day 5 (Wed) VALLE FRANCES - LOS CUERNOS View Cuernos accommodations picture gallery Lodge Based 'W' Hike picture gallery A day-long hike takes you through the French valley along the edge of Lake Nordenskjold where the natural granite amphitheatre and peaks that comprise this enclosed valley will amaze you. This experience is a favorite on many Patagonia tours. You'll enjoy unique views of lakes Pehoe, Scottsburg, Toro and Nordenskjold below. Today's destination is a lively refuge, set below the majestic Horns of Paine. Spend this cozy night of your tour of Patagonia in bunk bed accommodations with shared facilities. (B,L,D)
  Patagonia Hiking Details: 13.2 mi /9.3 mi without reaching Britannica |1,700 ft elevation gain to Camp Britannica and 600 ft gain without reaching camp Britannica.
• Day 6 (Thu) LOS CUERNOS - LAS TORRES View Refugio Las Torres accommodations gallery Lodge Based 'W' Hike picture gallery
  
  

  Hike with the tranquil shores of Lake Nordenskjold beside you

  This morning, youll enjoy trekking Patagonia with an aquatic twist. Hike along the rolling foothills of the Horns of Paine, with the tranquil shores of Lake Nordenskjold beside you. If you are feeling especially adventurous, take a swim in the lake's frigid waters, refreshing yourself for the remainder of the hike. Move toward the Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine), three granite spires that give this park its name. Overnight at Refugio Las Torres, as the base of the Towers’ trail, where you will spend the next two nights. (B,L,D)
  Patagonia Hiking Details: 7.8 mi; 200 ft elevation gain.
• Day 7 (Fri) ASCENCIO VALLEY - TOWERS OF PAINE View Refugio Las Torres accommodations gallery Lodge Based 'W' Hike picture gallery
  
  

  Views from the edge of Torres Del Paine National Park

  Today, make the tour's most difficult hike, all the way up to the Torres del Paine, but the view makes it all worth it. Climbing up into the Ascending valley, you will hike through beautiful old growth beech forests to a rock moraine just under the towers, leading to one of the most spectacular views in the park. If the weather cooperates, you will enjoy a last trail lunch from this picturesque spot, where the lowlands stretching out below provide endless pretty views. Return to the refugio for the night where a hearty dinner awaits. (B,L,D)
  Patagonia Hiking Details: 10.8 mi; 2,680 ft elevation gain.
• Day 8 (Sat) PUNTA ARENAS Pack up camp early in the morning and travel back to Punta Arenas airport for an early afternoon flight to Santiago, marking the end of Southern Explorations services and your tour of Patagonia. Depending on departure time, you may stop in Puerto Natales for a last minute shopping opportunity. If you have time to spare, trip extensions or an extra night in Santiago can be added to standard Patagonia tours. (B) View Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
• More information about Traveling in Patagonia

Itinerary Map

CHILE EXTENSIONS

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2010 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES

Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum

Mar 13-20

Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.

2010-2011 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES

Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum

Oct 09-16
Nov 06-13
Dec 11-18
Jan 22-29
Feb 19-26
Mar 12-19

Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.

INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS

Included in tour cost

- Professional, English-speaking local guides and camp staff

- Meals as indicated

- Plentiful, nutritious meals and snacks while hiking and at hotels/Refugios (Vegetarian option available)

- All hotel accommodations (twin shared basis including continental breakfast)

- All transfers in private van

- Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks, archaeological sites and boats

- Southern Explorations pre departure services

Excluded in tour cost

- International round-trip airfare USA / Santiago / USA

- Airfare $360 (Santiago / Punta Arenas / Santiago), subject to change

- Airport taxes international (around $30) and local (around $5)

- Lunches and dinners in the cities (unless otherwise noted)

- Hiking boots and other personal gear

- Personal expenses (tips and gratuities, alcoholic beverages, medical or travel insurance, laundry, airport taxes, etc.).

PHYSICAL RATING

Difficult - Strenuous

CHILE ACCOMMODATION

Lodge-Based 'W' Hike:

2 nights hotel
2 night lodge
3 nights Refugio or Upgrade to hotel.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Additional $410 Per Person

- 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