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'W' MultiSport, an exciting version of the hike in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park
A multi-sport version of our classic "W" hike in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park
Duration: 9 days
4+ Travelers: $3,155 per person
3 Travelers: $3,435 per person
2 Travelers: $3,835 per person
This spectacular Patagonia tour is an exciting multi-sport version of our classic "W" hike in Chile's most beautiful national park, Torres del Paine. Sea kayak in the spectacular Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. Don crampons for an ice hiking adventure and if you wish, try a bit of vertical ice climbing, safely accompanied by our expert ice-climbing guides. Top off these exhilarating Chile hiking experiences with visits to the rest of the park's highlights, the French valley and the Paine towers. This is an action-packed Patagonia tour filled with unforgettable views, mountains, rivers and glaciers. Plus you'll be staying at fully-equipped camping facilities in picturesque settings where delicious meals and wine are served in rustic Chilean refugios. (Wines/alcoholic drinks at campsites are not included in the fee.)
If a private departure to Patagonia better suits your schedule, please regarding details and costs.
Itinerary Details for 'W' MultiSport Tour
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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
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Sea Kayaking on Rio Serrano
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Glacier Hiking on Grey glacier
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Trek the Laguna Verde hike, an off the beaten track few have seen
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Visit the Balmaceda, Serrano and Tyndall glaciers
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Cruise past the Balmaceda hanging glacier in a fjord of Last Hope Sound
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Sail to the face of Grey Glacier
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Spectacular views of the granite amphitheatre and the massive granite Towers on a hike to French valley
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Visit the fascinating burrowing Magellanic Penguins
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Observe guanacos, rheas, condors, and other wildlife
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Follow the gorgeous trail to the base of the Towers where you'll see emerald pools filled by hanging glaciers
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Exact schedule may vary, due to weather conditions and group skill levels.
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Day 1 (Fri) 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
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Day 2 (Sat) PUNTA ARENAS - PUERTO NATALES
View Puerto Natales accommodations picture gallery
In the morning the guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and you will drive to Otway Sound, where you'll observe the burrowing Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat. 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. Just a short walk from Puerto Natales, overnight at a local hotel and enjoy lovely views of Last Hope Sound and the Serrano Glacier in the distance. (B,D)
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Day 3 (Sun) PUERTO NATALES – ICE HIKING ON SERRANO GLACIER
Classic 'W' Hike picture gallery
Grab your crampons for a short introduction to Patagonia glacier hiking
After a delicious breakfast, start the Torres Del Paine Tour by arriving at the pier at 7:45 before boarding the 21 de Mayo boat that cruises across the Last Hope Sound towards the impressive Mt. Balmaceda and Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. Upon arrival at Mount Balmaceda, set up camp and enjoy lunch. After lunch walk to the Serrano Glacier lagoon wharf and board a Zodiac and cruise towards the Serrano Glacier. Upon arrival our local expert climbing guide will review safety procedures, Glacier technique’s and introduce the included gear, crampons and ice axe, that are necessary for the glacier hike. This spectacular route travels across the glacier itself while safely negotiating around crevices, slopes and impressive cracks in the Glacier. For those who are willing and interested there an opportunity to practice a very easy ice-climb will be offered. After approximately 3 hours on the glacier return by zodiac to camp to enjoy dinner and a glass of Chilean wine. (B,L,D)
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Day 4 (Mon) SEA KAYAKING - RIO SERRANO CAMP
Classic 'W' Hike picture gallery
Sea kayaking Patagonia's awe-inspiring scenery
The Patagonia tour continues with a sea kayaking adventure. After breakfast, the local expert guide will introduce the group to the sea kayaks and the equipment necessary for our paddling expedition. An introduction to the basics of paddling and a safety briefing will be given before entering the bay in front of camp to practice proper paddling techniques and become familiar with the sea kayaking equipment. After some time practicing paddling close to shore, we set off to explore the area with our kayaks and enjoy spectacular views and navigate around floating glaciers in the water. This is truly an experience of a lifetime. After paddling about 3 hours, return to shore to enjoy a picnic lunch. After lunch, cruise in a small zodiac boat up the Serrano River to explore expansive Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, passing the massive Tyndall glacier before arriving at famed Torres del Paine National Park, a highlight of your Patagonia tour. Tonight's accommodations are cabins on the peaceful Serrano River. The views of the Paine Massif are magnificent from here and the cabins offer full facilities including hot showers and a restaurant at the nearby hotel. For early risers, this area offers some of the most spectacular sunrises in all of Patagonia. (B,L,D)
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Day 5 (Tue) GREY GLACIER - PEHOE LAKE
Classic 'W' Hike picture gallery
This Patagonia Tour offers daily opportunities to experience some of patagonia's top glaciers
Today the Patagonia Travel continues as we head to the Grey Lake beach with spectacular views of the largest glacier in the park, Grey glacier, that dwarfs the icebergs floating along the lake. Board a boat for a short but spectacular trip through the iceberg filled lake towards the Grey Glacier itself. The boat will pass close to the Glacier for impressive views and photos opportunities. The views of this remarkable glacier with Paine Grande and the surrounding mountains in the background provide a striking backdrop. Disembark the boat and continue along the lake shore on foot to a lookout of the Glacier. Then continue hiking in the valley on one of the classic Patagonia hikes in Torres Del Paine, 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 hot showers, small shop, bar and restaurant. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
6.1 mi; 500 ft elevation gain.
Ice Hike:
1-2 hours maximum over varied terrain
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Day 6 (Wed) PEHOE - FRENCH VALLEY - LOS CUERNOS
Classic 'W' Hike picture gallery
Camp for the night at Cuernos refuge below the majestic Horns of Paine
A day-long hike takes you through the French valley along the shores of Lake Nordenskjold. The natural granite amphitheatre and the peaks that comprise this enclosed valley will amaze you. Enjoy unique views of the Pehoe, Scottsburg, Toro and Nordenskjold lakes below. Make camp for the night at the Cuernos refuge below the majestic Horns of Paine, dining in the refugio. (B,L,D)
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 7 (Thu) CUERNOS - LAS TORRES
Classic 'W' Hike picture gallery
Today's travels continue towards Torres del Paine, the three granite spires that give the park its name. Hike the rolling foothills of the Cuernos along the tranquil shores of Lake Nordenskjold. If you have the constitution for it, take an invigorating swim in the frigid waters, a truly memorable experience on any Chile tour. You'll spend the night at the fully-outfitted Las Torres campsite. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
7.8 mi; 200 ft elevation gain.
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Day 8 (Fri) TOWERS HIKE
Classic 'W' Hike picture gallery
Torres del Paine, the three granite spires that give the park its name
Today is the most difficult hike of this Patagonia tour, trekking all the way to the base of Torres del Paine, but the view makes it all worthwhile. Climbing up the Ascending valley, you'll hike through beautiful old growth beech forests to a rock moraine just under the Towers where a steep climb leads to one of the park's most spectacular vistas. Weather permitting, you'll enjoy a last picnic lunch at this incredibly scenic spot with the lowlands stretching out below. Return to camp for the last night, where a well-deserved dinner awaits. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
10.8 mi (17.4 km) 2,680 ft elevation gain.
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Day 9 (Sat) TOWERS - PUNTA ARENAS
Pack early in the morning and return to Puerto Natales for some last-minute shopping before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Santiago and your connecting international flight home, with stories of your unforgettable Patagonia tour. (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
2012-13 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Friday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
Oct
19-27
Nov
09-17 4 Spaces Left
Dec
07-15
Jan
11-19
Feb
08-16
Mar
01-09
Private Departures can be arranged. Please regarding private departure costs.
2013-14 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Friday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
Oct
18-26
Nov
08-16
Dec
06-14
Jan
10-18
Feb
07-15
Mar
07-15
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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Sea kayaks and all gear needed / Sea kayak guide
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Glacier hike and all gear needed / Glacier hike guide
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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 $395 (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
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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Additional $410
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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 3.5% cash discount
