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Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Chile Tours and Travel Packages

Multiple Destinations / Santiago area / Patagonia / Lake District
Easter Island / Atacama Desert / Expedition Cruises / Fiord Cruises
Biking / Treks / Multisport / Sea Kayaking / Wine Tours

Treks in Chile

7 DAY TORRES DEL PAINE TREKKING

The trails in between the Torres del Paine famous craggy mountains are among the world's classic trekking routes. Breathtaking views together with glaciers, rivers, lakes, forests and abundant wildlife provides the trip with constantly changing scenarios and experiences. During summer (Nov-Mar) there are 18 hours of daylight which gives the explorers plenty of time for the walking journey.

Day 1 Travel to Torres del Paine - Arrive around 12-1300hrs. in Pta Arenas with the earliest morning flight from Santiago. Reception at the airport (we will pick you up from your hotel in Punta Arenas if you were already in the city) and transfer to Camp Las Torres (345 km/ 216miles /5hrs) inside the famous Torres del Paine National Park. In summer time, the sun sets around 11PM giving us plenty of light to admire the landscape en route and the craggy mountains while entering the park. We will make short stops in the township of Puerto Natales, to take a look of the town and enjoy lunch, and in the enormous Cueva del Milodon, a giant geological wander that once sheltered a prehistoric sloth. Overnight at EcoCamp in Las Torres (L,D);

Day 2 In Paine National Park - Drive to Lake Grey´s southern end, cross the hanging bridge onto Grey beach overlooking floating icebergs and start walking gently over the Grey Peninsula to have a splendid view over the distant Grey Glacier. After lunch, drive back, pass La Administracion, and take a short hike (2hrs round trip) up to Mirador Pehoe to admire the most spectacular sight (weather permitting) over the Paine massif. Once at the shores of lake Pehoe walk softly to Salto Grande, a giant fall which pours the waters of lake Nordenskjold into lake Pehoe, and gain another splendid view (weather permitting) over Paine Grande and Los Cuernos craggy mountain arising dramatically across the lake. At 6PM board the catamaran that sails the turquoise lake Pehoe. Overnight at Camp Pehoe (B,L-,D);

Day 3 In Paine National Park - Trek to Mirador Grey (3hrs round trip) or beyond approaching the towering walls of Grey glacier which empties the giant South Patagonic icefield into the lake. The view is very impressive at this point with numerous giant icebergs drifting across the waters. Depending on the participants physical conditions and on the weather, we may proceed (3 hrs. round trip) to the foot of the glacier to gain the most outstanding view. Return to Pehoe camp to overnight (B,L-,D);

Day 4 In Paine National Park (Valle del Frances) - Today the trekking will go over 8 kms (2,5-3,5 hrs) up to Campamento Italiano and will continue next with a round trip to Mirador del Frances (3 km, 1,5-2,5 hrs). The track between Camp Pehoe and Camp Italiano makes its way north through undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest to meet river Frances and Camp Italiano. From here we follow the wild river upstream until El Mirador (lookout point) facing Glaciar Frances with a magnificent broad view of the lakes below. Once we are back at Camp Italiano we proceed walking (1hr) by the shore of lake Nordenskjold until reaching Refugio Los Cuernos for overnight (B,L-,D);

Day 5 In Paine National Park (Paso Los Cuernos) - This will be an easy trek starting at Refugio Cuernos and ending at Refugio Las Torres. The name of the trail is taken from the fact that it passes under the Cuernos (horns) of the Paine massif. The trip ends at Eco-camp in Las Torres for overnight (B,L,D)

Day 6 In Paine National Park (Valle Ascensio) - Today the trekking (10 km, 8 hrs round-trip) take us to the foot of the impressive granite massif of El Paine. From here admire the most typical sight of the Paine Towers (weather permitting). The famous Torres del Paine(2.900m/9.400ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, remains of a great cirque that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Once back at the camp, enjoy a farewell dinner and celebrate the last day achievements. Overnight camping at EcoCamp in Las Torres(B,L-,D);

Day 7 Travel to Punta Arenas - Early in the morning board the vehicle back to Punta Arenas on time to catch the evening flight back to Santiago. (B, Box lunch).

5 DAY TORRES DEL PAINE ACTIVE TOUR

Day 1: Travel to Torres del Paine
Arrive around noon-1PM. in Punta Arenas with the earliest morning flight from Santiago. Drive to Cascada Ecocamp (345 km/ 216miles /5hrs) inside the famous Torres del Paine National Park. In summer time (Dec-Mar), the sun sets around 11PM giving us plenty of light to admire the landscape en route and the craggy mountains while entering the park. We will make short stops in the township of Puerto Natales, to take a look of the town (you have here the chance to leave in our office in Puerto Natales any luggage that you will not need during the trek), and in the enormous Cueva del Milodon, a giant geological wander that once sheltered a prehistoric sloth. Overnight at Cascada Ecocamp at Las Torres (L,D);

Day 2: French Valley - Valle del Frances
Trasfer to Pudeto (45 min) to board the catamaran which crosses Lake Pehoe (09:00 hrs). Today the trekking will go over 8 kms/5 mi (2,5-3,5 hrs) up to Campamento Italiano and will continue with a round trip to Mirador del Frances (3 km/2 mi, 1,5-2,5 hrs), one of the most spectacular cirques in the Paine Range. The track between Camp Pehoe and Camp Italiano makes its way through undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest to meet river Frances and Camp Italiano. From here we follow the wild river upstream until El Mirador (lookout point) facing Glaciar Frances which descends from Paine Grande (the highest summit in the Paine range). Magnificent broad view of the lakes below. Once we are back at Camp Italiano, we return to refugio Pehoe for overnight. (B,L-,D);

Day 3: Pehoe - Grey Glacier
We’ll hike about four hours from Refuge Pehoe to the northern end of Lago Grey. At 16:00 hrs board the boat which sails alongside the face of Glaciar Grey. We will have ample time to marvel at this calving glacier before the boat crosses Lago Grey (40 min.). Transfer (1,5 hrs) from Lake Grey's southern end to Cascada Ecocamp in Las Torres for overnight. (B,L-,D); 1) If the weather conditions do not allow us to navigate the Grey Lake, we’ll instead hike to the Grey Glacier (6-8 hrs, roundtrip) and then at Pudeto board the catamaran to cross Lake Pehoe.

Day 4: Torres del Paine (Ascencio Valley)
An all day hike (10 km/6 mi, 8 hrs round-trip) to the foot of the impressive granite massif of El Paine where the towers rise majestically before us, and the glacial lake is visible below: one of the most scenic sights in the world! The famous Torres del Paine (2.900m/9.400ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, remains of a great cirque that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Once back at the Ecocamp, a farewell dinner is honored with a typical Patagonian lamb barbecue; overnight at Cascada Ecocamp (B,L,D)

Day 5: Travel to Punta Arenas
Early in the morning board the vehicle back to Punta Arenas on time to catch the evening flight back to Santiago. (B, L).

Included:
* All ground transport private and domestic as indicated in the itinerary;
* Boat crossing over lago Grey and lago Pehoe (5 day trek);
* 4 nights (7 day trek ) or 3 nights (5 day trek) accommodation sharing a 2 person dome in Ecocamp Cascada.
* 1 night accommodation in Refuge Pehoe and 1 night accommodation in Refuge Los Cuernos (7 day trek ).
* Park fees for Cueva del Milodon and Torres del Paine National Park;
* Meals as indicated on the itinerary: B=breakfast, L=lunch, L-=boxLunch, D=dinner
* One expert english speaking trekking guide for 6 clients; one english speaking assistant guide added for groups larger than 6.

Not Included:
* Air fares;
* Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this kind of trip)
* Optional tipping to guides and staff;
* Items of personal nature (laundry, sodas, alcoholic beverage other than our famous pisco sour and wine offered in dinners, etc.)

Ecocamp Patagonia has been highly commended in the Best in a Mountain Environment category at this year’s Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards organised by responsibletravel.com. At a ceremony hosted at World Travel Market (WTM), Docklands, London, on Wednesday 11th November, the Awards were handed out by Justin Francis, managing director of responsibletravel.com, organizers and founders of the Awards, and Amanda Wills, managing director of Virgin Holidays, headline sponsor of the Awards.Dr. Harold Goodwin, Director, International Centre for Responsible Tourism and Chair of Judges said: "Working our way through this year's long lists, we were impressed by the willingness of so many organizations to take responsibility and to do what they can to help make better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit. Despite the economic difficulties being faced by the travel and tourism industry, responsible tourism continues to move ahead and I'm continually impressed as more is achieved by more people. As judges we are all very aware of the great work that is being done by so many and our decisions are often very difficult and sometimes long debated.“
The citation for Ecocamp Patagonia from the judges is as follows:

“Ecocamp Patagonia sits at the cutting edge of environmental practice with the design and creation of their innovative 4 star geodesic dome tented hotel; a 99 per cent portable hotel that can be dismantled and removed without leaving a trace in the richly biodiverse National Park. Their Environmental Management System is comprehensive – incorporating a range of practices from hydroelectric turbines and wind generators, to composting devices and solar panels.”

What is the Eco-camp? - It's a luxury camp, of a kind never seen before in Chile and similar in concept to the famous African lodges. It is a more comfortable alternative, but above all environmentally friendly, especially in a national Park with the characteristics of Torres del Paine. The Eco-camp has been designed with the comfort of our travelers in mind but above all stressing the importance of interfering as little as possible with the surroundings in which we have installed it. This need to protect the environment has meant that we have had to be very efficient in managing the eco-camp; this has meant that we cannot offer some of the comforts normal in unprotected areas (private bathroom with septic tank, diesel generators etc) and, on the other hand, utilizing technologies and sustainable processes but ones which demand a greater effort and more patience from our guests (less availability of water and solar energy for electricity, making compost, less waste etc). We think that the camping solution that we have designed for our guests, in one of the most important national parks of the southern hemisphere, is a novel alternative, efficient and in harmony with the current demands of tourism.

What is the Eco-camp like? - Sleeping is in big comfortable domed tents, which take 2 people. They are 2 meters high and the floor is of vitrified wood. The tents are resistant to the strongest winds, rain and even Patagonian snow and they are each equipped with 2 single beds, sheets, blanket and feather cover with heating from a gas stove. The Ecocamp also has a big tent for kitchen/dining room: this is a dome of 9 meters diameter (30 ft) and
4.5 meters high (15 ft). It is equipped with a living area, dining room and kitchen. The space is light and airy with a big panoramic window and it invites our guests to enjoy in a completely new way the surprising evenings of Patagonia. The Ecocamp in Torres also includes a bathroom module (another large dome) with showers and hot water. The toilet system is a compost one (i.e. it transforms human waste into compost). A chef runs the kitchen of the Eco-camp. The rest of the staff in the Eco-camp is composed of a camp host and the circuit guides.

Pehoe and Fitzroy Upgraded Camp - Pehoe is located in a strategic location within the park. From there we start our hikes to the Grey Glacier and the French Valley. The park management has special regulations for Pehoe and here we have a very comfortable and portable camp: Our Upgraded camp in Pehoe uses comfortable and large mountain tents (designed for 4 but used by 2 person) and a large “Space Station” central dome (6 m. diameter -20 ft-) as common area. We provide for our clients an inflatable mat, sleeping bag with a polar fleece liner and lamp. The toilet facilities we use at Pehoe are those built by the park administration for this area. Those are located 150 meters from our camp and are shared with other people camping in the area. Hot showers are available there. Fitzroy Upgraded camp is a mix between Torres Ecocamp and Pehoe upgraded camp. It is located in a strategic place next to the Fitzroy Park and is composed by a larger 9m/30 ft diameter kitchen/dinning/living dome and smaller tents for clients. Bathroom is a 24ft diameter dome fully conditioned with composting toilets and hot showers. By far, the best base camp in the region!

Refugios - Our 7 day program includes one night in Los Cuernos refuge. This is a typical mountain refuge, open to the public that visits Torres del Paine and they are run by other businesses. It has rooms for 4-6 people. The beds are single, bunk type and we provide you a sleeping bag and a polar fleece liner. The bathrooms are also shared and they have hot water. The refugios are heated and have a dining area.

Vehicles: A domestic bus will be taken in the route Punta Arenas/ Puerto Natales/ Punta Arenas. On the 7 day trek, a private van will deliver us in Torres del Paine National Park on day 1 and will pick us up on day 6. There won´t be transportation available in between.

Group Size & Guiding Staff: 8-12 passengers is the most typical group size plus staff. Maximum is 20 passengers . Guide to passenger ratio: 1/8

2010-2011 Prices:
7 day trek:
High Season: USD 2,090 p.p. (Nov ’10 to Mar ’11)
Shoulder Season: USD 1,672 p.p. (Oct ’10 and Apr ’11)
Private trek with minimum of 2 people on any date avaailable: USD 2790 p.p.
- Dec 20th and 27th have a Christmas surcharge of USD 50 p.p.

5 day trek:
High: USD 1,575 p.p. (Nov ’10 to Mar '11)
Shoulder: USD 1,260 p.p. (Oct ’10 and Apr ’11)
Private trek with minimum of 2 people on any date avaailable: USD 2103 p.p.
- Dec 19th and 26th have a Christmas surcharge of USD 50 p.p.

- Flight tickets not included;.
- For bookings made within 40 days prior to the trip departure we can’t guarantee space at the refuges. If space isn’t available then accommodation will be provided at the refuges camping area consisting in a comfortable tent, including mat, sleeping bag and a polar fleece liner; our team will set and dismantle all this; the camping provides satisfactory bathroom facilities. Meals will be served inside the refuges.
- no single supplement.

Fixed Departures:
7 Day Trek: The trip starts every Monday morning in the airport of Punta Arenas from Oct ’10 to Apr ’11.
5 Day Trek: The trip starts every Wednesday morning in the airport of Punta Arenas from Oct ‘10 to Apr ’11

For both itineraries you must arrive from Santiago on the first Lan Chile flight that arrive around noon. The trip ends in the airport of Punta Arenas at 5PM approx. You should book the last return flight, which normally departs about 630pm. Departure trips are guaranteed with 2 persons minimum. The average size of the group 8 to 12 persons.

Optional Transfers to Start / Finish in Calafate
Option 1: Direct Shuttle Tour Bus (Direct)
USD 105 p.p. (each way)
Calafate to Torres del Paine: pick up at 5:30 am at hotel; arrive at EcoCamp at 2 pm.
Torres del Paine to Calafate: Leave EcoCamp at 3 pm; arrive at hotel in Calafate at 10 pm.

Option 2: Interprovincial Public Bus (Stop over in Puerto Natales)
USD 60 p.p. (1 way to Torres del Paine), USD 32 p.p. (1 way to Calafate)
Calafate to Torres del Paine: pick up at 7 am at hotel; arrive at EcoCamp at 7 pm.
Torres del Paine to Calafate: Leave EcoCamp at 8 am; arrive at Calafate bus terminal at 2 pm.

Why not add a 3 day kayak trip in the park to the end of your trek?

Physical Demands: This trip, rated moderate, is recommended for people in good physical condition in the habit of walking long distances and camping outdoors. All passengers over 65 years old are requested to send ahead a medical examination that states that they are able to safely accomplish moderate hiking.

What you need to bring: Sleeping bag (comfortable to 0ºC), day backpack (10lt), mountain backpack or duffel bag (70 litres), waterproof trekking boots, waterproof parka & pants and ski poles (optional). We will send you by E.Mail detailed pre-departure information containing all extra information necessary to plan and participate in the trip: Personal equipment you should bring, climate conditions, estimated allowance for extra meals, beverage and souvenirs, domestic flights schedules and costs, etc.

About the itinerary: The numbers in brackets (distance-kms, time-hrs) are approximated and refer to the trekking portions exclusively; In general the itinerary submitted and the estimated of time is reasonable for well fit passengers, considering also good weather conditions and occasional stops for sightseeing and pictures.

The climate: The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to the saturated winds that circle the Antartic landmass. Also, the strong marine influence makes the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and eventually snow. Even in summer (december to march) you should come prepared to find cold- strong winds(up to 80 km/hr) and rainfalls. The summer's average temperature is 11ºC/ 52ºF ( 24 ºC max, 2ºC min).

9 DAY TORRES DEL PAINE TREKKING CIRCUIT

The Torres del Paine circuit around the famous craggy mountains that crown the Park is one of the world's classic trekking routes. Breathtaking views together with glaciers, rivers, lakes, forests and abundant wildlife provides the trip with constantly changing sceneries and experiences. The full circuit, rated moderate, is normally done in seven to nine days, depending on the itinerary, and covers a distance of approx. 80 kms. The trek is best done in an anti-clockwise direction that saves the hardest sections until later and prevents the walkers from being stopped by strong wind currents. During summer (Dec-Mar) there are 18 hours of daylight which gives the explorers plenty of time for the walking journey.

Day 1: Punta Arenas - Torres del Paine
We will pick you up at 12:15 PM at your Punta Arenas’ hotel or 1PM at Punta Arenas’ airport if your are flying that same day. (so be sure to arrive in the morning!). Transfer to Puerto Natales (250 kms/156 miles/3 hours), lunch, and from there transfer (140 kms/ 88 miles /2 hrs) to EcoCamp Las Torres inside the famous Torres del Paine National Park. In the Chilean summer time, the sun sets around 11PM giving us plenty of light to admire the landscape en route and the craggy mountains while entering the park. We will make short stops in the township of Puerto Natales, to take a look of the town (you have here the chance to leave in our office in Puerto Natales any luggage that you will not need during the trek), and in the enormous Cueva del Milodon, a giant geological wonder that once sheltered a prehistoric sloth. Overnight camping in Las Torres (optional upgrade to Ecocamp) (L-,D)

Day 2: Valle Ascencio (21 kms/13 miles, 9-10 hrs round-trip)
We start our trekking journeys with the celebrate hike to the foot of the impressive granite massif of El Paine. From here admire the most typical sight of the Paine Towers (weather permitting) rising above a green lagoon. The famous Torres del Paine (2.900m/9.400ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, remains of a great cirque that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Overnight camping in Las Torres (optional upgrade to Ecocamp) (B, L-, D);

Day 3: Ecocamp- Laguna Azul – Lago Dickson (28 kms/18 miles, 9 hrs)
Early transfer to Laguna Azul The day will start trekking through the lenga forest of the northern side of Laguna Azul lake which was affected by the Feb. 2005 fire. In this sector you may observe black woodpeckers, typical birds of Patagonia. Once arriving to the Dickson lake, have a spectacular view on Glacier Dickson and part of the Hielo Patagonico Sur (South Patagonia Ice Field). The trek continues along the eastern bank of the Rio Paine. You will stop at a lookout point with a wonderful panoramic view of Lago Paine below. Descend to the lake level and continue across open grasslands along the Rio Paine to Refugio Dickson. Our stunning campsite will be in the Dickson Valley surrounded by towering snow capped peaks and the pretty waters of Dickson Lake with Mt. Cubo in the distance. Hot showers available. Overnight camping at Dickson (B, L-, D).

Day 4: Glacier Dickson hike (14 kms/9 miles, 6 hrs rt)
An easy hike to recover yourself from the last 2 demanding days. Today we will trek north to Lago Quemado and get close to the beautiful Dickson Glacier and its iceberg-filled lake. (B, L-D);

Day 5: Lago Dickson- Los Perros (9 kms/6miles, 5 hrs)
The trail follows Los Perros river and encounters the wildest and least accessible section of the trek. Virgin beech forests crossed by many water courses leads the way towards the lovely Laguna Los Perros where we set up camp. Spend the night camping at Los Perros (B, L-, D)

Day 6: Los Perros- Camp Grey (14 kms/9miles, 10-11 hrs)
In this section we reach the highest point of the circuit at 1300 mts (4000 ft) with an awe-inspiring view of the Grey glacier, an enormous fractured mass of ice choking the valley. The route continues roughly south along forested slopes with occasional landslides and a beautiful view of the enormous glacier Grey (more than five miles across and ten miles in length). Overnigth at camp Grey. (B, L-, D)

Day 7: Camp Grey - Camp Pehoe (11 kms/7 miles, 4 hrs)
Free morning. Those willing to do a half day hike on the Grey Glacier with the use of crampons might book the trip on site (this is a great way to see the glacier up close. No previous glacier hiking experience is needed and all the technical gear is provided. PM: The trek continues down alongside Grey Glacier until it calves into the Lake Grey. Then it keeps going by the eastern side of the lake through clearings of Calafate bushes. The view over the lake, with numerous giant icebergs drifting across the waters is very impressive at this point. Finally, the track climbs onto flat ridges and passes a small lake one hour before descending through a shallow dry valley to arrive at Lago Pehoe. We spend the night in our camp by the turquoise lake Pehoe. (B, L-, D)

Day 8: Valle Frances (22 kms, 8 to 10 hrs round trip)
The track makes its way north through undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest, passing two small lakes, and continues by the south-east slopes of Cerro Paine to meet river Frances. From here we follow the river upstream passing Camp Italiano, below Glaciar Frances, and –weather permitting- keep going until it reaches a small hut built by some British climbing expedition. This magnificent setting is surrounded by high peaks on all sides being especially spectacular the Cuernos del Paine (the horns). Later we return to Pehoe and take the 6:30PM boat that crosses the Pehoe lake and drive back to the camp in Las Torres (optional upgrade to Cascada Ecocamp) (B, L-, D);

Day 9: Punta Arenas
Early in the morning board the vehicle back to Punta Arenas on time to catch the evening flight back to Santiago. (B, L).

Note:
During shoulder season, months of October and April, boat schedule at lake Pehoe changes, modifying slightly our itinerary.

2010-2011 PRICE - USD 1,915 p.p. (based on 4+ people)
2 people group supplement: USD 300
3 people group supplement: USD 200
Private trek with minimum of 2 people on any date available: USD 3179p.p.
Single tent supplement: USD 170 p.p.
3 nights upgrade to EcoCamp's Standard Domes: USD 284 p.p. (days 1, 7 and 8)

Christmas surcharge: USD 200 p.p.

NOTES:
- The porter service for this trip is included in the trip’s price. Nevertheless for the trekking days with overnight out of Las Torres camp the porters can only carry up to five kilos per person. The handling works this way: the day the group arrives each person has to separate his luggage in two dry bags provided by Cascada, maximum 5 kilos of content in each one. One bag will be carried by the porter service and the group until they reach Camp Grey on day 4. The other bag will reach the group on day 4 with the content needed for the days 5, 6 and 7, so this day the group leave their first bag to be sent back to Camp Las Torres and continue just with the second bag. This method allows trekkers to change clothes and gear in the middle of the trek without surpassing the 5 kilos limit per bag.

- Minimum: we need at least 2 people to launch a regular departure trip.

Departures for Season 2010-2011: every Wednesday from Nov ’10 to March ’11

GENERAL INFORMATION
You will be picked up from your hotel in Punta Arenas around 12:15PM or, from the airport in Punta Arenas, at 1 PM. The trip finishes on day 9 at the airport of Punta Arenas at 3 PM approx. If your are flying out of Punta Arenas that same day, you should book a flight departing from Punta Arenas later than 4PM. Keep in mind that we might book for you any local flight in Chile. Shall you prefer to book them on your own, please contact us in advance to coordinate schedules.

Included
- All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary.
- 8 nights camping. In addition we use backpacking stoves to cook our meals, take advantage of fresh water sources and beautiful views.
- Park fees for Cueva del Milodon and Torres del Paine National Park.
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary: B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / BL = Box Lunch / D = Dinner.
- Complete dinning & camping equipment.
- Ferry crossing over Lake Pehoe on day 8.
- One English speaking trekking guide. One assistant guide provided if 4 or more members in the trip.

Excluded
- Air fares.
- Insurance (it is mandatory that you purchase appropriate insurance for this kind of trips).
- Optional tipping to guides and staff.
- Items of personal nature (laundry, sodas, alcoholic beverages, etc.).

Group Size & Guiding Staff
6-12 travelers is the most typical group size plus EcoCamp staff. Maximum is 20 clients.

Weather
The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to the saturated winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, both the strong marine and the South Patagonic Ice field influence make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rains and eventually snow. Even in summer (December to march) you should come prepared to find cold- strong winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfalls. The summer's average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºCmax, 2ºC min).

Physical Demands
This trip, rated strenuous, is recommended for people in good physical condition in the habit of walking long distances and camping outdoors. All passengers over 65 are requested to send ahead a medical examination that states that they are able to safely accomplish strenuous hiking. One portion of the 9-day circuit crosses a mountain pass called El Paso. This section takes app. 10 to 12 hrs. A person well trained, equipped and in good physical condition should have no problem hiking it, but it might be a very strenuous hike in bad weather conditions.

What you need to bring
Day backpack (30-40 lts), mountain backpack, waterproof trekking boots, waterproof parka & pants, inner isolating layer (fleece or wool), three changes of clothes, sun hat, sun screen, hiking socks, sandals (for after hikes), bathing suit, sunglasses, towel (optional), ski poles (optional), sleeping bag, sleeping pad, long underwear, extra change of socks, flashlight/headlamp, extra insulating layer (fleece, wool, or expedition weight long underwear).

About the Itinerary
The numbers in brackets (distance-kms, time-hrs) are approximated and refer to the trekking portions exclusively. In general the itinerary submitted and the estimated of time is reasonable for well-fit passengers, considering also good weather conditions and occasional stops for sightseeing, pictures and lunch.

Itinerary Modifications
We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary under the sole discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can also modified, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety or weather considerations.

Additional Information
Once you book the trip, we will send you a pre-trip Information booklet with useful and detailed information about your trip with us.