| Starts | Santiago, Chile |
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| Ends | Puerto Natales, Chile |
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| Region | South America |
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| Tour Operator | Gadventures |
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| Overview PDF | Download PDF |
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Santiago & Finishing: Santiago
There is a lot to do and see in and around Santiago, so we highly recommend booking pre-nights if you want time to explore.
Santiago is Chile’s capital and largest city, with internationally recognized vineyards and Andean ski resorts very close by. Explore the many museums and parks, and visit the vibrant neighbourhood of Bellavista to shop for handicrafts and visit trendy cafés.
Day 2 - Starting: Santiago & Finishing: Puerto Natales
Transfer to the airport in Santiago and fly to Punta Arenas before continuing on to Puerto Natales. Enjoy a free evening to explore the coastal town.
Day 3 - Starting: Puerto Natales & Finishing: Puerto Natales
Enjoy the morning cycling along the trails around Laguna Sofia. In the afternoon take some free time to explore the town and get prepared for the treks to come.
Day 4 - Starting: Puerto Natales & Finishing: Torres del Paine
Embark on a 6-day excursion within Torres del Paine NP, hiking the famous 'W' Trek and camping under the stars. Start the 62km (38.5 mi) route by trekking to the base of Las Torres to see the dramatic three towers and turquoise lagoon below.
Instructions
All five nights in Torres del Paine NP are spent camping. The campsites are near mountain refuges with access to shared bathrooms and dining facilities.
Day 5 - Starting: Torres del Paine National Park & Finishing: Torres del Paine National Park
Wake up surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. After breakfast, continue hiking along the W route, crossing Paine River and passing through grassy fields. Stop at Lake Nordenskjöld and snap a photo of the mountains reflecting in the lake before reaching the campsite for the night.
Day 6 - Starting: Torres del Paine National Park & Finishing: Torres del Paine National Park
Today hike to the French Valley lookout to see the mountain range spread across the National Park. Take in the dramatic, contrasting greens and greys on the landscape.
Day 7 - Starting: Torres del Paine National Park & Finishing: Torres del Paine National Park
The final day of the W Trek leads to Grey Lake and the lookout point for Grey Glacier. Gaze off into the distance admiring the scale of this immense glacier. Spend the afternoon kayaking on the lake out to Grey Glacier.
Instructions
Please note, the kayak excursion is weather permitting. If it is unsafe to kayak, a Zodiac cruise following a similar route will replace the kayaking activity.
Day 8 - Starting: Torres del Paine National Park & Finishing: Torres del Paine National Park
Enjoy a free day in Torres del Paine National Park for optional activities. If you are still looking for more trekking, opt to head out on a hike or explore Grey Glacier on a glacier trek.
Day 9 - Starting: Torres del Paine National Park & Finishing: Puerto Natales
Continue trekking to Lake Pehoé and finish by taking a picturesque ferry ride across the lake enjoying the sense of accomplishment.
Day 10 - Starting: Puerto Natales & Finishing: Puerto Natales
Depart at any time.
View Dates
More Information
What’s Included
Laguna Sofia cycling activity. Grey Glacier kayaking. Torres del Paine National Park excursion including hikes with expert mountain guides. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Highlights
Trek in Torres del Paine National Park, cycle out to Laguna Sofia, kayak alongside the Grey Glacier, bike among the peaks of Patagonia
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Important Notes
Whilst in Torres del Paine, this tour stays at different campsites each night. As such, all travellers will need to carry backpacks with personal items with them for the duration of the hike. You will be able to leave your big bags at the hotel in Puerto Natales and just take what you need with you for the trek. You will have porters to carry camping equipment, sleeping bags and food. You will also have extra porters to carry a total of 3 kg of personal items per passenger. The porters will give you a bag to store these items.
You will need to carry your daypack everyday which will be approximately 5 -10kg. Items you will need to carry in your day pack include: water, lunch for the day, an extra layer of clothing and any other personal items over the 3 kg carried by the porters.
Group Leader Description
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it’s the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
Transport
Public bus, van, bike, plane, kayak, boat, hiking.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Accommodation
Hotels (4 nts), camping (5 nts).
Joining Instructions
Santiago’s International Airport is Arturo Merino Benitez, located 26 km from the city, about a 45 minute drive. The approximate cost of a taxi is $50 USD (25,000 CLP). There is a counter within the airport where you can take an official taxi.
If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will meet you at the airport. If you cannot locate the G Adventures Representative for your pre-booked airport transfer within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the starting point hotel. Please keep your receipt and your CEO or G Adventures Representative will refund the cost of the taxi. If your taxi driver does not speak English and you do not speak Spanish, simply show driver the hotel address to simplify communications.
Note: It is very common for taxis to try and deceive passengers that are not used to the exchange rate so please be careful.
Arrival Complications
We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Office Buenos Aires, Argentina
During office hours (Weekdays 9am-6pm Local Time)
From outside Argentina: +54 11 2150 2581
From within Argentina, but outside of Buenos Aires: 011 2150 2581
After hours Emergency number
From outside Argentina: +54 9 11 3425 0380
From within Argentina, but outside of Buenos Aires: 011 15 3425 0380
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Finishing Point Instructions
Although the tour finishes in Puerto Natales, you might find more convenient international flight options from Punta Arenas or El Calafate.
If you are flying out of Punta Arenas at the end of your trip, your CEO can help you with booking transport from Puerto Natales back to Punta Arenas. A taxi should cost approximately 80,000 CLP / 171 USD (3 hours travel time). There are also public transport options. Bus Sur and Pacheco Buses each have 4 buses per day running this route and travel time is 3.5 hours. Bus tickets cost about 4500 CLP/ 10 USD per person.
You could also consider flying from El Calafate in Argentina. If flying from El Calafate, please bear in mind that there are normally only public buses leaving early in the morning from Puerto Natales. The journey takes about 6 hours and involves a border crossing, so we would recommend booking a flight after 4pm.
What to Take
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but in Patagonia the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever you find easiest to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
Camping equipment for the Paine trek is provided and included in the cost of your trip. A sleeping bag is also provided.
Checklist
* Passport (with photocopies)
* Travel insurance (with photocopies)
* Airline tickets (with photocopies)
* USD cash
* Credit or debit cards (see personal spending money)
– G Adventures vouchers and trip details
* Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
* Camera and memory card
* CD/MP3 player
* Reading/writing material
* Binoculars
* Cover for backpacks
* Inner sheet for sleeping bag (sleeping bag provided)
* Fair sized daypack
*Warm gloves
*Warm hat
* Strong plastic bags to help keep gear dry
* Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
* Thermal underwear
* Fleece top
* Windproof/waterproof jacket and pants
*Small travel towel and swim wear
* 4 shirts/t-shirts
* Sun hat
* 1 pair of shorts
* 2 pairs of long trousers
* 1 pair hiking pants/track pants (Convertible quick-dry pants that zip into shorts are recommended for the trek in Torres del Paine.)
* Hiking boots
* Sport sandals
* Sun block
* Sunglasses
* Toiletries (biodegradable)
* Watch or alarm clock
* Refillable water bottle – the water from the streams in this area and from the taps in the hotels is potable and bringing a reusable water bottle helps to reduce waste in this pristine area.
* Pocket knife
* Small flashlight
* First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Visas
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
The currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP).
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.
You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Please bear in mind that cost of living in the southern cone countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile) is much higher than the rest of South America, and more comparable with Europe. Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change in country.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an ’emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.
We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:
www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/
Medical Form
Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that an average level of fitness and mobility is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.
The medical questionnaire can be found online at www.gadventures.com/medical-form.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
Planeterra is G Adventures’ non-profit foundation created to make a positive difference in the communities where G Adventures takes travellers. Planeterra supports sustainable social and environmental solutions in destinations travellers love to visit.
As travellers, it’s natural to want to give back to the places we’ve come to love. But to truly impact poverty, we work to build self-sufficiency, not dependency.
Planeterra partners with grassroots organizations with firsthand knowledge of local culture and true community needs. This ensures that solutions come from the people we support. Then G Adventures brings travellers to visit, fuelling sustainable local income in these communities. This model is helping many rural and marginalized communities on their way to self-sufficiency because they are harnessing the power of the tourism industry as a force for good. G Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration costs, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit planeterra.org.
MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT
Fifty percent of our planet lives on less than $2/day. For the price of a coffee, you can make every day of your trip count by giving back to the communities you visit through Planeterra.
To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking).
Max Pax
Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, specialist mountain guides in Torres del Paine, local guides.
Meal Budget
Allow USD175-230 for meals not included.
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Day 8 Optional Activities
