| 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
Fly south into Patagonia to Punta Arenas and transfer by private van to Puerto Natales, our gateway to the nearby Torres del Paine National Park. Free evening to explore the town and prepare for the trek ahead.
Day 3 - Starting: Puerto Natales & Finishing: Torres del Paine
Transfer by van to Torres del Paine NP. This two-hour journey through ranch country includes a stop in Cerro Castillo, the principal site of wool and meat exportation to Europe during the 1960's.
Trek to the base of the Torres themselves, a spectacular hike to view the three pink granite towers that make the park famous. Torre (Tower) Sur rises 2900m (9512 ft) above sea level, Torre Central is 2850m (9348 ft) high and Torre Norte measures 2600m (8528 ft). The Cuernos (Horns) del Paine, massive blocks of various rock layers visible from great distances, are as spectacular as the towers themselves.
Spend the next few days hiking and camping in this spectacular park, visiting the Towers, Grey Glacier and French Valley, before making your way back to Puerto Natales.
Day 4 - Starting: Torres del Paine & Finishing: Camp Séron
In the morning, meet our porters, load up the gear and head out across ancient glacial moraines around the Paine Massif toward Camp Séron. The trail takes us through Lenga forests where we often see Austral parakeets, several species of geese, and the occasional guanaco and fox. Trek four hours, eat dinner and then lodge at Camp Séron.
Day 5 - Starting: Camp Séron & Finishing: Lake Dickson
Eat breakfast early, then hike to Lago Dickson, a glacial lake on the edge of the Southern Patagonia Ice Cap. Walk past bright red blooms of Notro bushes and cross a stream along the lake. Today's trek is a beautiful, leisurely six-hour hike. At the refugio, take a hot shower and buy a cold beer!
Day 6 - Starting: Lake Dickson & Finishing: Los Perros Camp
Pack up and head out through pristine, old growth beech forest. Look and listen for the red-headed Magellanic woodpecker. Just before we arrive to camp, trek past the Perros glacier and enjoy fantastic close-up views of the ice and the lake. Spend the night camping at the base of Paso John Garner at Los Perros.
Day 7 - Starting: Los Perros Camp & Finishing: Grey Glacier
This is the biggest day yet as we climb over Paso John Garner and hike down through thick forest directly above the massive Grey Glacier. Once on the pass, look out over rugged, glaciated peaks and the Southern Patagonia Ice Cap – a view not to be missed! The glacier stretches out below like a giant white highway.
Day 8 - Starting: Grey Glacier & Finishing: Grey Glacier
After breakfast, begin the five-hour hike descending towards Grey Lake through lenga (southern beech) forest. Every so often, stop at a terrace to look out over the Grey Glacier and the Southern Patagonia Ice Cap. Relax in the afternoon and enjoy these peaceful surroundings.
Day 9 - Starting: Grey Glacier & Finishing: Lodge Paine Grande
Cross a high plateau overlooking Grey Lake and see icebergs and views across Grey Glacier on the way to Lake Pehoé. Pehoé means "hidden lake" in the Tehuelche language. The afternoon is free to relax at Lodge Paine Grande and enjoy the area. At night, enjoy a pisco sour cocktail in the bar overlooking Paine Grande & Los Cuernos mountains.
Day 10 - Starting: Lodge Paine Grande & Finishing: Cuernos Refuge
Continue the trek to the French Valley. Surrounded by hanging glaciers and an amphitheater of granite walls and spires, this is the most beautiful valley in the park and one of the most unique in the world. After, trek out of the valley to the extraordinary turquoise Lake Nordenskjold. After six to eight hours, end the day at Refugio Cuernos for dinner and sleep.
Day 11 - Starting: Cuernos Refuge & Finishing: Puerto Natales
Trek along Lake Nordenskjold and below the hanging glaciers of Mount Almirante Nieto, to the reach Hosteria Las Torres, where our van awaits us. Transfer to Puerto Natales.
Day 12 - Starting: Puerto Natales & Finishing: Puerto Natales
The airport in Puerto Natales is small with limited flight connections. Most onward flight connections will be through Punta Arenas in Chile or El Calafate in Argentina which would involve taking a public bus or transfer. We would recommend booking a flight after 4pm.
View Dates
More Information
What’s Included
9-day/8-night camping and hiking excursion of the full circuit through Torres del Paine National Park.
Highlights
Soak up the stunning scenery of Torres del Paine National Park, watch the ice floes of the Grey Glacier, trek through incredibly diverse scenery through the mountains, visit the best of cosmopolitan Santiago
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
This tour hikes the full circuit of Torres del Paine, staying 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 have porters to carry camping equipment and food. You will also have extra porters to carry a total of 5 kg of personal items per passenger, included within this 5kg is your sleeping bag which weighs about 2 kg. 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. Porters can be hired to assist with the carrying of belongings. Porters can carry a maximum of 15kg and the cost is $850 USD for the duration of the trek. Please advise us at the time of booking if you would like to arrange extra porters for your hike.
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 6
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. A typical breakfast may include toast, coffee and tea, however this may vary depending on the city. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.
Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. While trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients.
For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Transport
Plane, van, boat, hiking.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your correct passport information in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
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 (3 nts), camping (8 nts).
Joining Hotel
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
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 very 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 TRANSFERÂ
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.Â
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.
All camping equipment for the Paine trek is provided and included in the cost of your trip, apart from hiking poles, waterproof overpants and gaiters. You can bring these items with you or rent them in Puerto Natales. You may leave the bulk of your gear and anything not needed while on the trek in storage in Puerto Natales. A good size daypack is essential.
Checklist
– Passport (with photocopies)
– Travel insurance (with photocopies)
– Airline tickets (with photocopies)
– USD cash
– Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
– G Adventures vouchers and trip details
– Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
– Camera and film
– Reading/writing material
– Binoculars
– hand sanitizers/ antibacterial wipes
– Cover for backpacks
– Pocketknife
– Flashlight
– Concealable money belt
– Fleece top
– Windproof/waterproof jacket
– Waterproof over pants
– Gaiters (you can bring these with you or rent them in Puerto Natales)
– Warm hat and warm/waterproof gloves
– Small 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
– Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
– Hiking poles
– Sport sandals – Sunblock
– Sunglasses
– Toiletries (biodegradable)
– Watch or alarm clock
– Water bottle
– First-aid kit(should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, DEET bug repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
You will have porters to carry camping equipment and food. You will also have extra porters to carry a total of 5 kg of personal items per passenger, included within this 5kg is your sleeping bag which weighs nearly 2.5 kg. 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 2.5 kg extra carried by the porters.
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!
Tipping
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your local mountain guide did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $5-$10 USD per person, per day can be used.
Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
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, as a minimum, 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 CEOs 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.
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 CEOs have 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: 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 CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. 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
Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. 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 www.planeterra.org
Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our G Adventures for Good projects.
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)
Feedback
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we’ll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
Newsletter
Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/
Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra’s monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.
Travel Forum – The Watering Hole
Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you’re interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gadventures.com.
Max Pax
16
Group Leader
G Adventures representative in Santiago, certified mountain guide in Torres del Paine National Park.
Meal Budget
Allow USD115-150 for meals not included.
Meals Included
10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners
