Everest 2006
The North Ridge- New!
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Visit Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks in southern Argentina and Chile!
Punta Arenas: We meet in this picturesque city near the very tip of the South American Continent; the infamous "Straights of Magellan" border this town. Lot of things to see and explore, and great seafood too. On our way back we spend a day visiting the Penguin colony along the coast.
Puerto Natales: Our first day, after spending a night in Punta Arenas, we travel to Puerto Natales along the fiords of western Patagonia. Basically a fishing village in the heart of huge sheep ranches; it is a friendly town. This is our last stop on the way to Torres Del Paine Park.
Torres del Paine National Park: It’s about 3 hours up to the Park from Puerto Natales. Along the way we'll see Nandus (in the ostrich family), Huanacos (Llama like), and a fascinating transition as we soon get a view of the Torres (Towers)--huge granite spires reaching thousands of feet above the surrounding plains!
Valle Silencio: Our first hike will be into the Valley Silencio if we choose to do the "W" trek, which is our recommendation. Our first camp is either at Camp Torres or Camp Japonese. From there, we day hike into the Silencio and Los Torres viewpoint. A new hut at Camp Torres offers a great place to spend a night, especially if it's raining.
Los Torres: From the Rio Ascensio we follow a steep track up to the spectacular viewpoint of Los Torres, for the most amazing view in the whole park! We plan another hike up the Valle Silencio, usually only visited by climbing expeditions, but offering another great view of the Torres from the back side. We can spend a night camping up in this more remote area.
Lago Nordenskjold: From the Valle Ascensio we hike down to Lago Nordenskjold. We’ll follow the trail along the shores of this beautiful lake. Hugh Curernos Del Paine, incredible fortresses of granite capped with sedimentary rock, provide stunning visual relief. We will overnight in another brand new hut.
Valle Frances: Following our trek along the Lake we head up into the Valle Frances. Staying at Camp Britanico or Frances, depending on weather and ambition. This is the backside of the Cuernos, and is spectacular! A narrow valley bordered by massive granite walls. Constant avalanches pour off Cerro Principal!
Lago Grey: After a day up in the Valle Frances, we're off through rolling hills over to the Lago Grey. We can stay at either the Pehoe hut, or up at the Lago Grey hut (recommended). This again is one of the best places in the park. From the Lago Grey hut/camp the trail follows along the Grey Glacier-amazing views all the way! We make our way out of the park to the administration center, then onto…
Los Glaciares National Park: We cross the border into Argentina, then continue to Calafate, and onto Chalten, a long drive north. Chalten is the jump off point for a number of treks. This is the heart of remote Patagonia, on the edge of the huge Patagonia ice cap.
Cerro Torre Base Camp: Our first hike will be into Cerro Torre, the infamous rock tower, for breathtaking views. We plan one night here near the edge of the Grande Glacier and the Laguna Torre. Four hours into this camp. The next day we plan to cross over to…
Fitzroy Base Camp: Spectacular views of Cerro Fitzroy from here, along the edge of the Lengua Tree Forest. Several options at this point: we can explore the Laguna Sucia, then go out to Chalten if we have planned a shorter trip, or onto the Rio Electrico and Piedra del Fraile for another night out. From here it's a long day back out to Chalten.
Back to Puerto Natales: From Chalten we travel back to Puerto Natales for the night. We have the option of spending an extra day and taking a boat out to the Balmaceda Glacier to watch a huge calving glacier in this spectacular fjord (weather permitting). Then onto Punta Arenas for flights home or we can spend an extra day in Punta Arenas and organize a trip out to see the nearby Penguin colony. Flights home that night or the next day.
Included: All permits, ground transportation, airport transfers, hotels in Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas and Calafate (4 nights), Hosteria in Chalten, American guide, all meals while camping and in the huts, 3 nights huts, all park fees, and camping equipment.
Not Included: Airfare to/from Punta Arenas, meals in restaurants (Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales/Chalten/Calafate), alcohol and bottled water, gifts, visas, departure taxes, personal gear.
Length: 12 days/ 11 nights.
Difficulty: All levels of trekking available. The trekking can be difficult, steep, and wet.
Accommodations: Hotels (4 nights) 3 star or better, Camping (5 nights). Huts (4 nights) in. Upgrade to 4+ star hotels.
Trip Price: Please see schedule for current prices and departure dates.
Guides: Scott Woolums, Heidi Kloos.