Everest 2006
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Visit Torres Del Paine National Park in Southern Chile
Punta Arena: 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. On our way back we spend a day visiting the Penguin colony along the coast.
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 fist 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!
Valley 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.
Lago Grey: After a day up in the Valle Frances, were off hiking along the Lagos Nordenskjold, Skottsberg and Pehoe. A great hike through rolling hills over to the Lago Grey. We can stay at either the Pehoe hut, or up to 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 with amazing views all the way.
Back to Puero Natales: We make our way out of the park to the administration center, then 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 fiord (weather permitting). Then we return to Punta Arenas for a night where we 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 and Punta Arenas (3 nights), American guide, all breakfasts while in Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas, 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), alcohol and bottled water, gifts, visas, departure taxes, personal equipment.
Length: 10 days.
Difficulty: All levels of trekking. The circuit is very difficult, steep hiking. The rest is still challenging trekking.
Accommodations: 3 nights Hotels- 3 star or better, 3 nights camping. 3 nights in huts. Upgrade to 4+ star hotels: Upgrade to all nights in huts.
Trip Price: Please see schedule for current prices and departure dates.
Guides: Scott Woolums, Heidi Kloos.