Excursion Chart:
During your Wildlife Safari you can choose between easy, activ and bike excursions - depending on your mood, weather conditions and travel companions preferences! Click on tour name in Excursion Chart for more details:
(Click here to check out
Trekking Chart for more details about trek distance and walking time)
Arrival, The Patagonian Adventure starts
Torres del Paine NP, Chile
The trip begins with you being picked up from your hotel in Punta Arenas or Punta Arenas airport in the morning and driven to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. Alternatively you can start your trip in Calafate (see our
weekly transfer board for EcoCamp's pick up & drop off schedule). En route we make a couple of stops - First in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of "Seno de Ultima Esperanza", where we enjoy a hearty local lunch, and second at Cueva de Milodon, a massive prehistoric cave where the remains of a giant ground sloth were discovered in the 1890’s. The whole journey is very scenic, with plenty of wild birds and wonderful landscapes to be seen. The day ends with our arrival and overnight stay at EcoCamp Patagonia, nestled in the heart of the park with a view of the Torres. During summer the sun sets around 11pm, so upon arrival there's plenty of light to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon.
E A S Y E X C U R S I O N S
Walk Fauna Trail & Laguna Azul + Patagonian BBQ
We start the day driving to the northern shore of Sarmiento lake where the Fauna Trail begins. As we walk northwards along the trail we see park fauna on the Patagonian plains including guanacos, ostrich-like ñandús and maybe the occasional puma print! We pass by Goic lagoon and after an approximate 5 km relaxed walk we reach the Laguna Amarga ranger station where we’re picked up and driven to Laguna Azul. En route we stop at the impressive Paine waterfall to admiring its cascading water and picturesque surroundings. Upon arrival at Laguna Azul we’re treated to a classic Patagonian barbecue, prepared by a local Patagonian chef in EcoCamp’s cozy barbecue area on the lakeshore. Once we’ve feasted and enjoyed some rest there’s time to explore the surroundings and walk to the nearby sightseeing point with a panoramic view of the lagoon and the Torres in the distance. We drive back to EcoCamp for the evening festivities.
Drive & Walk Western Lakes, Navigation Glacier Grey*
We drive across the Park, admiring the view of Paine Grande and its snowy peaks, and Los Cuernos with its black, granite horn-like spires. Walking along the shores of the stunning Lake Pehoe, we see the furious Salto Grande waterfalls where the water from Lake Nordenskjold cascades down into Pehoe. The walk continues over the gentle Nordenskjold trail until until we reach its spectacular lookout point. Later, back at Lake Pehoe, we are driven south to a beach along the shores of glacial Lake Grey. Here we enjoy a tasty box-lunch by the lake before embarking on a boat ride across the icy waters to the towering blue walls of Glacier Grey. After this incredible sight of the glacier up close, we drive back to EcoCamp.
(*During Shoulder Season (September, October and April) the boat trip to Glacier Grey may be cancelled as the boat requires a minimum of 8 passengers to sail, which might not be reached in some cases. If this is the case we will plan an alternative excursion in the Park.)
Hike Lagoon Inge & Cuernos Pass
After breakfast we head to Laguna Inge, located 4km south-west of EcoCamp Patagonia on Los Cuernos Trail just above Nordenskjold lake. There is a wonderful viewpoint of rainwater and glacial water side by side. On the way along Los Cuernos there is a variety of fauna and hopefully we’ll see Andean condors flying overhead. During this excursion we admire the park’s flora and fauna, its strong wind and curious, changable weather. As we walk along the trail we enjoy magnificent views of the park’s central lakes and the Paine’s Horns, majestic black horn-like peaks of slate atop gray granite which crown the center of the Massif. Depending on the group’s pace we might reach the Cuernos refuge, our trekking goal for today, before we start our return walk to EcoCamp.
Lake Shore hike + Botanical Safari
After breakfast we set off on foot towards Nordenskjold lake. On the walk towards the lakeshore we’ll have wonderful views of the park’s vegetation and flora on our guided nature exploration. At the lakeshore we enjoy the lake’s beautiful blue water and views of the central Paine massif while we feast on our picnic. After lunch we head back to Ecocamp and have just a tiny distance to walk to get to the start of the botanical Safari trail at the back of EcoCamp. The mini educational trail designed by EcoCamp invites guests to learn more about the flora and fauna in Torres del Paine National Park right next to their domes. A guide will accompany wakers on this micro exploration to give more extensive flora information as the group wanders along the trail taking note of the diverse vegetation. Safari explorers then have time to rest in their domes or EcoCamp’s Community domes before the evening aperitif.
- Up -
A C T I V E E X C U R S I O N S
We walk from Ecocamp towards Hostería Las Torres and join the uphill path to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. Dry mountain spots, beech forests and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. Our big challenge comes as we climb the steep moraine, a mass of boulders leading us towards one of the world's most famous views overlooking the Towers. The famous Torres del Paine (2,900 m/ 9,400 ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After an uphill slog, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before us, with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting on the view and our picnic, we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp.
Drive & Walk Western Lakes, Hike Pingo Trail
We drive across the Park, admiring the view of Paine Grande and its snowy peaks, and Los Cuernos with its black granite horn-like spires. Walking along the shores of the stunning Lake Pehoe, we see the furious Salto Grande waterfalls where the water from Lake Nordenskjold cascades down into Pehoe. The walk continues over the gentle Nordenskjold trail until we reach its spectacular lookout point. Later, back at Lake Pehoe, we are driven south to a beach along the shores of glacial Lake Grey where we walk to reach the start of the beautiful Pingo Trail taking us through a fairytale Magellan forest full of local fauna and flora. As we walk, huge rock formations in nearby hills and the strong Patagonian wind give us a good idea of just how wild Patagonia is! We reach a small sightseeing point with splendid views of the Massif’s west face, and then walk back to Grey Beach to meet our fellow travelers coming back from the boat ride. Together, we all head to Ecocamp to enjoy dinner and relaxation time.
Navigation Pehoe Lake and hike French Valley*
After breakfast, we start our day driving towards Pudeto dock, located on the shores of Pehoe Lake. We board the catamaran that’ll take us to the north-western sector of the Lake where we’ll begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley) along a steep trail that goes into the very heart of the Paine Massif. How deep we go depends on our groups’ rhythm - An active walk leads us to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the south-eastern face of the Massif, where there is a truly wonderful view. Then we continue up the trail to the upper section of the valley where we admire the valley's entire group of geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). Here we picnic and rest for a while. An optional trek to Mirador Britanico is available as well, if the group isn't keen on resting. Then, we descend through a rippling terrain of grassland and light forest until reaching the Refugio Paine Grande, located on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe. From here the catamaran takes us back to Pudeto and we're driven back to EcoCamp.
*The excursion to French Valley varies throughout the season depending on the catamaran connecting Pudeto and Refugio Pehoe:
- September, October and Abril (shoulder season) the navigation will not operate and therefore the excursion will be replaced by another activity
- 1st to 15th of November: Hike is limited and only reaches camp Italiano
- 16th of November till 15th of March: excursion operates on a regular basis
- 16th of March till 31st of March: Hike is limited and only reaches camp Italiano.
Hike to Seron
The trek to Puesto Seron means doing the first part of the Paine circuit, bordering the eastern side of the Massif. The trail leads through plains home to Lenga forests and other flora, and with great views of Laguna Azul and Sierra Masle. Hopefully we encounter the park's animals that roam around this sector, in their quest to avoid the more populated areas of the Park. After approx. 4h hours trekking we reach Camp Seron where we enjoy a box lunch and admire the scenery before heading back to Ecocamp.
C Y C L I N G E X C U R S I O N S
Cycling to Laguna Azul + Patagonian BBQ
After breakfast we drive to Estancia Laguna Amarga, next to the ranger station where we entered the park, and we hop on our mountain bikes & pedal away towards Laguna Azul campsite approximately 20 km to the north east. We cycle past an array of fauna on the Patagonian plains including guanacos and ostrich-like ñandús (plus maybe the occasional puma print!), heading up north past the cascading Paine waterfall where we can stop for a break to admire the view. We continue our journey heading past a small canyon in the middle of the Patagonian flora and fauna before looping up towards Laguna Azul. Upon arrival at Laguna Azul we’re treated to a classic Patagonian barbecue, prepared by a local Patagonian chef in EcoCamp’s cozy barbecue area on the lakeshore. Once we’ve feasted and enjoyed some rest there’s time to explore the surroundings and climb to the nearby sightseeing point with a panoramic view of the lagoon and the Torres in the distance. The cycle ride back to Ecocamp is optional - anyone who is happily tired after the journey and barbecue is welcome to travel back in the support van (accompanying the group at all times on the outward journey). Back at EcoCamp the cyclists reunite with their Safari hiking counterparts to enjoy the evening aperitif.
Cycling tour to Seron
Today we’re cycling up to Seron! After a hearty breakfast we get kitted out on our bikes and begin the journey northwards towards Seron campsite at the north eastern corner of the Paine massif. This first section of the Paine circuit is over undulating terrain leading through beautiful Lenga forests, with views of Laguna Azul and Sierra Masle. Due to this sector of the park being quieter than the central and western sector we’ll hopefully encounter animals roaming around in the vegetation. After an approximate 15 km cycle, passing through the picturesque Encantado valley, we reach Seron campsite and enjoy our box lunch and the views before heading back to EcoCamp for the evening aperitif.
Torres del Paine NP, Chile
We board an early morning vehicle, sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas on time to catch the evening flight to Santiago. Those heading to Argentina board an earlier transfer heading to the border.
Pat SD - EcoCamp Patagonia Wildlife Safari - Trekking and Cycling Chart
| Level |
Excursion |
Approx
WALK/BIKE
Distance |
Approx
Walk/Bike
time |
Max Altitude
above
sea level |
Start |
Finish |
|---|
| easy |
Drive & Walk
Western Lakes,
Navigation Glacier Grey
|
0,8km / 0.5mi |
1 hr |
20m / 65ft |
09:30
am |
08:00
pm |
|---|
Walk Fauna Trail
& Laguna Azul
+ Patagonian BBQ |
5km / 3mi |
3 hr |
180 m / 590ft |
09:30
am |
05:00
pm |
|
Hike along
Inge Lagoon
& Los Cuernos Pass
|
20km / 12mi |
6 hr |
200m / 656ft |
10:00
am |
04:00
pm |
|
Lake Shore hike
+ Botanical Safari
|
4km / 3mi |
3 hr |
20m / 65ft |
09:00
am |
04:00
pm |
| active |
Drive & Walk
Western Lakes,
Hike Pingo Trail
|
5km / 3mi |
3 hr |
60m / 197ft |
09:30
am |
08:00
pm |
|---|
| Trek Tower Base |
21km / 13mi |
8 hr |
914m / 2,999ft |
08:00
am |
05:00
pm |
Navigation
on Lake Pehoe
and Hike along
French Valley |
21km / 13mi |
8 hr |
686m / 2,250ft |
08:00
am |
08:00
pm |
| Hike to Seron |
18km / 11mi |
7 hr |
250m / 820ft |
10:00
am |
06:00
pm |
| Bike |
Cycling to
Laguna Azul
+ Patagonian BBQ
|
20km / 12mi
(one way) |
4 hr
(one way) |
180 m / 590ft |
09:30
am
|
06:00
pm |
|---|
|
Cycling Tour to Seron
|
15km / 9mi |
4 hr |
250m / 820ft |
10:00
am
|
05:00
pm |
Specials