Regular Departures
Departures every day from October to April
Private or Custom Departures
We can do it, please contact us.
Starting / Finishing Points
The trip starts every day either in Torres del Paine/Puerto Natales at 8 am or Calafate City at 2 pm. The trip finishes at Calafate Airport at 10 am. For those taking the extension to finish in Punta Arenas, the trip finishes at Punta Arenas Airport at 10 am. For domestic flights you have to be at the airport 1 hour before the flight leaves.
Included
- 3 stars hotels: 3 nights in El Chalten, 2 nights in Calafate City
- All transportation as indicated in the itinerary
- Park Fees
- 1 bilingual escorting guide during Chalten excursions
- 1 bilingual escorting guide during Perito Moreno ice-trekking excursion
- Crampons during Perito Moreno ice-trekking excursion
- Meals:
day 1: L
day 2: B, BL
day 3: B, BL
day 4: B, BL
day 5: B, BL
day 6: B
B: breakfast, BL: box lunch, D: dinner.
Excluded
- Flight tickets
- Insurance (it’s mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip)
- Voluntary tipping to guides and staff
- Items of personal nature
- Optional Finish in Punta Arenas
- Optional ice trekking in Glacier Torre
Accommodation Details
Group Size & Guiding Staff
8-12 travelers is the most typical group size plus guiding staff. Maximum is 14 clients. Guide to passenger ratio: 1:6
Transport
In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia transport is in minivans that normally seat from 8 to 14 people. When we have only 2 to 4 people we use smaller vehicles, usually 4x4, driven by the tour guide. On the regular departure trips you‘ll share the vehicle with other EcoCamp guests joining other tours. On the private departure, the vehicle will be for your use exclusively, although transfers for private groups may be combined owing to our environmental policy compelling our operators to keep to the lowest possible ecological impact and thus avoid driving the same way at the same time with two half-empty vehicles.
Weather
The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to the saturated winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, both the strong marine and the South Patagonic Ice field influence make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rains and eventually snow. Even in summer (December to March) you should come prepared to find cold- strong winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfalls. The summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºC max, 2ºC min).
Physical Demands
This is the right trip for energetic people who like to be active, have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. To enjoy this trek it’s essential to be in shape before you arrive. It’s not wise to regard this trek as a means of getting into shape or losing excess weight. Start a program of conditioning well before departure.
Note: Due to operational insurance issues, the age limit for doing the ice trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier is 65 years old. If a passenger exceeds this age then an alternative excursion to the Glacier will be arranged.
Children
- Youngsters who are 13 years of age or older are welcome and are considered as adults.
- Children between 10 and 12 may be accepted in this program if the child’s legal guardian sends a formal letter stating that the child is prepared for such an intense trekking trip and authorizes us to hire a private guide in the case that the child cannot perform well during the trek.
- Children under 10 years of age cannot participate in this trip.
- This trip doesn’t offer a special discount for children.
What to Bring
We’ll send you a complete pre-trip info brochure once you book, including things you need to bring in detail. Meanwhile take a look at some general items to have in mind: day backpack (20-30lt), duffel bag (70 liters), waterproof trekking boots, waterproof parka & pants, inner isolating layer (fleece or wool), three changes of clothes, sun hat, sun screen, hiking socks, sandals (for after hikes), bathing suit, sunglasses, towel (optional), ski poles (optional), long underwear, extra change of socks, flashlight/headlamp, extra insulating layer (fleece, wool, or expedition weight long underwear.
Itinerary Modifications
We reserve the right to change the itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide, based on safety and/or operational considerations.
