Patagonia Intl Marathon Runners EcoCamp Stay

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Introduction

Have you ever wanted to run a marathon through one of the most beautiful places on Earth? Now's your chance!

Special Event On September 8th, runners from around the world will be flocking to beautiful southern Chile to participate in the 7th annual Patagonian International Marathon, running to raise awareness for the preservation of Chilean Patagonia.

To help support our runners, EcoCamp has assembled a 5-day package for those who want to participate in the race and experience the beauty of Torres del Paine National Park. The program will include accommodation at EcoCamp, one night in a hotel in Puerto Natales, transfers to and from the starting and ending points of the marathon, and two excursions around the park. You think running 60 kilometers in one of the most beautiful places in the world is a crazy idea? Read the full story about running the 63K Patagonian International Marathon!

Highlights

One night in Puerto Natales
Experience Patagonian Wildlife Safari
Three nights in cozy EcoCamp Dome
Choose between nature walks, treks, and bike excursions
Explore unique Fauna and Flora

Brief Itinerary

September 7th (Friday): Transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales hotel.
September 8th (Saturday): Transfer from Puerto Natales to the starting point of the marathon. Overnight at Ecocamp Patagonia
September 9th (Sunday): Choose between a trek to Paine Hill or a Nature Walk. Overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia
September 10th (Monday): Choose between a trek to Base of the Towers, or a Nature Walk to Laguna Azul. Overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia
September 11th (Tuesday): Leave Torres del Paine National Park to Punta Arenas Airport

Patagonia International Marathon Highlights

>>> If EcoCamp Patagonia sounds like your thing, but you're not convinced by the marathon, you definitely should check out our EcoCamp hiking, multi-activity adventure or wildlife tours:

Torres del Paine Short W Trek - Be part of the Torres del Paine W Trek Alumni Club!
Epic Patagonia Multi-Activity Tour - Participate in your own personal “Adventure Race”!
Patagonia Wildlife Safari - Discover Torres del Paine's highlights in style and enjoy the best of the park's flora & fauna on treks and cycling trips with your local expert guide!

Itinerary

Day 1: 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 from the Punta Arenas airport in the morning and driven to Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of "Seno de Ultima Esperanza.” The whole drive takes you past great scenic views and lookouts. Upon arrival in Puerto Natales, you will be dropped off at your hotel and will have the rest of the day to relax and prepare yourself for the race.

Overnight at 3-star hotel in Puerto Natales

Day 2: Patagonian International Marathon - Competition Day

Torres del Paine NP, Chile

The day has come! After a light breakfast, you will be driven to your start point of the marathon. The event features four race distances: ultramarathon (60 km), marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km) and 10km. Each race distance will have different starting points, however, everyone finishes in the same location.

The race route has magical and breathtaking landscapes. Mountains of granite and ice rise more than 2,500 meters above the race route. Multicolored lakes and wildlife are abundant which include condors, guanacos, foxes, huemul, pumas, and rhea, among others. The surface of the race route is a winding gravel road with a total climb (ascent + descent) of 2,400 meters (for 60k). Another relevant factor that marks the character of the event is the high likelihood of strong winds.

After your glorious finish, you will be picked up and driven back to Ecocamp. Of course, if you want to stretch out your legs you're welcome to walk back!

An evening with Dinner and overnight at Ecocamp Patagonia.

>>> During days 3 & 4 you will join our Wildlife Safari program activities, and you will have the chance to choose between treks or nature walks.

Day 3 (Sunday): Choose one of the following excursion options

Trek Cerro Paine: We leave after a tasty breakfast at EcoCamp and head to Cerro Paine, a nearby mountain characterized by its two imposing peaks. This is a demanding trek of 16km with a max altitude of 1200m and an estimated hiking time of 7hrs. Highlights include the lenga forest, mountains, glaciers, the pampa and an unforgettable lookout of the towers and the Ascencio Valley. After taking in one of the most striking views of the national park, we backtrack along the same trail and return to EcoCamp.
Nature Walk to Salto Grande & El condor Lookout: After breakfast we head westwards by van, taking a route along the southern shore of Nordenskjold Lake. Our first stop is the magnificent Salto Grande waterfall, with its impressive cascading waters falling from Nordenskjold lake into Pehoe Lake. From here it's a short walk to Cuernos viewpoint, with a panoramic view of the mighty Horns. From the viewpoint, we drive to Pehoe Lake and begin the two-hour round-trip walk to El Condor Lookout from its shores. We go gently uphill through the steppe vegetation; a great opportunity to learn about the local flora. Here we witness the piercing blueness of Pehoe Lake and the Paine river. On a clear day, we can see the immensity of the Southern Patagonian ice fields in the distance. We reenergize taking in the whole Paine Mountain range and its stunning snowcapped peaks. After a hearty lunch in the perfect location, we backtrack along the same trail and drive back to EcoCamp.

Day 4 (Monday): Choose one of the following excursion options

Nature Walk to Laguna Azul: On our way to Laguna Azul we will have the chance to enjoy some marvellous views of the famous Torres, as well as passing through the Pampa Guanaco, where we will be lucky enough not only to spot many elegant guanacos but also to hop out of the van and walk amongst them. After soaking up these beautiful surroundings, we will continue our drive to Laguna Azul, where a picnic lunch will have been prepared for us! We will enjoy our picnic lunch looking out over the lake, with a view of the three granite towers in the distance. After lunch, we will walk south to Macho Cañon, where we can observe the typical fauna of the Torres del Paine National Park, including more guanaco herds. From here we will jump into our van again, heading back to the EcoCamp in time for cocktail hour.

Trek to Base of the Towers: After a hearty breakfast we set off 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.

Day 5: Departure Day

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. On the way, we will make a stop in Puerto Natales to have a delicious lunch.

Accommodation

Puerto Natales Accommodation Detail

Our first option will be Lodge Weskar

Torres del Paine Accommodation Options

EcoCamp Patagonia

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Accommodations

Ecocamp Patagonia is located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, with views of the majestic granite towers. The region’s first sustainable lodge south of the Amazon and the first of its kind in the Patagonian wilderness, EcoCamp offers upscale camping in domes inspired by the region’s ancient nomadic inhabitants. Children from 6 to 12 years receive a 50% discount if staying with their parents in the same dome (advisable 6 years minimum age). Discount will be applied after the online inquiry. Check out the kids' guide to EcoCamp!

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Accommodations

EcoCamp Patagonia Suite Dome

(Heating & Private bathroom, 28m²/300ft²)

Suite domes were designed to further our goal of providing comfort in a natural setting with minimal environmental impact, and also maintain the hotel’s familiar and cozy vibe. The domes have comfortable double or twin beds, a wood stove and a private bathroom with a state-of-the-art composting toilet. Stargaze through the ceiling windows while falling asleep, after enjoying a spectacular sunset from your private terrace.

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Accommodations

EcoCamp's Suite Dome Lofts

(2 floors, Heating & Private bathroom, 37m²/398ft²)

Suite dome lofts are two-storey domes which fit up to four people and have comfortable double or twin beds both up and downstairs. These domes, ideal for families or groups of friends, come with a wood stove, a private terrace and a private bathroom with a state-of-the-art composting toilet. Stargaze through the ceiling windows while falling asleep, after enjoying a spectacular sunset from your private terrace.

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Accommodations

EcoCamp Patagonia Superior Dome

(Heating & Private bathroom, 23m²/250ft²)

Spacious, comfortable and equipped with private bathrooms, Superior Domes are the optimum choice for trekkers wanting that bit more space and comfort at the end of a long day’s walk. Each Superior Dome has comfortable queen-size or twin beds, a propane heater, skylight windows and a private bathroom with a sophisticated composting toilet.

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Accommodations

EcoCamp Patagonia Standard Dome

(Shared bathroom, 10m²/108ft²)

EcoCamp Standard domes were the world's first lodge accommodation in geodesic shape. They are resistant to the strong Patagonian winds and come equipped with two single beds (doubles on request), cozy fleece blankets and feather quilts. There are windows in the ceiling for stargazing. Standard domes include shared bathrooms which are large, comfortable and gender divided.

Map

Patagonian International Marathon Map 2017

Prices & Facts

Special Event for runners of the Patagonian International Marathon

Rates

Rates valid from September 07th to 11th, 2018

What's CLP? Your booking is based on Chilean pesos (CLP), but you pay in US$ (USD), using the exchange rate valid on the day of payment which will be shown in your order. This exchange rate may vary between the date you pay your deposit and the date you pay your outstanding balance, but rest assured this is the best way to keep our prices competitive and ensure the best rate for you!

***Chilean citizens have to add taxes (IVA 19%) to the published price***

Departures

Regular departure on September 07th 2018

The Patagonian International Marathon takes place on September 8th, 2018. Check out more details about the event at the organizer's website.

Starting / Finishing Point

The trip starts on Friday, September 7th, 2018 with a morning pick-up at either Punta Arenas Hotel or Punta Arenas Airport and ends on September 11th with a drop off at Punta Arenas Airport in the afternoon

Included

1 Night Accommodation in Puerto Natales in a 3* star hotel (1)
Accommodation at EcoCamp’s Suite, Superior or Standard Domes (2)
All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary.
Full Day excursion on day 3 & 4.
English speaking guide. Guide ratio 1:12. Max group size: 16 people.
Complimentary massage. Please ask for availability upon arrival to EcoCamp
Meals:
- Day 1: none
- Day 2: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5: Breakfast, Lunch

Important Notes:

For night 1 in Puerto Natales, we offer an optional upgrade to 4-star hotel. Please ask your Travel Experience Designer if you would like an upgrade on night 1.
Please be aware that Standard Domes are NOT heated and can be cold at night in September

Not Included

Marathon registration NOT included
Transfer from El Calafate/ Argentina (ask if you need arrangements).
Flight tickets.
Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip).
Soft drinks or snacks not served with the meals included at the EcoCamp.
Bringing US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP is suggested.
Items of personal nature.

Transport

In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia transport is in minivans that normally seat from 8 to 14 people.

Weather

The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. In addition, the strong marine influence and the effect of the Southern Patagonia Icefield make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer, fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and even snow. Even in summer (December to March), you should come prepared to find strong cold winds (up to 130km/hr) and rainfall. The summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºCmax, 2ºC min). However, just as quickly as the weather turns nasty, it can become lovely and sunny. So come prepared for all types of weather!

What you need to bring

Passengers need to be prepared for summer and winter all at once. Essential equipment includes:

One day backpack (10liters - to carry a camera, glasses, raincoat, etc)
Trekking or hiking boots
Extra shoes for evenings or in case others get wet
Waterproof jacket
Two pairs of woolen socks
Fleece jacket or sweater
Shorts or comfortable loose pants
Sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm, and screen)
Optional Capilene underwear for the upper and lower body.
US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP.

Testimonials

EcoCamp Runners a Success at Patagonia International Marathon!

Submitted by Cascada Expediciones on October 1, 2013 - 16:04

At 4.30am on Saturday the 28th of September 2013 the first set of EcoCamp’s marathon runners made their way bleary-eyed to the EcoCamp van with the adrenaline kicking in as they drove towards the startline of their ultra 63k marathon!

Your Travel Expert

Meet our Experience Designers Team

Want to craft your own Adventure Tour? We're here to help you!

Our Experience Designers team customizes itineraries according to your needs! Just let us know which trips you want... we'll make it happen!

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If you need advice with any aspect of your tour or the booking process, please contact us either by phone or E-Mail:

E-mail: reservations@cascada.travel

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Cascada's travel experts are locals based in Santiago de Chile who have traveled extensively throughout Chile and neighboring Argentina and Bolivia. They have all the local information and homegrown tips on the best activities, where to do them and when! All of them have lived in Santiago, Patagonia or different parts of Chile and the world, and have returned to their beloved Chilean capital city to share their insider tips with you.

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Patagonia Intl Marathon Runners EcoCamp Stay