Departures
Every Thursday and Sunday from October to April.
Based on 4+ people and 3-star hotel in El Chalten.
Starting / finishing point
The trip starts every Thursday and Sunday in Ecocamp Patagonia, Torres del Paines at 9:30 AM and finishes at Calafate Airport. For domestic flights, you have to be at the airport one hour before the flight departure. We recommend that you book flights leaving after 2:30 PM.
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.
Group size guiding staff
8-12 travelers are the most typical group size plus guiding staff.
The maximum is 14 clients.
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 environmental 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 Patagonian 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).
Children
Children that are 13 years of age or older are welcomed and are considered 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 complete the trek. Children under 10 years of age cannot participate in this trip. This trip doesn’t offer a special discount for children.
What you need 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. (20-30 liters).
- Duffel bag. (70 liters).
- Waterproof trekking boots.
- Waterproof parka and pants.
- Inner isolating layer. (fleece or wool).
- Three changes of clothes.
- Sun hat.
- Sunscreen.
- 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.
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