DAY 1: Arrive in Tierra del Fuego – The End of the World!

Today we start our adventure at the very end of the world, in Ushuaia! The world’s southernmost city is located in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego on the shores of the Beagle Channel, with the snow-peaked Martial Mountains spanning the horizon.

The small port city of Ushuaia was a prison colony until the mid 20th century and today is the capital of Tierra del Fuego. The name Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) was given to the region by the Portuguese sailor Hernando de Magallanes, who saw the indigenous group Ona making fires on the coast while he was sailing through the Magellan Strait in 1520.

Our welcome guide will be waiting for us at the airport to take us to our hotel. Once check-in is complete, we will receive a short briefing about the trip itinerary.

Overnight in Ushuaia: Hotel Tolkeyen or similar
Meals Included: None

DAY 2: Gable Island & Penguin Colony

After breakfast, we’re off to Gable Island, a must-see for those seeking magic at the world’s end. This full-day excursion whisks passengers out into the very middle of the Beagle Channel.

Once we arrive at the Lasiphashaj River, decked out in the rubber boots and life-jackets provided, we will start our adventure in canoes, paddling down the river that leads to the sea. Along our way we are likely to encounter a wide variety of seabirds and often sea lions, who enjoy sunbathing on the little islands which we will come across on our way down to the Harberton Ranch.

After a short stop on terra firma, we take a motor boat out into the Channel towards Martillo Island, where we will have the opportunity to see breeding penguins.

The boat will then transport us to Gable Island, where there will be snacks, good wine and a delicious meal waiting. This beautiful island is home to pristine wildlife and a rich history, which we will discover as we walk, sail and explore.

Following a nice, hot cup of coffee, we will start a hike across the island, crossing over beaver dams and plunging into the forest to reach the shore of the Beagle Channel, and it is from here that we will catch a boat and start our return to Ushuaia.

Throughout the day, our guide will talk us through all the different bird and plant species, as well as the history of the first civilization on this mystical island. With vast, open landscapes and buffeting winds, there’s a real end-of-the-world sensation!

Overnight in Ushuaia: Hotel Tolkeyen or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3: Tierra del Fuego National Park

We start our day by driving to the nearby western end of the Tierra del Fuego National Park, one of the most frequently visited places around Ushuaia.

Whilst there is no particular way that the Park should be approached, there is no doubt that it will only reveal its secrets to those willing to pay enough attention to its many wonders!

Once we have arrived, we will trek several hours along either the Pampa Alta Path or the Coastal Path, passing by one of the Park’s most beautiful stretches of shore, which is simply blooming with native vegetation.

Our guide will explain and point out the typical flora of the region, including the lenga beech, ñire trees, cohiue flowers, orchids, canelo and notro trees. At about 12.30, we will arrive at Lake Roca and board a zodiac boat, sailing along the famous Beagle Channel to Redonda Island, a national reserve.

Here we will eat a tasty lunch in an island hut, complemented by a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. There will be free time to explore the Island and observe the Magellan Cormorants too, which nest in the rocky walls.

After a briefing on paddling technique, we will then canoe down rivers and cross lagoons to reach the famously serene Lapataia Bay, before arriving back in Ushuaia for a relaxing evening at about 16.30.

Overnight in Ushuaia: Hotel Tolkeyen or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4: Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse & Board Expedition Cruise

This morning we sail through the Beagle Channel, reaching the famous Les Eclaireurs lighthouse and Isla de Lobos. On the way, we look for whales and dolphins!

We return to Ushuaia and check in at 409 San Martín Ave in downtown Ushuaia between 10am and 5pm for your expedition cruise through Tierra del Fuego.

Board the Australis Cruise at 6pm. After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the most remote corners of planet Earth. During the night we traverse the Beagle Channel and cross from Argentina into Chilean territorial waters. The lights of Ushuaia disappear as we turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands.

Overnight: On board the Australis (Cabin B)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5: Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay

Around the break of dawn, the Australis cruise crosses Nassau Bay and enters the remote archipelago that comprises Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we shall go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos).

Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition — and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland — Cape Horn is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage.

For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic, and was often referred to as the “End of the Earth.” The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005.

The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument (currently awaiting repair after being damaged by fierce winds).

Sailing back across Nassau Bay, we anchor at fabled Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment.

Originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography.

After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station — which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area — passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooded mountain behind the bay.

On all of these you stroll through an enchanted Magellanic forest of lengas, coigües, canelos and ferns to reach panoramic viewpoints overlooking the bay.

Overnight: On board the Australis (Cabin B)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: Pía Glacier & Garibaldi Glacier

Overnight we continue our Patagonia glacier tour around the western end of Tierra del Fuego via the very narrow Gabrial Channel, Magdalena Channel and Cockburn Channel.

After rounding the remote Brecknock Peninsula, the Australis cruise tacks eastward and enters the Beagle Channel again. By morning we are entering Pia Fjord and boarding the Zodiacs for a shore excursion to Pia Glacier.

After disembarking we take a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea or a longer much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier.

No one knows for certain how the hulking mass of snow and ice got its feminine moniker, but one theory says it was named for Princess Maria Pia of Savoy (1847-1911), daughter of the Italian king.

Making our way further west along the Beagle Channel, we enter another long fjord and drop anchor near Garibaldi Glacier for another shore excursion.

Garibaldi is one of only three glaciers in Patagonia gaining mass rather than staying the same or slowly shrinking. This time we hike through virgin Magellanic forest to a glacial waterfall, a towering wall of ferns and moss, and spectacular viewpoints looking down on the glacier and fjord.

The walk is demanding — very steep, negligible trail, rough footing — and not for everyone. For those who choose to stay onboard, our captain will point the bow towards the beautiful sky blue Garibaldi Glacier so everyone can enjoy the panoramic view from the upper decks.

Overnight: On board the Australis (Cabin B)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: Agostini Sound, Águila Glacier, & Cóndor Glacier

Early in the morning, we will sail through the Cockburn Channel and enter Agostini Sound. From there it is possible to see the glaciers that descend from the middle of the Darwin Mountain Range — some of them reaching the water.

This morning, we will disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon, which was formed by the melting of the Águila Glacier. We will reach a spot right in front of that glacier with stunning views.

In the afternoon, we will approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac — and hopefully see some of the abundant Andean Condors in the area.

Overnight: On board the Australis (Cabin B)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8: Magdalena Island & Travel to Torres del Paine National Park

After an overnight cruise through Magdalena Channel and back into the Strait of Magellan, we anchor off Magdalena Island, which lies about halfway between Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland.

Crowned by a distinctive lighthouse, the island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic penguins.

At the break of dawn, weather permitting, we go ashore and hike a path that leads through thousands of penguins to a small museum lodged inside the vintage 1902 lighthouse.

Many other bird species are also found on the island. In September and April — when the penguins dwell elsewhere — this excursion is replaced by a ride aboard Zodiacs to Marta Island to observe South American sea lions.

** Camera extension poles are prohibited on Magdalena Island **

After a short cruise south along the strait, disembarkation at Punta Arenas is scheduled for around 11:30 AM.

At 12:30pm or 1pm, you will be picked up a the Australis Cruise offices in Punta Arenas, and driven to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park.

En route you make a couple of stops – First in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of “Seno de Ultima Esperanza” 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 your arrival and overnight stay at EcoCamp Patagonia’s Standard Domes, nestled in the heart of the park with a view of the Torres.

During summer the sun sets around 11 p.m., so upon arrival there’s plenty of light to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon.

Overnight at EcoCamp in Torres del Paine National Park: Standard Dome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9: Your Choice of Activities in Torres del Paine National Park (see daily options below the itinerary)

Please see the drop down menus below the itinerary. The available activities depend on the day of the week. You will be able to choose what you want to do when you’re at EcoCamp, you don’t need to decide ahead of time. Choices vary from easy walks, challenging hikes, wildlife viewing, biking, and more!

Overnight at EcoCamp in Torres del Paine National Park: Standard Dome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10: Your Choice of Activities in Torres del Paine National Park (see daily options below the itinerary)

Please see the drop down menus below the itinerary. The available activities depend on the day of the week. You will be able to choose what you want to do when you’re at EcoCamp, you don’t need to decide ahead of time. Choices vary from easy walks, challenging hikes, wildlife viewing, biking, and more!

Overnight at EcoCamp in Torres del Paine National Park: Standard Dome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11: Travel to Argentinean Patagonia

After enjoying a delicious breakfast you head to Argentina on a regular bus, doing the international border crossing at Cerro Castillo. Once you complete the immigration process you enter Argentina and continue to Calafate, a small town set on the edge of Los Glaciares NP amid dramatic scenery and natural beauty.

At the bus terminal you are met by a representative and taken to a local restaurant where you have lunch and then enjoy free time in the city before boarding a regular bus in the late afternoon which will take you on the 3-hour journey to El Chalten. The drive is on isolated roads across the pampas and along the northern end of Lago Viedma.

Chalten is a tiny outpost beside the Glacier National Park at the foot of impressive Mount Fitz Roy. You arrive at your hotel in time to get some well-deserved rest.

Overnight in El Chalten: Hotel Los Senderos or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12: Mount Fitz Roy

Today’s hike is along Rio Blanco. We drive to El Pilar, 11 miles north of El Chalten, and follow the Rio Blanco Trail to Piedras Blancas Glacier, a hanging glacier descending from the base of Mount Fitz Roy.

We picnic here, marveling at the glacier, and then continue up Rio Blanco Trail until reaching one of the best views of Mont Fitz Roy – the landmark in Los Glaciares NP. We descend via another path heading past Laguna Capri, ending back in El Chalten.

Overnight in El Chalten: Hotel Los Senderos or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13: Hike to Laguna Torre

Today we’ll do a full day hike along the Cerro Torre Trail to Laguna Torre, a stunning mountain lake with majestic Mount Torre in the background. After breakfast we walk eastwards, following the trail through beech forests until we reach Fitz Roy River.

We continue and reach Camp Base de Agostini from where we do a short hike to Laguna Torre, with Cerro Torre and the Adela range on our West. Icebergs can be seen peacefully floating on Laguna Torre as the wind pushes them to the coast and we stop at different points to take in the magnificent view and enjoy a picnic.

Back at the hotel we gather our luggage and begin the drive back to Calafate by a regular bus, following the same road filled with Argentinean pampas that welcomed us. We’ll arrive in Calafate after an approximate 3-hour drive and are driven to our hotel to check in.

Overnight in El Calafate: Hosteria Los Hielos or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 14: Glacier Perito Moreno

After breakfast, we head off on our final excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most famous landmarks in Patagonia.

Unlike typical tours which go straight to the regular panoramic views, we go first to the glacier’s less-frequented north face to marvel at its splendor. We’ll observe, and hear, giant chunks of ice plummet into the waters of Lake Argentino.

Our guide will answer questions about the glacier and the park. We’ll then continue to the footbridges and take a break, enjoying the surroundings at our own leisure. We’ll also have the opportunity to do a short nautical safari to observe this magnificent glacier from up close.

After the thrilling encounter with the Perito Moreno, we drive back to Calafate for our final night.

Overnight in El Calafate: Hosteria Los Hielos or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 15: Adios Patagonia!

Today you finish this memorable trip, Adios Patagonia! You have a transfer to the El Calafate Airport, where you fly to Buenos Aires and then home (flights not included).

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

NOTE: The excursions described in the itineraries can usually be carried out without any problems. Nevertheless, the trip operators hold the right to alter, change or skip certain portions of the itinerary without prior notice, whether motivated by the passengers’ well-being and safety, by the appropriate protection of the environment, or in case of any extraordinary event, unforeseeable circumstance or force majeure. For this reason, sighting of birds and other species cannot be guaranteed as their exact location is variable by nature.

Easy: Hiking or Biking to Laguna Azul
On our way to Laguna Azul, we will have the chance to enjoy some marvelous views of the famous Torres, as well as passing through the pampas (the local steppe) 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 (“Blue Lagoon”), where we’ll enjoy our box lunch looking out over the lake, with a view of the three granite towers in the distance.

An alternative is a bike ride in the wilderness near Laguna Azul where you will cycle among the herds of guanacos that roam the pampas. We will then jump into our van again, heading back to the EcoCamp in time for cocktail hour.

• Difficulty: Very easy
• Activity: Nature walk or biking
• Distance: 5 kilometers / 3 miles
• Altitude: 200 meters / 660 feet
• Start Time: 10:00am
• End Time: 4:00pm

Challenging: Towers Base Trek
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 (2,850 m/ 9,350 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.

• Difficulty: Challenging
• Activity: Hiking
• Approximate Walking Time: 9 hours
• Distance: 22 kilometers / 14 miles
• Altitude: 914 meters / 3,000 feet
• Start Time: 8:00am
• End Time: 5:00pm

Moderately Challenging: Pehoe Lake Boat Ride & French Valley Hike
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 (2,850 m/ 9,350 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.

(NOTE: The excursion to French Valley varies throughout the season depending on the catamaran connecting Pudeto and Refugio Pehoe. During May (low season) the catamaran service will be out of operation.

Therefore, the excursion will be replaced by a 15km/9mi Trek to Los Cuernos. [Read more about Los Cuernos Trek]. We will walk through the sinuous Cuernos Trail which leads us alongside the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold.

During this nice walk we will have the opportunity to admire the area’s exquisite flora and fauna, as we enjoy the 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.)

• Difficulty: Moderately challenging
• Activity: Hiking
• Approximate Walking Time: 6 hours
• Distance: 18 kilometers / 11 miles
• Altitude: 500 meters / 1,640 feet
• Start Time: 8:00am
• End Time: 8:00pm

Easy: Drive & Walk Western Lakes & Grey Glacier Boat Ride
We start off driving across the park, admiring the view of Paine Grande and its snowy peaks, and Los Cuernos with its black, granite horn-like spires.

We stop at various viewpoints on the way to enjoy observing and photographing herds of guanacos, Andean condors and interesting flora. As we walk along the shores of the stunning Lake Pehoe, we will see the furious Salto Grande waterfalls where the water from Lake Nordenskjold cascades down into Pehoe.

From here, we drive up to Grey Lake and wander along the beach. 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 up-close look at the glacier, we drive back to EcoCamp.

Please be aware that the Grey Glacier boat trip is subject to availability, so please confirm your reservation in order to participate on the day of your arrival.

(NOTE: During shoulder season -September, October, April and May- the boat trip to Glacier Grey may be canceled as the boat requires a minimum of 15 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.)

• Difficulty: Easy
• Activity: Nature walk & boat trip
• Approximate Walking Time: 1 hour
• Distance: 0.8 kilometers / 0.5 miles
• Altitude: 200 meters / 660 feet
• Start Time: 10:00am
• End Time: 8:00pm

Moderately Challenging: Western Lakes Drive & Cerro Ferrier Hike
We will begin the day driving across the park, admiring the view of Paine Grande’s snowy peaks and the black, granite, horn-like spires of Los Cuernos.

As we walk along the shores of the stunning Lake Pehoe, we will see the furious Salto Grande waterfalls where the water from Lake Nordenskjold cascades down into Pehoe. The van will drive us south to a beach along the shores of glacial Lake Grey.

It is here where we will begin our hike to Cerro Ferrier, a fairly steep route taking us through a fairytale-like Magellanic forest where we might spot the Huemul, the endangered South Andean deer.

We will go uphill for about an hour and a half to reach a breathtaking lookout that will offer us a unique perspective of the Paine Massive, Grey Glacier and some of the most famous lakes of the National Park.

We will 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 a relaxed evening.

• Difficulty: Moderately challenging
• Activity: Hiking
• Approximate Walking Time: 3.5 hours
• Distance: 12 kilometers / 7.5 miles
• Altitude: 800 meters / 1,970 feet
• Start Time: 10:00am
• End Time: 8:00pm

Moderate: Lazo Weber Hike
We’ll start our day at 8:30am with breakfast at EcoCamp and a moment to prepare our Box Lunch before boarding our bus at 10am. Our ride takes us past the Lazo Weber Estancia where we’ll enter the National Park via Laguna Verde and begin our 12km hike.

The Lazo Weber Trail is packed with native flora and wildlife – so have your cameras ready to snap pics of the guanacos, owls, eagles, condors, and caranchos; another bird of prey – all with the mountainous Paine range on our right.

The hike is rather easy and apart from a few hills, the trail remains rather flat. We’ll stop a moment to refuel by the magical Laguna Honda, and enjoy the sights and sensations of the gorgeous landscape and fresh breeze.

On our way, we will hike through one of the quietest forests in the national park, a fantastic opportunity to observe native trees such as the Lenga and the Coihue.

The rest of our hike takes us to a lookout point (El Toro Lookout) where we’ll be wowed with a 360 degree view of the Paine mountain range, the Patagonian Andes, and a suite of rivers and lakes (including the Paine, Grey, and Serrano Rivers, and Lake Toro, the largest in the region).

An hour’s descent towards Paine River will see us reunited with our van. But before we go back to EcoCamp, we’ll search for more animals to photograph and take a final moment to enjoy the scenery. At about 7pm, we’ll arrive back at our “dome sweet dome”, ready to share in a tasty dinner and talk about our day hiking the Lazo Weber Trail.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Activity: Hiking
• Approximate Walking Time: 5 hours
• Distance: 12 kilometers / 7.5 miles
• Altitude: 700 meters / 2,300 feet
• Start Time: 10:00am
• End Time: 8:00pm

Moderately Easy: Sarmiento Lake & Fuana Trail
This predominantly flat trek boasts stunningly diverse natural scenery and offers the chance to feast your eyes upon a startlingly blue lake, which is secluded from all the other water systems of the area. There will be ample opportunity to spot many graceful guanacos and great grebes along the way.

First we will examine the geology of the area’s turbidite rock folds, before descending the isthmus which separates Lake Sarmiento from Lake Sarmiento Chico (the two lakes were once a single mass of water), walking along a slight slope, and ambling beside the eastern edge of Lake Sarmiento Chico.

We will eventually arrive at an impressive bay on the western side of Lake Sarmiento, admiring a breathtaking view which could easily be mistaken for a piece of art!

Then begins our ascent back to the van, and along the way we will stumble across an awe-inspiring, panoramic vista of Lake Sarmiento from its western shore, looking towards its eastern coast glimmering on the horizon.

From here we drive back eastwards along the northern shore of Sarmiento Lake until we reach the starting point of the Fauna Trail. 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 back to EcoCamp.

• Difficulty: Moderately Easy
• Activity: Nature Walk
• Approximate Walking Time: 5 hours
• Distance: 10 kilometers / 6 miles
• Altitude: 200 meters / 656 feet
• Start Time: 10:00am
• End Time: 5:00pm

Moderately Challenging: Pehoe Lake Boat Ride & French Valley Hike
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 (2,850 m/ 9,350 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.

NOTE: The excursion to French Valley varies throughout the season depending on the catamaran connecting Pudeto and Refugio Pehoe. During May (low season) the catamaran service will be out of operation. Therefore, the excursion will be replaced by a 15km/9mi Trek to Los Cuernos.

We will walk through the sinuous Cuernos Trail which leads us alongside the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this nice walk we will have the opportunity to admire the area’s exquisite flora and fauna, as we enjoy the 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.

• Difficulty: Moderately challenging
• Activity: Hiking
• Approximate Walking Time: 6 hours
• Distance: 18 kilometers / 11 miles
• Altitude: 500 meters / 1,640 feet
• Start Time: 8:00am
• End Time: 8:00pm

Challenging: Towers Base Trek
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 (2,850 m/ 9,350 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.

• Difficulty: Challenging
• Activity: Hiking
• Approximate Walking Time: 9 hours
• Distance: 22 kilometers / 14 miles
• Altitude: 914 meters / 3,000 feet
• Start Time: 8:00am
• End Time: 5:00pm

Moderately Easy: Wild Horse Tracking
After enjoying a buffet breakfast at EcoCamp, we’ll head towards the Laguna Azul sector. From here, we’ll begin our journey by 4×4 through the folds of the Cordillera Masle, from which we’ll be able to appreciate the Cordillera Baguales, Salto Las Chinas and Barranca de los Toros pass.

After about 40 minutes, we’ll arrive at a typical “puesto” where Patagonian “gauchos” would take refuge while caring for their livestock. Here, we’ll hear a short but interesting introduction to the area’s history and the evolution and characteristics of its wild horses.

With the help of satellite tracking equipment, coupled with our guide’s experience and knowledge, we’ll begin our trek, searching for the 100 untamed horses that remain isolated in this sector surrounded by mountains, lakes, and plains, in the most pristine and untouched terrain of Torres del Paine.

Depending on the location of the horses, we’ll choose a place to have lunch and share our stories and experiences. The experience of tracking, observing, and analysing the horses in such natural surroundings is uncomparable.

Additionally, we’ll be privy to fantastic views of Lago Stokes, the Cordillera Dickson and the imposing Towers. After 7-8 hours, we’ll return to EcoCamp, ready to enjoy an aperitif before settling down to a warm meal.

NOTE: The Wild Horse Tracking is not available during winter; the excursion is therefore not offered in May & September.

During May and September (low season) the excursion will be replaced by a 6km/7.50mi 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 blue of Pehoe Lake and and the Paine river. On a clear day, we can see the immensity of the Southern Patagonian ice fields in the distance.

We re-energize while taking in the whole Paine Mountain range and its stunning snowcapped peaks. After a hearty lunch in this perfect location, we backtrack along the same trail and drive back to EcoCamp.

• Difficulty: Moderately easy
• Activity: Nature Walk
• Approximate Walking Time: 6 hours
• Distance: 8 kilometer / 4 miles
• Altitude: 300 meters / 1,000 feet
• Start Time: 8:00am
• End Time: 5:00pm

Very Challenging: Cerro Paine Trek
We leave after a tasty breakfast at EcoCamp to head to Cerro Paine, a nearby mountain characterized by its two imposing peaks. We hike along the mountain for half an hour, which allows us to warm up while admiring the view of the surrounding pampas.

The challenge begins as we start climbing the eastern part of Cerro Paine. We cross the lenga forest with the sound of the local birds and enjoy a few stops to observe the immense Almirante Nieto Mountain and its glacier on our left side. With any luck we will follow the tracks of the puma as the towers come into full view.

A nice place for lunch, isn’t it? As we are ready to start the steepest part of the hike, we leave the forest and hike on the rock. As we go up, we admire the spectacular panoramic view of the immense pampas and the mountains in the distance, like the Balmaceda mountain.

We walk upward for about an hour up to 1500m/4920ft to reach the eastern peak of Cerro Paine, which offers an unforgettable lookout of the towers and the ascencio valley. After chilling and taking in one of the most striking views of the national park, we backtrack along the same trail and return to EcoCamp.

• Difficulty: Very Challenging
• Activity: Hiking
• Approximate Walking Time: 8 hours
• Distance: 16 kilometers / 9 miles
• Altitude: 1,500 meters / 4,920 feet
• Start Time: 9:00am
• End Time: 5:00pm

Easy: Salto Grande Waterfall & 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 blue 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 re-energize while taking in the whole Paine Mountain range and its stunning snowcapped peaks. After a hearty lunch in this perfect location, we backtrack along the same trail and drive back to EcoCamp.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Activity: Walking
• Approximate Walking Time: 2 hours
• Start Time: 10:00am
• End Time: 5:00pm