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Another way to experience the W Paine hikes.
This another way to experience the now famous "W"
hikes. Days will be spent exploring this untouched, remote and pristine
wilderness. Entering the park via Last Hope Sound and then the Serrano
River our introduction to Patagonia will be nothing short of spectacular.
Working our way up two waterways through the immense Bernardo O'Higgins
National Park en route to our hiking adventure we will get a chance
to see the Balmaceda, Serrano and Tyndall glaciers, Lago Toro and
an endless chain of mountains and snowcapped peaks. Final boat rides
up to the face of Grey Glacier we will get dropped off just in front
of this immense chunk of ice and begin our walk through Torres del
Paine National park. Our days ahead include stops at Lake Pehoe,
the beautiful French Valley and the three soaring granite towers
that give the park its name as well as a chance to see some of the
numerous wildlife that abound in the park.
Trip Highlights:
- Navigate the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park on zodiacs
- Visit the Balmaceda, Serrano and Tyndall glaciers
- Cruise up the fjord of Last Hope Sound past the Balmaceda hanging
glacier
- Sail to the face of Grey Glacier
- Hike to the French Valley, a spectacular granite amphitheater
and the Towers, massive granite monoliths
- Visit the fascinating burrowing Magellanic Penguins
- See guanacos, rheas, condors, and other wildlife
- Follow the gorgeous trail to the base of the Towers and see
emerald pools filled by hanging glaciers
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| Day 1 PUNTA
ARENAS - PUERTO NATALES |
| Late morning
collection from Punta Arenas airport. Drive to see the cute burrowing
Magellanic Penguins at their colony in Ottway Sound. There will be
plenty of time to observe and photograph these fascinating creatures
before continuing on across the Patagonian Steppe where you will have
your first opportunity to see some of the unusual plant and animal
life that exists in this area. After our visit here we will continue
on to our destination for the night at Puerto Natales. Located beside
the picturesque Last Hope sound we will get a chance to walk around
the waterfront and enjoy dinner in one of the fine restaurants in
town. Night at the newly built Hotel Weskar. Situated a short walk
from Puerto Natales, this wooden built hotel has lovely views of Last
Hope Sound and the Serrano Glacier in the distance. Rooms are light,
airy and comfortable and there is laundry and internet available.
Dinner included, excluding wine/drinks. (D) |
| Day 2 NATALES
- BALMACEDA GLACIER - BERNARDO O'HIGGINS N. PARK |
| After breakfast
we will walk to the pier and board a cutter for a fantastic cruise
up the fjord to the beautiful Mount Balmaceda. We will get a chance
to see the Balmaceda hanging glacier which spills down into the fjord
and then after a short hike get up close to the Serrano Glacier which
tumbles down into an iceberg filled lake. After lunch we will board
zodiacs and cruise up the Serrano River entering Bernardo O'Higgins
National Park passing the massive Tyndall glacier en route and finally
ending up at Torres del Paine National Park. Our first night camping
is on the bank of the peaceful Serrano River with spectacular views
across the pampas towards the Paine massif. Chance to enjoy a stroll
or a glass of wine while dinner is prepared. (B, L, D) |
| Day 3 SERRANO
RIVER - LAGO GREY & GLACIER - PEHOE LAKE |
Today we
will pack our lunches and transfer to Lago Grey where we will walk
along the shores of these grey waters and admire the miracles of nature
as seemingly turquoise icebergs are seen floating in the lake. The
huge mass of white behind the icebergs is Grey Glacier, the largest
in the park. After our walk we will board the new Grey 2 launch and
set off into the iceberg choked lake towards the walls of this spectacular
Glacier. The short boat trip will give us up close and personal views
of this spectacle as well as stunning views of Paine Grande and surrounding
mountains. The boat will get us fairly close to the glacier where
we will disembark and continue up along the shores of Grey Lake to
the Mirador on foot. One of the classic hikes in the park we climb
up and out of the valley enjoying views of Grey glacier, the Patagonian
icecap and innumerable mountains. Our destination and camp for the
night is the shores of beautiful Lake Pehoe. Organized camp with full
facilities. (B, L, D)
*Meals taken in Refugio. |
| Day 4 FRENCH
VALLEY - LOS CUERNOS REFUGE |
Today we
will head out towards the French Valley and along the edges of Lake
Nordjenskold. A full day's hike we will enjoy fantastic views of the
amphitheatre of granite peaks that make up this enclosed valley as
well as the waterscapes below including lakes Pehoe, Scottsburg, Toro,
and Nordenskjold. Our destination is the lively refuge Cuernos set
below the imposing Horns of Paine. Night camping in this organized
camp with full facilities. (B, L, D)
* Meals taken in Refugio. |
| Day 5 HORNS
OF PAINE |
Today's
hike takes us along the foothills of the Horns of Paine with the tranquil
shores of Lake Nordjenskold on our right. For the brave a chance to
swim in the frigid waters of this spectacular lake as we hike towards
the three granite spires that give the park its name, the Towers of
Paine. We will camp in the shadow of these monoliths in an organized
camp with full facilities.
(B, L ,D) |
| Day 6 BASE
LAS TORRES |
| Today's
hike is our most arduous but worthwhile as we climb to the Towers
themselves. A roundtrip hike we will climb up into the Ascending Valley
and through beautiful old growth beech forests to a rock moraine just
under the towers. A steep climb over the moraine will reward us with
one of the most spectacular views in the park and weather permitting
we will enjoy our last trail lunch at this amazing vantage point.
Return to camp for our last night under canvas enjoying a fireside
dinner. (B, L, D) |
| Day 7 PAINE
- PUNTA ARENAS |
| Pack up
camp for our transfer back to Punta Arenas airport to arrive early
afternoon. Time permitting we will make a short stop in Puerto Natales
giving us an opportunity to purchase any souvenirs/books/postcards
etc. Clients will be dropped off at the airport for onward flights.
(B) |
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Group Size:
Minimum 2, Maximum 12
Season: November to March
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2006-2007-2008 SEASONS RATES, PER PERSON
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SEASON
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From October 2006 to April 2008
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Min. 2 clients
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2.075
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3 clients
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1.835
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4-6 clients
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1.710
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7-12 clients
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1.545
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Single supplement
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270
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| *
All rates expressed in US dollars. |
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2006-2007-2008 DEPARTURES DATES:
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2006 SEASON
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2007 SEASON
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2008 SEASON
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November, 8
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January, 4
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January, 4
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December, 14
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February, 8
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February, 8
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March, 6
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March, 6
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November, 8
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December, 14
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INCLUDED :
All accommodation as stated on itinerary - Transfers to and from
airport or hotel in Punta Arenas and whilst in Park, boat trips
and excursions stated on itinerary - Bilingual guide throughout,
pack horses or vehicle support for luggage - All meals with wine
whilst camping - Camping equipment (except sleeping bags/mats) -
Park and Penguin entrance fees.
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NOT INCLUDED :
Domestic flights or airport taxes - Airport transfers and accommodation/meals
in Punta Arenas - Meals: Lunch on Day 1 and Day 7 in Natales - Local
gratuities - Any kinf of insurance or Medical expenses - Personal
equipment (sleeping bags/mats).
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