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EcoDome - Torres Del Paine W Trek, Patagonia - 5 Days

Experience the luxuries of EcoCamp Patagonia on this amazing 5 day adventure

Group Guided

EcoDome - Torres Del Paine W Trek, Patagonia - 5 Days

Experience the luxuries of EcoCamp Patagonia on this amazing 5 day adventure

This 5 day EcoDome version of the Torres Del Paine W trek takes you along trails reaching glaciers, lakes, forests and the mighty Paine Towers, feeding your trekking-hungry soul every step of the way! Evenings enjoyed at EcoCamp Patagonia.
EcoCamp not only provides a comfortable oasis in the park where visitors can connect with nature while still enjoying modern amenities and delicious meals, but also has exciting and diverse excursion options for everyone.
Departures: Every Sunday
PRICES:

Standard EcoDomes: Starting at $1,350usd Per Person

Superior and Suite Dome upgrades available: Both options have a private bathroom and heat. See accommodation descriptions in our PDF HERE.

*Please inquire as pricing is seasonal

HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Famous W trek in Torres del Paine National Park
  • Stay in the world’s first sustainable geodesic hotel EcoCamp Patagonia. It's a chance to make new friends, eat tasty food made from local ingredients and connect with nature.
  • Uncover local secrets from expert guides and discover unique flora and fauna.
  • Visit the iconic Valle Frances, Glacier Grey, Towers Valley
  • Enjoy the trek by only carrying your daypack while our staff takes care of the rest.
  • Start/Finish your trip in El Calafate (Argentina), Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales (Chile)
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Trip Itinerary

Day 1: The Patagonian Adventure starts

In the morning, you’ll be picked up from the airport or your hotel in Punta Arenas and driven to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. On the way, we’ll make a stop in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of Last Hope Sound (Ultima Esperanza) "Seno de Ultima Esperanza," where we can enjoy a hearty local lunch of local food. The journey is scenic and highly atmospheric and, featuring many wild birds and wonderful Patagonian landscapes. The day ends with our arrival and overnight stay at EcoCamp Patagonia, nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park and with a prime view of the majestic Towers.

Overnight: EcoCamp

Day 2: Trek Valle del Frances trail

Distance: 25km / 15 miles
Elevation: 686m / 2,250ft
Hiking Time: 8 hours

Today is our first full day of adventures in Torres del Paine! We'll start with a filling breakfast and then drive towards  Pudeto dock where we will board the catamaran to Pehoe. From here, we'll begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley) along a steep trail that leads to the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far in we go depends on our group's trekking rhythm. A swifter walk will lead us to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the southeastern face of the Massif, where we will be treated to fantastic views of the valley. We'll keep heading towards the upper section of the valley where we will be able to marvel at the extensive mass of the valley's geological formations. After our upward trek, we'll pause for a picnic and relax next to the stunning views. This day's trek will end as we descend through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest, leading us  to Refugio Paine Grande which is located on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe.

Please note:

* An optional trek to Mirador Británico is also available.
* The excursion to French Valley varies throughout the season depending on the catamaran connecting Pudeto and Refugio Pehoe: From October 1st to 31st and from April 1st to 30th the navigation operates only once a day, therefore the hike will be limited and only reach Italian campsite depending on the passengers walking pace. From November 11th to March 30th the excursion operates on a regular basis.

Overnight: Refugio Paine Grande OR camping (depending on availability)

Day 3: Grey Glacier Trek & Boat Ride

Distance: 14km / 9 miles
Elevation: 244m / 800ft
Hiking Time: 4 hours

In the morning, we'll hike from Paine Grande Refugio along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern side of the glacially beautiful Lake Grey.  We'll feast on a picnic lunch before boarding the boat that sails right to the facade of Glacier Grey. Take in the unreal views of this beautiful glacier, while sipping on a drink stocked with fresh glacier ice.  After finishing our boat ride, we'll take a transfer to EcoCamp.

*Please be aware that boat trips may be canceled if the minimum number of 10 passengers has not been reached. If this is the case, we will trek up to the sightseeing point to enjoy panoramic views of the glacier instead. Then we will return on foot to Paine Grande and take a catamaran to the dock, where we will be picked up and driven to EcoCamp.

Overnight: EcoCamp

Day 4: Trek to the base of the Towers

Distance: 22km / 14miles
Elevation: 914m / 3,000ft
Hiking Time: 9 hours

The goal of our fifth day will be to complete the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine National Park! It's a challenge, but definitely worth it! We'll walk from the campsite towards Hostería Las Torres before ascending to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. Mountain ridges, beech forests, and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. Our big challenge is the steep moraine, a huge mass of boulders which leads us to that iconic base-view of the Towers, three gigantic granite monoliths that are the remains of a great cirque sheared away by glacial ice. After a tough uphill climb, 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 next to this beautiful view, we'll backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp for a well-deserved dinner and a glass of Chilean wine.

Overnight: EcoCamp

Day 5: Adios Torres del Paine

We will board an early morning vehicle, sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas in time to catch the evening flight.

Dome Categories

EcoCamp Patagonia (Nights 1,3,4)

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. Advisable minimum age for children: 12 years.

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.

Please consider: Standard domes have NO heating or electricity and bathrooms are shared (gender divided)

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.

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.

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.

Refugios OR camping (depending on availability) - Night 2

These are typical mountain huts, open to the public visiting Torres del Paine. They have rooms for 4-6 people. The beds are single bunks and we will provide you with a sleeping bag and a polar fleece liner (you don't need to bring a sleeping bag!). The bathrooms are also shared and they have hot water. The refugios are heated and have a very comfortable dining area where plentiful meals are served. If refugios are unavailable, alternative accommodation will be provided in tents.

Additional Information

Starting / Finishing Points

The trip starts on Sunday and finishes on Thursday with pick ups and drop offs in Punta Arenas, or Puerto Natales (El Calafate can be arranged at an additional cost). Please visit our Weekly Transfer Board for details of EcoCamp pick up and drop off times from both Chile and Argentina.

INCLUDED
  • All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary
  • One expert English/Spanish speaking trekking guide
  • Torres del Paine National Park fee
  • 3 nights accommodation at EcoCamp (dome of your choice)
  • 1-night accommodation at Refugio Paine Grande (shared basis)- OR camping (depending on availability)
  • Boat crossing over Pehoe Lake and Grey Lake (2)
  • Sleeping bag for the mountain hut or camping
  • Luggage transport: while trekking you will carry just your daypack

Meals:

  • Day 1: L, D
  • Day 2: B, BL, D
  • Day 3: B, BL, D
  • Day 4: B, BL, D
  • Day 5: B, BL

B: breakfast, BL: box lunch, L: lunch, D: dinner.

Important Notes:

  1. Either in refugio or refugio's camping area
  2. During Shoulder and low season (October and April), some excursions are subject to the weather conditions and might be canceled or modified for reasons of security, for example, the Navigation on Grey Lake, the excursion to the French Valley and to the Tower base trek. In any case, we will either modify the original itinerary or offer you a good alternative of excursion within the park.
EXCLUDED
  • Flight tickets
  • Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip)
  • Voluntary tipping of guides and staff
  • 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 recommended
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Transfer from El Calafate

GROUP SIZE & GUIDING STAFF

9 travelers is the most typical group size, plus guiding staff. Maximum 12 clients. Guide to passenger ratio: 1:6

TRANSPORTATION

In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia transport is in minivans that normally seat from 8 to 14 people. Pick up / Drop off times shown in the Weekly Transfer Board are approximate and will be confirmed locally by our operations team. An exclusive toll-free emergency number will be available for anyone needing additional support while they are in Chile.

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 affect of the Southern Patagonia Ice field 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 130 km/hr) and rainfall. The summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºC max, 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!

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is the right trip for energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. To enjoy this trek it is essential to be in shape before you arrive. It is 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.

CHILDREN

  • Youngsters who are 13 years of age or older are welcome and are considered adults.
  • Children between the ages of 10 and 12 can only participate in this program if their parent or legal guardian hires an independent, private guide to accompany the child during excursions, as well as signs a legal waiver, which states that the child is prepared for such an intense trekking trip, and includes information about the independently hired guide.
  • 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

Passengers need to be prepared for summer and winter all at once. Essential equipment includes a one day backpack (30 liters - to carry camera, glasses, rain coat, etc), trekking or hiking boots, extra shoes for evenings or in case others get wet, waterproof jacket, two pairs of wool socks, fleece jacket or sweater, shorts or comfortable loose pants, sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm and screen) and optional base-layer for the upper and lower body. US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP.

ITINERARY MODIFICATIONS

The weather in Patagonia can be difficult to deal with at times. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.

Additional Trip Info

  • All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary
  • One expert English/Spanish speaking trekking guide
  • Torres del Paine National Park fee
  • 3 nights accommodation at EcoCamp (dome of your choice)
  • 1-night accommodation at Refugio Paine Grande (shared basis) or camping (dependent in availability)
  • Boat crossing over Pehoe Lake and Grey Lake
  • Sleeping bag for the mountain hut or camping
  • Luggage transport (while trekking you will carry just your day pack)
  • Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 5 Lunch/Box Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • Flight tickets
  • Travel Insurance - We recommend  World Nomads, or Global Rescue (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip)
  • Voluntary tipping of guides and staff
  • 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 recommended
  • Items of a personal nature

*PICK UP & DROP OFF SERVICE >>

Pick up at hotels in Punta Arenas and Drop off at Punta Arenas airport are included in our programs as well as Regular Bus Connection in case you would like to start/depart from El Calafate, Argentina.

For arrivals, we kindly ask you to book a flight arriving to Punta Arenas before 11am if you wish to take the AM transfer to EcoCamp. For the PM transfer, please book a flight arriving before 3PM.

For departures from Punta Arenas, we kindly request that you book a flight leaving after 3:30pm, as our shuttle from EcoCamp departs at 9am in the morning and arrives Punta Arenas airport as late as 2:30pm. For flights earlier than 3:30pm an early regular transfer must be requested. In case your flight time changes and do not fit our transfer schedule, a private transfer will be arranged. The early transfer & the private one have both an additional cost involved. Please inquire

5 Day W Program - EcoCamp - Map
5 Day W Program - EcoCamp - Map
Weather and Seasons in Torres del Paine - Patagonia, Chile

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