The Ultimate Patagonia Trek – Soulful Concepts - Soulful Concepts
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The Ultimate Patagonia Trek

Need to know

  • Best time to travel: November to early March
  • Group size: 2-12 travellers
  • Tour duration: 9 days (excluding travel time)
  • Accommodation: Twin Share comfortable camping
  • Minimum age: 18 (younger ages considered on application)

Tour from AUD: prices available on request

    Get in touch with us

    Fill in your details and we’ll get back to you soon

    Trip at a glance

    Step into Chile’s famous Patagonia on this nine-day sustainable eco trek through Torres del Paine National Park packed with pristine landscapes, vibrant wilderness and views that you will never forget. Travel to the southern tip of the Andes mountain range for an immersive exploration of Patagonian nature as you walk through glaciers, snow-peaked mountains, ancient forests, rushing rivers, unspoiled lakes and breathtaking fjords while breathing in the crisp mountain breeze. Observe the vast local wildlife including guanacos, condors, foxes, pumas, flamingos and other wild birds in their natural habitat as you deepen your understanding of man’s place in the world as you sleep among them and nature’s marvels. Starting off in Puerto Natales, a vibrant small town on the shores of Seno de Ultima Esperanza, you are immersed into the lively streets and undeniable beauty of Chile’s southernmost and largest region, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic before making your way to the Patagonian steppe, explore outstanding natural spots and ancient sites along the way. Each year the Park draws in approximately 100,000 tourists to witness the main attractions including the striking Paine Towers, Los Cuernos, French Valley and Grey Glacier. Soak up the stunning natural scenery of South America’s most impressive national park on an eco trek to help support a new era of sustainability in Patagonia with donations going to further preserve this natural wonder. This trek contributes directly to local eco initiatives to enable and support sustainability in the region and ensure that the Torres del Paine national park remains untouched and protected for the flora and fauna that call it home. See the benefits and positive impact of sustainable tourism as you explore the Paine Circuit and leave without a trace. 



    Give back

    We know travel is better when you can give back as much as you get. That’s why we have designed our trips around contributing, supporting and participating in local projects and community initiatives that have a positive social and environmental impact.

     

    Each of our tours provide a unique way to get up close and personal with the destination and incorporate a fundraising target or donation  into the travel costs, which enables travellers to connect, give back and travel with purpose.

     

    If you are a charity, corporate or a private group interested in the Ultimate Patagonia Eco Adventure, please get in touch with Amanda@soulfulconcepts.com.

    Itinerary

    Day 1: Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine National Park – Welcome to beautiful Patagonia!
    Welcome to Patagonia! A private pick up from the airport or your hotel in Punta Arenas has you on the move to Patagonia’s world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. En route, we stop for a healthy local lunch in the small, animated town of Puerto Natales situated along the beautiful shores of the Seno de Ultima Esperanza. Next we explore the massive Cueva de Milodón cave where the remains of a prehistoric giant ground sloth were first discovered in the 1890’s. The day’s scenic journey takes you through stunning Patagonian landscapes and introduces you to the area’s wildlife and wild birds as we approach the Torres del Paine National Park before reaching our destination at EcoCamp Patagonia. Placed in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, EcoCamp Patagonia has a truly exceptional view of the marvelous Torres surrounding. Upon arrival, enjoy a moment of stillness and take in the truly inspiring Patagonian atmosphere complete with snow-peaked mountains, grazing guanacos, and untouched nature as far as the eye can see before the sun sets on a beautiful first day. Before you get some sleep, feel free to meet other hikers at EcoCamp’s bar or join a yoga class at 6.30 and 7.15 at the Yoga Dome situated uphill from the campsite. 

    Accommodation: EcoCamp Patagonia

    Meals: L,D



    Day 2: EcoCamp to Dickson Lake – The Trek Begins
    Wake up after a good night’s rest in the peaceful Patagonian steppe at EcoCamp for our first day of hiking the Paine Circuit to the picturesque Dickson Lake. Before we set off, feel free to help prepare yourself for the day’s hike by joining a half hour stretching session at EcoCamp’s Yoga Dome at 6.30am and 7.30am. Following the trail northwards along the eastern bank of the Río Paine, we will make our way to a lookout point to take a moment to savor panoramic views of the majestic Lago Paine below. Continuing on, we descend west and traverse open grass fields before approaching Refugio Dickson and our campsite located in the Dickson valley. Camp Dickson, our home for the night, is surrounded by soaring snowy peaks and the crystal clear waters of Lake Dickson. Take in views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the incredible Dickson Glacier from the campsite as you get settled, warm up with a relaxing hot shower, enjoy a nutritious supper and rest after a successful first day on the trail. 

    Accommodation: Camp Dickson

    Meals: B,L,D



    Day 3: Dickson Valley to Laguna Los Perros – Los Perros Wilderness Explorations
    We start the day by continuing our trail along the rushing Los Perros River to enter the most remote and exciting terrain of our entire trek. As we approach the barren Los Perros Glacier, we make our way past it to a scenic small lake nearby and enjoy its peaceful stillness. After taking in the calm, we make our way through a virgin beech forest before reaching our campsite in the beautiful Laguna Los Perros. After setting up camp at Camping Los Perros, you are free to enjoy the tranquil surroundings, unwind in this remote nature and feel proud of yourself for another rewarding day on the trail!

    Accommodation: Camping Los Perros

    Meals: B,L,D



    Day 4: Laguna Los Perros to Lake Grey – Views from the John Gardner Pass
    After a rejuvenating rest and a nourishing breakfast, we are prepared for the big day ahead.  Today is the day we ascend to the highest point on our trail of the Paine circuit, reaching altitudes of approximately 1300 metres (4000 feet). From this incredible vantage point you can take in views of the awe-inspiring, enormous, fractured ice mass that is Grey Glacier. With its towers in the valley, this unbelievably large glacier (more than 28 km in length) is one of the true highlights of the Torres del Paine National Park. This sector, known as the John Gardner Pass, is extremely well known and an absolute must-do for any trekking aficionado.  We continue on south through forested slopes for more breathtaking views of the glacier below on our way to the shores of Lake Grey where we will spend the night at Grey Campground. Take off your shoes, catch your breath, feast your eyes on the surrounding beautiful nature and reflect on the accomplishment of the day’s hike. 

    Accommodation: Grey Campground 

    Meals: B,L,D



    Day 5: Lake Grey to Pehoe Lake – Iceberg views to Lake Pehoe
    We take our time to wake up, refresh, replenish and relish our atmospheric surroundings this morning before setting out to Lake Pehoe. Making our way east along Lake Grey, we pass through lush Calafate bush clearings to more stunning views of the impressive and serene iceberg-speckled lake. Here you can contemplate and fully take in the beauty and might of nature’s great wonders. Continuing on, the trail flattens out and we gently descend through a shallow, dry valley to reach the vibrant blue waters of Lake Pehoe and our campsite for the night. At night, try to count the endless stars as they appear in the sky.

    Accommodation: Paine Grande 

    Meals: B,L,D



    Day 6: Lake Pehoe to Valle Francés – Ascent to impressive Valle Francés panoramas
    Wake up early and enjoy breakfast to the sounds of Patagonia. Today’s hike will challenge us as we begin our trek down a steep trail to Valle Francés (French Valley) at the heart of the Paine Massif. Picking up the pace, we head to the famous hanging bridge over the French River with impressive views of the Valley from our south-east-facing location at the foot of the Massif. Ascending to the upper Valley, we can take in view of the Valley’s astonishing geological formations including Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin), and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). To reward ourselves for this challenging uphill trek, we pause and enjoy a lovely picnic while soaking up the stunning views. The day comes to an end as we descend through light forests and mixed grasslands to arrive at Camp Cuernos for the night. The evening is then yours for dinner, rest and relaxation!

    Accommodation: Camp Cuernos 

    Meals: B,L,D



    Day 7: Los Cuernos to EcoCamp Patagonia
    After a hearty breakfast, we get an early morning start on today's trek to EcoCamp Patagonia. Taking the less-strenuous Cuernos Trail, we trek alongside the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold and experience the rich diversity of terrain that makes up the beautiful Torres del Paine Park. Take this opportunity to observe the abundant flora and fauna while learning more about the various species we encounter. Taking our time to enjoy the scenic nature surroundings, we stop for a picnic lunch and give our feet a much-deserved rest. The rest of the day is spent making our way back to Eco Camp Patagonia. You’ve done a full week of nature and trekking the Paine Circuit, congratulations! But the adventure is not finished yet. Enjoy a nutritious dinner and join in the evening activities at EcoCamp’s Bar and Yoga Dome before heading back to the campsite to get a good rest in preparation for our final big day ahead.  

    Accommodation: EcoCamp Patagonia 

    Meals: B,L,D



    Day 8: EcoCamp Patagonia to Ascensio Valley: Exploring the Torres
    Wake up to the day’s big adventure. Join in on a stretching session at EcoCamp’s Yoga dome if you wish to stretch out for our penultimate day spent on the most famous trail in Torres del Paine National Park. Walking from the campsite, we head to Hosteria Las Torres on our ascent to Ascencio Valley on the eastern façade of the Tower. Today’s scenic hike offers plentiful views of snowy mountain ridges, small glistening rivers and lush green beech forests.  The biggest challenge of the day is traversing the steep moraine. This giant mass of boulders leads to the first views of the base of the iconic Towers. Described as ‘Cleopatra’s Needles’ by the first tourists in 1880 in reference to the three ancient Egyptian obelisks currently erected in London, Paris and New York, the three colossal, granite monoliths are what remains of a great cirque that have been since sheared away by the invincible forces of glacial ice. A rigorous uphill hike brings the towers into full view in a majestic scene with the crystalline glacial lake below. Welcome to the best lunch spot in the world! After enjoy a feast for our eyes and tummies, we head back through the Ascencio valley along the same trail before returning to EcoCamp. Our day in this pristine nature ends with an evening meal and well-deserved rest. Feel free to celebrate this wonderful adventure by treating yourself to a beverage and some socializing with other Circuit hikers at EcoCamp’s Bar and Yoga Dome located uphill from the campsite.  

    Accommodation: EcoCamp Patagonia 

    Meals: B,L,D



    Day 9: Torres del Paine National Park to Punta Arena : Adios Torres del Paine
    Today we leave the picturesque Torres del Paine National Park and head back to Punta Arenas. Catching an early morning ride, we invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy the last moments of Chile’s Patagonian scenic views as we make our way to Punta Arenas for your evening flight to Santiago.

    Meals: B

     

    • What's included:
    • 8 nights twin share camping, including all equipment EXCEPT mat and sleeping bag
    • All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary
    • English speaking guide throughout
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
    • Park fees for Cueva del Milodon and Torres del Paine National Park
    • Porter service
    • What's not included:
    • International flights and airline taxes
    • Single supplement
    • Chilean visa*
    • Optional tours and excursions
    • Tips and gratuities
    • Personal travel insurance and vaccinations
    • Items of a personal nature
    • Other services not listed in the inclusions column

    * Travellers are responsible for valid visas throughout the duration of the trip

    View full itinerary  
    Contact us  

    Need to know

    • Best time to travel: November to early March
    • Group size: 2-12 travellers
    • Tour duration: 9 days (excluding travel time)
    • Accommodation: Twin Share comfortable camping
    • Minimum age: 18 (younger ages considered on application)

    Tour from AUD: prices available on request

      Get in touch with us

      Fill in your details and we’ll get back to you soon

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