Extension trip of Paine Trek - Moderate to strenuous trekking

It is hard to imagine any trip in Patagonia complete without a visit to Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. Extending from Cerro Fitzroy in the north to Cerro Stokes in the south, this park includes over 13 glaciers that fall from the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap into the second and third largest lakes in all of South America.
Argentino and Viedma lakes traverse the east/west ecosystem transition from glacier to tundra to rainforest to desert. It is not unusual to see "armadillo" and "tinamou" scurrying through the desert scrub to the eastern lake shore with icebergs bobbing in the turquoise water a few feet away.

Our adventure visits the famous Moreno Glacier, the last advancing glacier on the continent, Argentino and Viedma lakes, as well as the world famous climbing destination of Chalten, (Fitzroy Massif). We hike to the very base of immense granite walls that dam the relentless icecap to the west. Traveling in vans and utilizing comfortable camps we are able to access this wonderful part of Patagonia without the expense of Argentina’s volatile economy. Our guides are some of the best naturalists to be found anywhere in Patagonia.

ITINERARY:

• Our exact hiking itinerary is dependent on the weather and group's desires. Our guides will offer the best programs for the conditions.

Day 1 PUNTA ARENAS

• Reception at the airport in Punta Arenas and transfer to our hotel. Evening orientation, dinner and overnight in Hotel. (D)

Day 2 PUNTA ARENAS-PUERTO NATALES-CHALTEN (Argentina)

• Early morning departure to Puerto Natales, 3 hours drive. (For those finishing our Paine Trek, mid morning departure from Puerto Natales). Picnic lunch. Cross the border to Argentina and continue on in the afternoon driving around the eastern end of Argentina & Viedma lakes to Chalten (6 hours drive), the Tehuelches name for the Fitzroy Massif. Camp (B,L,D)

Days 3-4 HIKES AROUND CHALTEN

• Surrounded by incredible peaks of plutonic granite that was sculpted by immense glaciers these peaks rise at impossible angles. The complex of Fitzroy (11,703'), Cerro Torre, Torre Egger, Poincenot, and many more have become one of climbing's ultimate challenges.
  Depending on the weather we will hike to Lago Torre below the magnificent granite needles of Cerro Torre, Torre Egger, and Torre Stanhart. We will also hike to Lago de Los Tres at the foot of Fitzroy surrounded by the towers of Poincenot, Eléctrico, Marmotz and more. Perhaps we will be able to scale Cerro Pliegue Tumbado, a minor peak surrounded by unparalleled vistas. (B,L,D)

Day 5 CHALTEN - CALAFATE - PERITO MORENO EXCURSION

• Morning drive to Calafate (3 hours drive) where we will visit Laguna Pimo by Lago Argentino. Here we can see as many as 20 different species of waterfowl. In the afternoon we visit the famous Moreno Glacier. We get very close to this immense wall of ice that used to dam the southern arms of Lago Argentino. Massive calving blocks of ice appear insignificant considering the dimensions of the glacier. Optional glacier walks if weather permits. Lodging in a Cozy hotel in Calafate (B,L,D)

Day 6 CALAFATE - PUERTO NATALES

• A free short morning which could you walk around this small town is followed by a 4 hour drive returns us to Chile for an overnight in a comfortable cozy hotel in the picturesque port of Puerto Natales on Last Hope Sound. Farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 7 PUERTO NATALES - PUNTA ARENAS

• Morning transfer to the Punta Arenas (3 hours drive) airport for afternoon outbound connections. (B)

Daily departures min. 2 people from October to April.
2006 – 2007 SEASON RATES, COST PER PERSON, based on double occupancy

INCLUDED: 

• Accommodations quoted per person based on sharing a room or tent. Rates for single rooms or tents quoted apart.
• All meals according to the itinerary.
• All ground private transportation for transfer and camping equipment (you never carry your things during trekking).
• Park and camping entrance fees - Guides and camp staff.
• Full camping gear (two man tents), except for personal sleeping bag and pad.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Any type of insurance
• Tips and extra expenses as laundry, meals and drinks out of program and other items not mentioned in the program
• Airfares Santiago-Punta Arenas-Santiago.

QUALIFICATIONS: 
Hiking is generally easy but we do cover some rugged trails with optional daily hikes over 8 hours. Members are expected to be in good physical conditions. No special abilities are needed although group members should release that tempestuous weather is normal for this region.

TRIP SUPPLEMENTS:
On receipt of your deposit, we will send you the complete General Information for this trip and equipment list.
Please ask for our General Terms and Conditions Form.