ITINERARY

PATAGONIA RUNNING ADVENTURE
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Torres del Paine - Los Glaciares - Tierra del Fuego

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Lake at Torres del Paine
Lake at Torres del Paine

All-Inclusive Cost Including Airfare
(International & South America flights)

Date Miami LAX
Number:
16-20
12-15
16-20
12-15
Dec. 19, 2016 to Jan. 4, 2017
$6,395*
$6,495*
$6,495*
$6,595*

Patagonia Flight Information

*All-Inclusive cost with ALL flights per person.

Contact us about flights if you are overseas.

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All-inclusive prices include international flights from Los Angeles or Miami and ALL flights in Patagonia, ground transportation in Chile and Argentina; hotels, shelters; and all meals.

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Revised Dec. 19, 2015- Jan. 4, 2017 Itinerary (PDF)

December 19, 2016 - January 4, 2017 Itinerary

Day 1 Monday — December 19: Departure to Santiago

Day 2 Tuesday — December 20: Santiago/Punta Arenas

Early morning arrival in Santiago, where you will be met by your trip leader outside the immigration and customs area at the airport and continue together on your flight to Punta Arenas, located on the northern shore of the Strait of Magellan (S 53° 9.6', W 70° 54.5). Overnight in Punta Arenas.

Overnight: Diego de Almagro Hotel
Meals: D.
Today's run: None scheduled.

Day 3 Wednesday — December 21: Punta Arenas/Torres del Paine

After a nice overnight rest, we drive north through the Patagonian rolling plains. Weather permitting and depending on conditions at the Penguin rookery, we plan a detour to visit a colony of Magellanic penguins in Otway Sound. We stop for lunch at the quaint town of Puerto Natales, situated on the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope Sound). Afterwards we continue our drive to Torres del Paine National Park, on the way we will see large herds of sheep and baqueanos (cowboys). As we approach the park along Laguna Amarga, we will have our first views of the spectacular granite Towers of Paine. It is likely we will also enjoy sightings of herds of guanacos, condors, flocks of pink flamingos, a variety of foxes, geese, ñandus (wild ostriches) and other wildlife. After entering the park, we get settled at Hotel Las Torres.

Overnight:Hotel Las Torres.
(Superior Canelo rooms for double accommodation and Lenga rooms for Singles*)
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: Optional distances around the hotel in Torres del Paine.

Driving distance: About 240 miles plus additional 40 miles to the rookery.

Day 4 Thursday — December 22: Torres del Paine - Run to the Towers

This morning we run up the Ascencio Valley. We cross the river and continue uphill along a lenga and cypress trail. As we pass by campamento Chileno and the foot of Mt. Almirante Nieto, the trail follows a southern beech forest, finally reaching a moraine that takes us to the cirque below the famous Towers of Paine; Torre Sur (9,350’), Torre Central (9,186’) and Torre Norte (8,530’). Downhill run back to the hotel. Additional sightseeing and optional running will be scheduled for the afternoon. Overnight at Hotel Las Torres.

Overnight:Hotel Las Torres.
(Superior Canelo rooms for double accommodation and Lenga rooms for Singles*)
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: 12.5 miles.

Day 5 Friday — December 23: Torres del Paine - Run to Dickson

We begin our counterclockwise circuit along the eastern side of the park. We will run along the Paine River valley through easy rolling meadows, fields of daisies, lupines and beech forests. We should have sightings of foxes and with some luck we may see the Magellanic woodpecker and other wildlife. Overnight at refugio Dickson near the southern shore of Lago Dickson.

Overnight: Refugio Dickson.
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: 20 miles.

Note: You can follow the hiking itinerary, skipping the long distances from Torres to Dickson (18.5 miles) and from Dickson to Grey (19 miles). Please see the note below.

Day 6 Saturday — December 24: Torres del Paine - Run to Grey

The trail climbs out of camp through a lenga forest. We will have excellent views of the surrounding glaciated mountains. We run by Glacier Los Perros, where we will see chunks of blue ice floating on the lake. As we pass the campground, we climb up a short very muddy section and continue the climb to the Gardner pass.

From the top we will have close view of an immense sea of ice “Grey Glacier”; this 4 mile wide glacier is part of the Continental Ice Cap. We will follow a trail down through a forest parallel and above the glacier to the refugio. Overnight at refugio Grey.

Overnight: Refugio Grey.
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: 18 miles.

Day 7 Sunday — December 25: Torres del Paine - Run to Cuernos

As we run down along Lago Grey we will see the turquoise icebergs blown to the opposite side of the lake by the strong winds. We arrive at Pehoé, where we can see the Cuernos del Paine and continue on the west side of Lago Scottsberg. We follow a trail along rolling foothills, passing by campamento Italiano, before heading up the French valley. You will have views of the Cuernos (7,217’, 7,874’ and 8,530’) on the east side and the glaciated Cerro Paine Grande (10,006’) on the west. A run downhill followed by a run along Lago Nordenskjold takes us to our nice shelter at Los Cuernos.

Overnight: Refugio Cuernos.
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: 15 miles, plus 0ptional out-and-back side trip up the French valley (up to 5 miles or less) to beautiful vistas of the Cuernos del Paine.

Day 8 Monday — December 26: Torres del Paine/El Calafate

This morning we complete the circuit around the park finishing in Las Torres. Our car is waiting to drive us across the Argentine border to the town of Calafate, on the shore of Lago Argentino.

Overnight: Tehuel Plaza.
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: 8 miles.

This is a long day of driving (about 5 1/2 hours), partly over dirt roads across the pampas, but the majority on asphalt road. There is always something to see along the way. Grazing sheep, wildlife and the unusual open range Patagonian steppes scenery.

Day 9 Tuesday — December 27: El Calafate/Parque los Glaciares - El Chaltén

We drive along Lago Argentino to the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier – the world’s only glacier outside the polar region that is still advancing. Afterward we continue our drive north crossing Río Santa Cruz and along Río La Leona to Lago Viedma until we reach the village of El Chaltén at 800 feet. As we approach El Chaltén we can see our first view of Mount Fitz Roy (11,171’), Mount Cerro Torre (10,177’) and other granite spires. Overnight in El Chaltén.

Overnight: Kalenshen.
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: None scheduled – will have a short hike in Perito Moreno.

Day 10 Wednesday — December 28: Los Glaciares - Laguna de los Tres

We drive to north side of the park and hike through a beech and lenga forest. We have views of Piedras Blancas Glacier and Mount Fitz Roy. We cross Poincenot camp and reach the basecamp of Río Blanco. You can continue up the optional climb to Laguna de los Tres, where we have outstanding views of Mount Fitz Roy (11,171’), the adjacent Poincenot Needle (9,849’), Rafael, Saint Exupery and other granite spires. Continue down to El Chaltén.

Overnight: Kalenshen.
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: 13 miles (including Laguna de los Tres). A shorter 8 mile option without the out-and-back hike-run to Laguna de los Tres. Optional longer options are also available.

Day 11 Thursday — December 29: Los Glaciares - Laguna Torre

This morning we run to Laguna Torre at 2,164’ at the base of Cerro Torre. Cerro Torre (10,177’) is one of the most difficult mountains in the world to climb, because of its vertical walls topped by an overhanging mushrooms of ice. With some luck Patagonia’s unpredictable weather will cooperate and it will be clear enough to see Cerro Torre. Note that the height of the vertical east granite face of Cerro Torre is about 4,000 feet – nearly 1000 feet taller than Yosemite’s El Capitan. The run continues through Laguna Madre e Hija and descends to El Chaltén. Overnight in El Chaltén.

Overnight: Kalenshen.
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: 12 miles, plus optional out-and-back side trips.

Day 12 Friday — December 30: Flight to Ushuaia

This morning we drive to El Calafate airport. Fly to Ushuaia the "Southernmost City in the World" on the island of Tierra del Fuego.

After lunch we board a boat or catamaran for a 3 hour cruise along the Beagle Channel. We cruise south to Isla de Los Pájaros (Birds' Island) and Isla de los Lobos (Sea Lion Island) where you can observe the Sea Lions and Imperial Cormorants. You will also see brown hooded Gulls, South American Terns, Black-browed Albatross, Giant Petrels, Great Skuas and other marine wildlife. After circling the Eclaireurs Light House, we return to Ushuaia sailing along the northern shore of the channel.

Overnight in Ushuaia.

Overnight: Hotel Tierra del Fuego.
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: None scheduled.

Driving time: About 3 1/2 hours.

Flight time: About an hour

Day 13 Saturday — December 31: Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego

After breakfast we drive to Tierra del Fuego National Park west of Ushuaia where we run a circuit in Tierra del Fuego National Park. We start our run at the Pampa Alta Trail leading us through lovely sub-Antarctic forests of beech, ñire, lenga, coihue and an abundance of moss and ferns. After reaching the top (about 1,000’) we enjoy a panoramic view of the Beagle Channel, Isla Redonda and Ensenada Bay. We descend and connect with Sendero de La Costa (Coastal Trail) and finishing in Bahia Lapataia.

The park offers great opportunities for bird-watching. Some of the species that you will see are the Black-browed Albatross, Giant Petrels, Steamer Ducks, Magellanic Woodpecker, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, Chimango Caracaras, Black-Chested Buzzard Eagles and others. Overnight in Ushuaia.

Overnight: Hotel Tierra del Fuego.
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: 11.5 miles. Shorter options are also available.
Additional options: Hito XXIV Trail along the north east coast of the Roca Lake to the border between Argentina and Chile or the trail up Cerro Guanaco.

Day 14 Sunday — January 1: Ushuaia/Buenos Aires

Morning flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. We arrive at Aeroparque Jorge Newberry Airport and transfer to our centrally located hotel, a few blocks from the city’s landmark, the Obelisco.

Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Overnight: Hotel NH Latino.
Meals: B, L, D.
Today's run: Run on your own along the Beagle Channel bay
.

Flight time: About 3 hours 20 minutes.

Day 15 Monday— January 2: Buenos Aires

We start our tour of Buenos Aires from the hotel. This tour shows you the city’s highlights, looking through its history and culture, the historic development, the immigration process, the architectural heritage, Peronismo era and other features of the Argentinean society. You’ll learn about cultural topics like tango music and soccer.

Starting from Plaza de Mayo we will enjoy a tour of the most remarkable highlights of this unique metropolis. Our itinerary will focus on the main places of interest of the southern and northern region of Buenos Aires: major plazas, colonial churches, old-time cafes, bohemian artist's quarter, colorfully painted metal houses, grand avenues, palatial mansions and spacious parks. We arrive in the neighborhood of San Telmo and complete our tour by bus, visiting the neighborhoods of La Boca, Puerto Madero, Palermo and Recoleta.

After lunch, time on your own for shopping and sightseeing in Buenos Aires.

Optional tango show and dinner. (See note below.)

Overnight: Hotel NH Latino.
Meals: B, L, D*.
Today's run: Optional distances on your own.

*A popular tango show and dinner is offered at a special discounted price, otherwise dinner is on your own and not included.

Day 16 Tuesday — January 3: Buenos Aires

Free day to enjoy Buenos Aires on your own. Afternoon transfer to the Ezeiza International Airport for our evening flight home.

Meals: B.
Today's run: Optional distances on your own at the Buenos Aires Ecological Reserve.

Day 17 Wednesday — January 4: Arrival Home

 

Please Note:

This adventure offers options of shorter distances on most days. If you want to do every segment of the runners circuit, the longest distances are from Torres to Dickson (20 miles) and from Dickson to Grey (18 miles). You will have all day to do these, and daylight in the park lasts until about 10:00 p.m. You also have the option of following the hiking itinerary, skipping the long distances from Torres to Dickson (20 miles) and from Dickson to Grey (18 miles).

The Patagonia Running Adventure is held at the same time and overlaps much of the itinerary with the Patagonia Hiking Adventure. It is possible for one person to participate on the Running Adventure and another on the Hiking Adventure and spend every night together.

The Running portion in Torres del Paine includes one difficult day. It is possible to follow the hiking itinerary, skipping the difficult long day, if you prefer. All other days have options of running shorter distances.

We can accommodate your choice! Check with us for details!

Notes about Patagonia:

• Weather in this region is wildly unpredictable and changeable and itinerary is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including weather, road or trail conditions and flight schedules.

• On some days we will be driving on dirt roads.

• Due to the very short season in Patagonia, it is very difficult to get flight reservations on short notice. You must make your trip reservation in advance in order to assure space on the trip.

 

Single Supplement, if requested.

Note: Does not include single rooms at Refugio Dickson, Refugio Grey and Refugio Cuernos.

$895

TRIP FEE INCLUDES:

• Airline tickets; international and domestic (with all-inclusive packages)..

• Airport Taxes; international and domestic. (with all-inclusive packages).

• Airport check-in and baggage assistance in Chile & Argentina.

• All airport transfers as scheduled on itinerary.

• All ground transportation in large, comfortable 46 seat private buses.

• All meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Vegetarian meals can be accommodated (please request in advance).

• All sightseeing tours and park entrance fees to destinations on the itinerary.

• All accommodations in Patagonia: Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales (10 day), El Calafate, El Chalten (Parque Los Glaciares), Ushuaia and Buenos Aires are in fine hotels. Rooms are shared by two people unless a single supplement is purchased.

In Torres del Paine National Park we stay the first 2 nights at Hotel Las Torres (the best accommodation inside the park).  The other 3 nights we stay in comfortable mountain lodges (the only lodges inside the park) with the option to upgrade to private cabana in Cuernos. Rooms and bathrooms in the lodges are shared among the group, and men and women may be accommodated in separate rooms some nights. Hot showers are available all day long. There is no camping – we spend all nights indoors.

Options for private rooms in Torres del Paine National Park are subject to availability. Inquire and reserve early!

• If you are traveling alone and prefer single accommodations you must pay the single supplement. If you are willing to share accommodations and reserve at least 120 days in advance, we will try our best to find a roommate and if that is not possible you will pay only 75% of the single supplement cost. If we find a roommate, but your roommate cancels before departure, the 75% of the single supplement will apply.

• The services of professional tour guides.

• Our local leaders and guides are knowledgeable about the language, customs, culture and history of their country. They are detail oriented and take great pleasure in sharing their insight and expertise. They help make sure everything runs as safely and smoothly as possible.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Travel insurance, passport fees, excess baggage fees, Argentine reciprocity fee*, optional tipping to leader, guides and local staff. All items of personal nature such as: personal gear, laundry, telephone calls, beverages, bottled water, etc.

*U.S. citizens NO longer have to pay the Argentina Reciprocity of $160. Argentina requires the payment of a reciprocity fee from Canadians US$75 and Australians US$100. This reciprocity has to be paid before your trip. We will send you detailed information about how to pay the reciprocity online. U.S. citizens no longer have to pay a reciprocity fee to enter Chile. Please note that Canadians pay $132, Australians pay US$95, and Mexicans pay US$23 upon landing at the Santiago international airport.

Note: All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, road or trail conditions and flight schedules.

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Note: All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including weather, road or trail conditions, and flight schedules.

 

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