Andes Trekking Adventures - Patagonia Trekking Adventure - National Parks: Torres del Paine Los Glaciares, Tierra del Fuego

Departure/Return Dates:
December 21, 2001 to January 6, 2002
January 6 to January 22, 2002

Arrive in Santiago and continue on a flight to Punta Arenas, located on the northern shore of the Strait of Magellan (S 53° 9.6', W 70° 54.5'). We drive north through the Patagonian rolling plains to the quaint fishing town of Puerto Natales on the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope Sound). Time and weather permiting, we plan a detour to visit the penguin rookery of Otway Sound. Overnight in Puerto Natales.

After a nice overnight rest, we drive for about 3 hours to Torres del Paine National Park. As we approach the park along Laguna Amarga we will have our first views of the spectacular Granite Towers of Paine. We will also enjoy likely sightings of herds of guanacos, flocks of pink flamingos, a variety of foxes, upland geese, ñandus (wild ostriches) and other wildlife. This afternoon we can relax and enjoy a hike to a lookout point from where you will see the Paine massif including the towers. Driving distance: 70 miles, about 3 hours

This morning we hike up the Ascencio valley. We cross the river and continue uphill along a a lenga and cypress trail. We pass by Campamento Chileno and the foot of Mt Almirante Nieto and continue along a southern beech forest, finally reaching a moraine that takes us to the cirque below the famous 3 torres (towers); Torre Sur (9,350') Torre Central (9,186') and Torre Norte (8,530'). We return downhill back to the refugio. Overnight Albergue Torres.

We drive to Refugio Pudeto and take a fishing boat across Lago Pehue and arrive at Refugio Pehue. We hike west of Lago Scottsberg and follow a trail along rolling foothills before heading up the French valley. You will have views of the Cuernos (horns) del Paine (7,217', 7,874' and 8,530') on the east and the glaciated Cerro Paine Grande (10,006') on the west as well as Lago Nordenskjold and Lago Pehue. We continue up the valley to the British Camp with optional longer hikes up the valley possible. We return to Refugio Pehue. Elevation: About 270'.

We hike toward Lago Grey and Glacier Grey - a 4 mile wide glacier originating in the Continental Ice Cap. As we hike along Lago Grey, we will see some turquoise-colored icebergs blown to the opposite side of the lake by the strong winds. You will have the option to hike along a well marked trail all the way to the glacier. We return to Refugio Pehue.

We hike to the park headquarters where our vehicle is waiting for us. As we drive to the Park entrance, we enjoy views of Lago Pehue, Lago Nordenskjold and Lago Sarmiento as well as the Horns and Towers. We cross the Argentine border and arrive in the village of El Calafate on the shores of Lago Argentino.

We drive along Lago Argentino to the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier – the world's only glacier outside the polar region that is still advancing. Afterwards we continue our drive north crossing Rio Santa Cruz and along Rio La Leona to the shores of Lago Viedma till 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') and Cerro Torre (10,177'). Overnight in El Chaltén.

We hike along a ridge below Cerro Leon (2,840'). We have fabulous views of Mount Fitz Roy, the Aiguile Poincenot and other granite peaks and glaciers.

We follow the Chorillo del Salto stream and cross lenga forest till we reach the basecamp of Rio Blanco. You can continue on the optional hike to Laguna de los Tres from where you will have outstanding views of Fitz Roy, the adjacent Poincenot Needle (9,849') Rafael, Saint Exupery, other granite spires and the Piedras Blancas glacier. Overnight in El Chaltén.

This morning we hike down to Rio Fitz Roy and follow the river up to Laguna Torre at 2,164' at the base of Cerro Torre (you have the option to admire the view from the Fitz Roy valley). Cerro Torre is one of the most difficult mountains in the world to climb because of its vertical walls topped by an overhanging mushroom of ice. With some luck it will be clear to see Cerro Torre; note that the vertical east granite face of Cerro Torre is over 7,000 feet (twice as high as Yosemite's El Capitan), the hike continues through Laguna Madre e Hija and descends to El Chaltén. Overnight in our familiar lodge.

Extra day in El Chaltén for additional hikes and to assure we have an extra day in the event of bad weather. You can relax in our comfortable accommodations. This afternoon our vehicle will pick us up for the drive to El Calafate.

We drive to the coastal city of Rio Gallegos, the capital of Santa Cruz province

located on the Atlantic coast. This afternoon we fly to Ushuaia the "southernmost city in the world" on the island of Tierra del Fuego. Overnight in Ushuaia.

We will hike through lovely subantarctic beech, ñire and lenga forest as well as along the rocky shores of the bay. Overnight in Ushuaia.

This is our extra day in Ushuaia. A variety of activities are available including optional boat tour on the Beagle channel, climb to the Martial glacier or a relaxing afternoon. Overnight in Ushuaia.

Additional time to enjoy Ushuaia and its surroundings. Flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina's cosmopolitan capital. We arrive at Jorge Newberry Airport and transfer to our centrally located hotel. In the evening we enjoy a typical Argentine farewell dinner. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Day at leisure to explore the city, shopping and sightseeing. Lunch on your own. Transfer to Ezeiza International Airport for our evening flights home.

TRIP FEE INCLUDES:

• Round trip airfare from Los Angeles or Miami, including U.S. airport fees and taxes.

• Internal flights and airport taxes: Lima - Cusco - Lima
All flights in Chile & Argentina on Patagonia Adventures.

• Airport check-in and baggage assistance in Perú.

• All airport transfers and ground transportation in Perú, Chile and Argentina on scheduled days.

• All accommodations in Perú are in comfortable fine hotels and quality tents on trek. Based on double occupancy, 2 persons sharing a room or tent. Single rooms can be requested at a supplemental cost (if available).

• All accommodations in Patagonia are in a combination of comfortable fine hotels and comfortable refugios (shelters) in the mountains at the National Parks. Based on double occupancy at hotels & also sharing dorm rooms in refugios and lodges at the National Parks. Single rooms at hotels can be requested at a supplemental cost (if available).

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

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

• The services of professional tour guides.

• In Perú: Inca Trail trek, Ausangate circuit and Huaraz trek First-class camping and trekking services by experienced Andean guides, camp and cook staff, Huayruro porters on the Inca Trail and Quechua Indian Arrieros with their pack animals in Ausangate mountain and in Huaraz. Horses are available in the Ausangate circuit and in Huaraz. All group camping equipment: Quality tents, thermarest pads, dining and kitchen tents, tables and camp stools and a toilet tent. All meals: Wake up tea, breakfast, lunch, tea meal and dinner. All tips to porters, assistants and cooks on the trail.

NOT INCLUDED:

• International airport departure tax in Perú (approximately $25.00 U.S), Argentina (approximately $30.50 U.S) traveler’s insurance (recommended), passport fees, medical immunizations (not required), gratuity to professional tour guide/escort, sleeping bag and personal gear. All items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, beverages, bottled water, etc.

• Expenses incurred due to flight delays, cancellations, missed connections or lost luggage. The purchase of trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended. See application included with your pre-departure information.

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

*Trip cost from Los Angeles, New York or Miami.*	*$3,695*
*Single Supplement, if available.*	*$100*

ITINERARY

PATAGONIA TREKKING ADVENTURE

NATIONAL PARKS: TORRES DEL PAINE LOS GLACIARES, TIERRA DEL FUEGO
17 days (no nights camping)

ITINERARY

PATAGONIA TREKKING ADVENTURE

NATIONAL PARKS: TORRES DEL PAINE LOS GLACIARES, TIERRA DEL FUEGO 17 days (no nights camping)

NATIONAL PARKS: TORRES DEL PAINE LOS GLACIARES, TIERRA DEL FUEGO
17 days (no nights camping)