Safari in Southern Patagonia

Day 1: Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park; EcoCamp Patagonia

The trip begins in the morning with you being picked up from either Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales and transferred to your accommodation in Torres del Paine National Park (5hrs). Alternatively, you can start your trip in El Calafate – a transfer from here will incur an extra charge.

If travelling from Punta Arenas, we'll stop en route in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of Last Hope Sound (Ultima Esperanza), where we'll enjoy a local lunch. This journey is through a very picturesque region – keep an eye out for wildlife.

The day ends with your arrival in the late afternoon at EcoCamp Patagonia, nestled in the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park and with a prime view of the majestic Torres. This evening you'll meet your guide and a small group of like-minded travel companions as you're briefed on your upcoming adventure together.

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the communal dome and admire the sunset across the Patagonian steppe and Torres del Paine massif – usually around 11pm during the summer months.

Meals: Lunch, dinner

Accommodation: EcoCamp Patagonia

Days 2-4: Choice of activities in Torres del Paine, EcoCamp Patagonia

There are a number of walks and treks to choose from each day. Please ask our travel experts for more details. You return to EcoCamp Patagonia every evening.

See the choice of excursions below, or visit our dedicated excursions page.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: EcoCamp Patagonia

Day 5: Transfer to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas or El Calafate (Argentina)

In the early morning, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride back to  Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas to catch the evening flight to Santiago.

Alternatively, take an early morning ride to the Argentine border to continue your journey to El Calafate by public coach at no extra cost or by semi-private or private vehicle at extra cost (booking in advance is always required). 

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch

Choice of excursions

Mondays

Towers Base Trek: After a hearty breakfast we'll leave the EcoCamp and head towards Hosteria Las Torres to join the ascending trail to the Ascencio Valley on the eastern face of the Towers. Dry mountain spots, beech forests and small rivers line the picturesque route to the valley.

Our main challenge comes in the form of the steep moraine (a huge mass of boulders) which leads us to the base of the Towers – three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice.

After a tough final ascent, the Towers eventually come into full view, soaring majestically before us. Here we'll stop at probably the best lunch spot in the world! After soaking up the view, we'll backtrack along the same trail through the Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp Patagonia for a well-deserved dinner.

Difficulty: Demanding

Length of hike: 22km, 9hrs

Timings: 8am-5pm

Lake Pehoe boat ride and French Valley trek: After breakfast, we'll drive to Pudeto dock, located on the shores of Pehoe Lake and board the catamaran for the north-western sector of the lake. Here we'll begin the challenging trek to the French Valley (Valle Frances) along a steep trail that leads to the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far we go will de dictated by the pace of the group as a whole, but a faster walk will lead us to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the south-east face of the Massif. From here there are fantastic views of the valley.

We'll then continue our ascent to the upper section of the valley where we'll take in the extensive mass of the valley's geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburon (Shark's Fin) and the stunning Fortaleza (Fortress).

After all this ascent, we'll stop for a picnic lunch and rest up. Afterwards, it's a descent through the undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest to Refugio Paine Grande, on the tranquil shores of Lake Pehoe. From here, we'll board the catamaran back to Pudeto, from where we'll be transported back to EcoCamp Patagonia.

Note: The trek to the French Valley varies throughout the season, depending on the catamaran connecting Pudeto and Lake Pehoe. During May (low season) the catamaran does not operate so this excursion will be replaced with a 15km/9 mile trek to Los Cuernos. This trek follows the sinuous Los Cuernos trail which leads to the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. We'll have plenty of time to admire the park's exquisite flora and fauna and the magnificent views of the park's central lakes and Paine's Horns – the majestic black peaks of slate atop grey granite that crown the centre of the Massif.

Difficulty: Medium 

Length of hike: 18km, 6hrs 

Timings: 8am-8pm 

Lakes Sarmiento and Sarmiento Chico: This relaxed, predominantly flat walk covers diverse natural scenery and offers the chance to visit a startlingly blue lake, isolated from all the other water systems of the area.

First you'll examine the geology of the area’s turbidite rock folds, before descending the isthmus which separates Lake Sarmiento from Lake Sarmiento Chico which were once a single lake to eventually arrive at a picturesque bay on the western side of Lake Sarmiento.

On the ascent back to the van there will be some stunning views across Lake Sarmiento from its western shore, looking towards its eastern coast glimmering on the horizon.

Difficulty: Very easy

Length of hike: 4km, 2hrs 

Timings: 9.30am-3pm 

Tuesdays

Drive and walk the Western Lakes; Glacier Grey Boat Ride: We'll drive across the park, admiring the views of Paine Grande and its snowy peaks, and Los Cuernos with its black, granite horn-like spires. During the journey, we'll stop at various viewpoints to observe and photograph herds of guanacos, Andean condors and interesting flora.

As we walk along the shore of the beautiful Lake Pehoe, we'll see the tumbling Salto Grande waterfalls. This is where water from Lake Nordenskjold cascades down into Lake Pehoe and from here we can drive up to Grey Lake and wander along the beach. We'll have a picnic lunch by the lake before taking a boat trip across the freezing waters to the towering blue walls of Glacier Grey. After this incredibly close look at the glacier, we'll drive back to the EcoCamp.

Note: The Grey Glacier boat trip is subject to availability, so please confirm your reservation in order to participate on the day of your arrival. During shoulder season – September, October and April – the boat trip to Glacier Grey may be cancelled as the boat requires a minimum of 15 passengers to sail and sometimes this minimum might not be reached. If this is the case we we'll go on an alternative excursion in the park. In May, the boat trip doesn't run at all – the alternative excursion in this case is the Pingo Trail Nature Walk (9km).

Difficulty: Easy

Length of hike: 0.8 km, 1hr

Timings: 10am-8pm

Western Lakes drive and Cerro Ferrier hike: We'll start the day with a drive across the park with views of Paine Grande's snowy peaks and the black, granite, horn-like spires of Los Cuernos. Walking along the shores of the beautiful Lake Pehoe we'll see the tumbling Salto Grande waterfalls – this is where water from Lake Nordenskjold cascades down into Lake Pehoe.

We'll drive south to a beach on the shore of glacial Lake Grey from where our hike to Cerro Ferrier begins. This is a fairly steep route which takes us through a fairytale-like Magellanic forest. If you're lucky, you might see the Huemul, the endangered South Andean deer.

After ascending for about 1.5hrs we'll reach a stunning viewpoint that will offer a unique perspective of the Paine Massive, Grey Glacier and some of the most famous lakes of the National Park. We'll then return to Grey Beach to meet our fellow travellers coming back from the boat ride. Together, we all head back to the EcoCamp to enjoy a relaxed evening.

Difficulty: Demanding

Length of hike: 12km, 4hrs

Timings: 7.30am-6.30pm

Lazo Weber hike: We'll have breakfast at 8.30am and set off at 10am. The drive takes us past the Estancia Lazo Weber where we'll enter the National Park by Laguna Verde and begin our 12km hike on the Lazo Weber Trail. This hike is generally flat, apart from a few hills, and is packed with native flora and fauna, so have your camera at the ready for the guanacos, owls, eagles, condors, and caranchos. The are superb views of the Paine range on our right. 

We'll stop for a picnic lunch by the magical Laguna Honda and enjoy the unique landscape and fresh breeze. Along here is is one of the quietest forests in the national park, a fantastic opportunity to see native trees such as the lenga and the coihue.

Later in our hike we'll reach El Toro viewpoint where there are 360-degree views of the Paine mountain range, the Patagonian Andes, and a variety of rivers and lakes, including the Paine, Grey, and Serrano Rivers, and Lake Toro, the largest in the region.

From here it's a 1hr descent towards the Paine River where we'll meet up our van. However, before we head back to the EcoCamp, we'll look for more animals to photograph and soak up the beautiful scenery. We'll arrive back at our EcoCamp at about 7pm, ready to share a hearty dinner and reminisce about the day's adventure.

Note: If the weather is not good, an alternative excursion will be provided. 

Difficulty: Medium

Length of hike: 12km, 5hrs

Timings: 10am-6.30pm

Wednesdays

Estancia day and horse riding: Today you head to the enchanting Estancia Dos Elianas where you'll have a briefing about horse riding. The ride begins with a thrilling two-hour ride to the breathtaking Sierra Ballena.

You'll have roasted lamb for lunch and then take a captivating tour of the Estancia, immersing yourself in the rich traditions of Patagonia.

Towards the end of the day, you'll have another delightful meal, savouring sopaipillas, jam, cheese, and bread, all prepared using local ingredients.

Note: During Sept and May, this excursion will be replaced with Condor & Salto Grande Lookouts.

Difficulty: Very easy

Distance: 6km, 2hrs

Timings: 8am-5pm

Laguna Inge and Cuernos Pass: Today you'll head to Laguna Inge - a hidden gem, nestled just 4km southwest of EcoCamp, on the mesmerizing Los Cuernos trail. As you follow the picturesque trail, you'll be surrounded by vibrant flora and fauna and may even catch a glimpse of majestic condors soaring overhead.

As well as immersing yourself in the beauty of the lakes, you'll also have fantastic views of Los Cuernos on the Paine Massif.

You'll finally arrive at your destination, Refugio Los Cuernos, where you can rest and soak up the views, before returning to EcoCamp.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Distance: 18km, 6hrs

Timings: 10am-5pm

Towers Base Trek: As per trip on Mondays.

Thursdays

Towers Base Trek: As per trip on Mondays.

French Valley trek: As per trip on Mondays.

Sarmiento Lake and Fauna Trail: This trek is mainly level and full of highly diverse natural landscapes with a unique opportunity to visit a stunning blue lake, separate from all the other water systems in the area. There will be plenty of time during the trek to watch graceful guanacos and great grebes.

Firstly, we'll observe the geology of the area's turbidite rock folds, before heading down the isthmus separating Lake Sarmiento from Lake Sarmiento Chico. These two lakes were once a single mass of water. We'll be walking on a slight slope and then along the eastern edge of Lake Sarmiento Chico.

In time we'll reach an impressive bay on the western side of Lake Sarmiento, and be treated to a breathtaking view that could easily be mistaken for a painting. From here we start the ascent back to our van, with a breathtaking panorama of Lake Sarmiento's eastern coast, shimmering on the horizon. Our van will drive us back east, along the northern shore of Sarmiento Lake, to the starting point of the Fauna Trail.

Walking north along the trail on the Patagonian plains, we'll see guanacos, ostrich-like nandus and perhaps even the occasional puma print! After passing Goic Lagoon and around 5km into this part of the relaxed trek, we'll finish at the Laguna Amarga ranger station from where we'll be driven back to EcoCamp.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 10km, 5hrs

Timings: 10am-5pm

Fridays

Drive and walk the Western Lakes; Glacier Grey Boat Ride: As per trip on Tuesdays.

Western Lakes drive and Cerro Ferrier hike: As per trip on Tuesdays.

Lazo Weber hike: As per trip on Tuesdays.

Saturdays

Towers Base Trek: As per trip on Mondays.

Lake Pehoe boat ride and French Valley trek: As per trip on Mondays.

Lakes Sarmiento and Sarmiento Chico: As per trip on Mondays.

Sarmiento Lake and Fauna Trail: As per trip on Thursdays.

Sundays

Wild horse tracking: You'll take a 4x4 vehicle to the Laguna Azul area and drive into the folds of the Cordillera Masle to arrive at a puesto. Here you'll be introduced to the area's history and wild horses. Using satellite tracking equipment and experienced guides you begin trekking in search of the wild horses.

Along the way, you'll have great views of Lake Stokes, the Dickson range and the Towers.

Note: This trip isn't available from May-Sept, during which time it will be replaced with a short nature walk close to EcoCamp.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Distance: 8km, 6hrs

Timings: 8am to 5pm

Salto Grande and El Condor viewpoint: After breakfast we'll journey west by van along the south shore of Lake Nordenskjold. The first stop will be the magnificent Salto Grande waterfall – its impressive tumbling waters flowing from Lake Nordenskjold into Lake Pehoe. From here it's a short walk to the Cuernos viewpoint, which has a stunning panoramic view of the mighty Horns.

From the viewpoint, we'll drive to the shore of Lake Pehoe and start a two-hour round-trip trek to El Condor viewpoint. The trail ascends gently through the steppe vegetation which provides a great opportunity to learn about the local flora. From here we'll see the shocking blue of Lake Pehoe and the River Paine and on a clear day, it's possible to see the vast Southern Patagonian Icefield in the distance. We'll rest here while taking in the whole Paine Mountain range and its stunning snow-capped peaks.

After a picnic lunch in this superb spot, we'll retrace our steps along the same trail and drive back to EcoCamp.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 2hrs

Timings: 10am to 5pm

Laguna Inge and Cuernos Pass: As per trip on Wednesdays