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Safari in Southern Patagonia

You choose the activities and pace during this multi-day experience at an eco-friendly camp in the heart of Torres del Paine. Daily small group excursions for all abilities are offered, with expert guides to support you. From tough trekking to nature walks; from yoga classes to a stunning boat trip up close to Glacier Grey – all are on offer.

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Safari in Southern Patagonia

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Trip type

Property Based

Trip length

5 Days

From

$2,106

Location

Torres del Paine

Safari in Southern Patagonia - 5 Days - $2,106

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

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

Day 2: Choice of activities in Torres del Paine, EcoCamp Patagonia

Day 3: Choice of activities in Torres del Paine, EcoCamp Patagonia

Day 4: Choice of activities in Torres del Paine, EcoCamp Patagonia

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

Start from Punta Arenas and end at Punta Arenas

Landmarks visited on Safari in Southern Patagonia

Operator's Itinerary

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 – look out for wildlife.

The day ends with your arrival during 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

Nature walks, treks, bike trips, and numerous other options gives you the freedom every day to choose any activity that matches your interests and wishes. 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 Punta Arenas

In the early morning you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas to catch the evening flight to Santiago. Alternatively, you can continue your trip to El Calafate – a transfer to here will incur an extra charge.

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 lead 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 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 excrusion will be replaced with a 15km/9 mile trek to Los Cuernos. This trek follows the sinuous Los Cuernos trailwhich 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 which 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 journery 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 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 snowcapped 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

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What our customers think of Safari in Southern Patagonia

Safari in Southern Patagonia trips scored 4.6/5 from 79 reviews

Watching a Guanaco run to the bathroom spot right after our guide told us that they have designated potty spots!! What a crack up!!

Travelled: March 2024

Anonymous -

My sister and her boyfriend got engaged at the Base of the Towers and our guides were so helpful in making it happen! It was a rare calm warm day and it was perfect

Travelled: March 2024

Kara -

There are so many to choose from. I think it was the French Valley hike in Torres del Paine national park. We had perfect weather, warm and no wind if you can believe that.

Travelled: March 2024

Anonymous -

Every hike was beautiful and fantastic, but my boyfriend proposed to me at the base of the towers so that was definitely the most memorable.

Travelled: March 2024

Kelly -

Proposing to my fiance at the base of the towers. The guides. Our first time walking through camp (our jaws dropped). Seeing the Torres del Paine from camp and on foot every day. The vibe of the camp.

Travelled: March 2024

Kevin -

Our group of 10 enjoyed how smooth the Ecocamp was run. They took such good care of us. It was an amazing experience.

Travelled: February 2024

Karen -

The scenery was beautiful, the vibe/atmosphere, from the moment we were picked up until we were dropped off was excellent. The people are you best asset - friendly, knowledgeable, fun. Next is the incredible accommodations and food. Just fantastic.

Travelled: February 2024

Roxanne -

Arriving at the Base of the Towers.

Travelled: February 2024

Lynn -

Hiking in the Torres del Paine National Forrest with family members and staying at the EcoCamp.

Travelled: February 2024

Kenneth -

Climbing to the Base of the Towers in Torres del Paine

Travelled: January 2024

Marcy -

The boat ride back after the French valley hike

Travelled: January 2024

Jack -

Hiking Frenchman’s valley & celebrating with our guides & the people we met after we finished.

Travelled: January 2024

Kathleen -

Hiking to see the Base of the Towers!

Travelled: January 2024

Anonymous -

I have to say my eco camp was a very special place. The Safari program was great in offering different options every day. I guides were so knowledgeable and the food was top notch.

Travelled: December 2023

Paula -

How can a person select one when there were so many...I'd say top 5 include the trek on Perito Moreno Glacier, Kayaking La Leona / Hiking Los Hornos, Hiking to & Lunching at Cerro Torre, Hike to & View from Toro Lookout, & Huemul Glacier / Lago Desierto.

Travelled: December 2023

Brent -

I developed sciatica the week I was leaving for this epic trip. I was most amazed that even if I couldn't be super active, the most amazing views were right there all the time. Fitzroy in El Chalten, transfering from one point to the next, and Torres del Paine in Ecocamp. I really didn't feel like I missed out at all. I was blown away when we were driving into Ecocamp, and when we arrived seeing Torres del Paine up close and personal throughout our stay. Walking to and from our dome it was framed in the background by the Towers. I loved the theme of Ecocamp..."Making Connections". We met so many amazing people from all over the world who were there to enjoy the rugged beauty just as we were. At Ecocamp they connected people to different groups each day depending on their hikes. They would have breakfast and dinner together allowing you to really get acquainted with a different group each day. The guides on all our excursions from Chalten, Calafate, Eco Camp, Puerta Varas, and Valparaiso were well prepared to lead us on our adventures.

Travelled: December 2023

Desiree -

There are several. At age 11 I did a report on Chile-I knew someday I would visit. At 68 my dream came true. The sheer, dramatic, non-stop beauty of both Argentina and Chile rattled my senses. But, I had some personal Gold Medal days. I made it to the Base of the Towers. A feat worth the work. At the top we spread a tiny bit of my best friend's ashes. She would have loved this trip too. Hiking almost every day to spectacular sites but also treking more than 10 miles a day-that's a good day. Oh-and cooking dinner with a local chef was spectacular. We foraged for our vegetables in her garden and had the added treat of a fox watching the hen house. We got word the next day that the fox had a couple of victories. Biking 15 miles on gravel. I said I would never ride gravel-but I did and it felt good to check that off my list. EcoCamp was life changing. Waking up each morning in a dome-stepping outside and getting a good morning greeting of the Towers. Or, stepping outside to see the sky peppered with billions and billions of stars. My world got bigger that night. I also loved the zero waste mantra and I have taken that home with me. I also loved the food. Oh-maybe the Pesco Sours too! There were some points that were memorable but also life-threatening. In Agentina-El Chetain -we did a kyaking trip. The wind whipped up and there were white caps on the lake. We went in the water-tipped over. This was not the day I was planning to do a Polar Plunge (another bucket list item I can now check off). This could have gone south very quickly and frankly-it has changed my relationship with water. I think kyaking is spectacular-but I think you might do it with better kyaks and wetsuits.

Travelled: December 2023

Denece -

Hiking and communication on the trail with others

Travelled: December 2023

Erica -

There were so many to pick just one is an almost impossible task! However, the view from the Lazo Weber viewpoint on a stunning, clear day was spectacular.

Travelled: November 2023

Paul -

Running into a huemul on the trail near Laguna Azul.

Travelled: November 2023

Hal -

Review:

Safari in Southern Patagonia

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

The 2023/24 season guide price in Chilean Pesos of CLP 1,964,500 per person is based on two people sharing a standard dome in high season for four nights. Prices will be confirmed in Chilean Pesos and converted to your local currency on the day of booking.

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Book now to guarantee your place and price for the 2024/25 season. Prices, on the same basis above for high season, but quoted in US dollars, start from USD $2,565 per person. 

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Departures can be set every day between September and May, subject to availability, with your stay set between three and seven nights. Please enquire for full details of pricing.

Additional Notes

Itinerary – This itinerary is an example of how you could spend your time on this all-inclusive experience. You can choose to stay shorter or longer if you wish. Please see the full list of day excursions on the excursions page.

Seasons – The 2023/24 season is divided into four periods as follows:

  • Low Season: 9th Sep to 15th Oct 2023 & 18th Apr to 4th May 2024
  • Shoulder Season: 16th to 31st Oct 2023 & 1st to 17th Apr 2024
  • High Season: 1st Nov to 14th Dec 2023 & 21st Jan to 31st Mar 2024
  • Peak Season: 15th Dec 2023 to 20th Jan 2024

The 2024/25 season is divided into four periods as follows:

    • Low season: 7th Sep to 30th Sep 2024 & 1st May to 4th May 2025
    • Shoulder Season: 1st Oct to 31st Oct 2024 & 1st Apr to 30th Apr 2025
    • High Season: 1st Nov to 14th Dec 2024 & 15th Jan to 31st Mar 2025
    • Peak Season: 15th Dec to 14th Jan 2025

Group size – 16 maximum, 1 minimum, with a 1:6 guide to group member ratio.

Transfers – Transfers from/to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales to/from EcoCamp Patagonia are on a shared basis.

Optional transferThe public bus connection to/from El Calafate is included in the trip price – you can upgrade to semi/fully private transfer at an extra cost (subject to availability).

Low and shoulder season – During this time some excursions are subject to the weather conditions and may be cancelled or modified for safety reasons. For example, the navigation on Lake Grey, the excursion to the French Valley and the Tower base trek. In this case, the original itinerary would be modified accordingly or you would be offered a good alternative excursion within the park.

Single Supplement And Child Policy

Child policy – Minimum age 6 years old to participate in the program. Children aged 6-9 years old are welcome to participate in nature walks. Children aged 10-12 years old may participate in trekking excursions but the family must hire a private assistant guide. Children aged 12 years old and up are welcome to participate in all activities and are treated as adults. Please enquire about the child discount policy for more details.

Includes

  • Meals: 4 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 4 dinners
  • Accommodation: 3 nights at EcoCamp Patagonia
  • Transfers to/from either Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas
  • All private transport included in the itinerary
  • Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park
  • Boat ticket for crossing Grey Lake and/or Lake Pehoe
  • English and Spanish speaking guide

Excludes

  • Meals not indicated in itinerary
  • Drinks during lunch and dinner
  • Transfers to/from El Calafate
  • Any extra/optional excursions
  • Personal equipment (see our recommended kit list)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities/tips
  • Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses
  • International and domestic/in-country flights
  • Pease note there is no WIFI available at EcoCamp

Questions about this Trip?