What excursions does EcoCamp Patagonia offer?

Illustrated Guide

1. Base of the Towers hike

After breakfast we'll leave EcoCamp and head towards Hosteria Las Torres to join the trail ascending 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.

A steep moraine (a huge mass of boulders) 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. We'll backtrack along the same trail through the Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp Patagonia.

Available: Mon, Wed, Thu & Sat | Full day: 8am-5pm | Trek: 22km, 9hrs | Difficulty: Demanding

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Base of the Towers, Torres del Paine, Chile

Base of the Towers, Torres del Paine

2. Laguna Inge and Cuernos Pass hike

Today you'll head to Laguna Inge - a hidden gem, nestled just 4km southwest of EcoCamp, on the mesmerising 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.

Available: Wed & Sun | Full day: 10am-5pm | Hike: 18km, 6hrs | Difficulty: Intermediate

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Los Cuernos (Horns), Torres del Paine, Chile

Los Cuernos (Horns), Torres del Paine

3. Lake Pehoe boat ride and French Valley hike

After breakfast, we drive to Lake Pehoe and take the catamaran to the north-western part of the lake. Here we start trekking to the French Valley (Valle Frances) along a steep trail. We'll reach the hanging bridge over the French River, from where there are fantastic views.

We'll then continue our ascent to the upper section of the valley where we'll take in the extensive mass of geological formations.

After a picnic lunch we descend to Refugio Paine Grande, on the shores of Lake Pehoe then board the catamaran back to Pudeto, from where we'll be transported back to EcoCamp.

Available: Mon, Wed & Thu | Full-day: 8am-8pm | Trek: 18km, 6hrs | Difficulty: Medium

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The French Valley, Torres del Paine, Chile

The French Valley, Torres del Paine

4. Drive and walk Western Lakes; Glacier Grey boat ride

We'll drive across the park with views of Paine Grande and Los Cuernos. During the journery we'll stop 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 waterfall and from here we can drive up to Lake Grey. We'll have a picnic lunch by the lake before taking a boat trip to the towering blue walls of Glacier Grey. After this incredibly close look at the glacier, we'll drive back to the EcoCamp.

Available: Tue & Fri | Full-day: 10am-8pm | Trek: 0.8km, 1hr | Difficulty: Easy

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Icebergs on Lake Grey, Torres del Paine, Chile

Icebergs on Lake Grey, Torres del Paine

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Sydney says

The guides at EcoCamp think of themselves as hosts welcoming you into their home, and the entire place brims with conviviality and warmth – it has the spirit of a backpackers’ hostel, but with much better beds!

Sydney Miller Patagonia Specialist

5. Western Lakes drive and Cerro Ferrier hike

We start the day driving across the park with views of Paine Grande and Los Cuernos. Walking along the shores of the beautiful Lake Pehoe we'll see Salto Grande waterfall.

We'll drive south to the shore of 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.

After ascending for about 1.5hrs we'll reach a 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 Lake Grey and head back to EcoCamp.

Available: Tue & Fri | Full-day: 7.30am-6.30pm | Trek: 12km, 4hrs | Difficulty: Demanding

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Man bracing the wind at the Mirador Ferrier, on Torres del Paine Hike, Chile

Bracing the wind at Mirador Ferrier

6. Salto Grande and Condor Lookout hike

After breakfast we'll drive to Lake Nordenskjold and the magnificent Salto Grande waterfall. From here it's a short walk to the Cuernos viewpoint, which has stunning panoramic view of the mighty Horns.

We'll then drive to Lake Pehoe and start a 2hr round-trip hike to El Condor viewpoint. 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.

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

Available: Sun | Full-day: 10am-5pm | Difficulty: Easy

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Salto Grande waterfall Torres del Paine

Salto Grande waterfall

7. Lakes Sarmiento and Sarmiento Chico walk

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.

Available: Mon & Sat | Full day: 9:30am-3pm | Hike: 4km, 2hrs | Difficulty: Very easy

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Lake Sarmiento

Lake Sarmiento

8. Lazo Weber hike

We set off at 10am, driving past Estancia Lazo Weber where we begin our 12km hike on the Lazo Weber Trail. This hike is generally flat and is packed with native flora and fauna. There are superb views of the Paine range.

We'll have a picnic lunch by Laguna Honda. 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 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. From here it's a 1hr descent towards the Paine River where we'll meet up our van and return to EcoCamp.

Available: Tue & Fri | Full-day: 10am-6.30pm | Hike: 12km, 5hrs | Difficulty: Medium

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Excursions from EcoCamp Patagonia
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What our customers think of Excursions from EcoCamp Patagonia

The kayaking was amazing and a different view of the landscape from the water. We paddled Grey Lake and saw floating icebergs that broke off the glacier before heading down the Grey River where we enjoyed a very nice lunch along the shore provided by our guides. The guides were gracious, informative and accommodating. It was one of the many highlights of the trip. I would definitely recommend. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Karen Coakley - USA

The guides at EcoCamp were very professional and knowledgeable. A great pleasure to work with. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Teresa Chow - USA

My most memorable moment was being on top of the mountain looking at the towers. Danny took us on this steep, but less travelled trail to view the Towers. We were the only ones on the trail for most of the day and still provided an amazing view of the Towers and panoramic view of the Patagonian valleys below. Very memorable! Read the full review

Travelled: November 2022

Brett Nuckols - USA

Our guides, Mauricio and Charly, are now part of our global family - could not be happier or more thankful for our experience with them at our sides. Read the full review

Travelled: October 2022

Sara Quetzi Abramovitz - USA

Review:

9. Sarmiento Lake and fauna trail hike

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.

Firstly, we'll observe the area's turbidite rock folds, before heading down the isthmus separating Lake Sarmiento from Lake Sarmiento Chico. We'll walk to an impressive bay and start the ascent back to our van which will drive us to the starting point of the fauna trail.

Walking north we'll see guanacos, nandus and perhaps puma prints! After passing Goic Lagoon we'll finish at the Laguna Amarga ranger station and be driven back to EcoCamp.

Available: Thu & Sat | Full-day: 10am-5pm | Hike: 10km, 5hrs | Difficulty: Easy

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Immense views in Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

Immense views in Torres del Paine

10. 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.

Available: Sun | Full day: 8am-5pm | Trek: 8km, 6hrs | Difficulty: Intermediate

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Wild horse tracking in Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

Wild horse tracking in Torres del Paine

11. 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 the Salto Grande & Condor Lookout excursion.

Available: Wed | Full day: 8am-5pm | Horse ride: 6km, 2hrs | Difficulty: Very easy

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Horse riding in Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

Horse riding in Torres del Paine