Torres del Río Chico Basecamp Trek
Are you hoping to travel before January 2023?
Patagonia's a big trip and we know how crucial it is to get it right. As you’re considering travelling in the next couple of months, we want to be upfront with you…
Finding available accommodation is proving almost impossible in Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks. While not uncommon, the pandemic has exacerbated the situation this year.
Alongside this, Swoop are also currently focused on ensuring that all of the logistics are in place for our booked travellers who are due to head south shortly.
Swoop has therefore decided to no longer accept any new bookings departing before the beginning of January 2023.
As alternative options, here’s what we suggest:
Option A:
Push your trip back and choose to travel instead in early 2023. Feb - April in particular has more accommodation options still available. The Patagonian autumnal colours are stunning and trails less crowded.
Option B:
Defer your Patagonia adventure by 12 months, benefitting by getting exactly the trip you want without compromise, and lock in plans now while there’s still good availability.
If you are able to be flexible on your travel dates, the next step would then be for us to arrange a time to talk through the options.
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I want to travel before January 2023
Unfortunately we can’t currently help with short notice trips to Patagonia. Sign up to our newsletter to get some Patagonia travel advice and inspiration!
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I’m flexible and could travel later
Trip type
Guided Activity
Trip length
3 Days
From
$656
Location
Tierra del Fuego
Torres del Río Chico Basecamp Trek - 3 - $656
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
Day 1: Trek into the River Chico Valley; River Chico Camp
Day 2: Trek to the Valley of the Lagoons; River Chico Camp
Day 3: Trek to the Carbajal Valley or Punta Chloe viewpoints
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Trek into the River Chico Valley; River Chico Camp
The first day begins near the city of Ushuaia. From here we'll trek into the River Chico Valley and gradually ascend, crossing mountain streams, Los Amigos waterfall, peat bogs and beaver dams until reaching the River Chico Camp.
We'll leave our main luggage at this camp, then choose to either trek to the Carbajal Valley or Punta Chloe viewpoints. The choice might be made for you as a result of weather and ground conditions.
Once back at the camp we'll have a snack and relax until dinner time – a delicious meal, surrounded by the mountains.
Length of hike: 6hrs, 8-9km
Meals: Picnic lunch, dinner
Accommodation: River Chico Camp
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Trek into the Valley of the Lagoons; River Chico Camp
After breakfast, we'll begin the second day with a 2hr trek to the base of the Torres del Río Chico. Then, we'll ascend to the north edge to to reach the Valley of the Lagoons. The first will be Matamico Lagoon with its stunning turquoise shades – if the weather allows you can enjoy the views while having lunch here. Continuing on, you'll reach Chiming Lagoon, before finishing at the spectacular Halcón Lagoon.
We'll then head back to River Chico Camp for a restful evening and dinner.
Length of hike: 6hrs, 6.6km
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Chico River Camp
Day 3: Trek to the Carbajal Valley or Punta Chloe viewpoints
On the third day, we'll get to do the trek that we didn't do on the first day; to either the viewpoint of the Carbajal Valley or Punta Chloe. We'll have lunch at the viewpoint before returning to the camp to pack up and return to Ushuaia in the afternoon, where you will be picked up for your transfer at around 4pm.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch
Prices, Departures and Inclusions
6-12 people: USD $450 per person
3-5 people: USD $656 per person
2 people: USD $900 per person
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Departures can be set up for a date of your choice between November and March.
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Please get in touch for more details.
Additional Notes
Note – This trek will be offered only as a private excursion in the 2022/23 season.
Fitness – This trip is suited to people with or without trekking experience, but a general level of fitness is required to manage more than 5hrs per day of walking, over unstable terrain, for a maximum of three days. If desired, the itinerary can be modified with shorter routes in some places. You must feel comfortable being in the wilderness with no cellphone coverage.
Baggage – All participants will be expected to carry some of the group's camping/cooking equipment.
Accommodation – Accommodation in Ushuaia before and after your trek is not included in this itinerary. Please see our Ushuaia hotels guide for more information. We are happy to book any of these hotels for your convenience.
Includes
- Meals: 2 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 2 dinners and hot drinks
- Accommodation: 2 nights camping (expedition 2-person tents)
- Synthetic sleeping bag, liner and mat
- All cooking equipment
- English and Spanish-speaking mountain guide
- Transfers to/from trailhead
Excludes
- Meals not indicated in itinerary
- Drinks during lunch/dinner
- Any extra/optional excursions
- Backpack (day-pack/65ltr minimum size)
- Other personal equipment (see our recommended kit list)
- Personal travel insurance
- Porters
- Gratuities/tips
- International and domestic/in-country flights
- Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses
