Patagonia: Torres del Paine Full O Circuit
from $8793
Duration: 11 Days
It’s clear why the pristine and remote Torres del Paine National Park is Patagonia’s crown jewel. On this 11-day trekking trip, you’ll explore one of the most stunning wilderness areas in the world from the perspective of the Paine O Circuit. This trail highlights the best features of the park, hitting most of the sites of the famous W-Trek but on the longer road, less travelled. Circumnavigate the whole mountain massif as you take in dramatic granite towers, glacial lakes and electric blue icebergs. Witness the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap, climb the mighty Grey Glacier with trained experts, hike through grassland towards turquoise lakes, kayak through ice floes on Lake Grey and stay in comfortable backcountry huts (or Refugios) when you’re not camping under an untouched sky .
  • Trek the full loop around the Cordillera del Paine of wild Patagonia, completing the less-travelled O circuit. On this route, you’ll enjoy a greater sense of adventure, as fewer trekkers follow this trail.
  • Recharge with overnight stays in Torres del Paine Refugios – inviting backcountry huts or lodges with beds, kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms. Spend two nights camping in premier tents, with only the star-studded sky above you.
  • Climb the Grey Glacier with an expert team of guides who will teach you how to use the ice axes and crampons needed in this landscape. Observe crevasses, rivers, lagoons and tunnels in different tones of blue.
  • Hike through the raw landscape of Torres del Paine National Park – a designated UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and keep your eye out for Andean condors and guanacos.
  • Explore Lake Grey and its ice floes from the water with a kayaking experience – and paddle past electric blue icebergs backdropped by snow-capped peaks.
  • Puerto Natales airport to hotel arrival transfer
  • Ascencio Valley guided trek
  • Torres del Paine - Base las Torres guided hike
  • Paine Massif guided trek
  • Dickson Lake guided trek
  • Perros Glacier guided trek
  • John Garner Pass & Lake Grey guided trek
  • Zodiac boat across Lake Grey
  • Grey Glacier guided hike
  • Grey Glacier guided kayak trip
  • Lake Pehoe guided hike
  • French Valley guided hike
  • Lake Nordenskjold guided hike
  • Puerto Natales hotel to airport transfer
  • Day 1 Location: Puerto Natales
    Bienvenidos! Welcome to Puerto Natales in Chilean Patagonia. Please arrive before 4 pm into Puerto Natales. You’ll be picked up from Puerto Natales airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. This quaint city, backdropped by snow-capped mountains, is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park – the home of your 11-day hiking expedition. This afternoon, meet your group at a welcome meeting and learn more about the exciting days ahead. Tonight, you’ll feast at a group dinner of Patagonian classics.
    Day 2 Location: Torres del Paine
    This morning, wake up with the sun and drive to Torres del Paine National Park. Your group will have breakfast on the road, stopping for a coffee break on the way. Your trip leaders will brief you on some effective trekking techniques and provide an overview of the natural and cultural history of the area. When you arrive at Ascencio Valley, your trek will begin! Enjoy views of the Ascencio River as you head toward Refugio Chileno, where you’ll take a snack break and rehydrate. Then, continue through a beautiful forest of native lenga trees (or beech trees) until you reach a glacial moraine – a ridge made from earth that has been pushed by the glacier. From the moraine, hike towards an incredible view of the Torres del Paine rock towers. The granite towers and glacial lake make for a breathtaking landscape – the perfect spot to round out your first day of trekking. Head back to the Refugio – your accommodation (and dinner spot) for the night.
    Day 3 Location: Paine Massif
    This morning, load up on gear and head out across the ancient glacial moraines. Here, you’ll begin your hike around the Paine Massif – the jagged mountain peaks that stand tall between blue and green lakes, rivers and forests. At the base of the massif, grab a snapshot of the group by the turquoise waters and take in some truly breathtaking scenery. Trek through a forest of beech trees and look out for austral parakeets, varied species of geese and the Patagonian fox. After a few hours, you’ll arrive at your accommodation at camp Seron. You’ll have some free time until dinner to explore the campsite, have a drink or get to know your fellow trekkers as you pitch your tents.
    Day 4 Location: Dickson Lake
    Wake for an early breakfast at the campsite and begin your hike to Dickson Lake, which sits on the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap. The lake is fed by the glacier of the same name and now runs into both Chile and Argentina. You’ll be hiking past bright, blooming notro bushes (also called Chilean fire bushes after their bright red colour), endemic to the Patagonian region, and crossing a small stream beside the lake. Continue the trek along the winding river until you reach your Refugio for the night. Nestled in grassy hills with a high horizon of peaks, the Dickson campsite will be a welcome respite. Here, you’ll have the chance for a hot shower before a group dinner is served. Dickson is known as a magical place, with a truly unique surrounding landscape and otherworldly feel. Make sure to stargaze tonight (if the clouds permit)!
    Day 5 Location: Perros Glacier
    Today, you’ll pack up your gear and have breakfast at the campsite, before heading out on one of the best days of the trek. Your trail will bring you through pristine, old-growth beech forests that feel completely untouched by human steps – this is where the incredible red-headed Magellanic woodpecker can often be seen (keep your eye out, birdwatchers!). Your hike will also bring you up close and personal to the Perros Glacier, which spills over the surrounding rocks, giving the impression of ice-blue lava stuck in time. Take in fantastic views of the nearby lake and the glacier backdrop as you take some time to rest and recharge. From here, head to Los Perros, where your camp site among the bending trees will be set up and waiting for you. You’ll have some free time until dinner.
    Day 6 Location: John Garner Pass
    Today, get ready for one of the longest and toughest (but rewarding) days of the journey. Start the day’s trek by climbing up to John Garner Pass – named after the British mountaineer in 1976. This is arguably the most famous pass on the trek, as it boasts an altitude of around 1,200 metres above sea level. Here, you’ll have amazing views of glaciated peaks and on a clear day – the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Head down the pass through a thick forest, directly above the massive Grey Glacier. Along the way, you’ll have lunch and then begin the trek down to Lake Grey. The glacier stretches out below, like a huge white highway. Upon arrival on the valley floor, trek to the Grey Refugio for the night, where you’ll have free time to relax until dinner is served.
    Day 7 Location: Grey Glacier
    This morning is free for you to relax and recharge after yesterday’s monumental hike. After lunch, your guides will brief you on today’s route and the extra gear needed. Take a Zodiac boat across the lake until you reach the west side of Grey Glacier. When you arrive at the glacier, disembark on the land in between the ice (called a glacial island, or nunatak) and hike across the small island until you reach the ice. After a safety briefing, begin an exploration of Grey Glacier (for approximately 3 hours). Observe crevasses, rivers, lagoons and tunnels in different tones of blue and have an unavoidable I’m-so-far-from-home moment. Return to the Zodiac and ride back to the docking point. When you arrive back at the Refugio, you’ll have some free time before dinner.
    Day 8 Location: Grey Lake
    After breakfast, head to the northeast side of Lake Grey. Here, you’ll have the opportunity of exploring the icebergs and the Grey Glacier by kayak. Your trip leaders will provide a thorough safety briefing and introduction to the gear and then you’ll be on your way, winding through the electric blue icebergs that dot the lake. After kayaking, head back to the Refugio and pack up your gear to begin your trek for the day. Cross a high plateau that overlooks Lake Grey on your way to Lake Pehoe. Take in the expansive views until you reach your accommodation for the night – a comfortable lodge where you’ll have the afternoon to relax until dinner. You may want to try the local Chilean drink, a pisco sour, while overlooking the Paine Grande and Los Cuernos mountains.
    Day 9 Location: French Valley
    After breakfast, begin your trek to the French Valley. The French Valley is one of the most picturesque valleys in Torres del Paine National Park. It is unique because of the hanging glaciers and towering granite walls and spires. You may even witness the glaciers calving (dropping giant icebergs), which creates a natural symphony perfectly suited to the granite amphitheatre. Get closer to the granite spires and eventually see the unique turquoise colour of the glacial Lake Pehoe. Pehoe translates to ‘hidden lake’ in the Tehuelche Indian language, but the immensity of this blue expanse is not to be misjudged. After a pitstop to take in the stunning scenery, trek out of the valley and continue walking to the extraordinary Lake Nordenskijold. There, you’ll check in to your Refugio and have time to set up and settle in before dinner.
    Day 10 Location: Lake Nordenskjold
    Today is the last full day of adventure, so make sure to take it all in. Begin the day by trekking along the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold (named after Swedish geoscientist Otto Nordenskiold, who discovered the lake at the beginning of the 20th century), which sits below the hanging glaciers of Mount Almirante Nieto. The mountain rises to an elevation of 2,640 metres and is one of the most impressive views along your trek home. Have lunch on the way before reaching Hosteria Las Torres, where you’ll meet your awaiting private shuttle. Say goodbye to the national park as your driver takes you back to Puerto Natales. Check in to your hotel and reflect on your monumental journey with a warm shower and a quick rest. Meet back up with your group for the final celebratory dinner out on the town of Natales. What a trip it has been!
    Day 11 Location: Puerto Natales
    This morning after breakfast, your shuttle driver will take you back to the airport in Puerto Natales. If you would like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
    Dates
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    Departure Date:
    12FEB2024
    Return Date:
    22FEB2024
    9770NZD
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    25FEB2024
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    06MAR2024
    9770NZD
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    30OCT2024
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    09NOV2024
    9770NZD
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    Departure Date:
    02DEC2024
    Return Date:
    12DEC2024
    9770NZD
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    23DEC2024
    Return Date:
    02JAN2025
    9770NZD
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    13JAN2025
    Return Date:
    23JAN2025
    9770NZD
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    Departure Date:
    03FEB2025
    Return Date:
    13FEB2025
    9770NZD
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    Departure Date:
    24FEB2025
    Return Date:
    06MAR2025
    9770NZD
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    Departure Date:
    10MAR2025
    Return Date:
    20MAR2025
    9770NZD
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    Last modified (date)

    07 Feb 2024

    Trip title

    Patagonia: Torres del Paine Full O Circuit

    Trip code

    GPXO

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Nov 2023 to 31 Dec 2024

    Introduction

    It’s clear why the pristine and remote Torres del Paine National Park is Patagonia’s crown jewel. On this 11-day trekking trip, you’ll explore one of the most stunning wilderness areas in the world from the perspective of the Paine O Circuit. This trail highlights the best features of the park, hitting most of the sites of the famous W-Trek but on the longer road, less travelled. Circumnavigate the whole mountain massif as you take in dramatic granite towers, glacial lakes and electric blue icebergs. Witness the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap, climb the mighty Grey Glacier with trained experts, hike through grassland towards turquoise lakes, kayak through ice floes on Lake Grey and stay in comfortable backcountry huts (or Refugios) when you’re not camping under an untouched sky .

    Style

    Basix

    Themes

    Walking & Trekking

    Transport

    Private vehicle,boat

    Physical Rating

    5

    Physical preparation

    Although no mountaineering experience is required on this trip, a good level of physical fitness is necessary. You must be comfortable hiking up to 8-10 hours a day, with many steep uphill sections, uneven, rocky terrain and in unpredictable weather. This hike is a strenuous one, so the better prepared you are, the more you should enjoy it. We recommend that in the months leading up to your climb you increase your physical fitness with aerobic exercise. Walking, running and stair-climbing will all strengthen your legs and improve your stamina.

    Joining point

    Puerto Natales

    Puerto Natales

    CHILE

    Finish point

    Puerto Natales

    Puerto Natales

    CHILE

    Important information

    1. This trip is operated and run by Wildland Trekking, an Intrepid company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Wildland Trekking customers and Intrepid customers. 2. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase entrance permits to Torres del Paine National Parks. 3. Flight details and travel insurance details are required no later than 56 days prior to departure (or within 24 hours of trip confirmation if booking less than 56 days prior to departure). Please read the Travel Insurance requirements in the Essential Trip Information carefully. Field evacuation (minimum coverage of at least 30,000USD), repatriation, and medical trip insurance is required on this trip as a condition of partnership terms with our Chilean vendors. 4. During the trek you will need to carry all of your belongings. We provide backpacks. You can leave extra luggage/belongings you don't need at the hotel in Puerto Natales. 5. This trek utilizes the Torres del Paine Refugios. Each refugio is unique, with dorm style accommodations where guests share mixed gender bunk rooms, typically 4-8 guests per room. Men’s and women’s bathrooms are down the hall. You’ll have great local cuisine, served in a communal eating area with shared tables and drinks available for purchase. 6. Occasionally we are not able to reserve one or more nights in the Refugios, in which case accommodations will be in tents that are provided and set up by the Refugios. In these cases, we will still have access to the Refugios for meals, relaxation and showers. The price of the trip remains the same. 7. Solo travellers who opt for a single supplement will be provided a single tent. For travellers sharing a room, sharing a tent may also be required. All camping equipment is provided, including 2-person, 4-season tents, top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and sleeping bags professionally laundered after every trip. 8. A single supplement applies to days 1 and day 10 only in Puerto Natales (and when camping in a tent). Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 9. Tour leader gratuities are optional and at the discretion of each customer. A suggested guideline – not an expectation – is to reward outstanding service with a tip of 5-10% of the total trip cost.

    Group leader

    Your group leader’s role involves organising the overall operation and smooth-running of the trip, managing trip logistics and camp responsibilities. Our leaders are also fully qualified and experienced to lead all the treks included in this trip, therefore, your leader is also your trekking guide. Please note that guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24 hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time/ etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask our travellers to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ time off and sleep time unless there is a true (life threatening) emergency.

    Safety

    Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

    MONEY WITHDRAWAL: In order to avoid fraud and theft, it is advisable that you withdraw money from ATMs located inside banks or guarded shops during business hours only.

    LIFE JACKETS: While life jackets are generally available on water craft, there may be occasions where they are not provided and child size life jackets are not always readily available. If travelling with children and this safety issue concerns you we will be able to advise alternative methods of transport (where available) for you to travel to the next destination. You can choose to travel independently for this leg of the journey. This would be at your own expense.

    FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

    Communications

    WhatsApp is a popular way to communicate in Latin America. We recommended downloading WhatsApp prior to departure to communicate by text with your group leader or local representative and group members during the tour. Once downloaded, please validate your phone number before leaving home as you will not be able to do this once you arrive unless you have international roaming enabled. Connections for making phone calls through WhatsApp are not reliable, so please do not use this app to make calls to our emergency phone line.

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements If you receive an immigration card upon entry, please ensure you keep this safe as it may be requested at point of exit. For further information regarding country entry and exit fees, please refer to the 'Money Matters' section of this document.  CHILE: Americans, Belgians, British, Canadians, Dutch, Germans, New Zealanders and South Africans do not currently require a visa for Chile. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa or entry requirements with the Chilean consulate in your home country. Australian passport holders will require a visa to enter into Chile (printed in hard copy to present upon arrival). A Letter of Invitation (LOI) is required as part of the application. Please consult with your booking agent on getting this LOI. For more details on the visa application requirements, please visit: https://tramites.minrel.gov.cl/Solicitudes/visa.aspx Chile Covid-19 Entry Requirements For most up to date Covid entry requirements for Chile, please check your government travel advisories and also check https://www.chile.travel/en/traveltochileplan/

    Why we love it

    Trek the full loop around the Cordillera del Paine of wild Patagonia, completing the less-travelled O circuit. On this route, you’ll enjoy a greater sense of adventure, as fewer trekkers follow this trail.

    Recharge with overnight stays in Torres del Paine Refugios – inviting backcountry huts or lodges with beds, kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms. Spend two nights camping in premier tents, with only the star-studded sky above you.

    Climb the Grey Glacier with an expert team of guides who will teach you how to use the ice axes and crampons needed in this landscape. Observe crevasses, rivers, lagoons and tunnels in different tones of blue.

    Hike through the raw landscape of Torres del Paine National Park – a designated UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and keep your eye out for Andean condors and guanacos.

    Explore Lake Grey and its ice floes from the water with a kayaking experience – and paddle past electric blue icebergs backdropped by snow-capped peaks.

    Is this trip right for you

    This trip is operated and run by Wildland Trekking – an Intrepid company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Wildland Trekking customers and Intrepid customers. This is a hiking trip, and it gets from one point to the other. Once you set off, you must hike to the next overnight stop with no option to opt-out. During the trek you will need to carry all of your belongings. Extra belongings you don't need for the trek can be stored at the hotel in Puerto Natales. Please familiarise yourself with all hikes carefully beforehand. Please read the packing list carefully and come prepared, as you may not have a chance to buy any missing parts of equipment or trekking clothing. We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however, occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances. These include extreme weather, availability of Refugios, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more. The kayaking and glacier hiking days on this trip are weather dependent and not guaranteed. We will substitute alternate activities in the case that kayaking and/or glacier hiking are not possible.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.  MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES: Some regions of Central & South America can experience outbreaks of dengue fever. There is no vaccination against it, but there are preventative measures that you can take such as wearing long clothing, using repellent, and being indoors particularly around dusk and dawn. If you have a fever or feel unwell, please let your group leader or local representative know right away. Protect yourself against mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria by taking measures to avoid insect bites. ZIKA VIRUS: There have been reports of transmission of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in this region and we advise all travellers to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Given possible transmission of the disease to unborn babies, and taking a very cautious approach, we recommend all women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant to consult with their doctors before booking their trip. YELLOW FEVER A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home. It is your responsibility to check with your doctor well in advance of leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting. DENGUE FEVER: Dengue Fever is common in Latin America and can occur throughout the year. Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil, and parts of Mexico are currently suffering from a serious outbreak. This virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccination against it, but there are preventative measures that you can take such as wearing long clothing, using repellent, and being indoors particularly around dusk and dawn.

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in this region. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat dinner together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Please let us know your diet requirements before your trip starts. Generally speaking, in bigger cities/towns vegetarians can expect a reasonable range of vegetarian venues and/or vegetarian options within tourist restaurant menus. However, vegetarianism is not the norm in this part of the world so options can be limited when eating at homestays, small local restaurants, street stalls, markets, etc. More restrictive diet requirements (vegans, coeliac, gluten intolerance, fructose intolerance, lactose intolerance, etc.) can also be accommodated along this trip but you should expect a lesser variety than what you can expect at home. We recommend that, if possible, to bring your own supply of snacks with you. For those on strict Kosher or Halal diets, we understand your dietary requirements are important, however, sometimes due to cultural and language differences these are not always easy to convey when you are travelling. Your guide will do their best to assist you in translating your needs when eating out, but please be aware that these diets are almost unheard of in much of the continent and the best they may be able to accommodate is no pork and shellfish. If this will be a concern for you you may need to consider opting for vegetarian or vegan meals for the included meals in your itinerary. We recommend researching kosher or halal options in your destination country prior to travel to see if you are able to buy snacks once there, otherwise consider bringing some from home.  This Patagonia hiking tour features a combination of in-town meals and meals prepared by your guides. We’ll have dinners at carefully selected, wonderful restaurants in Puerto Natales and in some of the backcountry lodges as well as meals prepared on the trail by your guides and/or support staff. For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables. In addition, we provide you with an assortment of trail snacks (nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, & cookies) to eat at your own discretion. We can often accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee, and in some countries may be more difficult to accommodate than others. Please inquire with us for more information about the specific trip you’re interested in. Common trail snack brands are not readily available in this destination (protein bars, trail bars, beef jerky). We recommend guests that prefer these types of trail snacks to bring a few of their own choice items from home.

    Money matters

    CHILE ATMs are widely available in major towns and cities across Latin America. Credit cards can generally be used in tourist shops and restaurants. Visa and Mastercard are preferred. Smaller venues take cash only. It is recommended to also carry some Chilean pesos in cash to make purchases in the city or if computer systems go down due to bad weather and credit cards cannot be accepted. Chile currency information: The official currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP). TIPPING Guide gratuities are optional and at the discretion of each customer. A suggested guideline – not an expectation – is to reward outstanding service with a tip of 5-10% of the total trip cost. Please tip your lead guide and they will distribute responsibly to the crew. Local currency is preferred, or USD is also appreciated. Gratuities for kayak and ice hike guides is also optional but appreciated; the recommended amount is $25-$50 per kayak guide, $25-$50 per ice hike guide.

    What to take

    LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS You can leave luggage/belongings you don't need at the hotel in Puerto Natales. You will not be able to access any of that until the end of the trek. During the trek you will need to carry all of your belongings. We provide backpacks. We estimate that your pack will weigh 25-35 lbs/ 12-15 kgs and should include all your clothing for the trek, sleeping bag/pad, rain gear, personal items, and toiletries for the trip, plus water, lunch and snacks for the day. You do not need to carry a tent. Your safety and enjoyment will depend on your level of preparedness. It is your responsibility to arrive with the items listed below. This destination can have extreme weather (rains, snow & high winds) and it is imperative to be well prepared. As well as your underwear, toothbrush and other items you always need to pack for travel, below are some items that you specifically need for this trip. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list INCLUDED GEAR We provide all group gear which includes the following: - Backpacks - Tents - Sleeping bags - Sleeping pads - Trekking poles - Company-issued first-aid kit - Emergency communication device(s) ESSENTIAL ITEMS YOU NEED TO BRING - Trekking clothing: A mixture covering lightweight clothing and some warm layers is recommended. Your activities will take place in the outdoors, where weather may change quickly. Lightweight, comfortable, and quick drying clothes for the activities are best. Laundry facilities may not be available on every day basis, so make sure you have a few cycles of clothes. - Hiking boots with a good grip, ankle support and waterproof membrane that are comfortable to walk for an entire day - Hiking Socks : one pair for every day or two days of your trip. Hiking specific padded socks instead of cotton ones. - Comfortable shoes for shorter beach walks or evenings spend around accommodation/campsite - Sport sandals - Mid Layer Insulating Jacket: down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket - Light jacket, fleece and base layers - Wind and waterproof jacket - Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will allow you to pull them over your boots. - Warm Hat & Gloves: lightweight beanie and waterproof gloves - Breathable, non-cotton hiking t-shirts - Long hiking pants or zip-offs - Nylon hiking shorts - Water bottle or bladder: you will need water during activities and it’s best to avoid buying unnecessary plastic. - Sun protection: sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, sunhat or bandana - Torch/flashlight/headtorch - Walking Poles if you would prefer to use your own - Quick Dry Towel - Waterproof Travel Case or Pouch – this is needed to keep important documents (i.e. passport, travel insurance, etc…) safe from weather/water and easily carried day to day - Toiletries – small amounts, travel sizes and/or just what you need for the trip - Personal Toilet Paper Kit – most public restrooms outside of the hotel will have toilet paper available, but it is good to be prepared with your own personal toilet paper kit to use during portions of this tour. Your hotels will be fully equipped with needed amenities and any refugios/huts used during the trek by our group will also have needed amenities, but otherwise along the trail it will be natural settings for toilets (i.e. digging catholes, etc.). Kits should include toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer & ziplock bag(s) for carrying out used paper/wipes. RECOMMENDED ITEMS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BRINGING - Personal medical kit. A larger kit will be on hand with your leader, but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, antihistamine tablets and any personal medication you may need - Gaiters – recommended for wet or snowy conditions - Camp Pillow – lightweight, compressible and packable - Ear plugs & eye mask - Camera with spare batteries/power bank - Phone, Charger, & Power Bank – local sim card or International plan may be needed - Travel eco-friendly wipes/hand sanitizer - Stuff Sacks – various sizes for better organization of clothing & gear - Bug Repellent OPTIONAL ITEMS - Swimwear - A good book, a journal and music player SLEEPING BAG Some guests choose to bring their own sleeping bag. We supply high quality, synthetic fill bags that are professionally laundered after every trip. Synthetic fill is non-allergenic, insulates when damp and stands up well to repeated washings, but is heavier and bulkier than down. If you’re able to bring your own down sleeping bag, there are multiple benefits. If not, we’ve got you covered. For this trip, you need 3-4 season sleeping bag with comfortable temperature limit reaching 15° F degrees / -10 ° C. VALUABLES Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. It’s also recommended to bring a copy of all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list. HYDRATION SYSTEM Please bring your own hydration system of 2 or 3 liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle to refill along the way.

    Climate and seasonal

    The weather in Patagonia is unpredictable. While this trip only runs during the warmer months of the year, temperatures can fluctuate between 0 and 30 degrees celcius (32 to 86 fahrenheit) within a tour or even over the course of a day! Please make sure you have packed appropriate clothing that can be layered up to accommodate these temperatures and that your sleeping bag is an all seasons bag that will keep you warm in freezing night time temperatures.

    A couple of rules

    We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader or local representative, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders or local representatives and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local representative immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Intrepid's Local Operator: +1 928 224 0699

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel Latin Americans can be very conscious of appearance so try to be casual but conservative in your dress. Outside of beach areas halter tops and very short shorts should not be worn. When visiting churches or religious sites shoulders and knees should be covered.

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than $14million dollars and supported more than 160 communities worldwide. Now, with over 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your group leader or local representative or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip supports Torres del Paine Legacy Fund, helping to preserve, support and celebrate the Torres del Paine National Park and its surrounding communities. Donations help Torres del Paine's trail restoration and conservation work in the Última Esperanza province of Chile. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/tdplf

    Accommodation notes

    The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. On this trip we will stay in Refugios, hiking hotels dotted along Torres del Paine’s trails. Refugios provide all bedding and meals, shared dorm rooms with shared facilities (bathrooms and shower blocks are separated by sex) and spectacular views of the mountains and lakes that make the park famous. Tent camping is in premier 2-person, 4-season tents. Solo travellers, and anyone else who opts for the single supplement, will be issued single tents as long as they are available (we can confirm availability of 1-person tents when you register). Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on this trip. Field evacuation (minimum coverage of at least $30,000), emergency repatriation, and medical trip insurance is required as a condition of partnership terms with our Chilean vendors. We recommend careful consultation with the insurance provider to ensure appropriate coverage. This is because many providers have a number of policy exclusions. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

    Accommodation

    Hotel (2 nights),Refugios (6 nights),Camping (2 nights)

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