Torres Del Paine Nature Journey

"Chile"

Torres Del Paine is a must for its wildlife and spectacular scenery. The park enjoys a microclimate, especially favourable to wildlife and plants; there are 105 species of birds, including 18 species of waterfowl and 11 birds of prey. Particularly noteworthy are condors, black-necked swans, rheas, kelp geese, ibis, flamingos and austral parrots. There are also 25 species of mammals including guanaco, hares, foxes, huemules (a species of deer) pumas and skunks. Over 200 species of plants have been identified. This, together with the constantly changing views of fantastic peaks and ice fields, vividly coloured lakes of turquoise, ultramarine and grey and green, quiet valleys and the massif from which rise the Torres (Towers) and Cuernos (Horns), make it a nature lovers paradise.

The Itinerary

DAY 1:
Reception at the Punta Arenas airport and transfer across the Pampa de Magallanes to Puerto Natales (3 hours), a small town and gateway to the Torres Del Paine National Park. We may visit en route (not guaranteed) the penguin colony of Otway. Overnight in hotel (L).

DAY 2:
Early morning, we depart towards Torres Del Paine, driving northwards untill the trail descends to the foot of the Andes and enjoy the first views of the Cuernos Del Paine; twisted pillars of grey granite, dusted with snow and rising dramatically from the green pastures where hundreds of guanacos welcomes our car. On the way, we visit the Milodon Cave where remains of a prehistoric giant slought were found. We have a gentle hike to Chico and Grande Waterfalls to enjoy stupendous views over the Piane Horns, before reaching our hosteria inside the park for the night.(B L)

DAY 3:
We cross virtually the whole park to reach and hike around Grey Lake. Huge ice blocks falls from the glacier into the lake and run aground on the sandy banks of the lake.(B L)

DAY 4:
Excursion in the Rio Paine sector visiting the Lake Azul from where we have a general view over the Paine Towers. Then we head towards Lake Amarga and Salto Paine Waterfalls. Active participants who agree to wake up early, may trek to the base of the Paine Towers to enjoy the most spectacular view of the National Park. (B L).

DAY 5:
Departure to Punta Arenas to take the afternoon flight back to Santiago (B).

General Information

Rated: Easy/Moderate

This journey is rather comfortable with overnights in double rooms in hotels and involving only gentle hikes. For more active journeys into Torres del Paine National Park, visit the Torres del Paine Trek , the Torres del Paine Eco Camp and the Torres del Paine Circuit pages.

Departure dates
2006:January 11 & 25 - February 8 & 22 - March 8 & 22 - April 5 & 19 - May 10 & 24 - June 7 & 21 - October 25 - November 15 - December 6 & 27
2007:January 17 - February 7 & 28 - March 21 - April 11

Tour Tariff - Private Departures
N° of Participants	2	3	4	5	6	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 1477	$ 1199	$ 1199	$ 1199	$ 1049	$ 160
EUR	€ 1226	€ 995	€ 995	€ 995	€ 871	€ 133
GBP	£ 827	£ 671	£ 671	£ 671	£ 587	£ 89

(*) Price last updated on 12 March 2006. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .
(**) All fixed departures are shared. We also organise private departures at other dates upon request.

Included: Lodging in 3 star guesthouses, meals as specified, private transport, experienced guides, excursions as specified, park entrance fees.

Not included: Other meals, flight from/to Punta Arenas

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