At a Glance
Plunge into the thrilling world on an active Patagonian adventure to experience the fine mix of glee and adrenaline, exploring the sensational landscape of Torres del Paine National Park. Across 6 days, kayak, hike, cycle and horseback around jaw-dropping sceneries to your fill, taking in the raw energy of nature and retreat each day to your heavenly luxury retreat in the wild at EcoCamp Patagonia.
Start this glorious trip in Punta Arenas with a transfer to the unique EcoCamp Patagonia inside Torres del Paine National Park. Cycle along the asphalt by Sarmiento Lake, visit two overlooks, enjoy lunch by a lake, and end at Cascada Paine to enjoy its beauty. Kayak across the Grey River to sight gallant icebergs of the glacier. Ride a horse along the azure shores ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 5-nights accommodation at EcoCamp Patagonia on a twin share basis
- All meals as specified
- All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary
- All excursions as indicated in the itinerary
- Park entrance fees into Torres del Paine National Park
- Boat tikcer gor crossing Grey Lake
- English-speaking guide
- Guide ratio 1:6 with maximum group size of 12 people
- Transportation to/from El Calafate (this includes bus tickets and van transportation between hotels and the bus terminal)
Itinerary
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The glorious trip begins today with your arrival at EcoCamp Patagonia. You'll be picked up from the airport or your hotel at Punta Arenas and driven to your accommodation for the next 5 nights, the EcoCamp, lodged within the pristine confines of Torres Del Paine National Park. This national park is a Jewel in Chile, renowned for its dramatic and arresting landscapes that feature towering mountains, the three granite towers, blue icebergs, and indigenous wildlife, among other natural wonders. The ride to the park promises to be exciting as we course through majestic Patagonian landscapes, welcomed by the local birds and airy atmosphere. We'll stop over at Puerto Natales, a small vibrant town, perched on the shores of the Ultima Esperanza Sound, where it serves as the main entry point into the national park. The stop-over is for tasty lunch in this quaint, laid-back town as we admire its adorable ambiance while the food finds its way into our stomachs. |
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After lunch, we proceed to our destination, the EcoCamp Patagonia, a spectacular accommodation that pays tribute to nature with its eco-friendly domes that will absorb us for all nights of the trip. The eco-friendly dome hotel is the first of its kind in the world. Unwind in luxury domes furnished with private bathrooms, heaters, modern toilets, cosy twin and queen-size beds with comforters, and spacious terraces to soak in views of its captivating surroundings, including the three granite towers known as the Paine Towers. The domes also feature an open sky roof that allows you to watch the stars at night. Additionally, rejuvenate at the wellness dome with a yoga class and other activities to rekindle your synergy between body, mind, and soul. This evening, enjoy dinner together with opportunity to bond with your fellow travellers as you tantalise on delightful specialties of the region. Please Note: This is a sample itinerary. The itinerary depends on the day of the week the program starts. For more information on daily excursion program please refer to our ‘More’ section below |
EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park 
Lunch, Dinner |
This morning, awake from slumber to the sounds of nature and the airy atmosphere of our eco-friendly dome. Indulge a hearty breakfast that sets the stage for our adventure today. After breakfast, we'll embark on the day's biking tour just before 9:00 am with a transfer to Sarmiento's Lake ranger station and entrance in one of our vans. On arrival, embark on the 15 km (9 miles) cycling tour on the asphalt road that borders the picture-perfect Sarmiento Lake, looking gorgeous in its cobalt blue waters framed by the Torres del Paine Mountains. As you ride, you have the opportunity to drink in views of the entire lake's scenery from the two lookouts. At the two lookouts, the conspicuous and whitish strip of rocks on the outline of the lake is an inviting sight you can't miss, even as they complement the blue waters in striking beauty. After biking at Sarmiento Lake Lookouts, you will board a van that transfers you to another lake, Laguna Lake (Laguna Azul). The lake is quite smaller but spectacular, and we shall have lunch at its shores while enjoying exotic, charming views of this unique section of the park. You'll also learn about the history of the surroundings during lunch. As lunch settles in, we board the van again and journey toward our final destination for the day. We head towards the gravel road leading to Canadon Macho, where several guanaco families dot the pathway. We arrive at Cascada Paine, a small waterfall that holds our attention to ransom in its beauty. Satiated with the views, we head back to our EcoCamp accommodation to cap a day filled with adventures with a tasty, luscious dinner before having a well-deserved night's rest. |
EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National ParkBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Wake up this morning feeling refreshed after a sweet night's rest in the soul-soothing and comforting dome of your accommodation. Enjoy a heart-warming breakfast, and at 7:30 am, we head to Serrano Base in the Serrano area on the west corner of the park, to arrive at 9 am at most. From the base, we take another vehicle and head to Pingo River for a 20-minute briefing about kayaking safely on the waters. After the briefing, it’s time to hop on the waters and start the thrilling kayak journey. With the kayaks in the water, we move calmly across the river, going with the river’s current towards the Grey Lake Peninsula to behold stunning views of the glacier’s magnificent icebergs. The Grey Glacier is one of the spectacles of the park and dissolves to form the Grey Lake. After experiencing the icebergs, we kayak further into the Grey River for the next 3 hours, stopping at Puente Grey to enjoy lunch from our boxes before proceeding downstream to the meeting point between Serrano and Grey Rivers. We will enjoy the views of this river confluence for around 20 minutes before retreating to the Serrano Base and Villa, where it all started. From here, we travel back to our special ecological accommodation where aperitif and a delicious dinner await our indulgence as the final act for the day before bedtime. |
EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
This morning, we enjoy our usual breakfast, and this time, the breakfast sets the stage for a more exhilarating and physically engaging adventure. We shall ride a horse along the shores of Lake Nordenskjold today, which is one of the best ways to explore the charming scenery of Chile's Patagonia. We kick off around 11:30 am with an induction that equips us with all the needful information on the excursion today, before embarking on the 8 km (5 miles) long journey. Afterward, the expert vaqueros will teach you how to ride, and then it's all glee and adrenaline as you enjoy riding along the deep blue shores of the magnificent Lake Nordenskjold. As you ride, witness the colourful waters radiate their beauty at the backdrop of the peaks, enjoy the sounds of the lake, feel the wind in your pores and hair, and as the rhythm of the horse's strong gaits gains momentum, you'll feel the true Patagonian experience. Seize the moment to also enjoy nature's untainted aura, revel in the excitement, and bond with the environment in an unforgettable style. As the horse progresses with its gaits, views of Mount Almirante Nieto and its hanging glaciers will grace the skyline for your visual pleasure. The experience gets better with several viewpoints and Patagonian flora as you ride through unsullied shallow rivers and lush, pristine forests, dancing with the rhythm of the horse's graceful gaits and enjoying each burst of adrenaline that courses through your body. We advance into Ascencio Valley and cross the Ascencio River to meet an unfamiliar but magical sight – the junction between two ecosystems, known as ecotone. Here, the forest and the light green pampas vegetation seamlessly blend into each other, and it appears like a transition from one vegetation to another. |
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Satisfied with the views and echoes of this magnetic region for the better part of the day, we retreat to EcoCamp around 2pm to enjoy a leisurely afternoon and a free evening. Take the time to have a well-deserved nap, enjoy views of the three granite towers that earned the park its name, and socialise with other guests. |
EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National ParkBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
On the penultimate day of this trip, wake up to a refreshing and enlivening breakfast, and then head to Cerro Paine, a neighbouring mountain with the highest peak of the Cordillera Paine Mountain range that boasts two soaring peaks. On arriving at the mountain, we hike around it for half an hour, which serves as a warm-up to the challenging hike ahead, while also giving us room to admire the outstanding views of the Pampas vegetation, a group of low-lying grasses indigenous to South America. We embark on the main challenge of the hike as we begin the ascent to the eastern part of the mountain. En route to this mountain area, we cross the Lenga forest, welcomed with tweets from local birds. We will also make a series of stops to admire the massive Almirante Nieto Mountain and its hanging glaciers on our left side. This mountain is situated near the Paine Towers and is impossible to miss with its monumental 2670-metre summit and two iconic peaks. The beauty of this mountain and its peaks allows us to enjoy a bird's eye view of the entire national park on arrival. As we progress, we could be lucky to spot and follow the tracks of a puma with the grandeur of the granite towers rising above us in clear view, and this should be an ideal spot for lunch. Here, we have lunch and savour two things – the magnificent views and nourishing food that equips you with fuel for the most challenging part of the hike. After lunch, we exit the forest and take on the rocks. With the ascent, comes lavish and 360-degree views of the dense pampas vegetation and other distant mountains, like the densely glaciated Balmaceda mountain. We take giant strides upward for the next hour up to heights of 1500 m (4920 ft), which brings us to the majestic eastern peak, one of the peaks of Cerro Paine. Here, we are spoiled with enchanting panoramic views of the towers and Ascencio valley below, with its river flowing in the middle. We enjoy this view for a while because it's the most captivating and thrilling of all views of the park and return with the track we trod to EcoCamp. Back at the lodge, we enjoy our last dinner and rest after a long day of adrenaline-boosting and tiring adventure. |
EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National ParkBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
This morning savour final and quiet moments around the EcoCamp and enjoy breakfast before an early morning scenic trip transfer back to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales to catch the evening flight to Santiago. Meanwhile, this departing trip should be relished, as the views of Patagonian bewitching landscapes go into your memory for the last time, never to be forgotten. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchAccommodation
Dates & Prices
Min. 2 people for a guaranteed departure. Max. 12 people per group. Daily departure from Septmeber to April on request.
The price is a price guide based on available Standard Tent with shared bathroom facility OR whatever room type left for the specific departure dates. Room upgrade to Superior, Suite & Loft with private ensuite is availble at an additional cost. Please contact us for available room types and prices.
Please contact us for private departures or group bookings.
More Info
- The start and finish point is Punta Arenas, Calafate or Puerto Natales
- Major commercial flight provide convenient access to Punta Arenas. Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ) is an airport serving Punta Arenas.
- Pickup and drop off in Punta Arenas hotels, Punta Arenas airport (PUQ), Puerto Natales or El Calafate is available. Pickup and drop off Skorpios, Navimag or Australis Cruise is also available. Please see "Transfer Information" section for more details.
The Patagonian Andes very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and even snow. Even in summer (December to March) you should come prepared for cold winds (up to 130km/hr) and rainfall. Summer’s average temperature is 11ºC (52ºF), ranging between 2 to 24ºC (35 to 75ºF).
PICKUP
Punta Arenas Hotel:
- Morning pickup between 09:00am to 11:00am. Afternoon pickup between 12:30pm to 01:00pm. The exact time will be confirmed with the hotel the night before. Lunch will be provided. You will arrive at the Night 1 Eco Campsite at 05:30pm.
- Afternoon pick up between 1230pm-01:00pm. Lunch will be provided. You will arrive at the Night 1 Eco Campsite at 08:00pm.
Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ):
- Morning pickup at 11:30am and you need to arrive at airport PUQ by 11:00. Lunch will be provided. You will arrive at the Night 1 Eco Campsite at 05:30pm.
- Afternoon pickup at 03:30pm and you need to arrive at airport PUQ by 03:00pm. You will arrive at the Night 1 Eco Campsite at 08:00pm.
Puerto Natales Hotel:
- Morning pickup at 12:30pm. The exact time will be confirmed with the hotel the night before. Lunch will be provided. You will arrive at the Night 1 Eco Campsite at 17:30pm.
- Afternoon pickup is only for morning regular transfer. You will arrive at the Night 1 Eco Campsite at 08:00pm.
Puerto Natales Airport (PNT):
- Morning pickup at 3:00pm and you need to arrive at airport PNT by 02:40pm. Lunch will be provided. You will arrive at the Night 1 Eco Campsite at 05:30pm.
- Afternoon pickup at 04:51pm and you need to arrive at airport PNT by 04:30pm. You will arrive at the Night 1 Eco Campsite at 08:00pm.
Skorpios Cruises: Pickup from Puerto Natales Dock from 9:00am. Lunch is provided. You will arrive at the Night 1 Eco Campsite at 0530pm.
Navimag: Pickup from Puerto Natales Dock from 04:00pm Lunch will be provided. You will arrive at the Night 1 Eco Campsite at 08:30pm.
Australis: Pick up from dock between 11:30am-12:30pm with stop over at Punta Arean Airport. Lunch will be provided. You will arrive at the Night 1 Eco Campsite at 08:30pm.
El Calafate Hotel:
- Pick up between 06:45am – 07:15am. Lunch will be provided. You will arrive at the Night 1 Eco Campsite at 17:30pm. Transport is by touristic bus and shared van
- Pick up between 07:00am – 07:30am. Direct journey from Calafate to EcoCamp, van change in Cerro Castillo (border). You will arrive at the Night 1 Eco Campsite at 12:30pm. Transport is by semi-private transfer
DROPOFF
Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or Skorpios, Navimag & Australis Cruises:
- 8:30am Depart Torres del Paine EcoCamp. Lunch provided.
- 10:15am-10:30am Arrive in Puerto Natales Airport/Hotels
- 10:30am-11:00am Arrive in Navimag/Skorpios Office
- 01:30pm Arrive at Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ). If your connecting flight is leaving earlier than 15:00, please contact us for an early transfer service (additional charge applies).
- 02:00pm Arrive in Punta Arenas Hotels
- 02:00pm-03:00pm Arrive at Australis cruise office
El Calafate Hotel/Airport:
- For the guests who wish to be transferred to El Calafate, the shared bus/van transfer departs the Torres del Paine EcoCamp between 05:30am-6:00am. You will be dropped off at El Calafate bus terminal then private van to your El Calafate Hotel between 02:00pm to 02:30pm. For El Calafate Airport drop off, arrival time is between 02:30pm-02:55pm
- Please note: During September, October & April departure is between 09:00am-09:30am with arrival to El Calafate Airport or hotel between 02:30pm-02:55pm. November to March departure is between 07:00am-07:30am with arrival to El Calafate Airport or hotel between 12:30pm-12:55pm. Transfer is by a semi-private transfer. It will be a direct journey from EcoCamp to El Calafate Hotel with a van change in Cancha Carrera (border).
- An additional charge applies for any drop off to El Calafate Airport.
- Regular Transfers (bus and van) to/from El Calafate are included only for reservations that start after September 8th, 2023.
The transfer is group scheduled transfer in minivans that normally seat from 8 to 14 people. All transfers must be arranged at least one month prior to the departure. Availability is limited, so we highly recommend to book in advance. In the event of a late or delayed arrival at Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) or Puerto Natales Airport (PNT), a private transfer will need to be arranged at an extra cost.
The daily schedule depends on the day of the week the program starts. Below you can find the excursions per day according to the day of the week the program starts.
EcoCamp Patagonia
Ecocamp Patagonia is located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, with a unique view of the majestic granite towers. The world's geodesic dome hotel, EcoCamp offers upscale camping in sustainable accommodation inspired by the region’s ancient nomadic inhabitants. Dome Types:
- EcoCamp Patagonia Suite Dome: Heating & Private bathroom, 28m²/300ft². Suite domes were designed to further our goal of providing comfort in a natural setting with minimal environmental impact, and also maintain the hotel’s familiar and cozy vibe. The domes have comfortable double or twin beds, a wood stove and a private bathroom with a state-of-the-art composting toilet.
- EcoCamp Patagonia Suite Dome Loft: 2 floors, Heating & Private bathroom, 37m²/398ft². Suite dome lofts are two-storey domes which fit up to four people and have comfortable double or twin beds both up and downstairs. These domes, ideal for families or groups of friends, come with a wood stove, a private terrace and a private bathroom with a state-of-the-art composting toilet.
- EcoCamp Patagonia Superior Dome: Heating & Private bathroom, 23m²/250ft². Spacious, comfortable and equipped with private bathrooms, Superior Domes are the optimum choice for trekkers wanting that bit more space and comfort at the end of a long day’s walk. Each Superior Dome has comfortable queen-size or twin beds, a propane heater, skylight windows and a private bathroom with a sophisticated composting toilet
- EcoCamp Patagonia Standard Dome: Shared bathroom, 10m²/108ft². EcoCamp Standard domes were the world's first lodge accommodation in geodesic shape. They are resistant to the strong Patagonian winds, and come equipped with two single beds (doubles on request), cozy fleece blankets and feather quilts. There are windows in the ceiling for stargazing. Standard domes include shared bathrooms which are large, comfortable and gender divided.
You need to be prepared for summer and winter all at once. We recommend the following:
- A day backpack (10 liters - to carry a camera, glasses, raincoat, etc).
- Trekking or hiking boots.
- Extra shoes for evenings or in case others get wet.
- Waterproof jacket.
- 2 pairs of woolen socks.
- Fleece jacket or sweater.
- Shorts or comfortable loose pants.
- Sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm, and sunscreen).
- Optional Capilene underwear for the upper and lower body.
- Cash to buy extra drinks, snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine National Park.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
