At a Glance
Hike the infamous Patagonia Torres Del Paine W Trek end to end with the comfort of just a day pack on this 7 day epic hiking journey highlighting the best of Grey Glacier, French Valley and the Tower Base. A once in a lifetime trek that extends to the Eastern Lake; discover the wonders of Torres Del Paine National Park by day and unwind your evenings at cosy refugios and a luxury EcoCamp where delicious food and yoga await.
Your adventure begins with a scenic transfer to the EcoCamp Patagonia in the marvelous Torres del Paine National Park. Walk along the Cuernos trail to a beautiful lake, where the fauna and flora inspires a sense of wonder. Hike to the iconic French Valley through a challenging trail, ascend to the valley's ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 6 nights accommodation including 4 nights in EcoCamp and 2 nights at mountain hut/camping accommodation on a twin share basis
- All ground transport, private and domestic, as indicated in the itinerary
- Boat crossing on Grey Lake
- Park fees for Torres del Paine National Park
- One expert English-speaking trekking guide (ratio 1:6)
- Sleeping bag for refugios if needed
- Transportation for your luggage within the park (while trekking you will carry just your day pack).
- All meals as specified
- Transportation to/from El Calafate (This includes bus tickets and van transportation between hotels and the bus terminal)
Itinerary
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Today, we begin this exhilarating trip with a morning pick-up from your hotel or airport at Punta Arenas, followed by a relaxing drive to EcoCamp Patagonia, nestled in the heart of Torres Del Paine National Park. The park, a Chilean pride, is home to many natural wonders, some of which are on the itinerary, awaiting our presence for exploration. While en route to the park, we will stop at Puerto Natales, a port city on the Senoret channel of Chile's Patagonia that serves as the gateway to the national park. In this vibrant city, we will enjoy a hearty lunch with local food before proceeding to our destination – the luxury EcoCamp Patagonia, lodged in the epicentre of the park, with striking views of the iconic Paine Towers. The EcoCamp Patagonia will accommodate us this evening and the last three nights in its cosy and eco-friendly geodesic domes, the first of its kind in the world. The domes, your perfect retreat and rest haven after a day's trek, are spacious and equipped with private bathrooms, heating facilities, queen-size or twin beds with comforters, sophisticated toilets, and some domes feature skylights, giving you sensational views of the skies and stars as you sleep. There is a yoga and wellness dome with classes if you choose to sync body and soul together and stay youthful while the trip lasts. Local meals are served in a communal style to allow for more socialising, especially dinners that feature spectacular Chilean delights and several delicious culinary wonders. |
EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 12km (7.5 miles), 4-5 hours walking, moderate grade, Maximum Altitude 244m (800ft) Savour a lovely breakfast that begins your day on a cheerful note. We will embark on the day’s trek, walking the Cuernos trail that leads to the enchanting Lake Nordenskjold. This walk serves as a warm-up to many more treks, but also packs a bunch of surprises and stunning sights that we can't afford to overlook. For starters, the Lake Nordenskjold en route to our Los Cuernos campsite is a beauty to behold in its coloured waters and impressive landscape that not only complements the lake's beauty but makes it appear like a walled fortress. The warm-up walk spoils us with endless views of the park's fascinating flora and fauna, including views of the staggering horn-shaped peaks known as Cuernos del Paine or Horns of Blue, sitting atop the grey granite of Paine Massif. Depending on availability, our trek may end at the Refugio Los Cuernos or Domo el Frances. Refugio Cuernos is a mountain guesthouse perched on the shores of Lake Nordenskjold while Domo el Frances is located between Cuernos and Italiano camping sites with breathtaking views of Lake Nordenskjold. |
Camping at Refugio Los Cuernos or El Frances, Torres del Paine National ParkBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 26km (16 miles), 4-5 hours walking, challenging grade, Maximum Altitude 686m (2250ft) Enjoy a heart-warming breakfast at Refuge Cuernos and get set for a challenging day. Today, we embark on a challenging trail that leads to the heart of Paine Massif, better known as the French Valley or Valle Frances. This trek promises to be exciting as we explore a scenic route that offers an abundance of the remarkable and bewitching landscape that makes Patagonia sheer unique, ranging from bodacious mountain peaks to picturesque lakes. How far we will go depends on our group's trekking pace, and a faster trek will see us crossing the French River's suspension bridge on the foot of the south-eastern Massif. We proceed with an ascent to the valley's upper section, where geographical formations highlight nature's love for everything magnificent and massive. Some of the geographical formations in the valley include Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). After the challenging trek upwards, we stop for a delicious picnic, allowing you to relax and refill before we descend to Refugio Paine Grande, our accommodation for the night, passing through a trail densely populated with a blend of grasslands and light forest. Refugio Paine Grande is a famous shelter, accommodation, and campsite for hikers of the national park, and sits by the northern shore of Pehoe Lake. There's a bar for wines and an assortment of drinks where you can relax, drink and socialise after a long day's trek. Note: An optional tour to Mirador Britanico alongside guides that help coordinate is also possible. |
Camping Paine Grande, Torres del Paine National ParkBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 11km (7 miles), 4 hours walking, moderate grade, Maximum Altitude 244m (800ft) Start your morning with a sumptuous breakfast before a short stroll around Lake Pehoe to the northern side of Lake Grey. After a hearty picnic lunch, we embark on a scenic boat tour that takes us to the mouth of the massive Glacier Grey, a main attraction in the globally-renowned national park and part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. There's everything to wonder about this glacier (peaking at 30 metres and extending to a width of 6 kilometres) as you stroll around the shores of Lake Grey (Lago Grey), an elegant lake formed by the melting glacier. You can also spot some fragments of ice floating from the distance. It spots a characteristic blue-grey colour, the source of its name, which enchants the eyes on first sighting and is more bewitching with a sparkling hue that gives it a glow similar to precious pearls. The background of the lake and glacier takes the mesmerising experience further, with rugged snow-drenched mountains imposing their magnificence on the pristine and serene waters. |
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Satiating our eyes with all the beauty and wonder of this glacier, we head back to EcoCamp from the southern end of Glacier Grey. However, if the weather is unfriendly or if the required minimum of 15 passengers is not attained, which is sometimes the case, the boat trip may be cancelled. If this happens, we will trek to the sightseeing point to drink in panoramic views of the glacier instead. Done and dusted, we walk back on foot to Paine Grande for a catamaran ride to the dock. Here, we will transfer to EcoCamp, our accommodation for the night, where dinner is a gastronomic delight to anticipate. |
EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National ParkBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 22km (14 miles), 9 hours walking, challenging grade, Maximum Altitude 914m (3000ft) This morning’s breakfast is critical – being the ultimate fuel for the biggest challenge of your journey. However, you might want to visit the Yoga and Wellness Dome for a brief body and soul rekindling session before breakfast, which is a brilliant idea to brace you for the magic and challenge ahead. Today, we walk to the base of the iconic and world-famous Paine Towers, which gives the park its name. We begin from the campsite towards Hosteria Las Torres, then ascend towards Ascencio Valley on the tower's east side. Along the path leading to the valley, we pass through scenic beech forests, rocks, mountain ridges, and small rivers. The hard part of the hike is accessing the foot of Moraine, a massive block of boulders directly leading to the base of the towers. The granite towers are staggeringly tall, split into three by the erosion of the glacier. The towers come in full view as we climb uphill, proudly rising above us with the glacial lake sitting humbly below and in clear view as well. The icing on the cake here is having a spectacular lunch in one of the world’s most astounding granite monoliths and feasting on the arresting views of the surroundings. Following this unusual, yet sensual lunch, we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley, taking us back to EcoCamp. Tonight, we will relish the most-deserved and rewarding dinner paired with some tantalising Chilean wine. |
EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National ParkBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 6km (4 miles), 3 hours walking, easy grade, Maximum Altitude 300m (984ft) Today, we balance the efforts of the previous day with a watered-down, less challenging hike, along a simple trail that leads to a striking lagoon. Breakfast sets the pace for the expedition, followed by a pleasurable car ride to Laguna Azul. During the ride, we pause at intervals to feast on views of the Patagonian steppe and admire the iconic granite towers from different viewpoints. Arriving at Laguna Azul, we discover some adorable birds, such as flamingos and swans having a swell time on the waters and a unique fauna that includes the wild guanacos, rheas, condors, and nandus. We then hike from Laguna Azul to an overlook where we are spoiled with more charming views of the lagoon and the ever-scintillating granite towers. A delicious lunch and more wanderlust are all we need to embark on a drive to the northern shore of Sarmiento Lake, the second-largest lake of the park, and the mouth of the Fauna Trail. The lake is a bit underrated and less visited, yet stunning in its attractive cobalt blue waters, white shores of calcium carbonate, and the Paine Mountains at its backdrop, culminating into a picture-perfect view. Hiking northwards and further into the Fauna Trail, we spot an amazing diversity of Patagonian fauna on the vast plains and if lucky, puma prints on the paths. We encounter a small but mesmerising lagoon, the Lago Goic, on our way to the Laguna Amarga ranger station, which takes approximately 5 km of leisure walking. On arrival at this station, we will transfer back to EcoCamp on a car drive to celebrate an emotional farewell dinner as the trip, sadly and inevitably, comes to an end. Note: If the group has more than 6 travellers, there's an option to split into two groups, with one group cycling to Laguna Azul or the entire group if they are interested in cycling. |
EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National ParkBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today, we bid farewell to Torres Del Paine National Park, drenched with emotional goodbyes to new acquaintances and enjoying our last lovely breakfast. Soak in quiet moments at your EcoCamp before departure. Yet, the journey back to Punta Arenas for a departing evening flight is part of the thrilling adventure, coursing through scenic paths and seductive landscapes, filling you with more sights and sounds of Chilean wonders. 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.
Departs every Monday from October to April. Other private departures can be arranged on request. Please contact us for private departures or group bookings.
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.
More Info
- The start and finish point is Punta Arenas, Chile.
- 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 vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to the winds that circle the Antarctic landmass, making the weather hard to predict. Fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning; even in summer (December to March), you should come prepared to find strong cold winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfall. Summer’s average temperature is 11ºC (52ºF), ranging between 2 to 24ºC (35 to 75ºF).
- During Low and Shoulder Season (October and April), the boat trip to Glacier Grey may be canceled, if this is the case we will offer you a comparable alternative within the park.
- During Shoulder and Low Season (October and April) the Towers Trek excursion might be canceled due to weather conditions and safety concerns.
- If you choose a Standard Dome and you are traveling alone, you can share the dome with another person of the same gender and pay the double base price. If you want the dome to yourself, you need to pay a Single Supplement.
- The campsite provides satisfactory bathroom facilities. Meals will be served inside the refugio.
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.
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.
Overnight at Campsite
On days 2 & 3, accommodation will be provided in tents. The campsite provides satisfactory bathroom facilities. Meals will be served inside the refugio.
Passengers need to be prepared for summer and winter all at once. We recommend the following:
- A day backpack (30 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 wool socks
- Fleece jacket or sweater
- Shorts or comfortable loose pants
- Sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm, and screen)
- 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.
