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2010 Dates (12 days):
December 16-27
2011 Dates (12 days):
December 15-26
2010 Land Cost:
$3,200 (7-12 members),
$3,600 (3-6 members)
Single Supplement: $400
TORRES DEL PAINE & LOS GLACIARES EXTENSION -
2010 Dates (16 days):
December 16-31
2011 Dates (16 days):
Feb. 17-March 5
December 15-30
2010 Land Cost:
Add $1,975 to pricing above (total cost depends on number of participants for the first portion of the trip).
2011 Land Cost:
Add $2,100
*All December, 2010 and 2011 prices subject to change
Total Single Supplement: $700
Trekking Grade: Moderate
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Trip leader: Sergio Echeverria
"I’ve interacted with a number of guides over the years and I can say with confidence that Sergio is the best… by far. His unique mix of personality, skill, knowledge, and professionalism is matched only by a rare sense of personal ownership that he has for his clients. His caliber compliments that of Mountain Madness." P. Gregory
"The Patagonia trip was truly the trip of a lifetime. The beauty of the region was breathtaking and I will never forget it. Mountain Madness and especially our guide Sergio were an integral part of our amazing experience. Preparing for the trip was initially confusing until we received the thorough information from Mountain Madness. Our guide Sergio met us at the airport, and we immediately felt welcome. His vast experience and knowledge of the region enabled us to do all the things we had hoped to do. I believe that he was the reason why our trip was so spectacular. If I were to take another trip to the region I would most definitely request Sergio. I don't think anyone could have done a better job. Thank you again for making this trip so memorable." Carole
Join us for an adventure in incredible Patagonia. Located at the southern tip of South America, Patagonia is a land of dramatic beauty and extraordinary wildlife. Our itinerary takes us to one of the world’s great national parks, Torres del Paine in Chile. Participants will enjoy trekking, getting up close and personal with glaciers, and kayaking in this fantastic region. Breathtaking views of wild granite spires, pristine lakes, powerful rivers, and abundant birdlife also makes this trip a photographer’s dream come true. With the long summer nights of the Southern Hemisphere, each day is designed to be a full adventure. 
Our extension to Los Glaciares Park in Argentina offers a 4-day trek to one of the greatest mountain ranges on the planet – the Fitzroy group. Arguably among the most stunning and difficult climbing peaks in the world, Cerro Torre, Fitzroy and surrounding summits will be our constant companions on this classic journey.
Trip Highlights:
- Deluxe hotel accommodations and fine Patagonian cuisine
- Experience the long summer days of Patagonia in the Southern Hemisphere
- Visit to Seno Otway Penguin Reserve
- Hut to hut trekking in the Torres del Paine National Park
- First hand exploration of the Grey Glacier.
- 3-day kayaking/boating excursion among icebergs, marine mammals, and exceptional birdlife
- Extension to Los Glaciares Park in Argentina where we trek with Porter support to climber’s camps below the towering granite spires of Fitzroy and Cerro Torre, two of the world’s greatest peaks
What to expect:
- Porter supported trekking- you carry only your personal belongings
- Hiking 3-7 hours a day at moderate elevations. Our highpoint of 3600 feet is at the Fitz Roy viewpoint.
- Elevation gains averaging 1,000-1,500 feet
- Walking about 4-12 miles a day to cover a total of about 50 miles in Torres del Paine National park and 40 miles in the Los Glaciares Park.
General Information on Torres del Paine
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Included in cost:
- Scheduled hotel nights
- Scheduled refugio/lodge nights
- Scheduled restaurant meals
- Park entrance fees
- Local guides and pack animals
- Catered meals while on the trek
- Porter support for group gear
- Airport transfers to and from Punta Arenas, Chile Airport
- Mountain Madness professional trekking guide
- Group gear for the trekking and kayaking
- Personal climbing and kayaking equipment
Not included in cost:
- International airfare
- Flight from Calafate to Buenos Aires
- Personal equipment
- Staff/guide gratuities
- Items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra meals, etc.)
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Medical rescue insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
QUALIFICATIONS: We do suggest that you have previous backpacking experience prior to joining us for this trip. This trip is rated as moderately difficult and we cannot overemphasize the importance of physical conditioning before this trip.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?Please call our office if you do not already have an application, or you can download it off our website. We require an application and a $500 deposit for international trips. Please mail your application or fax it to 206-937-1772 to reserve your spot.
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Itinerary for Torres del Paine
Included in the cost of your trip are scheduled group restaurant meals. Meals provided are listed as B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner) at the end of each day. You will be responsible for those meals not listed.
Day 1-2: Departure from Home– Fly to Punta Arenas, Chile. A MM representative will transfer you to the Diego de Almagro Hotel. We will have an orientation meeting and a welcome dinner at the La Marmita restaurant, which offers traditional Patagonian cuisine. Afterwards enjoy the long summer evenings in this historical seaport town. D
DAY 3: Seno Otway Penguin Colony Reserve – We will travel by mini-van to Seno Otway to visit the penguin colony reserve. We will continue for a three hour drive across Patagonian pampa to Puerto Natales. Our hotel, New Hotel and Spa Indigo Patagonia, is situated on the waterfront overlooking Seno Ultima Esperanza Fjord, the Last Hope Sound. B, L, D
DAY 4: Torres del Paine National Park – Our two-hour journey travels across ranch country. Guanaco, a llama type animal, are frequently seen on the drive to the park. We will stop in Cerro Castillo, the principal site of wool and meat exportation to Europe during the 1960s. After we register at the park entrance, we will begin our trek to the base of the spectacular granite rock spires, Torres del Paine. These renowned spires attract climbers from around the world. We will spend the evening at the rustic Chileno Lodge, situated along the river in the forested Ascencio Valley. B, L, D Trekking Time: 7 hours 
DAY 5: Lake Nordenskjold – Today we leave the Ascencio Valley and trek along the vast aqua blue, pristine Nordenskjold lake. Our trek takes us near the hanging glaciers of Mount Admiral Nieto to the base of Los Cuernos. We will spend the night at Los Cuernos Lodge overlooking Lake Nordenskjold. B, L, D Trekking Time: 5 hours
DAY 6: Valle del Francis & Lake Pehoe – We trek up the France Valley. The valley is considered to be the most beautiful valley in the park with hanging glaciers and an amphitheater of granite walls and spires. We will descend back down the valley along the radiant Skottsberg Lake. Our lodge for the evening is situated along the turquoise Lake Pehoe. B, L, D Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
DAY 7: Lake Grey- Travel along the enchanting Lake Grey with magnificent views of Grey Glacier and floating icebergs. We will get a spectacular vista of the tongue of the Gray Glacier as it flows into the lake below. Vibrant-blue icebergs break off glaciers throughout the day. After lunch we boat over to the glacier for better views. In the evening we travel to Grey Lodge for a well deserved dinner. B, L, D Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
DAY 8: Kayaking the River Serrano - After a leisurely breakfast we will transfer to River Serrano and begin our journey down the river in kayaks. We will spend a relaxing evening at our campsite near a brilliant waterfall. B, L, D
DAY 9: Kayaking the River Serrano – We will continue to paddle toward Mount Balmaceda and Serrano glacier. We will set up camp in a beautiful serene beech forest. B, L, D
DAY 10: Kayaking the River Serrano & Last Hope Sound – Our final day of kayaking takes us across a beautiful & magical lake replete with icebergs. We will transfer to boat and travel across Last Hope Sound to Puerto Natales. We will relax in the comforts of Hotel Contaustralis. We will have a celebration & farewell dinner for our trekkers who will continue on to the Los Glaciares Park in Argentina. B, L, D
DAY 11-12: Punta Arenas Airport - Transfer to the Punta Arenas airport and fly home. B
6-DAY EXTENSION TO LOS GLACIARES PARK
DAY 11: Travel to Calafate – We continue by mini-van into Argentina and to the new town of El Chalten, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. We will have lunch in the quaint town of Calafate along the way. Overnight at Hotel Fitz Roy Inn in El Chalten. L, D
DAY 12: Trek to D’Agostini Camp – We have a leisurely breakfast before we depart for the four day trek in the Los Glaciares National Park. We trek to D’Agostini Camp. After lunch we will have the option of exploring the Grande Glacier and the surrounding area. Our camp offers the photographic view of Cerro Torre and sounding rock spires. B, L, D
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
DAY 13: Trek to Poincenot Camp – We will trek to the Laguna de Los Tres, a glaciated lake at the foot of the famous Fitz Roy granite spire. We will descend to Poincenot Camp for the evening. B, L, D
Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
Day 14: Piedra Del Fraile/ Rio Electrico/ Calafate – Today we will hike to the small campground and lodge of Peidra Del Fraile. After lunch we will take a short hike to Electrico Lake and then a return to Calafate. B, L, D
Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
Day 15-16: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Fly to Buenos Aires and catch your international flight back home. B
NOTE ON ITINERARY: Although we do our best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
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Patagonia Equipment Needs
** Note:Mountain Madness will provide the kayaking equipment for those sections of the trip.
For a detailed equipment list, please contact our office at 800-328-5925.
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