EcoCamp Patagonia

Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine National Park 

Land in Punta Arenas, Chile and begin your Patagonian adventure. Set against the hills lining the Magellan Strait, Punta Arenas and its stately mansions amidst urban sprawl serves as an ideal introduction to Chilean hospitality. Meet your guides and your group at the Punta Arenas airport before you begin your journey to Torres del Paine National Park.

We pause our trip through some of South America’s most incredible landscapes for lunch and a tour of Cueva del Milodón. Cueva del Milodón, a national monument, was discovered in 1895 along with its collection of ancient artifacts and the remains of a giant Mylodon, or sloth. Step into the world of 10,000 BC before we continue on our way to Torres del Paine National Park.

The park greets you with its three granite monoliths for which it was named as we travel to EcoCamp Patagonia, tucked away into the Patagonian steppe. A welcoming reception with a delicious dinner and cocktail await you. Spend the evening taking in your striking surroundings before settling into your geodesic domes for the night. The dome’s wide windows let you fall asleep surrounded by the park’s views. 

ACCOMMODATION : Patagonia EcoCamp

MEALS INCLUDED : Lunch, Dinner

Pehoé Lake Catamaran and Valle Francés Hike 

Wake up to coffee and a warm breakfast before setting off on your first day in the park. Our day’s adventure begins with a catamaran ride across Lake Pehoé. 

Dock and hit the trail with a rugged hike through Valle Francés (French Valley). Lined with coihue and notro trees, the scenic trail takes you to a suspension bridge where we stop to enjoy the tumbling rush of the French River and the frosty beauty of Glacier Francés’ granite spires. Once we cross the bridge, the trail leads to the stony slopes of Valle Francés strewn with lenga trees. 

We go as far into Valle Francés as our groups’ pace allows, possibly reaching the Valle Francés viewpoint. Relax with a picnic at our stopping point before taking some time to explore the area and take in the scenery. 

Our return descent takes us through shady forests and spare stretches of pampas. Meet our catamaran on Lake Pehoé for a return trip, after which we’re driven back to EcoCamp Patagonia. Another night of fine dining and incredible views awaits you. 

• Activity: Nature Hike
• Hiking Distance: 13mi/ 21km
• Estimated Hiking Time: 8 hours
• Maximum Altitude Point: >660ft/ >200m
• Overall Activity Time: 8am Start/ 8pm Finish

Note: Day 2 Valley Frances activity may be influenced by weather. In the occasion that the  catamaran ride is cancelled due to inclement weather, an optional hike to Mirador Britanico is available.
Additional Activity Options:

*During the shoulder season of April and May, September and October, the catamaran service isn’t available. During these times, we offer an alternative activity: Lazo Weber Excursion.

Weber Bridge Adventure Details:
Set off from EcoCamp after breakfast and enter Torres del Paine National Park by the Laguna Verde keeper post. From there, begin the 12km Lazo Weber hike. The relaxed trail runs by numerous lakes and keeps glaciated peaks in the skyline. We pause at Laguna Honda, where we might spot caranchos and condors, guanacos and foxes.

We continue on from Laguna Honda to the El Toro Lookout. From this lofty viewpoint, the towering Paine Massive, sinuous mountain rivers, and glacial lakes such as Serrano, Lagos Toro, Grey, and Paine can be seen. Our hike takes us downhill toward the Paine River, where we can explore the shores before our ride picks us for our return to EcoCamp Patagonia.

• From November 1st-15th: Hiking trails are restricted to Camp Italiano.
• From November 16th-March 15th: Activity operates as planned.
• From March 16th-31st: Hiking trails are restricted to Camp Italiano.

ACCOMMODATION : Patagonia EcoCamp

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

Grey Glacier Kayak 

Wake up to coffee and a warm breakfast at camp before heading off on a scenic drive to Lake Grey. Once there, hop onto the boat and sail across Lake Grey with its glowing blue icebergs. In the distance, Paine Massif rears up over the glacier and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Our cruise takes us to the foot of Glacier Grey, where calving ice cracks and falls into the water. 
Here, we trade in the boat for kayaks for a paddle toward the glacier’s eastern flank. Paddle through placid waters sprinkled with luminescent icebergs—Patagonia’s frozen world laid before you.   

After our paddle, you’re picked up by our boat and transported back to EcoCamp Patagonia. Sip on a cocktail, soak in the sunset, and sleep well after the full day.

• Activity: Boat Cruise and Kayak 
• Overall Activity Time: 9am Start/ 5pm Finish

Note: During boat season, the cruise to Glacier Grey may be cancelled if the 8-passenger minimum is not met. In such cases, we have contingency activities that also take you to new sites in the park.

ACCOMMODATION : Lake Grey Camp

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Grey Glacier Cruise

After breakfast at camp we head to the dock and settle into the boat and launch off on our cruise across the glacial lake dotted with luminous blue icebergs. The Paine Massif looms in the background alongside the hulking glacier that comprises part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. We cruise to the base of Glacier Grey, where we might have the opportunity to see calving ice collapse into the lake below. Watch for the way the sunlight seeps through the luminescent blue of icebergs or plays off the yellowed grass of the steppe in contrast to the subdued granite spires.

After the cruise we head back to EcoCamp and should arrive around 2pm to allow for a relaxing afternoon.Note: The boat tours to Glacier Grey may be cancelled during Shoulder Season if the 8-passenger minimum is not met. If this occurs, we have other activities planned that will allow you to explore other areas of the park.

• Activity: Challenging Hike
• Hiking Distance: 14mi/ 22km
• Estimated Hiking Time: 9 hours
• Maximum Altitude Point: 3000ft/ 914m
• Overall Activity Time: 8am Start/ 5pm Finish

ACCOMMODATION : Patagonia EcoCamp

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

Las Torres Trail and Towers Base Hike

Today takes you on one of the most challenging and inspiring hikes found within Torres del Paine National Park. We rise early and enjoy a hearty breakfast before we begin our walk toward nearby Hostería Las Torres. Our trail climbs uphill to Ascencio Valley and the Tower’s eastern face. Trek along sinuous ridges, in company with small mountain rivers, and through sparse forests of grey beech trees on this morning’s hike.

Up next is the most challenging portion of the hike: up a moraine. A moraine is a steep collection of boulders that have fallen from surrounding glaciers and granite peaks, and our climb through the boulder field takes us to the base of Las Torres (The Towers). The three granitic spires make you feel microscopic from their 9,400 feet height, and the remains of a cirque impress upon you the sheer power of the region’s geologic forces.  

We stop for lunch surrounded by the most iconic of Patagonian vistas and spend some time exploring the area. After we’ve seen our fill, we return on the trail through the craggy moraine and the lower Ascencio Valley before returning to EcoCamp Patagonia for another evening on the steppe.

• Activity: Challenging Hike
• Hiking Distance: 14mi/ 22km
• Estimated Hiking Time: 9 hours
• Maximum Altitude Point: 3000ft/ 914m
• Overall Activity Time: 8am Start/ 5pm Finish

ACCOMMODATION : EcoCamp Patagonia

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

Serrano River Kayak 

After breakfast, we begin our day by packing up camp and driving to the Serrano Camp, lying in the southwest region of the park. Once there, get equipped while given a brief safety orientation for the next three days of your Patagonian adventure. Then, hop into your kayak and set off on the paddle down the Serrano River as it slithers its way through the Torres del Paine National Park on its way to the Pacific Ocean.

We paddle for about 4 hours surrounded by spectacular scenery before reaching a crashing waterfall. Disembark and portage the kayaks to avoid the tumultuous Serrano Falls before once again jumping in your kayak. Our paddle then takes us through a mountain pass carpeted in lenga forests.

Our day on the river comes to an end at the mouth of Tyndall River, where we pitch our riverside campsite for the night. Relax and enjoy the fresh night air with dinner by the campfire.  

Activity: Kayak 
Overall Activity Time: 9am Start/ 5pm Finish

ACCOMMODATION : Tyndall River Campsite

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

Serrano River Kayak Continues

We rise early for breakfast in the crisp morning air before continuing our kayaking adventure down the Serrano River. Today’s paddle takes us by Tyndall Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field also known as Geike Glacier. After a morning on the river surrounded by incredible views, we pause at Estancia Pekin Guerrero for lunch.

Up next, we paddle for approximately 3 hours through Patagonian fjords shadowed by the towering, heavily glaciated Mount Balmaceda. We eventually pull in to Mount Balmaceda, where our secluded camp site waits. Enjoy the  surroundings and a warm dinner after a full day.

• Activity: Kayak 
• Paddling Distance:
• Overall Activity Time: 9am Start/ 5pm Finish

ACCOMMODATION : Camping Puerto Toro

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

Balmaceda Glacier Kayak and Reach Puerto Natales

Wake up to a fresh breakfast before setting off in your kayak to the Balmaceda Glacier, which sits in the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. Standing at over 2,000 meters, the Balmaceda Glacier is a breathtaking sight to see from the seat of your kayak. Balmaceda Glacier icebergs calve into the Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope) Fjord, and it can only be visited nautically—so sit back and enjoy a rare view.

Our paddle then takes us to the O’Higgins National Park’s main dock, where we leave the kayaks in favor of a catamaran that takes us to Puerto Natales. We cross Last Hope Fjord en route and look for our last views of Patagonian marine life and fauna. We disembark in Puerto Natales, where we’re met by a driver who transports us to our hotel for the evening.

Adios Torres del Paine National Park!

• Activity: Catamaran Cruise and  Kayak 
• Overall Activity Time: 9am Start/ 5pm Finish

ACCOMMODATION : Puerto Natales Hotel

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch

Return to Punta Arenas

Wake up and enjoy a hearty breakfast before making your way to the local bus station.  You'll travel as a group back to Punta Arenas Airport for your return flight home.

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast