PATAGONIA DAY HIKES
TORRES DEL PAINE and PARQUE DES GLACIERS
March 4-18, 2017 AT# 17
Have you always wanted to explore Patagonia but didn’t feel like doing it with a 25 or 30 pound
backpack?? Do you want to see some glaciers up close and personal? Do you want the
opportunity to walk on a glacier?? Do you enjoy a hot shower and warm bed at night??
If you answered yes to these questions, then you should consider joining us on this memorable
trip! We’ll be exploring two Patagonia National Parks by day and enjoying 2 to 3 star
accommodations by night. We’ll travel with just day packs as we hike in both parks and take in
all the gorgeous scenery.
The Torres del Paine National Park is located in Chile’s Region XII, between the massif of the Los
Andes Mountain Range and the Patagonian steppes, in Ultima Esperanza Province, community
of Torres del Paine. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful national parks, famous all
around the world for its spectacular scenery, fauna and adventure tourism activities. The Torres
del Paine National Park and environs has four types of vegetation - pre-Andean scrubland on
the banks of rivers and lakes; Magallanes forest; Magallanes tundra, typified by the presence of
bent-over bushes, cushions of plants and pasturelands; and high altitude vegetation above the
forests, which disappears as the altitude increases. This diversity of environments leads to
presence of a large number of mammals, including especially the Puma, Guemal, Guanaco,
Chilla Fox, Culpeo Fox and Skunk. The park has a wide variety of bird fauna, with about 100
visible species.
Los Glaciares National Park is located in the area known as Austral Andes in Argentina, in the
south west of Santa Cruz on the border with Chile. By his magnificent natural beauty, it
constitutes a wonder in the world, and was
declared "World Heritage" by UNESCO in
1981. This park shows a scenario of
mountains, lakes and woods, including a
large portion of the Andes practically under
ice and snow to the west, and the arid
Patagonian steppe to the east.
Its name refers to the glaciers that are born on the Ice Caps - the largest continental ice
extension after Antarctica- which occupies almost half its area.
On the southern area of the Park, the most famous glacier can be seen: Perito Moreno. It is
very famous because of its dynamic changes, which produces a cyclic phenomenon of forward
and backward movement, with spectacular ice falls from its front walls.
On the northern extreme of the park, the granite
peaks, lakes, woods and glaciers become all together
one of the most extraordinary places of the world.
The highest mountains are Mt. Fitz Roy (3405m) and
Mt. Torre (3102 m).
ITINERARY: (Subject to change depending upon weather, trail condition and group abilities)
DAY 1-March 4, 2017
Depart from USA and fly to El Calafate, Argentina
DAY 2-March 5, 2017 (D)
Arrive in El Calafate, Argentina; afternoon/evening walk around town, dinner at a local
restaurant. Overnight at Sierra Nevada Hotel www.sierranevada.com.ar/en
DAY 3-March 6, 2017 (B, L)
El Calafate, Argentina - Today we drive into Parque Nacional Los Glaciares for views of the
stunning Perito Moreno Glacier. This huge advancing glacier is more than 3 miles wide at its
front and over 20 stories high - a highlight of the Patagonia travels! We will take a boat across
Lago Argentino and pass the massive front wall of blue ice, all the while watching for icebergs.
After landing on a small beach we will start hiking through the beech forest to the icepack of
the glacier and have the opportunity to walk on the glacier with crampons (This Glacier trek has
a minimum age of 12 and a maximum age of 65 requirements. Alternate excursions are
available for those over 65 years of age.). We will eat our lunch sitting on the lateral moraine of
the glacier, where we can absorb the magnificence of the glacier's anatomy and listen to its
thunderous concerto of groaning and cracking ice dropping into the lake below. Overnight at
Sierra Nevada Hotel
DAY 4-March 7, 2017 (B)
Transfer by bus from El Calafate to El Chalten, Argentina. El Chalten is on the northern
extreme of the park, the granite peaks, lakes, woods and glaciers become all together one of
the most extraordinary places of the world. The highest mountains are Mt. Fitz Roy (3405m)
and Mt. Torre (3102 m). After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to the bus terminal to
board our afternoon bus for four-hour drive across the rugged landscape to El Chalten. Along
the way, we will enjoy the magnificent geography of the region as we drive through the
mountains, passing stunning lakes and winding rivers. In the evening, we will settle in to our
comfortable room in our hotel in El Chalten. Overnight at Las Piedras Hotel
www.laspiedraspatagonia.com
DAY 5 March 8, 2017(B, L)
El Chalten - hike to Laguna de los Tres. We will awake early this morning to begin a full day hike
to Laguna de los Tres. The first 10 km gradually ascend through open and forested areas, with
stunning views of Mt. Fitz Roy. Our route crosses the Rio Blanco before we begin the toughest
part of our trek - a fifty-minute climb that zigzags up a 45º slope. Our efforts will be rewarded
when we arrive at the eerily still glacial Laguna de Los Tres, where one of Patagonia's (and,
quite possibly, the world's) best panoramic vistas stretches out before us! We will enjoy lunch
and feast on the views of the colossus of granite, ice, and sky, before heading back down to El
Chalten for a free evening and a good night's sleep. 8 hours hiking covering 13 miles (21 km).
Overnight at Las Piedras Hotel
DAY 6-March 9, 2017(B, L)
El Chalten - Hike Laguna Torre. Today is another full day of hiking up to Laguna Torre. We will
ascend from the De las Vueltas River Valley through dense southern beech forests, and enjoy
views of the jagged Mount Torre-Adela range in the distance. We will continue climbing
gradually until we reach Laguna Torre, where again, we will be rewarded by a stunning vista:
majestic Mount Torre, flanked by the Adela mountains, high peaks, and glaciers spilling bluewhite towards the lagoon. We will eat lunch by the shores of the lagoon before hiking back to El
Chalten for the evening. 6 hours hiking covering 11 miles (17 km). Overnight at Las Piedras
Hotel
DAY 7-March 10, 2017(B,L)
El Chalten - Viedma Glacier Hiking. This morning, a vehicle will take us to Bahia Tunel, a small
harbor on Lago Viedma at the mouth of the Tunel Rio, to embark for a quick boat trip across
Lago Viedma en route to Viedma Glacier, one of Argentina's largest glaciers. We will then put
on crampons, and after some instruction, begin to trek on the Viedma Glacier (this is designed
for people who have never tried ice hiking with crampons). We will carry lunch with us, so that
we can enjoy the ethereal experience of picnicking on the glacier, with the jagged Adela
mountain chain rising beyond. After our glacial adventure exploring some of the ice caves and
crevasses, we will descend to the glacier's lateral moraine for the boat trip back across the lake
and return to El Chalten. 6 hours hiking (2.5 hours on the glacier) covering 9 miles (14
km).Overnight at Las Piedras Hotel
DAY 8-March 11, 2017(B)
In the morning we will transfer by bus from El Chalten back to El Calafate. In El Calafate we will
enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore this lively town! Overnight at Sierra Nevada Hotel
DAY 9-March 12, 2017(B, L, D)
Transfer from El Calafate to Torres del Paine National Park – In the morning we will be picked
up from our hotel in El Calafate and driven to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous
Torres del Paine National Park. En-route we will make a couple of stops: first in Puerto Natales,
a small, lively town on the shores of "Seno de Ultima Esperanza", where we will enjoy a hearty
local lunch, and second at Cueva de Milodon, a massive prehistoric cave where the remains of a
giant ground sloth were discovered in the 1890’s. The whole journey is very scenic, with plenty
of wild birds and wonderful landscapes to be seen. The day ends with our arrival and overnight
stay at EcoCamp Patagonia, nestled in the heart of the park with a view of the Torres. During
summer the sun sets around 11 PM, so upon arrival there's plenty of light to admire the
Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon. Overnight at
EcoCamp www.ecocamp.travel
DAY 10-March 13, 2017(B, L, D)
Torres del Paine National Park- We will start off driving across the Park, admiring the view of
Paine Grande and its snowy peaks, and Los Cuernos with its black, granite horn-like spires. We
will stop at various viewpoints on the way to enjoy observing and photographing herds of
guanacos, Andean condors and interesting flora. We will drive down past Pehoe lake and enjoy
a short scenic walk along the tip of its southern shore, with views of the vast Toro lake. From
here we will drive up to Grey Lake and wander along the beach on the shores of the glacial
water, where we will embark on a boat ride across the icy waters to the towering blue walls of
Grey Glacier. We will disembark on the other side of the lake and hike to the base of Grey
Glacier. After a picnic lunch in front of the glacier, we will hike to Paine Grande Refugio along
the shores of Lake Pehoe, covering 7 miles in approximately 4 hours of hiking. This trail winds
along the lake shore in front of the Paine Grande Massif, one of the most beautiful peaks in the
park. We will return to EcoCamp via catamaran across Lake Pehoe. Overnight at EcoCamp
DAY 11- March 14, 2017(B, L, D)
Torres del Paine National Park- After breakfast, we will be driven to Pudeto dock, located on
the shores of Pehoe Lake. We will board the catamaran which will take us to the north-western
sector of the Lake where we will begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley)
along a steep trail that leads to the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far in we will go will
depend on our group's trekking rhythm. A swifter walk will lead us to the hanging bridge over
the French River, located at the foot of the south east face of the Massif, where we will be
treated to fantastic views of the valley. We will then continue to ascend towards the upper
section of the valley where we will be able to marvel at the extensive mass of the valley's
geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral),
Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). After our upward trek,
we will pause for a picnic and relax a while. This day's adventure will end as we descend
through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest which will take us to Refugio
Paine Grande, located on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe. From here, we will board the
catamaran which will take us back to Pudeto, where we will be collected and transported back
to EcoCamp. 13 miles in approximately 8 hours. Overnight at EcoCamp
DAY 12-March 15, 2017(B, L, D)
Torres del Paine National Park-After a hearty breakfast we will set off from Ecocamp towards
Hostería Las Torres and join the uphill path to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. Dry
mountain spots, beech forests and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. Our big
challenge comes as we climb the steep moraine, a mass of boulders leading us towards one of
the world's most famous views overlooking the Towers. The famous Torres del Paine (2,900 m/
9,400 ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away
by the forces of glacial ice. After an uphill slog, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising
majestically before us, with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world
to have lunch? After feasting on the view and our picnic, we will backtrack along the same trail
through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp. 14 miles - approximately 9 hours Overnight at
EcoCamp
DAY 13-March 16, 2017(B, L, D)
Torres del Paine National Park- After breakfast we will drive to Estancia Laguna Amarga, next to
the ranger station where we entered the park, and we will hop on our mountain bikes & pedal
away towards Laguna Azul campsite approximately 20 km to the north east. We will cycle past
an array of fauna on the Patagonian plains including guanacos and ostrich-like ñandús (plus
maybe the occasional puma print!), heading up north past the cascading Paine waterfall where
we can stop for a break to admire the view. We will continue our journey heading past a small
canyon in the middle of the Patagonian flora and fauna before looping up towards Laguna Azul.
Upon arrival at Laguna Azul we will be treated to a classic Patagonian barbecue, prepared by a
local Patagonian chef in EcoCamp’s cozy barbecue area on the lakeshore. Once we’ve feasted
and enjoyed some rest there will be time to explore the surroundings and climb to the nearby
sightseeing point with a panoramic view of the lagoon and the Torres in the distance. The cycle
ride back to Ecocamp is optional - anyone who is happily tired after the journey and barbecue is
welcome to travel back in the support van (accompanying the group at all times on the outward
journey). Back at EcoCamp, enjoy a farewell dinner and toast your amazing travels! 6 miles of
cycling in each direction - approximately 2.5 hours in each direction. Overnight at EcoCamp
DAY 14-March 17, 2017(B)
Early in the morning, we will board a vehicle which will take us to our final destination – Punta
Arenas. On the way there we will enjoy a scenery, relax and arrive on time to catch the evening
flight to USA.
DAY 15-March 18, 2017
Arrive in USA
AMC Adventure Travel trips are led by volunteers on a non-profit basis. Any monies left over
after trip expenses are covered will be refunded to the participants. As leaders our goals for the
group are to have fun, stretch participants skills, and savor a foreign culture at reasonable cost
and in the company of other adventurers with
similar interests. We encourage your individual
contributions, cooperation and good humor to
enrich the group’s experience. We expect you
to participate as part of a group and abide by
the leaders’ decisions, and work towards the
group having a good time. Be prepared to help
your fellow hikers and spend time with other
participants on the trip. In doing so, you will enjoy the trip to the maximum.
COSTS COVERED:
Group transfer from El Calafate to/from El Chalten
3 night’s accommodations (double occupancy) at Sierra Nevada in El Calafate
Glacier Minitrek (age restrictions) or Glacier Navigation Tour at El Calafate
4 night’s accommodations (double occupancy) in EL Chalten
Viedma Glacier Trek in El Chalten
Group Transfers from El Calafate to EcoCamp in Torres del Paine National Park
5 night’s accommodation (double occupancy) at EcoCamp in Torres del Paine National Park
All meals, WIFI, guide and group excursions at EcoCamp in Torres del Paine National Park
All breakfasts, most lunches
Welcome and Farewell Dinners
Visit to Patagonian estancia
Entry fee to Torres del Paine National Park
Medical evacuation and repatriation insurance
AMC-AT program Expense Fee
AMC luggage tag
Expenses for 2 AMC Volunteer Trip Leaders (if minimum of 14 participants)
COSTS NOT COVERED:
Airfare from USA to El Calafate, Argentina and from Punta Arenas, Chile back to USA
Alcoholic beverages, and dinner drinks other than tap water
Lunches (as noted in daily itinerary) & snacks
Dinners (except those at EcoCamp, welcome and farewell dinners)
Passport
Argentina Reciprocity Fee of $150 which must be paid online prior to departure from USA and
proof of payment brought on trip. We will need to show proof of payment each time we enter
and leave Argentina.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Items of personal nature/souvenirs
Tips for housekeeping staff and local guides/drivers
SAFETY, RISKS AND HAZARDS:
As participant safety is a high priority for all AMC-sponsored events, procedures and policies
have been developed to attempt to limit participant risk. Participants are expected to work
with the leaders to reduce risks and make the experience successful for all. Participants should
be aware that there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including but not
limited to adverse weather and environmental conditions, remote locations of our trips, and
transportation in vehicles, on foot, or by boat. Aside from any personal medical problems,
participants should be aware of the possibilities of hypothermia, hyperthermia, insect bites,
altitude sickness, dehydration, sun burn and other hot and cold related problems. You should
regularly use sun screen and insect repellant, wear long sleeves and pants, take care to be
adequately hydrated and bring water on all day trips as well as wind/rain gear, warm hat and
gloves, sun protection, snacks and personal first aid kit. Please carefully read and sign the AMC
Participant Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks and Release and Indemnity Agreement
and contact us if you have any questions. Participants’ understanding of these risks and
adherence to our policies and procedures can contribute to making this experience rewarding.
RESERVING A PLACE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
The land cost of the trip is $5,500.00, plus estimated airfare of $1,300-1,650. To reserve your
place, please contact the trip leader or co leader for an application, the Confidential Medical
Form and the Acknowledgment & Assumption of Risks & Release and Indemnity Agreement,
then send to the leader these forms along with deposit of $1,000.00 made out to: Appalachian
Mountain Club (AMC). $100.00 of this initial $1,000.00 deposit is a non-refundable
administration fee. Once we receive your application and other forms and have approved you
for the trip, we’ll send you additional information on the trip, including planned hikes,
equipment lists, and travel tips. The maximum number of participants is 18, so apply early to
reserve your place. Historically, all AMC trips to Patagonia fill up quickly each year.
PAYMENTS DUE:
2nd Payment due by June 1, 2016 = $1000
Balance due by Oct 1, 2016 = $ 3500
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you cancel after being accepted for the trip, $100 is non-refundable. But if you cancel after
Oct 1st, 2016, minimally $200 is nonrefundable; if (and only if) another person takes your place.
We will establish a waiting list. However, your cancellation shall not raise the cost of the trip to
any of the participants or the leaders. Thus, if you cancel and are not replaced, you will forfeit
the $200 plus the per capita expenses already incurred and any other unpaid expenses for
which the trip cannot obtain a refund. You may forfeit the entire trip fee. Flight tickets once
purchased become your property and are generally non-refundable. We strongly recommend
that you purchase travel insurance. Information on a company recommended by the AMC will
be sent to you.
PLEASE NOTE: The price of the AMC Adventure Travel trip is given in good faith based on
current tariffs and rates and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate increases will be
passed on to participants.
Conversely if the minimum number of participants does not sign up, the leaders reserve the
right to cancel the trip and refund the amounts paid. If the trip is full, we can put your name on
a waiting list, or return your deposit.
AIR COSTS (ESTIMATED $1,300-1,650):
Leaders will explore the best possible options for air travel – most likely on American or
Delta, since they usually offer good connections. You will receive notification when we are
aware of a good fare. For this trip we estimate a range of $1,300-1,650. We will assist you in
any way to make your reservations, but you should not make any booking on your own without
consulting the leaders. We will notify you with a list of acceptable flights once we know that we
have a confirmed trip. Once you purchase tickets, they are wholly owned by you.
FLIGHTS:
Flights should leave the USA on March 4th, 2017 for arrival in El Calafate, Argentina on March
5ht, 2017 no later than 7 PM. The return flights should leave Punta Arenas, Chile on March
18th after 2PM
Trip insurance is highly recommended, since an illness, accident or death in the family can
interfere with your plans. Trip insurance can be obtained through your travel agent or the
leaders will provide you with information about an AMC recommended/approved trip
insurance company.
TRIP LEADERS:
LEADER: GINETTE BEAUDOIN
Ginette has been a member of the AMC since 1988 and has led several day and weekend trips
in the White Mountains of NH, as well as various parts of Maine. She has led adventure trip in
July 2014, July of 2011, August 2012 and July/August to Austrian Alps. She has also lead
Adventure travel trips to Yosemite National Park, Azores Archipelago, Tuscany and Superior
Hiking Trail in Minnesota for the AMC. She has participated in numerous AMC Major Excursions
to Switzerland and Austria, involving hiking and cross country skiing. She has hiked in the Stubai
valley as part of a 2006 Major Excursion and hiked to 26 of the high Alpine Huts throughout
Austria, Germany and Switzerland. She has hiked all of the NH 4000 footers. Her interests
include hiking, photography, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, travel, information volunteer
for AMC and introducing others to outdoor activities.
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
66 Graham Street, Biddeford, Maine 04005
(207) 294-6302, (207) 590-4431
EMAIL ADDRESS:
ginette4000@yahoo.com
CO-LEADER: ANNA PANSZCZYK
Anna is a Boston Chapter INTRO (AMC) Leader. Anna has co lead AMC Adventure Travel trips to
Austria, Azores, Yosemite National Park, Minnesota and Morocco. Anna leads trips in the White
Mountains and most recently led an excursion to Ghost Ranch in New Mexico and to Mt Rainier
and Olympic National Parks in Washington. Anna spends part of each summer backpacking as a
Sierra Club participant. This is in addition to trips that she takes to all corners of the
world! Anna has completed SOLO Advanced Wilderness First Aid course as well as CPR training.
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
22 Alfred Rd, Arlington, MA 02474
(781)-648-2492; (617)-429-2175
EMAIL ADDRESS:
annatp13@verizon.net