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 Patagonian National Parks by day and enjoying a warm bed 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).
TRIP ITINERARY: (Subject to change depending upon
weather, trail condition and group abilities)
Mar 4, 2017 Leave USA for Argentina
Mar 5, 2017 Arrive Argentina
Mar 6, 2017 walk and explore El Calafate and visit Laguna Nimes
Mar 7, 2017 Private tour to Perito Moreno. Come back to Calafate. Overnight in Calafate
Mar 8, 2017 Private transportation from Calafate to Chalten. Overnight at Patagonia Alberque
Mar 9, 2017 Hike in Chalten. Overnight at Patagonia Alberque
Mar 10, 2017 Hike in Chalten. Overnight at Patagonia Alberque
Mar 11, 2017 Ice Hike Viedma Glacier. Overnight at Patagonia Alberque
Mar 12, 2017 private transportation from Chalten to Puerto Natales
Mar 13, 2017 Full day tour of Milodon, Cascada Paine, Laguna Azul, Laguna Amarga,
Nordenskjols, Ssalto Grande pudeto, Catamaran Pudeto to Paine Grande. Overnight at Lodge
Paine Grande
Mar 14, 2017 Hike Valle del Frances. Overnight at Paine Grande
Mar 15, 2017 Hike to Grey Glacier. Overnight at Hotel Torres
Mar 16, 2017 Hike to Basses Torres, private transfer to Puenta Natales. Overnight there
Mar 17, 2017 Transfer by local bus to Punta Arenas airport for flights home
DETAILED ITINERARY:
DAY 1-March 4, 2017
Leave US (if coming direct). You may also choose to leave a day early and spend an extra night
in El Calafate or en route in Buenos Aires
DAY 2-March 5, 2017 (D)
Arrive in El Calafate, Argentina. It is likely that you will connect via Buenos Aires. Note that U.S.
and Canadian citizens entering Argentina via Buenos Aires international airport (EZE) must prepay an Argentine entry fee called a reciprocity fee (US $160 as of 2015 and is valid for 10 years)
by credit card prior to arrival (http://www.argentinafees.com/). Please allow plenty of time (6
hours) to transfer from EZE to the domestic Buenos Aires Airport (AEP). Arrive in El Calafate and
transfer to our local accommodation by taxi. The name and address of our hostel reservation
(shared two-bed rooms) in El Calafate will be provided. There is a restaurant in our hostel
offering local dishes, pasta, pizza and many vegetarian options. There is a supermarket nearby
to shop for your lunches, trail snacks and fruits. We will have our first evening meal together
with all participants on either the first or second night depending on when trip members arrive.
Overnight at Hosteria Cauquenes de Nimez: www.cauquenesdenimez.com.ar/lodge
DAY 3-March 6, 2017 (B, L)
El Calafate, Argentina - Free exploration or catch up day in El Calafate. The included buffet
breakfast in our hostel opens early. The leaders will organize a 45-minute walk through town to
Laguna Nimes, a bird sanctuary, to see lots of local bird species, Lago Argentino, and Solitaria
Island. The walk and sanctuary visit will take about 3 hours. Bring your own beverages and
snacks and more to share. If your luggage or your flight(s) are delayed, you can use today to
catch up. Overnight at Hosteria Cauquenes de Nimez
DAY 4-March 7, 2017 (B)
El Calafate, Argentina - We will leave our hostel and travel to the Perito Moreno glacier,
(www.losglaciares.com)passing Lago Argentino. Once inside the National Park, we will wander
long and wide catwalks, arranged in three levels, to be dazzled by the spectacular views of the
Perito Moreno Glacier, further enhanced every now and then by the calving, sometimes
significant, of its front wall. Overnight at Hosteria Cauquenes de Nimez
DAY 5 March 8, 2017(B)
El Calafate -El Chalten – We will leave our Hosteria and travel by charter van to our hotel in El
Chaltén with stops for many breath-taking photography opportunities. We will stay in the same
hostel for 4 nights in shared twin bed rooms with breakfasts included. Overnight at Patagonia
Alberque www.hihotels.com/hostels/el-chalten-patagonia-hostel
DAY 6-March 9, 2017(B)
El Chalten - We will do a day hike in Los Glaciares to Campamento de Agostini on Laguna Torre,
with magnificent views of the extraordinary rock spire of Cerro Torre and a sprawling mass of
intersecting glaciers. We may take a side trip to Mirador Maestri for more views of Cerro Torre
and Cordón Adela, a serrated ridge of snow-capped peaks between Cerro Grande and Cerro
Torre. Distance is about 11 to 15 miles, including the side trip. Book time is 6 to 7 hours with
1600’ elevation gain. Overnight at Patagonia Alberque
DAY 7-March 10, 2017(B)
El Chalten- Another day hike from El Chaltén, this time to Campamento Poincenot and Laguna
de los Tres, the lake at the foot of Monte Fitz Roy. At Campamento Poincenot we will look
directly up at the spires of the Fitz Roy massif. Further views of Fitz Roy from Laguna de los Tres
and its surroundings will reward your climb of about 2500’. Distance is about 13 miles and the
book time is 8 hours. Overnight at Patagonia Alberque
DAY 8-March 11, 2017(B)
El Chalten- If the weather forecast is good in El Chaltén, we will sign up for a guided Viedma
Glacier mini ice trek adventure. We will board a boat which takes about an hour to reach the
glacier. After scrambling over some cliffs and being given a geological history of the glacier, we
will put on provided crampons and venture out onto the glacier for about 2 hours to see some
amazing features of the glacier. The whole trip is about 6 hours. If the weather is not suitable
for the boat ride, this day will be a free day for short hikes to nearby waterfalls and other
attractions. Overnight at Patagonia Alberque
DAY 9-March 12, 2017(B)
Transfer from El Chalten to Torres del Paine National Park – In the morning we will be picked up
from our hotel in El Chalten and driven to Puerto Natales, located en route to the world-famous
Torres del Paine National Park. We will overnight in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the
shores of "Seno de Ultima Esperanza", where we will enjoy a walk around the town. Our hostal
will store whatever luggage we don’t need or want to carry during our next 3 nights in Torres
del Paine National Park. Our first two nights in the park will be spent at an easy to reach
Refugio (ie 5 minute walk!) and the last night at a well-equipped hotel. The refugio will have
fully made up bunk beds in 6 person bunk rooms with sheets, blankets, pillow, soap towels and
shampoo provided. So we just need to bring a day pack with a change (or two) of clothes
snacks, headlamp etc. Overnight at Hostral Amerindia www.hostelamerindia.com
DAY 10-March 13, 2017(B, L, D)
Torres del Paine National Park- Private charter van excursion and many magnificent viewpoints
again along the way from Puerto Natales to Lake Pehoe in the Torres del Paine National Park in
Chile. Our luggage not used in the next 4 days of hiking will be stored with our Hostel in Puerto
Natales and will be waiting for us after we complete our exploration of the park. En route to the
park we will make at stop at Cueva de Milodon, a massive prehistoric cave where the remains
of a giant sloth were discovered in the 1890’s. The whole journey is very scenic, with plenty of
wild birds and wonderful landscapes to be seen. We will then take a scenic catamaran ride to
Paine Grande Lodge just in time for dinner. Overnight at Lodge Paine Grande
www.torresdelpaine.com
DAY 11- March 14, 2017(B, L, D)
Torres del Paine National Park- After breakfast, we will hike to French Valley. 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 lunch 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 back to Lodge Paine Grande, located on the peaceful shores of Lake
Pehoe. 13 miles in approximately 8 hours. Overnight at Lodge Paine Grande
DAY 12-March 15, 2017(B)
Torres del Paine National Park-After breakfast we will set off from Lodge Paine Grande towards
Mirador Grey. Hike about 7 miles (book time 4 hours) along the shores of Lago Grey and admire
the turquoise icebergs floating in the lake. We will trek to viewpoints beyond Refugio Grey to
take in views of the snout of Grey Glacier. Behind the icebergs is Grey Glacier, the largest
glacier in Torres del Paine. Trek back to Lodge Paine Grande, where we will then take the 18:30
Catamaran back across the lake to Pudeto then board a bus to Laguna Amarga and transfer to
Torres Hotel for our final night in the park. Overnight at Hotel Torres www.lastorres.com
DAY 13-March 16, 2017(B,D)
Torres del Paine National Park- After breakfast we hike to Base Torres. After our hike we
transfer back to Puerto Natales by private vans. Overnight at Hostal Amerindia
DAY 14-March 17, 2017(B,D)
Early in the morning, we will go to the Puerto Natales bus station and board the bus for Punta
Arenas airport. On the way there we will enjoy the scenery, relax and arrive in time to catch
our evening flights back 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 in El Calafate
www.cauquenesdenimez.com.ar/lodge
Glacier Navigation Tour at El Calafate
4 night’s accommodations (double occupancy) in EL Chalten www.hihotels.com/hostels/elchalten-patagonia-hostel
Viedma Glacier Trek in El Chalten www.patagonia-aventura.com
Group Transfers from El Calafate to Torres del Paine National Park
2 night’s accommodation (double occupancy) at Hostal Amerindia in Puerto Natales
www.hostelamerindia.com
2 night’s accommodation (in 6 pers bunk rooms) @Lodge Paine Grande in Torres Del Paine NP
www.torresdelpaine.com
1 night’s accommodation (double occupancy) at Hotel Torres in Torres Del Paine NP
www.lastorres.com
All meals at Lodge Paine Grande in Torres del Paine National Park
All breakfasts
Welcome and Farewell Dinners
Group local transportation from Day 3 March 6 through March 17
Visit to Milodon Cave cuevadelmilodon.cl
Catamaran to/from Pudeto and Paine Grande www.torres-del-paine.org/catamaran.html
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
Transportation from the airport to the hostal in El Calafate, Argentina
Alcoholic beverages, and dinner drinks other than tap water
Lunches (as noted in daily itinerary) & snacks
Dinners (except those at Lodge Paine Grande, welcome and farewell dinners)
Passport
Argentina Reciprocity Fee of $160 must be paid online prior to departure from USA, unless
previously paid within the last 10 years. In either case, proof of payment must be brought on
trip
Airport departure taxes
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 $3765.00, 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 = $ 1765
EQUIPMENT LIST
Below is a list of the required and recommended gear for the trip.
Required and Essential Gear
• passport, at least six months from expiration
• daypack, at least 1000-2000 cubic inches
• waterproof pack liner or both a liner AND a
pack cover (a pack cover will not keep water
out in very high wind, but can keep the
outside of the pack dryer)
• sturdy, comfortable, waterproof hiking boots
with extra shoelaces
• synthetic hiking clothing (tops and bottoms)
• waterproof rain gear (tops and bottoms)
• sweater/jacket, wool or fleece
• long pants, wool or fleece
• Nalgene bottles/Camelback (at least 2 liters
total capacity)
• sun hat or bandanna
• warm hat, neckband or balaclava
• gloves/mittens
• 3 pairs of hiking socks with liners
• Tevas, Crocs or other similar footwear (to wear around our lodging)
• headlamp/flashlight with fresh batteries
• sunglasses
• sunscreen and insect repellent
• personal blister kit, first aid kit and personal medications
• high-energy trail snacks
• whistle and knife (knife not in carry-on)
• camp towel or light weight bath towel
Recommended and Optional Gear
• small daypack/lumbar pack for sightseeing (or adaptation of full pack)
• gaiters (for rain and debris)
• hiking poles (not in carry-on), highly recommended for stream crossings, in rain and high
winds
• casual clothing
• camera and spare batteries/charger and voltage converter or adapter as required.
Note about foreign currency: The best exchange rates for Argentine and Chilean pesos are
probably at ATMs in each country. In-country banks and money exchanges away from airports
are probably next best. Traveler’s checks are not recommended. There are no ATMs in tiny El
Chaltén.
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:
Your flight should leave the USA on March 4th, 2017 for arrival in El Calafate, Argentina on
March 5th, 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:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
66 Graham Street, Biddeford, Maine 04005
(207) 294-6302, (207) 590-4431
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:
annatp12@gmail.com