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Chile. Argentina. November 2018.
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When you think of Patagonia, THIS is the Patagonia you imagine. THIS is the ultimate bucket list trip.
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The W Circuit is the most popular hike through the famous Torres del Paine National Park in Southern Chilean Patagonia. We will hike a total of about 50 miles through the heart of this park, exploring the mountains, lakes, spires, and glaciers that make up the Paine Massif.
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Perito Moreno Glacier is on the southern end of Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. It is THE most impressive glacier in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. There are three ways to experience this glacier: by boat, by boardwalks, and by trekking on the glacier itself, and we get to do all three!
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At the northern end of Los Glaciares National Park lies the famous Mount Fitz Roy. This giant rock, along with the many spires that surround it, is one of the world’s most iconic climbing destinations. We’ll hike to both Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre during our stay in El Chaltén.
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Click each day to see activities.
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“Each day is carefully planned and full of activities and adventure. This allows you, as the traveler, to stay present in the moment and experience a new place without the stress and worry of planning and decisions.” – Brittany
“I am used to planning my own trips, but it was lovely to just let go and trust that Jackie had everything handled. And she really did!” – Carley
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 1: Meet & Greet in Puerto Natales”]
Meet and greet happy hour at our hotel in Puerto Natales at 6pm (PLEASE NOTE: This is a change from past itineraries). After happy hour, we will have dinner together before getting an early start Day 2.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Indigo Patagonia
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 2: W Circuit, Mirador Base Torres”]
Transfer from Puerto Natales into Torres del Paine NP. Our W Circuit begins with a steep ascent underneath the hanging glacier of Almirante Nieto (8,700 ft) with beautiful views of lake Nordenskjöld. After about an hour and a half we reach Refugio El Chileno, where we will have access to bathrooms. We will be able to re fill water bottles along the trail, which continues through a millenary Lenga forest (1 hour) to the base of the moraine. One more challenging ascent (45 min) to the base of the towers. This lookout “Mirador Base Torres” or “Base of Torres del Paine” is one of the most impressive in the park. From here we can see Torre Sur (9,350 ft), Torre Central (9,200 ft), Torre Norte (8,530 ft) and Cerro Nido de Cóndor. We will return the same way we came up. Total 18km (11 miles).
Difficulty Level: High
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Las Torres
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 3: W Circuit, Lago Nordensköld to Los Cuernos”]
The trail goes between the base of Almirante Nieto (part of the Paine Massif) and Lake Nordenskjöld’s turquoise waters, with many photo opportunities and places to picnic above the lake. After about 4-5 hours, we will reach the base of Los Cuernos where the Refugio is located. The cabins here are one of the most charming sites in the whole park, a perfect mountain oasis to rest and recover energy for tomorrow’s challenging trek into French Valley. Total 11km (7 miles).
Difficulty Level: Medium
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Cabins Los Cuernos
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 4: W Circuit, French Valley”]
The first part of today’s trek winds up and down along the shore of Lake Nordenskjöld until we reach Campamento Italiano (Italian Camp). At this point we will leave our big packs and only take what we need to complete the out and back to French Valley. After ascending for about an hour, we will reach a lookout to observe the hanging French Glacier, which will most likely be avalanching before our eyes. From there, the trail continues up to Campamento Británico (British Camp) and the lookout considered by many as one of the most incredible spots on the Circuit. At Mirador Británico, you can see Paine Grande, Cerro Hoja, Cerro Máscara, Cerro Catedral, Cerro Aleta de Tiburón, Cuerno Norte, and more. We will return back to Italian Camp, and then hike on to the Pehoé sector, where Refugio Paine Grande is located. Total 25km (15 miles).
Difficulty Level: High
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Refugio Paine Grande
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 5: W Circuit, Kayaking at Glacier Grey”]
Trek to Refugio Grey. The trail goes through the western side of the Paine Massif with views of Grey Lake. After an hour and a half, we will reach Mirador Grey, where we can begin to see Grey Glacier. Once we reach the refugio and check in, we will begin our afternoon kayak excursion on Grey Lake. Total 11km (7 miles).
Difficulty level: Medium
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Refugio Grey
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 6: End W Circuit, Welcome to El Calafate, Argentina”]
After Breakfast, we will hike until Paine Grande and cross Pehoe Lake by Catamaran 12.00 (30 min) until Pudeto Pier where our private transfer will be waiting to take as to El Calafate. From Pudeto Pier we will head to Cerro Castillo Border Crossing (1,5 hours Transfer) and then to El Calafate (3,5 hours). The drive to Calafate is a great introduction to Patagonia. The journey takes us across the vast barren Patagonian Desert, called the steppe, where we may see native guanacos (from the llama family) and rheas (from the ostrich family). Once we arrive, we will have a free evening to explore the beautiful town of El Calafate. Total 11km (7 miles).
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch
Accommodation: El Quijote or similar
Dinner is not included this evening to allow you to explore the beautiful town of El Calafate (and take a break from group activity if you need one!). There are many restaurant options, I suggest La Zorra, La Tablita, or Viva la Pepa. You can budget about $10-15 for a regular restaurant, or about $30-40 for a specialty steakhouse (not including alcohol).
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 7: Perito Moreno Glacier Trek and Welcome to El Chaltén”]
After an early breakfast, we will depart for Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. The glacier excursion begins at Bajo de las Sombras port, about 6 km before the glacier balconies. Here we will enjoy a 20-minute boat ride across the Rico Arm, with breath-taking views of Perito Moreno Glacier’s front wall.
On the opposite shore, we will disembark to meet our specialized bilingual mountain guides, who will welcome us and lead us to a small shelter. After a short briefing, we will depart with our guides along the lake’s shore towards the edge of the glacier. Once on the ice, the guides will help us into crampons and explain how to walk with them.
The two-hour circuit that follows will introduce us to the fascinating landscape of the glaciers: the streams, small lagoons, gullies, crevasses and incredible blue ice formations. The trekking is moderate. The ice surface is irregular, but it is firm and safe. We will learn about flora, fauna and general glaciology of the region, as well as the particular phenomenon’s that happen with Perito Moreno Glacier.
We will return to El Calafate around 5pm to pick up our bags and then we will head to El Chaltén, Argentina; a picturesque mountaineering town located at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy at the northern end of Los Glaciares National Park (3 hours drive).
Difficulty level: Medium.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner: La Tapera Restaurant
Accommodation: Hosteria Los Ñires
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 8: Cerro Torre Trek: Los Glaciares National Park”]
After breakfast and before we start our trekking excursion, we will go to Haydee ́s Bakery to choose among different delicious options for our trail lunch.
We will begin our trek from the hotel in El Chaltén following the Fitz Roy river valley along a good path until reaching the first lookout point where we will get great views of the Mount Torre-Adela’s mountain range and the magical spire of Cerro Torre. We will continue towards Lake Torre (Laguna Torre).
The walk continues over flat terrain until we reach one of the two campsites used by climbers attempting the daring ascent of Cerro Torre. Then we will come to the moraine at Laguna Torre, which we will climb up and over to view the lake itself and the Torre glacier tumbling into it and, if weather allows, we’ll see the dazzling silhouette of Cerro Torre. Return via the second campsite to El Chaltén. Total about 12 miles.
Difficulty: High
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner: La Cervecería
Accommodation: Hosteria Los Ñires
Lunch is not included today because we’re visiting a local chocolate shop and bakery to choose what you’d like to take with you on the trail. Think the BEST empanadas and alfajores! This is what I prefer here in El Chaltén, so trust me on this one. I carefully designed this opportunity for you, and I think you’ll appreciate it. You can budget up to $10 for lunch.
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 9: Trek to Mount Fitz Roy and Farewell Dinner”]
After breakfast and before we start our trekking excursion, we will go to Haydee ́s Bakery to choose among different delicious options for our trail lunch.
We will begin by meandering through beech wood forests that lead us to our first views of the majestic Mount Fitz Roy and the glaciers and lakes that flow from it. As the landscape opens up before us, this view only becomes more expansive and dramatic. Eventually, we will reach one of the two campsites where climbers wait out the weather before attempting to climb Fitz Roy or other peaks in the massif. At this point we will start a steep climb that leads us to Laguna de Los Tres, where we will have an incredible panoramic view. On a clear day, we will be able to see Lake Viedma in the distance and the steppe that flows to the end of the horizon.
After descending back down the steep part, we will continue on past a hanging glacier to El Pilar, where our private transfer will be waiting to take us to our extra special farewell dinner. Total about 12 miles.
Difficulty: High
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner: extra special farewell dinner
Accommodation: Hosteria Los Ñires
Lunch is not included today because we’re visiting a local chocolate shop and bakery to choose what you’d like to take with you on the trail. Think the BEST empanadas and alfajores! This is what I prefer here in El Chaltén, so trust me on this one. I carefully designed this opportunity for you, and I think you’ll appreciate it. You can budget up to $10 for lunch.
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 10: Departure Day, Transfer to El Calafate”]
Trip ends today! After breakfast, we will head back to El Calafate airport / city.
Meals: Breakfast
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I first ran this trip in 2016, here’s a glimpse of what you can expect.
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Traveling Jackie and Patagonia Discovery
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You probably know me! If you don’t, read more about me here. This will be the third departure I’m leading of this very itinerary. I began a new chapter of my life in these Patagonian mountains in 2015, and like a migratory bird following her most natural instincts, I keep coming back to them. It is my absolute passion and honor to share this magical place with my readers, listeners, and friends. And THIS is my absolute favorite itinerary of them all.
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Ximena Castro from Patagonia Discovery has organized all of my W Circuit treks over the past three years, including the first group trip I led there in 2016, and I’m proud to be partnering with her again. She and the rest of the crew at Patagonia Discovery are natives of Patagonia. They understand my passion for the land, my vision to share it, and they have worked hard to help me bring it to life, for you. Read more about Patagonia Discovery here.
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“The choices of venues, guides, and activities were excellent and I felt safe throughout the trip. This trip was so well though out and yet so personal. I felt like I was traveling with good friends. I would recommend this to anyone, and can’t wait to go on another trip with her.” – Miranda
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You will be WELL taken care of!
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[one-third][iconbox icon_color=”#000000″ layout=”icon-title” title=”All Accommodations” icon=”fa-hotel” icon_size=”36px”]No camping here! Our accommodations vary from quaint cabins to mountain refugios (dorm style) and a traditional Patagonian hosterías. There will be hot water showers available every day. Rooms are double occupancy with private bathrooms, except in refugios.[/iconbox]
[iconbox icon_color=”#000000″ layout=”icon-title” title=”Transportation & Luggage Support” icon=”fa-bus” icon_size=”36px”]Private transportation is included for all transfers and border crossing. Luggage storage will be available for “the rest” of our gear while we only take what we absolutely need with us on the W Circuit.[/iconbox]
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[one-third][iconbox icon_color=”#000000″ layout=”icon-title” title=”Most Meals” icon=”fa-cutlery” icon_size=”36px”]All meals are included except dinner Day 6 to give you an opportunity to explore the town of El Calafate, and two trail lunches in El Chaltén, because we’re visiting a local chocolate shop and bakery to choose what you’d like. Think the BEST empanadas and alfajores (Argentinian specialties)! I carefully designed these opportunities, and I think you’ll appreciate them. Alcoholic beverages are not included.[/iconbox][/one-third]
[one-third][iconbox icon_color=”#000000″ layout=”icon-title” title=”Guides” icon=”fa-thumbs-up” icon_size=”36px”]Licensed, English-speaking guides will accompany us every step of the way. Because of local laws, we will have a Chilean guide in Chile and Argentinian guides in Argentina. Patagonia Discovery guides are well-trained, knowledgeable, and safety conscious. I love traveling with a guide, the extra touches they provide are the best![/iconbox]
[iconbox icon_color=”#000000″ layout=”icon-title” title=”Park Entrance Fees” icon=”fa-ticket” icon_size=”36px”]
We will be spending time in two different national parks in both Chile and Argentina. Entrance costs to these parks will be included.
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Alcoholic beverages | Travel or medical insurance, immunizations, visas, passports | Airfare, baggage fees | Personal expenses | Hiking gear | Meals not included in itinerary | Gratuities (optional) for guides, driver, restaurants
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“It was so nice to have all the details managed by one of the best travel professionals in the business, and all I had to do was say yes and buy my ticket.” – Miranda
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SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE NEXT DEPARTURE FOR THIS TRIP.
Click here to see other available trips.
“My trip with Jackie surpassed all my expectations, not only was it perfectly planned but Jackie is just great to be around. Now it’s not only a question of will I travel with Jackie again, but instead when?” – Virginia
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A portion of the proceeds is going to AMA Torres del Paine, a non-profit based in Torres del Paine National Park, whose objectives support conservation of natural resources, responsible and sustainable tourism, scientific research, and environmental education within the region of Torres del Paine. This National Park means a lot to me, and I am honored to be able to support it in this way. Read more about the difference AMA Torres del Paine is making here.
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From travelers on Jackie’s previous group adventures
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“Take a chance, ignore that voice in your head that fills you with doubt and let this new experience change you. The experiences you will have, friends you will make, food you will eat, laughs you will share, and challenges you will overcome far outweigh any negative thoughts or self doubt you had before you left.”
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“It was so nice to have all the details managed by one of the best travel professionals in the business, and all I had to do was say yes and buy my ticket.”
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“Jackie is so personable and knowledgeable. She definitely gears her trip to be not only awesome and fun but meaningful. I think that’s the trifecta.”
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“Thank you Jackie for sharing “your church” and passion with me. I will be forever changed!”
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“The experiences she planned were unique, once-in-a-lifetime-level! With her trips, Jackie has thought about all the details so you don’t have to.”
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“[Her] genuine interest in getting to know all of us and making sure we were doing okay and enjoying, that is what made this trip so much more special than what I imagine traveling with a large tour company would be like. I would absolutely join her again. Her passion for travel and the areas she chooses to guide to makes it exciting and fun. And every outside organization (local guides, planned restaurants, our wonderful photographer) was outstanding as well. Jackie is a wonderful guide and a great person to travel with!”
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“Jackie is an inspiration to any female solo traveler. The trip was a trip of a lifetime and I 100% plan to travel with Jackie again. I highly recommend traveling with her for your next trip! You won’t regret it :)”
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“I’d follow Jackie anywhere!”
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“My trip with Jackie surpassed all my expectations, not only was it perfectly planned but Jackie is just great to be around. Now it’s not only a question of will I travel with Jackie again, but instead when?”
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Here’s what you need to know. (READ THIS!)
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[su_spoiler title=”FLIGHT & TRANSPORTATION”]
Airfare is not included. Flights to South America vary on average between $800-$1,500. Hubs like JFK (New York), LAX (Los Angeles), and YYZ (Toronto) are great for these flights.
Note that we begin in Chile and end in Argentina. It is easy and affordable (but time-consuming) to get a bus back over the border to Puerto Natales from El Calafate (our ending point), and on to the airport in Punta Arenas for flights, should you need to get back to Santiago.
I am happy to help with information for ongoing travel, and also to review your potential flight schedule for you to make sure you’re getting the right times, dates, and airports!
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[su_spoiler title=”TRAVEL INSURANCE”]
Each participant must have travel insurance coverage, both to protect your own travel investment as well as personal luggage and medical coverage. Click here to read more about travel insurance. Get a quote from World Nomads.
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[su_spoiler title=”ARGENTINA RECIPROCITY FEE”]
As of March 24, 2016, the reciprocity fee required of US Citizens entering Argentina has been suspended. You just saved $160!
As of January 1, 2018, the reciprocity fee required of Canadian citizens visiting Argentina has also been suspended. Click here to read more.
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[su_spoiler title=”IMMUNIZATIONS”]
Click to see the CDC recommended vaccinations for travelers heading to Chile and Argentina.
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[su_spoiler title=”SINGLE OCCUPANCY SUPPLEMENT”]
Price assumes double occupancy. For this particular trip, single occupancy is not available. We will do our best to match solo travelers with same-gender roommates.
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[su_spoiler title=”PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT”]
We will hike about 75 miles (125km) over our 10-day trip. The longest day is 15 miles (25km), and the shortest days are almost 7 miles (11km), not counting the glacier trek, which is much shorter. You will carry your own pack while trekking for 3.5 of the 5 days on the W Circuit. A proficient hiking level and physical ability is necessary for this trip. I recommend getting some good hikes in beforehand and possibly some long runs or workouts to train for this amount of trekking. It’s also a great idea to practice being in your shoes or boots, as you will be in them for a majority of the time. It’s worth being in great shape so you can recover quickly and feel your best every day on the trail.
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[su_spoiler title=”PACKING”]
Clothing, luggage, weather, gear, EVERYTHING can be found in this super sweet post:
Packing List for Torres del Paine
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[su_spoiler title=”NOTES”]
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[button color=”clear-white” link=”mailto:jackie@travelingjackie.com” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”]CONTACT ME[/button]
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