Torres Del Paine Basecamp Tour
Puerto Natales, Chile
Trip Highlights
- New Trip Offering
- Towering Granite Spires
- World Class Hikes
- Premier Camping
- World famous National Park
- Glaciers & Lakes
- Amazing Natural & Cultural History
- Scenic Boat Shuttles
Description
Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most pristine and remote wilderness areas the world. Our Patagonia Basecamp Tour allows us to explore the Parks world-class hikes while enjoying some of its world class campgrounds. The dramatic granite towers and spires will draw you in, and in you shall go! The “TDP” basecamp will take you along the shores of stunning glacial lakes encompassing electric blue icebergs. You will experience sheer rock spires as tall as the sky and the magnificent, southern Patagonian ice cap. A scenic boat shuttle will get you up close to the famed Grey Glacier on our last day!
The beauty of this raw and dramatic landscape will help you understand why the park is designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Wildland Trekking is an active partner of the Torres del Paine Legacy Fund, which helps educate local children, is creating a local recycling program, conducts trail restoration and much more. Keep your cameras ready and get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Wildland Trekking.
$200 Single Supplement
On this trip the single supplement includes single private rooms in the hostel we stay at before and after the camping portion of the trek. It also includes a private tent in each of the camping accommodations. Otherwise rooms at the hostel are either dbl. or quadruple occupancy and tents will be dbl. occupancy. Different sexes will never be asked to share a room or tent unless they are traveling together or we are in communal lodging with several people in one room.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
Torres del Paine National Park is not a high elevation park, so although this tour has hikes with significant elevation gain and loss, elevation is not a factor. What gives this trek a Level 3 difficulty is the length of the hikes, one as far as 16 miles.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 16 mi
Backpack Weight:
15-25 lbs
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 2,430 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 15-25 lb backpack for 10-12 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
- River and creek crossings
- Hiking with occasional, moderate heights exposure
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Patagonia hike a solitude 2. You can expect to have as much as an hour of solitude at a time while hiking.
BOOKING FLIGHTS
For our Patagonia treks we recommend flying directly into Puerto Natales, Chile on the day the trip begins. LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, & Jet Smart offer direct flights from Santiago to Puerto Natales. However, you can also fly into Punta Arenas.
Flights to and from Chile are the guest’s responsibility. Multiple airlines operate flights into Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, but there are no direct flights from U.S. or European cities. Most flights connect through Lima, Santiago, and/or Puerto Montt, Chile. The duration of these multiple-stop flights, including layovers, is normally between 20 and 28 hours.
If you choose to fly into Punta Arenas several bus companies have options to get to Puerto Natales. Drive time is usually 3 hours.
Your departure flight the day after the trip can depart anytime and transportation to the airport will be the responsibility of the guest.
Please Note: When you enter Chile, you will be issued a document called a PDI (tourism card). Please do NOT throw this away. You will need it to exit the country and nearly every lodge we stay in also asks for a copy.
We require a minimum of 2 guests to confirm this trip. If a trip date is not confirmed yet, you can register and will be notified when the trip is officially confirmed. We recommend not making final travel arrangements until your trip meets the minimum number of guests and is confirmed.
In most cases, if a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, or be refunded your payments in full. We make the final determination for these trips 45 days before the departure date.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 2
- 4-5 People: Rate x 1.5
- 6-10 People: Rate x 1.15
- 11-12 People: Rate x 1
*all rates are per person and single supplements apply
Private 10+ Guest Patagonia Trips
On all Patagonia trips for private or custom groups of more than 10 guests, a non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total trip cost is needed to secure the group’s reservations.
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private TripsITINERARY
DAY 1
On this Patagonia hiking tour, you can check into your accommodation in Puerto Natales, Amerindia Hostel, any time after 2PM (included in trip rate). Your guide will meet you and the rest of the group for an orientation meeting this evening. After we become acquainted with each other, our itinerary and gear, the evening is free for you to relax or explore the town on your own. Your guide can give recommendations of our favorite restaurants in Puerto Natales for your dinner tonight. Get some rest – tomorrow our adventure to Torres Del Paine begins!
Please Note: When you enter Chile, you will be issued a document called a PDI (tourism card). Please do NOT throw this away. You will need it to exit the country and nearly every lodge we stay in also asks for a copy.
DAY 2
- Hiking Mileage: 7.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 390 feet
- Elevation Loss: 1214 feet
- Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours
- Drive Time: 2 hours
This morning we will wake up and have breakfast at our accommodations before transferring to Torres Del Paine National Park by private vehicle. We will enter the Park at Laguna Verde and start hiking immediately. This quiet trail is a great place to see local wildlife and stay out of the crowds. The large sweeping views from the trail allow us to see all the features and lakes that make Torres Del Paine such an amazing hiking destination. Your guide will point out our hiking locations for the next few days while we enjoy lunch along the trail. After taking it all in and enjoying our lunches, we’ll head back down to our awaiting vehicle at the Weber bridge. Once at our vehicle, it is a short transfer to Salto Grande and Nordenskjold Lakes where we’ll enjoy even more views of what makes Torres Del Paine so special. We’ll then head to our secluded camp at Laguna Azul. The views from this campsite are some of the best available in the Park and we’re sure you’ll agree. After getting settled in camp, your guides will deliver the plan for the next day over a freshly prepared, wonderful dinner.
DAY 3
- Hiking Mileage: 11.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2430 feet
- Elevation Loss: 2430 feet
- Trekking Duration: 7 hours
- Drive Time: 2 hours
This morning we will wake up and enjoy a delicious hot breakfast. After a short drive to our day’s trailhead we will begin trekking up the Ascencio Valley with incredible views of the Ascencio River below. We will hike to Refugio Chileno and have a break for water and snacks. We then continue through a beautiful forest of native Lenga (Beech) trees until we reach a prominent glacial moraine (ridge of earth pushed by a glacier). From the moraine, we trek another hour to a stunning view of the Torres del Paine rock towers! The views of the granite towers and glacial lake are simply breathtaking. We will then head back to our camp at Laguna Azul for dinner, showers and relaxation.
DAY 4
- Hiking Mileage: 13-16 miles
- Elevation Gain: up to 2200 feet
- Elevation Loss: up to 2200 feet
- Trekking Duration: 9-11 hours
- Drive Time: 1 hour
- Boat Shuttle: 30 minutes
This morning we will pack up our gear early and transfer to Pudeto to catch a catamaran across Pehoe Lake. Pehoe means ‘Hidden Lake’ in the Tehuelche Indian language. After dropping our luggage at our new base at the Paine Grande Camp, we’ll embark on today’s fantastic hike to the French Valley. The French Valley is one of the most picturesque valleys in Torres del Paine National Park, and a must-see destination. It is unique because of the hanging glaciers and amazing granite walls and spires that surround it. Our guests often get to watch and listen to glaciers calving, which is an unforgettable experience. We will hike close to a set of granite spires and a glacial lake for amazing photography before turning back. On our return journey we will be gazing at the turquoise color of the glacial lake Pehoe that we crossed earlier by boat. Eventually we’ll find our way back to Paine Grande Camp, where incredible views of the Paine Grande and Los Cuernos spires fill the horizon. We’ll have free time until dinner is served.
DAY 5
- Hiking Mileage: ~8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 680 feet
- Elevation Loss: 680 feet
- Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours
- Driving Time: 2 hours
- Boat Shuttle: 1 hour
This morning we depart for our final hike of this trip; this one follows along the enchanting Grey Lake, across a high plateau overlooking the lake and past several cascading waterfalls raining down from the high peaks and glaciers above. From the shores of Grey Lake we will enjoy views of electric blue icebergs and the magnificent Grey Glacier. Here we board a large comfortable boat and peruse the perimeter of Grey Lake to get up close with the icebergs and glacier. We’ll then continue on to Grey Lodge for lunch and our awaiting shuttle takes us back to Puerto Natales. Upon arrival in Puerto Natales, we check into our accommodations. Lodging is included tonight, but this marks the end of our week together. Your guide will provide recommendations of our favorite restaurants in Puerto Natales for your celabratory dinner tonight. What a week it has been!
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to: extreme weather, availability of refugios, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more. Also, the kayaking and glacier hiking days on this trip are weather-dependent and not guaranteed; we will substitute alternate activities in the case kayaking and/or glacier hiking are not possible. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
- Access to our Adventure Consultant team 7 days a week
- A professional, certified Wildland guide who is expert with local knowledge, culture and language, as well as first aid, risk management, wilderness skills and customer service.
- Transportation starting in Puerto Natales on Day 2 and ending in Puerto Natales on Day 5
- Lodging before and after the trekking/camping portion of the trip
- Meals during the tour (breakfast Day 2 through lunch Day 5)
- All camping gear and supplies (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad)
- Use of a day pack and trekking poles
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
- A Lifetime Hiking Membership entitling you, your spouse and dependents to a discount of 10% off any Wildland hiking trip after your first one (must book directly with us to receive the discount)!
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Transportation to Puerto Natales, Chile
- Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $30,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (required in Chile)
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Lunch/dinner Day 1 and dinner Day 5 (all other meals included)
- Clothes, rain gear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Bar bills, drink bills, extra snacks, telephone bills, wifi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/laundry)
- All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
- Gratuity for guide(s) and crew (industry recommendation is 10-20% of total trip cost; please tip your lead guide and they will distribute responsibly to the crew. USD is recommended.)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed information about what to pack.
MEALS: WHAT TO EXPECT
This Patagonia hiking tour features a combination of in-camp meals and meals prepared by your guides. We’ll have dinners at camp, prepared by locally staffed chefs and meals prepared on the trail by your guides and/or support staff.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables. In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We can often accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee, and in some countries may be more difficult to accommodate than others. Please inquire with us for more information about the specific trip you’re interested in.
GEAR WE PROVIDE
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Backpacks
- Trekking poles
- Tents, sleeping bags & sleeping pads
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
WHAT GEAR TO BRING
We ask that you supply a couple of gear items on your hiking tour. These items are two 1-liter water bottles per person and basic items like sunscreen, bug repellent (where and when applicable), lip balm, and toiletries are also important.
WHAT CLOTHES TO BRING
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with detailed information about what clothes to pack (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, and our recommended clothing system. A minimum of three pairs of wool or synthetic hiking socks are also required.
Trip Logistics
HOW DO I REGISTER?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
WHER DO WE MEET?
We will meet you for an orientation meeting on the evening of Day 1. Our team in Patagonia will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip to coordinate your rendezvous and answer any last-minute questions you have. You may check into our accommodations any time after 2PM on Day 1. Our Patagonia team will explain any specific details for checking-in during pre-trip communication.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed information about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Your safety is our top priority. Our Global Destination trips are led by professional hiking guides along with additional support staff. All of our guides are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Finally, we’ve developed comprehensive risk management protocols that our guides adhere to in case of an emergency, and all tours carry a satellite phone. If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
In the interest of your safety, it’s important to refer to the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date recommendations on immunizations before your trip.
GUIDES
This trip is led by expert, local Wildland guides. Our approach to international travel is to combine the best of two worlds: the dialed-in details, professionalism and consistency Wildland trips are known for; and the cultural immersion and intimate regional knowledge that only locals can provide. To excel with this approach, we vet and hire the best local guides, welcome them into the Wildland family and train them to meet our standard of excellence with every aspect of a trip. But along with managing logistics and safety, your guides will teach you about the area’s history and culture, and provide a level of familiarity and intimate detail only locals can.
Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
GUIDE WORKING PARAMETERS
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
GROUP SIZE AND AGE RESTRICTIONS
The standard group size on this hiking tour is 12 guests and 2 guides, with a minimum of 2 guests and 1 guide. If you have more questions about group size, please give us a call at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) and we’ll answer all your questions.
Age restrictions are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
TRIP INSURANCE
For your protection, we strongly recommend the purchase of field evacuation, repatriation, and medical trip insurance. International travel is expensive, and the modest cost of trip insurance is a sound investment in an uncertain world.
If you wish to purchase trip insurance, we recommend IMG/iTravelinsured. They are one of the world’s leading providers of travel insurance.
For information on recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please click here.
For even greater information, or if you simply prefer communicating with a real, live person, feel free to contact our exclusive agent Michael Bennett. Michael will help you identify the best product for your needs, and there is no cost associated with his assistance. You may contact him at:
Email: WildLandTrekking@EasyToInsureME.com
US by Phone: 877-305-9083
Direct/International by Phone: 702-448-3664
If you already have insurance or wish to purchase from anyone other than IMG/iTravelinsured, we recommend careful consultation with the provider to ensure appropriate coverage. This is because many providers have a number of policy exclusions.
If you secure an insurance policy please bring a copy of it to provide to your guides at the orientation meeting.
WEATHER IN PATAGONIA
Chile is a long, thin country extending North-South more than half the length of South America which gives it a tremendous diversity of climates. The Patagonia region of Chile, where we operate our trips, is at the far southern tip of South America, relatively far from the equator and close to the South Pole. It is a generally cool climate with potential for year round inclement weather including rain, snow, sleet, and very strong winds.
The average temperatures and precipitation in the Patagonia region are:
| Month | Hi | Low | Precip |
| October | 51° F | 37° F | 5 in |
| November | 55° F | 40° F | 5.6 in |
| December | 57° F | 42° F | 7.2 in |
| January | 59° F | 44° F | 5.1 in |
| February | 58° F | 43° F | 3.8 in |
| March | 55° F | 41° F | 4.9 in |
| April | 50° F | 38° F | 5.8 in |
Accommodations
AMERINDIA HOSTEL
2 NIGHTS
Much more than a “hostel”, this lodge is a cozy, family-run B and B with private, tastefully-furnished rooms; ensuite bathrooms, luggage storage, an on-site Chilean handicraft shop and a café serving snacks and hot drinks all day.
PREMIER CAMPING
3 NIGHTS
We enjoy two different camps on this trip, both with stunning Patagonia views. The campgrounds are comfortable, with indoor eating areas, bathrooms and more. We provide high end camping gear including tents, sleeping bags and pads.
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
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