LOS VALLES OLVIDADOS - THE FORGOTTEN VALLEY`S
(9 days / 8 nights)
Day 1: Our guide will meet you at the Punta Arenas airport. Transfer to Puerto Natales, a three-hour drive through the Patagonian pampa. Accommodation in Puerto Natales at hotel Indigo or a local hostel, with dinner and a meeting to discuss the trip program.
Day 2: Transfer by van to Torres del Paine National Park. This is a two hour journey crossing the pampa Patagonica. Arrival at Torres del Paine.
We will begin trekking to the Ascencio Valley where from above you see the river (of the same name) running wildly past refugio Chileno. After a quick stop here we will continue through a forest of the native Lenga (Beech) trees until reaching the glacial moraine. From here it’s a 1 hour trek to the top where the towers appear from nowhere! This trek is spectacular where you get to view the 3 pink granite towers with its glacial lake below that made the park famous. Once we trek back down the moraine its 1 hour more to reach the Japones Camp where we will set up the tents and have dinner. Trekking time 6 hrs.
Day 3: Trek to Valle del Silencio (Silence Valley), the first of the forgotton valleys. We follow an almost unknown trail that climbs to the source of the Ascencio River. Surrounded by dense rain forest, the trail ascends this vast hidden valley. Here we can admire the sight of the mythical granite spires of Escudo (the Shield), Fortaleza (the Fortress), and the Towers of Paine. We will return to Camp Torres for dinner and the night.
Trekking time 7-8 hrs.
Day 4: We begin trekking 2.5 hrs approx back towards Hosteria Las Torres where we will then head West and trek along Lake Nordenskjold (named after the Swedish geologist who’s studies formed an important contribution to world glacial geology) and below the hanging glaciers of Mount Almirante Nieto, where we will reach the base of Los Cuernos (5 hours). Accommodation and dinner will be at Refugio or Camp Los Cuernos depending on the time of year. Trekking time 8 hrs approx.
Day 5: Trek to the Bader Valley, the second of our forgotten valley´s and a special treat!
The trail towards the valley begins with trekking 20mins from refugio los cuernos. From here the first 45 minutes is uphill towards the campsite that is set up for climbers. The trail then crosses the Bader river where you are now in the valley. The views are spectacular where you can see the tall imposing granite walls of the Cuerno Principal, Este & Norte (the principal, East & North Horns), along with the Espada, Hoja, Mascara & Almirante Nieto peaks. After trekking 2 more hours we will arrive to the slabs of the East Horn until we can actually touch the wall (weather conditions permitting). From here you are able to see the whole valley below!
Accommodation and dinner will be at Refugio or Camp Los Cuernos depending on the time of year. Trekking time 7 hrs approx.
Day 6: Trek to the French Valley. This valley, the most beautiful in the park and one of the most unique in the world. Its surrounded by hanging glaciers (where you can see & hear the ice calving off at various intervals) and an amphitheater of granite walls and spires. There are amazing views throughout this trek and the further you trek into the valley the better they become! On the return journey you will notice the extraordinary turquoise colour of Lake Pehoe (hidden lake in the Tehuelche Indian language). The trekking is 6-8 hrs depending on how far into the valley you go with a total of 24 km. Accommodation and dinner will be at Lodge Paine Grande where you can enjoy a pisco sour in the bar that overlooks Paine Grande & Los Cuernos in the beautiful evening light.
Day 7: We will trek along enchanting Lake Grey (3-4 hours 11 KM) with magnificent views of Glacier Grey and floating icebergs. Visit to the glacier lookout point and to the lakeshore for up-close views of vibrant-blue icebergs (Paine is a Tehuelche Indian word for "blue"). At lunchtime we will navigate in the Grey II boat, 2 hours navigation in this magic lake surrounded by ice bergs where the boat does a circuit right up to the front of the glacier whilst you stand on deck sipping your pisco sour served with glacial ice!
Accommodation and dinner will be at Hosteria Lago Grey.
Day 8: Trekking to the Pingo Valley, the third of the forgotton valley´s. This magical place that is rarely visited by tourists. Here you can find some of the oldest rocks in this zone and together with the ancient forests makes an ideal place to trek. You may even be lucky to spot a Huemul that habitat this area. On our return our private van will be waiting to drive to Puerto Natales. Accommodation will be at hotel Indigo or a local hostel with a farewell dinner to celebrate the end of the trip!
Day 9: Private transfer to Punta Arenas airport.
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