Published on Cascada Expediciones (https://www.cascada.travel) Home > Patagonia United 8 Day Premium Tour Patagonia United 8 Day Premium Tour [1] Introduction Explore Patagonia in style on this Premium tour including the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares NP & Perito Moreno in Argentina. Enjoy private services, quality accommodation including a stay in the cozy domes of EcoCamp Patagonia, and unparalleled nature on this trip uniting the best of Chilean & Argentinean Patagonia!. Difficulty Level: Moderate Itinerary Highlights EcoCamp Suite Domes in Torres del Paine NP Highlights of Los Glaciares NP Perito Moreno Glacier Private transportation in Argentina and semi-private in Chile 4* Hotel accommodation and EcoCamp Suite Dome All Meals Included Local Folklore Show Brief Itinerary: Day 1: Travel from Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or Calafate to Torres del Paine NP - Chile Day 2: Tower Base Trek (recommended activity, if trip departure date is Sun or Wed) - Chile Day 3: Navigation Glacier Grey (recommended activity, if trip departure date is Sun or Wed) - Chile Day 4: Travel to Los Glaciares NP - Argentina Day 5: Hike to Lago Torre - Argentina Day 6: Hike to Mount Fitz Roy - Argentina Day 7: Transfer to Calafate, Perito Moreno - Argentina Day 8: Depart Calafate - Argentina
NB Excursions mentioned on days 2 and 3 could change depending on how your travel dates coincide with the weekly excursions menu organized by EcoCamp Patagonia. Excursions on days 5 and 6 could vary depending on group preference and guide criteria. Active and Easy excursions are available every day in Torres del Paine. Day 1: The Patagonian Adventure starts Torres del Paine NP, Chile The trip begins with you being picked up from your hotel in Punta Arenas or Punta Arenas airport in the morning and driven to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. Alternatively you can start your trip in Calafate (see our weekly transfer board [2] for EcoCamp's pick up & drop off schedule). En route we make a stop in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of "Seno de Ultima Esperanza", where we enjoy a hearty local lunch. 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's Suite Domes, nestled in the heart of the park with a view of the Torres. During summer the sun sets around 11pm, so upon arrival there's plenty of light to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon. Overnight EcoCamp Patagonia Suite Domes [3], Torres del Paine NP. Day 2: Trek Towers Base (example) (recommended activity, if your trip departure date is on Sun or Wed. Check out excursion chart [4]) Torres del Paine NP, Chile We walk 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 backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp. Overnight EcoCamp Patagonia Suite Domes [3], Torres del Paine NP. Day 3: Western Lakes and Grey Glacier* (example) (recommended activity, if your trip departure date is on Sun or Wed. Check out excursion chart [5]) Torres del Paine NP, Chile We drive across the Park, admiring the view of Paine Grande and its snowy peaks, and Los Cuernos with their black, granite horn-like spires. Walking along the shores of the stunning Lake Pehoe, we see the furious Salto Grande waterfalls where the water from Lake Nordenskjold cascades down into Pehoe. The walk continues over the gentle Nordenskjold trail until we reach its spectacular lookout point. Later, back at Lake Pehoe, we are driven south to a beach along the shores of glacial Lake Grey. Here we enjoy a tasty box-lunch by the lake before embarking on a boat ride across the icy waters to the towering blue walls of Glacier Grey. After this incredible sight of the glacier up close, we drive back to EcoCamp. *During Shoulder Season (October and April) the boat trip to Glacier Grey may be cancelled as the boat requires a minimum of 8 passengers to sail, which might not be reached in some cases. If this is the case we will plan an alternative excursion in the Park. Overnight EcoCamp Patagonia Suite Domes [3], Torres del Paine NP. Day 4: Entering Argentinean Patagonia Los Glaciares NP, Argentina After enjoying breakfast we board the van and start driving to the Cerro Castillo international border crossing. Once we complete the immigration process we enter Argentina and continue to Calafate, a small town set on the edge of Los Glaciares NP, amid dramatic scenery and natural beauty. We enjoy lunch before heading to our next destination. When everyone is ready we board another van that?ll take us on a 3 hour drive to Chalten. The drive is on isolated roads across the pampas and along the northern end of Lago Viedma. Chalten is a tiny outpost beside the Glacier National Park at the foot of impressive Mount Fitz Roy. We arrive at
our hotel in time to get some well-deserved rest. Overnight Hotel Los Cerros 4*, El Chalten. Day 5: Laguna Torre Los Glaciares NP, Argentina Today we do a full day hike along Cerro Torre Trail to Laguna Torre, a stunning mountain lake with majestic Mount Torre in the background. After breakfast we walk eastwards following the trail through beech forests until we reach Fitz Roy River. We continue and reach Base Camp de Agostini from where we do a short hike to Laguna Torre, with Cerro Torre and the Adela range to the West. Icebergs can be seen peacefully floating on Laguna Torre as the wind pushes them to the coast. We stop at different points to take in the magnificent view and enjoy a picnic lunch. Later we return to Chalten following the same trail and we stay overnight in Hosteria Los Cerros. Overnight Hotel Los Cerros 4*, El Chalten. Day 6: Mount Fitz Roy Los Glaciares NP, Argentina Today?s hike is along Rio Blanco. We drive to El Pilar, 11 miles north of El Chalten, and follow the Rio Blanco Trail to Piedras Blances Glacier, a hanging glacier descending from the base of Mount Fitz Roy. We picnic here, marveling at the glacier, and then continue up Rio Blanco Trail to reach one of the best views of Mount Fitz Roy - the landmark in Los Glaciares NP. We descend via another path heading past Laguna Capri, ending back in El Chalten. We enjoy a delicious dinner and spend our final night at Hosteria Los Cerros. Overnight Hotel Los Cerros 4*, El Chalten. Day 7: Glacier Perito Moreno Los Glaciares NP, Argentina After breakfast we gather our luggage and begin the drive back to Calafate, following the same road filled with Argentinean pampas. We arrive in Calafate around noon with enough time to check in at our hotel, leave our luggage and prepare for our excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier - one of the most famous landmarks in Patagonia. Unlike typical tours which go straight to the regular panoramic views, we go first to the glacier?s lessfrequented north face to marvel at its splendor. We observe and hear giant chunks of ice plummet into the waters of Lake Argentino. Our guide will answer questions about the glacier and the park. We?ll then continue to the footbridges, enjoying the surroundings at our own leisure. We also have the opportunity to do a short nautical safari to observe this magnificent glacier from up close. After the thrilling encounter with Perito Moreno we drive back to Calafate. This is our final night and we enjoy a tasty farewell dinner with an excellent local folklore show. Overnight Hotel Kau Yatun 4*, El Calafate. Day 8: Adios Argentina! Calafate, Argentina Today we finish this memorable trip, Adios Patagonia! After having breakfast, a transfer will take us to the airport and we?re free to continue travelling on our own or to take another extension with Cascada. If you are taking the optional extension to finish in Punta Arenas then an early private transfer will take you to Puerto Natales where you will have the chance to have lunch (not included) and continue afterwards to Punta Arenas where you will be drop off at your hotel. Next day, after breakfast, a private transfer will take you to the airport to board your flight. Pat 033P - Patagonia United Premium - Trekking Chart. Date / Day Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 DAY 6 Day 7 Day 8 trail name Arrive in Torres del Paine NP
Western Lakes & Grey Glacier * Fauna Trail & Laguna Azul * Drive to El Chalten (via El Calafate) Laguna Torre Mount Fitz Roy Perito Moreno Transfer to Calafate Airport starting point EcoCamp EcoCamp Chalten Chalten Chalten finishing point EcoCamp EcoCamp Chalten Chalten El Calafate approx walking time 1 hrs 3 hrs 6.3 hrs 6 hrs 2 hrs distance 0.8 km / 0.5 mi 5km / 3 mi 22km / 13.7 mi 20 km / 12.4 mi 1km max altitude point 20m / 65 ft 180m / 590 ft 220m / 722 ft 350m / 820 ft 280m / 916 ft * Sample Activity. For the full trekking chart in Torres del Paine click here [6] Accommodation Media Folder: Accommodations [7] EcoCamp Patagonia (Nights 1-3) Ecocamp Patagonia is located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, with views of the majestic granite towers. The region?s first sustainable lodge south of the Amazon and the first of its kind in the Patagonian wilderness, EcoCamp offers upscale camping in domes inspired by the region?s ancient nomadic inhabitants. Children from 6 to 12 years receive a 50% discount if staying with their parents in the same dome (advisable 6 years minimum age). Discount will be applied after the online inquiry. Check out the kids' guide to EcoCamp [8]!. Media Folder: Accommodations [9] EcoCamp Patagonia Suite Dome (Heating & Private bathroom, 28m²/300ft²) Suite domes were designed to further our goal of providing comfort in a natural setting with minimal environmental impact, and also maintain the hotel?s familiar and cozy vibe. The domes have comfortable double or twin beds, a wood stove and a private bathroom with a state-of-the-art composting toilet. Stargaze through the ceiling windows while falling asleep, after enjoying a spectacular sunset from your private terrace.
Media Folder: Accommodations [10] EcoCamp's Suite Dome Lofts (2 floors, Heating & Private bathroom, 37m²/398ft²) Suite dome lofts are two-storey domes which fit up to four people and have comfortable double or twin beds both up and downstairs. These domes, ideal for families or groups of friends, come with a wood stove, a private terrace and a private bathroom with a state-of-the-art composting toilet. Stargaze through the ceiling windows while falling asleep, after enjoying a spectacular sunset from your private terrace. Media Folder: Accommodations [11] Los Cerros Hotel (Nights 4-6) Located at the feet of the most imposing mountains of Patagonia, this hotel in El Chalten offers lodging, services and cuisine at international level. Media Folder: Accommodations [11] Kau Yatun Hotel (Night 7) Located in El Calafate, surrounded by aspens, pines and willows, the hotel preserves the hospitality of the region's first settlers and the style of the Austral south. Prices & Facts Departures Everyday on request from October to April. Season Dates & Supplements Shoulder Season - Rates valid from 08 Oct to 31 Oct 2017 & 1 Apr to 15 Apr 2018 Single room supplement: CLP 796,800
High Season - Rates valid from 1 Nov 2017-31 Mar 2018 Single room supplement: CLP 883,500 Peak Season supplement (during Christmas time) on request Optional extension to finish in Punta Arenas CLP 637,400 per person (in double, private transfers) Single room supplement extension Punta Arenas: CLP 63,000 p.p. What's CLP? Your booking is based on Chilean pesos (CLP), but you pay in US$ (USD), using the exchange rate valid on the day of payment which will be shown in your order. This exchange rate may vary between the date you pay your deposit and the date you pay your outstanding balance, but rest assured this is the best way to keep our prices competitive and ensure the best rate for you!. Notes Flight tickets are not included. Find conditions for children in the sections below. Nationalities including but not limited to Canada and Australia are required to pay a reciprocity fee when entering. Argentina. For nationalities affected and up to date fees please consult the Argentinian national immigration office [12]. Starting / Finishing Points The trip starts in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales and finish in El Calafate. In case you would like to start in Calafate please request a quote to your travel consultant. Included Accommodation: 3 nights at EcoCamp?s Suite Domes, 3 nights at Hotel Los Cerros in standard room and 1 night at Hotel Kau Yatun in superior room. All ground semi-private transport in Chile and private services in Argentina as indicated in the itinerary, always in comfortable minivans. English speaking guide for all excursions. Guide ratio 1:12. Max group size: 16 people. All national park fees. Boat crossing ticket over Grey Lake and/or Pehoe Lake. Nautical Safari to Perito Moreno Glacier. All meals starting from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on final day. Meals in Argentina do not include wine or other soft drinks. Excluded Flight tickets Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip) Voluntary tipping of guides and staff
Soft drinks or snacks not served with meals at EcoCamp Items of personal nature Transport In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia transport is in minivans that normally seat from 8 to 14 people. Pick up / Drop off times shown in the Weekly Transfer Board are approximate and will be confirmed locally by our operations team. Weather The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, the strong marine influence and the affect of the Southern Patagonia Ice field make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and even snow. Even in summer (December to March) you should come prepared to find strong cold winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfall. The summer?s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºCmax, 2ºC min). Physical Demands This trip demands a moderate level of physical activity. We take as many stops as necessary depending on the rhythm of the group. Travellers doing the active excursions will find them sufficiently energetic. To enjoy these more active treks it is essential to be in shape before arriving. All trails visited in the programs are under 1,000 m / 3,000 ft high so passengers don?t need to worry about altitude. What you need to bring Passengers need to be prepared for summer and winter all at once. Essential equipment includes a one day backpack (10 liters - to carry camera, glasses, rain coat, etc), trekking or hiking boots, extra shoes for evenings or in case others get wet, waterproof jacket, two pairs of woolen socks, fleece jacket or sweater, shorts or comfortable loose pants, sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm and screen) and optional capilene underwear for the upper and lower body. US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP. Itinerary Modifications The weather in Patagonia can be difficult to deal with at times. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations. NB Excursions mentioned on days 2 and 3 could change depending on the coincidence of your travel dates with the weekly excursions menu organized locally by the EcoCamp Patagonia. Excursions on
days 5 and 6 could vary depending on the group's preferences and the guide criteria. Active and Easy excursions are available on days 2 and 3. Transfers to El Calafate, Argentina Semi-private van transfer: This service consists of comfortable vans that seats a maximum of 9 people, all of them guests at both EcoCamp and Hostería Las Torres. The service provides a direct and relaxed connection between El Calafate and Torres del Paine NP, with just one stop at the borderline to change vans. Testimonials Kay Walsh, USA (Patagonia United) [13] We are back in Seattle after a wonderful trip to Chile and Argentina... it was a grand time. The highlights were at the Ecocamp. The staff was extraordinary, the vistas wild and wonderful. The transfers were on time and very professional. The description of the United Tour was spot on, and was exactly as advertised. As a professional photographer, I hit the high spots of the area with incredible luck on the weather. All in all, it was one of the most wonderful vacations that we have ever had, and that's saying a lot. With warm regards, Kay Walsh Travellers Departure: Jan 09, 2010 Read more about Kay Walsh, USA (Patagonia United) [13] Comments [14] Jeffrey Schoenfeldt, USA (Patagonia) [15] My wife and I had an excellent time during our recent stay in Patagonia. This was our first stop in a 12 month trip around the world -- and we couldn't have asked for a better way to begin our journey. Jeff Schoenfeldt Travellers Departure: Feb 20, 2010 Read more about Jeffrey Schoenfeldt, USA (Patagonia) [15] Comments [16]
Mark Davison, UK (Short W Trek) [17] Our trip was fantastic, the highlight of our entire 3 weeks in South America. I would highly recommend this trip and your company to everyone. Thanks very much... Mark Travellers Departure: Mar 03, 2010 Read more about Mark Davison, UK (Short W Trek) [17] Comments [18] Alison & Bob Holland, USA (Patagonia United Tour) [19] The trip planned by Cascada was absolutely fantastic. Everything you folks planned for us was beyond our expectations. Ecocamp was amazing. We loved the staff and the area. I can t really complain about anything. Everyone was wonderful to us. All of the guides throughout our trip were friendly, helpful and intelligent. Everyone showed up as planned. Travellers Departure: Dec 29, 2010 Read more about Alison & Bob Holland, USA (Patagonia United Tour) [19] Comments [20] Contact us Call Us Give us a call, we are here to help you! We are open Mon-Fri 9am to 6pm Chilean time.» Current time in Santiago de Chile [21] USA/Canada 1-800-901-6987 UK 0-800-051-7095 Alemania 0-800-182-6938 Brasil 0-800-892-1291 World 0056-2-2923-5950 Links [1] https://www.cascada.travel/en/tour/patagonia-united-8-day-premium-tour [2] https://www.cascada.travel/about/ecocamp-patagonia-weekly-transfer-board [3] http://www.ecocamp.travel/domes/suite [4] http://www.cascada.travel/en/tour/ecocamp-patagonia-wildlife-safari?sku=patsd5pdh#product-
itinerary [5] https://www.cascada.travel/en/tour/ecocamp-patagonia-wildlife-safari?sku=patsd5pdh#productitinerary [6] https://www.cascada.travel/tour/ecocamp-patagonia-wildlife-safari#trekking_chart [7] http://www.ecocamp.travel [8] https://www.cascada.travel/news/kids-guide-ecocamp [9] http://www.ecocamp.travel/fr/domes/suite [10] http://www.ecocamp.travel/fr/domes/suite-loft [11] https://www.cascada.travel/fr/media-folders/accommodations [12] http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesible/templates/reciprocidad/reciprocidad.htm [13] https://www.cascada.travel/en/testimonial/kay-walsh-usa-patagonia-united [14] https://www.cascada.travel/en/testimonial/kay-walsh-usa-patagonia-united#disqus_thread [15] https://www.cascada.travel/en/testimonial/jeffrey-schoenfeldt-usa-patagonia [16] https://www.cascada.travel/en/testimonial/jeffrey-schoenfeldt-usa-patagonia#disqus_thread [17] https://www.cascada.travel/en/testimonial/mark-davison-uk-short-w-trek [18] https://www.cascada.travel/en/testimonial/mark-davison-uk-short-w-trek#disqus_thread [19] https://www.cascada.travel/en/testimonial/alison-bob-holland-usa-patagonia-united-tour [20] https://www.cascada.travel/en/testimonial/alison-bob-holland-usa-patagonia-united- Tour#disqus_thread [21] https://www.cascada.travel/es/current-time-chile