South America torres del paine w trip highlights Hike one of the world s greatest treks at your own pace with a full pack Marvel at the peaks of Torres del Paine Experience the dramatically beautiful Patagonian Pampa Journey on a boat trip in front of the magnificent Grey Glacier Walk with incredible views of the hanging glacier of the French Valley Trip Duration 8 days Trip Code: STW Grade Moderate Activities Trekking with a full pack Summary 8 day trip, 4 days trekking with a full pack, 4 nights refugio, 3 nights hotel welcome to World Expeditions Thank you for your interest in our Torres del Paine W Trek Self Guided trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!! why travel with World Expeditions? Our Patagonia operators have been working with us for many years. The experience and enthusiasm of our local guides throughout Patagonia ensures that we maintain the leading edge in adventure travel and ensures our trips are unique and provide excellent value for money. Our vehicles are well maintained and comfortable. We use a mixture of accommodation on these trips: hotels, lodges, refugios and estancias with local character. Compare our prices and all our inclusions and we feel that few trips can compare in terms of value for money. In addition responsible travel is important to us. Our company was Highly Commended for Best in a Mountain Environment in the Responsible travel awards. Given our local knowledge, experience and excellent leadership, we are quite sure that this trip will be the trip of a lifetime. 1 2018 World Expeditions Travel Group - Heike Krumm 5/22/2018 10:59:45 PM
trip dates Departs daily from mid October to April trip cost Joining Punta Arenas from: $2499 All prices are per person options & supplements Single Supplement Self-guided W-Trek (3 nights hotel only): $300 Single Traveller Surcharge Self-guided W-Trek: $540 Single travellers are required to pay a single supplement when joining this adventure. The cost of the single supplement is listed above. For competitive airfares and stopover ideas to join this adventure, contact our expert staff today to receive a detailed quote. the trip For those travellers ready to start an adventure on their own, this self guided Torres del Paine W Trek gives you maximum flexibility as you travel at your own pace with a full pack. The Torres del Paine W is one of the world s great treks. An astonishing landscape of twisted volcanic peaks, tumbling glaciers and aquamarine lakes, it zigzags across the Cordillera del Paine like a giant W. This is a wonderful option for those wanting to hike the complete W trek, without having to join a group or hire a guide. The trip is designed so that you visit the three main valleys of the park that make up the W and include hiking to the lookout point to the famous Towers, the rushing French river and the hanging glacier of the French Valley and ends with a boat trip in front of the magnificent Grey Glacier. at a glance DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 ARRIVE PUNTA ARENAS PUBLIC BUS TO PUERTO NATALES. (3 HOURS BY PUBLIC BUS) TO TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK & COMMENCE W TREK HIKE TO REFUGIO LOS CUERNOS (6 HOURS, 17KM) HIKE TO PAINE GRANDE (THROUGH FRENCH VALLEY). HIKE TO GREY GLACIER. NAVIGATION IN FRONT OF THE GLACIER GREY (3.5 HOURS, 2 HOUR BOAT) TO PUNTA ARENAS what s included 7 breakfasts, 5 box lunches and 4 dinners Four nights lodging in mountain lodges (Refugios) on a multishare basis Public bus transfers boat trip to view the Grey Glacier Comfortable hotel accommodation on a twin share basis Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have chosen a policy not to ask for such payments. what s not included Meals not mentioned in the itinerary Aerated and alcoholic drinks Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc. International airfares and departure taxes Visa costs if applicable Travel Insurance (compulsory) DAY 1 Arrive Punta Arenas You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You will receive directions and vouchers for tomorrows public bus to Puerto Natales. The remainder of the day is free for relaxing or exploring Punta Arenas. Overnight Hotel Rey Don Felipe or similar meals: NIL 2 2018 World Expeditions Travel Group - Heike Krumm 5/22/2018 10:59:45 PM
fast facts Countries Visited: Patagonia Visas: Please check visa requirements with your reservations consultant* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Private Groups: Private group options are available for this trip* Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* Leader: Local sightseeing guide in each city Brochure Reference: The Americas *Ask our staff for more information. DAY 2 Public bus to Puerto Natales. (3 hours by public bus) After breakfast, make your own way to the bus station. Buses Fernandez is located just four blocks from the hotel. Depart by bus to Puerto Natales* (approx 4 hours) In Puerto Natales make your way to our partners office for a trip briefing and collection of vouchers*. Make your own way to Weskar lodge*. Puerto Natales is a port town located on the scenic Seno Ultima Esperanza (or Last Hope Sound). From here we access Torres del Paine National Park. Overnight: Weskar lodge or similar *See Pre Departure Information for directions. meals: B DAY 3 To Torres del Paine National Park & Commence W Trek Starting from Puerto Natales this morning we will take a public bus (approx 3 hours) all the way to Torres del Paine National Park. We will drive through open pampas and huge ranches (estancias), and chances are we will be able to observe one of the most typical animals in this area, the ñandu, (rare South American ostrich). The bus arrives to Laguna Amarga the main entrance to the park where you connect with a shuttle to the Refugio Torre central. Today is a big walk (8-10hrs round trip) to the base of the Torres del Paine (or towers). Start the trek to the base of the Towers, following the Ascencio River to enter the Ascencio Valley. The walk will be uphill for one hour before stopping to observe the first glimpses of the valley surrounded by unbelievable beech forests, glaciers and waterfalls. You ll continue through the valley for another hour and a half before ascending a huge terminal moraine to a lookout (900m), excellent for picture taking. This amazing view will be accompanied by lunch to add to the enjoyment. After being awed by the towers you ll start the descent, following the same path back to Refugio Las Torress. Dinner will be served in the Refugio. Overnight: Refugio Las Torres Note: You will need only carry your day pack. DAY 4 Hike to Refugio Los Cuernos (6 hours, 17km) After breakfast at the Refugio you request your packed lunch and start the hike to Refugio Los Cuernos. As we leave the hut we will arrive at Inge lagoon. Chances are high on this path that you may see the flight of an Andean condor or eagles hunting hares or small rodents. You follow a well marked trail ascending around (200m) the base of Almirante Nieto Mountain (2750m), crossing the Bader River to arrive at Refugio Los Cuernos where you will stay overnight. Note: You will need to carry your main pack and day pack. DAY 5 Hike to Paine Grande (through French valley). After a breakfast in the Refugio, and once you have request your packed lunch you will start the day with a 2-hour walk going to an undulating path until reaching the French River for your first glimpses of the hanging glacier. Then you will ascend (300m) for one hour through a surreal Japanese garden landscape, crossing beech forests, to reach the French valley viewpoint gifting us with a magnificent view of both mountains and lakes. Your way back will be the same until you reach the entrance of the valley where you will continue on a different path around the South-West side of Paine Grande, the highest peak in the Park, through native forests of Chilean fire bush and evergreen beech, up to the shore of the Pehoé Lake. Dinner will be serving in the Refugio. Overnight: Paine Grande Refugio DAY 6 Hike to Grey Glacier. Today you will begin early this morning with the hike to the Grey Glacier. Initially ascending 200m up a winding narrow path leading to Laguna Negra, where you will observe the first glimpses of the 3 2018 World Expeditions Travel Group - Heike Krumm 5/22/2018 10:59:45 PM
South Patagonia Ice Field with its many unclimbed mountains. Continue through forests and rivers, with possible sightings of spectacle and flying steamer ducks, up to the glacier viewpoint. Optional Ice hike or Kayak (paid direct, booked in advance). Overnight: Refugio Grey DAY 7 Navigation in front of the Glacier Grey (3.5 hours, 2 hour boat) At 13:00 you will take a boat in front of the glacier in the hope of seeing icebergs calve. The return journey offers views of Paine Grande with its impressive ice mushrooms and we sail through icebergs of different tones of blue. A private transfer will be waiting for you to drive back to Puerto Natales on a different road with great views of the Paine Mountain from a different perspective. Overnight: Weskar lodge or similar meals: B,L DAY 8 To Punta Arenas After breakfast make your way to the bus station for the public bus to Punta Arenas. On arrival Punta Arenas, trip concludes. meals: B This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control. important note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. The itinerary should be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and other circumstances beyond our control. suggested extensions Fitz Roy & Perito Moreno Glacier Chilean Fjords Patagonian Lakes Crossing country information Chile Chile boasts an astounding geographical diversity ranging from the driest place on earth (Atacama Desert) to the rain swept Patagonian peaks in the south where the Patagonian ice cap is the third largest mass of ice in the world. The country rarely exceeds 200km in breadth, yet is 4300 km long. To the north, Chile borders Peru and Bolivia, whilst to the east the Andes separate it from Argentina, and the Pacific Ocean runs the length of its western coast line. It has the largest European population in South America (5%) yet the traditions of its Indian population (5%) continue to thrive in the Andean foothills. Just over 14 million people live in Chile, of which 5 million are based in Santiago. The capital city of Santiago, like its Argentinean equivalent Buenos Aires, has a distinctly European flavour. The southern towns of Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales are completely different again, located as they are near the end of the world! Both towns have great seafood and good scenery and Punta Arenas has the added bonus of some excellent museums. climate Patagonia s southern coastal position leaves it exposed to the intense winds that circle the Antarctic land mass. As such, the climate of Patagonia is unpredictable. The summer season spanning November to March, experiences day time temperatures of between 8 20 degrees Celsius and in the evenings the temperature can reach zero. By Andean standards, the 4 2018 World Expeditions Travel Group - Heike Krumm 5/22/2018 10:59:45 PM
Patagonian Mountains are low in altitude, but they capture virtually all the south west air borne moisture cladding their summits with snow, and leaving the leeward side, the Patagonian plains, in a severe rain shadow. This makes for some very interesting contrasts in the landscapes. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut free or allergen free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. what you carry You ll be carrying everything you need for the W trek in your back pack. This should be fully adjustable to your body type, where in addition to water and your packed lunch, you can carry your clothing and personal items. On day 5 you can leave your back pack in the refugio and hike this section with just a day pack. As your accommodation will be in refugios along the way there is no need to bring camping gear, sleeping bag or food. equipment required Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre departure information provided on booking). non exclusive trips This itinerary is not exclusive to World Expeditions and is subject to change due to weather conditions and circumstances beyond our control. It should be used as a guide only. During this trip you will not be guided whilst trekking. vehicles & safety During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all of which are fit for purpose and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and whilst wherever possible, vehicles with seatbelts are provided, on occasion some vehicles may not have seat belts fitted. trip grading This adventure involves trekking up to 5 or 8 hours a day at a steady pace. The physical activity is sustained and travelers should be comfortable with rough terrain and possibly scrambling. A typical day may include several ascents and descents of 500m or more. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. responsible travel The natural environments that you ll travel through are fragile; the cultures and traditions precious and often the communities we pass through are reliant on tourism. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence, protect what is precious 5 2018 World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 7/5/2018 3:42:58 AM
and where we can leave a positive impact. Learn how you can do this by downloading the Thoughtful Traveller booklet from our website. adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant or travel agent. info nights World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel information nights. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a info night schedule or register on our website www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! private groups The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity s, schools or even work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today. subscribe to our e-newsletter Never miss an amazing deal, inspirational speaker tour or exciting new trips and cutting edge adventure news! Head to our website to subscribe to our regular e newsletter. trip availability If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our team at your earliest convenience. social networking Connect with us on social FACEBOOK: @worldexpeditions Like our page at facebook.com/worldexpeditions INSTAGRAM: @worldexpeditions Follow us at instagram.com/worldexpeditions YOUTUBE: World Expeditions Subscribe to our channel at youtube.com/worldexpeditions Share the love Use the hashtag #WorldExpeditions on your best travel photos and videos to be featured. 6 2018 World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 7/5/2018 3:42:58 AM
how to book To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function for most trips, or if you prefer, download a booking form from the website and return to us by fax, or mail your booking form and deposit to your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent. We can also help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that you wish to take in conjunction with the main World Expeditions trip. 7 2018 World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 7/5/2018 3:42:58 AM