Itinerary
With EcoCamp Wildlife Safari, you choose the activities!
Nature walks, treks and more are yours to pick from - it all depends on your mood, weather conditions and travel companions' preferences! Plus, our private excursion option gives you the freedom every day to choose any excursion that matches your special interests and wishes.
Monday & Thursday
- Activity: Nature Walk
- Schedule: 10am to 4pm
- Distance: 5km / 3mi
- Difficulty: 1/5
- Walking time: 2h
- Altitude point: 200m / 660ft
On our way to Laguna Azul, we will have the chance to enjoy some marvelous views of the famous Torres, as well as passing through the pampas (the local steppe) where we will be lucky enough not only to spot many elegant guanacos, but also to hop out of the van and walk amongst them. After soaking up these beautiful surroundings, we will continue our drive to Laguna Azul (“Blue Lagoon”), where we'll enjoy our box lunch looking out over the lake, with a view of the three granite towers in the distance. We will then jump into our van again, heading back to the EcoCamp in time for cocktail hour.
- Activity: Demanding Hiking
- Schedule: 22km / 14mi
- Distance: 22km / 14mi
- Difficulty: 4/5
- Walking time: 9h
- Altitude point: 914m / 3.000ft
After a hearty breakfast we set off 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 (2,850 m/ 9,350 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.
- Activity: Demanding Hiking
- Schedule: 8am to 8pm
- Distance: 18km / 11mi
- Difficulty: 3/5
- Walking time: 6h
- Altitude point: 500m / 1.640ft
After breakfast, we will be driven to Pudeto dock, located on the shores of Pehoe Lake. We will board the catamaran that will take us to the north-western sector of the Lake where we will begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley) along a steep trail that leads to the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far in we go depends on our group's trekking rhythm. A faster pace will take us to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the southeast face of the Massif, where we will be treated to fantastic views of the valley.We will then continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley where we will be able to marvel at the extensive mass of the valley's geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). After our upward trek, we will pause for a picnic and relax a while. This day's adventure will end as we descend through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest which will take us to Refugio Paine Grande, located on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe. From here, we will board the catamaran which will take us back to Pudeto, where we will be collected and transported back to EcoCamp. N.B. The excursion to French Valley varies throughout the season depending on the catamaran connecting Pudeto and Refugio Pehoe: During May (low season) the catamaran service will be out of operation. Therefore, the excursion will be replaced by a 15km/9mi Trek to Los Cuernos. [Read more about Los Cuernos Trek]. We will walk through the sinuous Cuernos Trail which leads us alongside the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this nice walk we will have the opportunity to admire the area’s exquisite flora and fauna, as we enjoy the magnificent views of the park’s central lakes and the Paine’s Horns, majestic black horn-like peaks of slate atop gray granite which crown the center of the Massif.
Tuesday & Friday
- Activity: Nature Walk & Boat Trip
- Schedule: 10am to 8pm
- Distance: 0.8km / 0.5mi
- Difficulty: 1/5
- Walking time: 1h
- Altitude point: 200m / 660ft
We start off driving across the park, admiring the view of Paine Grande and its snowy peaks, and Los Cuernos with its black, granite horn-like spires. We stop at Pudeto Dock to leave travelers doing Grey Trek and some viewpoints on the way observing and photographing herds of guanacos, Andean condors, and interesting flora. As we walk along the shores of the stunning Lake Pehoe, we will see the furious Salto Grande waterfalls where the water from Lake Nordenskjold cascades down into Pehoe. From here, we drive up to Grey Lake and wander along the beach. 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 up-close look at the glacier, we drive back to EcoCamp. – *Please be aware that the Grey Glacier boat trip is subject to availability and weather conditions, so please confirm your reservation in order to participate on the day of your arrival. (*During shoulder season -September, October, April the boat trip to Glacier Grey may be canceled as the boat requires a minimum of 15 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.)
- Activity: Hiking
- Schedule: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm
- Distance: 12km / 7.5mi
- Difficulty: 4/5
- Walking time: 4h
- Altitude point: 800m / 1.970ft
We begin the drive to Lake Grey where you should pause and raise your eyes to the huge peaks of the east. This wind-swept rock monster is Cerro Ferrier which, standing at 1599m/5246 ft, makes a rewarding (but intense) hike. First, you’ll pass through a forest that gives a fascinating insight into the diversity of austral trees. Here you’ll meet all the classics, lenga, coihue, ñire, and if you’re lucky you’ll meet the famous South American deer, the huemul, which is a national natural monument (keen-eyed watchers will remember it from the Chilean coat of arms).
- Activity: Hiking
- Schedule: 10am to 6:30pm
- Distance: 12km / 7.5mi
- Difficulty: 4/5
- Walking time: 5h
- Altitude point: 700m / 2.300ft
We’ll start our day at 8:30 am with breakfast at EcoCamp and a moment to prepare our Box Lunch before boarding our bus at 10 am. Our ride takes us past the Lazo Weber Estancia where we’ll enter the National Park via Laguna Verde and begin our 12km hike. The Lazo Weber Trail is packed with native flora and wildlife all with the mountainous Paine range on our right. The hike is rather easy and apart from a few hills, the trail remains rather flat. We’ll stop a moment to refuel by the magical Laguna Honda and enjoy the sights and sensations of the gorgeous landscape and fresh breeze. On our way, we will hike through one of the quietest forests in the national park, a fantastic opportunity to observe native trees such as the Lenga and the Coihue. The rest of our hike takes us to a lookout point (El Toro Lookout) where we’ll be wowed with a 360 degree view of the Paine mountain range, the Patagonian Andes, and a suite of rivers and lakes (including the Paine, Grey, and Serrano Rivers, and Lake Toro, the largest in the region). An hour’s descent towards Paine River will see us reunited with our van. But before we go back to EcoCamp, we’ll search for more animals to photograph and take a final moment to enjoy the scenery. At about 6:30 pm, we’ll arrive back at our “dome sweet dome”, ready to share in a tasty dinner and talk about our day hiking the Lazo Weber Trail. *Note: If the weather is not good, an alternative excursion will be provided.
Wednesday & Saturday
- Activity: Nature Walk
- Schedule: 10km / 6mi
- Distance: 5km / 3mi
- Difficulty: 2/5
- Walking time: 5h
- Altitude point: 220m / 660ft
This predominantly flat trek boasts stunningly diverse natural scenery and offers the chance to feast your eyes upon a startlingly blue lake, which is secluded from all the other water systems of the area. There will be ample opportunity to spot many graceful guanacos and great grebes along the way. First we will examine the geology of the area’s turbidite rock folds, before descending the isthmus which separates Lake Sarmiento from Lake Sarmiento Chico (the two lakes were once a single mass of water), walking along a slight slope, and ambling beside the eastern edge of Lake Sarmiento Chico. We will eventually arrive at an impressive bay on the western side of Lake Sarmiento, admiring a breathtaking view which could easily be mistaken for a piece of art! Then begins our ascent back to the van, and along the way we will stumble across an awe-inspiring, panoramic vista of Lake Sarmiento from its western shore, looking towards its eastern coast glimmering on the horizon. From here we drive back eastwards along the northern shore of Sarmiento Lake until we reach the starting point of the Fauna Trail. As we walk northwards along the trail we see park fauna on the Patagonian plains including guanacos, ostrich-like ñandús and maybe the occasional puma print! We pass by Goic lagoon and after an approximate 5 km relaxed walk we reach the Laguna Amarga ranger station where we’re picked up and driven back to EcoCamp.
- Activity: Demanding Hiking
- Schedule: 8am to 8pm
- Distance: 18km / 11mi
- Difficulty: 3/5
- Walking time: 6h
- Altitude point: 500m / 1.640ft
After breakfast, we will be driven to Pudeto dock, located on the shores of Pehoe Lake. We will board the catamaran that will take us to the north-western sector of the Lake where we will begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley) along a steep trail that leads to the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far in we go depends on our group's trekking rhythm. A faster pace will lead us to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the south-east face of the Massif, where we will be treated to fantastic views of the valley.We will then continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley where we will be able to marvel at the extensive mass of the valley's geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). After our upward trek, we will pause for a picnic and relax a while. This day's adventure will end as we descend through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest which will take us to Refugio Paine Grande, located on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe. From here, we will board the catamaran which will take us back to Pudeto, where we will be collected and transported back to EcoCamp.
N.B. The excursion to French Valley varies throughout the season depending on the catamaran connecting Pudeto and Refugio Pehoe:
During May (low season) the catamaran service will be out of operation. Therefore, the excursion will be replaced by an approx. 15km/7.50mi hike to Valle Encantado (Seron Woods). [Read more about the Seron Woods hike]. We will leave EcoCamp and walk on the first kilometers of the famous Torres del Paine Circuit. Some of the most beautiful Lenga trees can be found in the Seron woods, which is home to the elusive Magellanic Woodpecker and Tucuquere owl - the biggest owl in Chile. After a few gentle ups and downs we will reach a lookout where you can admire the immensity of the steppe and lakes like Laguna Azul and Laguna Amarga.The path is smooth and will allow you to relax with the constant sound of the Paine River whose waters flow from the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields.
- Activity: Demanding Hiking
- Schedule: 8am to 5pm
- Distance: 22km / 14mi
- Difficulty: 4/5
- Walking time: 9h
- Altitude point: 914m / 3.000ft
After a hearty breakfast we set off 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.
Sunday
- Activity: Nature Walk
- Schedule: 8am to 5pm
- Distance: 8km / 4mi
- Difficulty: 2/5
- Walking time: 6h
- Altitude point: 300m / 1000ft
After enjoying a buffet breakfast at EcoCamp, we'll head towards the Laguna Azul sector. From here, we'll begin our journey by 4x4 through the folds of the Cordillera Masle, from which we’ll be able to appreciate the Cordillera Baguales, Salto Las Chinas, and Barranca de Los Toros pass. After about 40 minutes, we'll arrive at a typical "puesto" where Patagonian "gauchos" would take refuge while caring for their livestock. Here, we'll hear a short but interesting introduction to the area's history and the evolution and characteristics of its wild horses. With the help of satellite tracking equipment, coupled with our guide’s experience and knowledge, we'll begin our trek, searching for the 100 untamed horses that remain isolated in this sector surrounded by mountains, lakes, and plains, in the most pristine and untouched terrain of Torres del Paine. Depending on the location of the horses, we'll choose a place to have lunch and share our stories and experiences. The experience of tracking, observing, and analyzing the horses in such natural surroundings is incomparable. Additionally, we'll be privy to fantastic views of Lago Stokes, the Cordillera Dickson, and the imposing Towers. After 7-8 hours, we'll return to EcoCamp, ready to enjoy an aperitif before settling down to a warm meal.
N.B. The Wild Horse Tracking is not available during winter; the excursion is therefore not offered in May & September.
During May and beginning of September (low season) the excursion will be replaced by a 6km/7.50mi walk to Salto Grande & El Condor Lookout.
- Activity: Demanding Hiking
- Schedule: 9am to 5pm
- Distance: 16km / 9mi
- Difficulty: 5/5
- Walking time: 8h
- Altitude point: 1500m / 4920ft
We leave after a tasty breakfast at EcoCamp to head to Cerro Paine, a nearby mountain characterized by its two imposing peaks. We hike along the mountain for half an hour, which allows us to warm up while admiring the view of the surrounding pampas. The challenge begins as we start climbing the eastern part of Cerro Paine. We cross the lenga forest with the sound of the local birds and enjoy a few stops to observe the immense Almirante Nieto Mountain and its glacier on our left side. With any luck, we will follow the tracks of the puma as the towers come into full view. A nice place for lunch, isn’t it? As we are ready to start the steepest part of the hike, we leave the forest and hike on the rock. As we go up, we admire the spectacular panoramic view of the immense pampas and the mountains in the distance, like the Balmaceda mountain. We walk upward for about an hour up to 1500m/4920ft to reach the eastern peak of Cerro Paine, which offers an unforgettable lookout of the towers and the ascencio valley. After chilling and taking in one of the most striking views of the national park, we backtrack along the same trail and return to EcoCamp.
- Activity: Contemplative Ride
- Schedule: 10am to 5pm
- Distance: -
- Difficulty: 1/5
- Walking time: -
- Altitude point: -
After breakfast we head westwards by van, taking a route along the southern shore of Nordenskjold lake. Our first stop is the magnificent Salto Grande waterfall, with its impressive cascading waters falling from Nordenskjold lake into Pehoe Lake. From here it's a short walk to Cuernos viewpoint, with a panoramic view of the mighty Horns. From the viewpoint, we drive to Pehoe Lake and begin the two-hour round-trip walk to El Condor Lookout from its shores. We go gently uphill through the steppe vegetation; a great opportunity to learn about the local flora. Here we witness the piercing blue of Pehoe Lake and the Paine river. On a clear day, we can see the immensity of the Southern Patagonian ice fields in the distance. We re-energize while taking in the whole Paine Mountain range and its stunning snowcapped peaks. After a hearty lunch in this perfect location, we backtrack along the same trail and drive back to EcoCamp
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