Today we embark, across the Patagonian steppe to Patagonia Camp in Torres del Paine National Park! This is has been my long awaited segment of our journey; Torres del Paine is one of my ultimate favorite places in all of South America.
Torres del Paine
At Patagonia Camp they are committed to care for Patagonia. For this reason in particular, both the construction of Patagonia Camp and its operations are conducted with the utmost respect for the environment.
Patagonia Camp was designed for guests to experience and enjoy the wonderful nature of Patagonia with great comfort. From within their luxurious yurts, guests hear the lulling sounds of wind or rain while they sleep, gaze at the stars right from their comfortable beds, and encounter one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world right from their window or from any one of the walkways in the camp. Guests are immersed in a beautiful, aromatic native forest of coigües and notros and enjoy watching and listening to the many bird species that live among camp.
Patagonia Camp
Patagonia Camp’s architectural design and construction is minimally invasive and harmoniously adapted to the local landscape.The entire complex is built on wooden piles which support the terraces and yurts, as well as the common areas and interconnecting walkways. This building system helps preserve the native plants, shrubs and trees that have grown in the area for hundreds of years and the dozens of birds curiously observing guests’ arrival.
Patagonia Camp
Patagonia Camp Yurt Interior
Our second day at Patagonia Camp, we set out to Grey Lake.
Grey Beach Hike
Difficulty: Low
Departure: 9:30 am approx.
Duration: 2.5 hours approx.
Route distance: 5.5 km
Initial altitude: 59 masl
Maximum altitude: 75 masl
This excursion introduces us to three completely different environments: beginning at Guardería Grey (or entry) we cross a mature Lenga tree forest where we observe forest birds such as Magellanic woodpeckers and cachañas. The hike continues along the beach at the far end of Lake Grey with views of the icebergs breaking away from Grey Glacier with their amazing blue colors and breathtaking shapes. Finally, upon reaching the peninsula we find a spectacular view of Grey Glacier and surrounding area, a festival of colors to delight our senses!
Grey Lake
Grey Lake Beach
Our third day we embark on the iconic Base of the Towers Trek!
Torres Base Trek
Difficulty: High
Departure: 7:00 am approx.
Duration: 8 hours approx.
Route distance: 18 km
Initial altitude: 120 masl
Maximum altitude: 870 masl
A deservedly famous and highly demanding excursion. After crossing the Ascensio River we walk uphill around 2.5 km until reaching Pasos del Viento pass at about 480 meters above sea level (masl), with a beautiful panoramic view of the pampa, the lakes to the south and the Ascensio Valley itself. From there we descend to the Refugio Chileno shelter. Up to that point the vegetation is that of the pre-Andean scrubland bioclimate; from then on the vegetation changes completely and, as we climb, we penetrate the ancient lenga tree forests until we reach the Torres Glacier moraine at 600 masl. Once out of the forest a final push of around 45 minutes of continuous uphill climbing takes us to the Torres Base at 870 masl, where we stand in awe of the three massive granite giants, the best reward to our efforts!
Throughout the trek we observe fauna such as condors, mora eagles, caranchos and other birds of prey- gorgeous!
On our way to Base of the Towers (the moon setting)
Torres del Paine
Our last night we celebrate with a delicious quincho, Patagonian traditional barbecue. We sip delicious red wine and toast to our incredible days spent in Torres del Paine- if only we could stay longer!
Wines at the Quincho
Quincho
Want to add Torres del Paine to your next adventure? Check out some of the following itinerary inspirations as well as some additional itineraries that are easily added on:
- 5-Day Patagonia: Torres del Paine Patagonia Camp
- 7-Day Patagonia: Torres del Paine W Trek with EcoCamp
- 3-Day Tierra del Fuego: Trekking at the End of the World
- 4-Day Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia
- 5-Day Cape Horn Voyage
Have questions? Want to book one of these experiences? Contact us!
Your friendly South America expert,
Gretchen