Excursions
Easy / Nature Activity
Sarmiento & Sarmiento Chico Lakes (Monday and Saturday)
This easy-going, 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 breath-taking view which could easily be mistaken for a piece of art! We will also be able to study the area’s characteristic calcium deposits here. 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.
Drive & Walk Western Lakes, Glacier Grey Boat Ride* (Tuesday and Friday)
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.)
*Please Note: During May, the Grey Navigation is not working. The alternative excursión is the Pingo Trail Nature Walk (9km).
Estancia Day & Horse Riding (Wednesday)
Embarking on a new day after a satisfying breakfast at Ecocamp, we eagerly make our way towards the enchanting Estancia Dos Elianas. Immersed in the beauty of this rustic paradise, we are greeted with a brief but informative session on horse riding, equipping us with the knowledge and safety measures necessary for our adventure. Our journey begins with a thrilling 2-hour ride to the breathtaking Sierra Ballena, where nature's splendor unfolds before our eyes.
Around noon, our taste buds are tantalized as we indulge in a delectable lunch featuring succulent roasted lamb and an array of mouthwatering preparations. Energized and satisfied, we embark on a captivating tour of the Estancia, immersing ourselves in the rich traditions of Patagonia. Witnessing the arrieros in action, tending to their flock, shearing wool, and gracefully riding horses, we gain a newfound appreciation for their hard work.
As the day nears its end, we gather for another delightful meal, savoring sopaipillas, jam, cheese, and bread, all lovingly prepared using local ingredients. With hearts full of memories and stomachs content, we bid farewell to this mesmerizing haven and make our way back to Ecocamp, arriving at our cozy domes around 5:00 pm, cherishing the experiences of a truly beautiful day.
*Please note: During September and May, this excursion will be replaced with Condor & Salto Grande Lookouts.
Sarmiento Lake & Fauna Trail (Thursday)
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 we’ll begin 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.
Wild Horse Tracking (Sunday)
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.
*Please note: The Wild Horse Tracking is not available during May and September. During May and September (low season) the excursion will be replaced by a short nature walk close to Ecocamp..
Hikes and Treks
Towers Base Trek (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday)
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.
Western Lakes Drive & Cerro Ferrier Hike (Tuesday and Friday)
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).
Salto Grande & Condor Lookout (Sunday)
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.
Pehoe Lake Boat Ride & French Valley Hike (Monday, Thursday, Saturday)
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 September & May (low season) the catamaran service will be out of operation or with fewer frequency. Therefore, the excursion will be modified, returning through Las Carretas trail (Which is an extra 15 km. / 9.3 mi.) and then taking a van to Ecocamp.
Lazo Weber Hike (Tuesday and Friday)
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.
Hiking to Laguna Inge and Cuernos Pass (Wednesday and Sunday)
Once we have enjoyed a delicious breakfast, we set off on an exhilarating journey towards the enchanting Laguna Inge. This hidden gem is nestled just 4km southwest of EcoCamp, along the mesmerizing Los Cuernos trail. As we venture along this picturesque path, we are greeted by a kaleidoscope of vibrant flora and fauna, and if luck is on our side, we may even catch a glimpse of majestic condors gracefully soaring above us. This heart-pounding excursion allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the captivating beauty of the park's central lakes, while also admiring the magnificent horns that adorn the awe-inspiring Paine massif. The pace of our adventure is determined by the group, ensuring that we arrive at our ultimate destination - the Los Cuernos refuge. After a day brimming with exploration and amazement, we return to EcoCamp, where we can unwind and share unforgettable moments with our fellow hikers.
