Day 1 Sunday: Arrival and Introductions
Arrive at either of our entry points in Puerto Montt, Chile or Esquel, Argentina, the gateway to Patagonia. Connect with our representative and travel to the remote riverside town of Futaleufu, surrounded by majestic mountains. You will find your accommodations at our comfortable inn and town cabins, and unwind from your trip with a hearty welcome dinner at the Futaleufu Adventure Center, which will serve as our Patagonia trekking base for the week.

Day 2 Monday: Trekking - Intro to the Futaleufu Valley
In the morning we trek up the Rio Espolon along white sand beaches, crossing small bridges over turquoise water with fishing and swimming holes at practically every turn. The climb starts with a steep, 900 vertical ft rise to "Piedra de Aguila", a rock outcrop with an incredible view. We will do another trek later in the day and tour the alpine village of Futaleufu. We then return to the Lodge to freshen up for our evening dinner.

Day 3 Tuesday: Trekking - Devil's Throat
Today we will trek along the pristine Rio Espolon until we get to a tremendous Class VI explosion of white frothy water. Here an alpine lake, Lago Espolon, funnels down through a small rock glen, congested with boulders. It plunges to the river below with incredible force. It is an awesome sight, aptly named the “La Garganta Del Diablo” translated as the Devils Throat. An excellent view will be offered from a steep rock outcropping, giving you a view of the throat that will leave you mesmerized. A great day of trekking in Chile!

Day 4 Wednesday: Trekking - Las Escalas Valley Circuit Trek
We trek along the Infierno gorge, a black rock canyon of the Futaleufu River. Climbing up to the sky on all sides are white-capped mountains. As we view the agitated turquoise water 500 feet below, it is easy to imagine the tectonic activity that formed this area 70 million years ago. The trail enters into the open Las Escalas Valley, taking you about 200 years back in time with remote ranches connected by footpaths. We cross the Futaleufu River on a swinging bridge and trek up through an old growth forest of Coigue trees. Once we are out of the valley we will circle a small lake on our way back to the village of Futaleufu. Trekking in Chile does not get any better than this.

Day 5 Thursday: Multisport AlaCarte Day
Today you take a break from trekking in chile and may take your pick of our wide array of activities. Choose from fishing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, canyoneering, or going to the beach for a stream-side swim. You can also trek to the Class V Throne Room along the Futaleufu River. To get there you will hike along a wild stretch of the Futaleufu, traversing rolling hills in a deep valley. Feel your adrenalin pumping as we cross a place called "Las Dificultades", several hundred yards up, a trail cut into a rock cliff along the river. We will ford a small stream and arrive at one of the most powerful rapids in the world, "The Throne Room". Only the best kayakers navigate this tumult of whitewater. While you are there you may see one facing up to the challenge.

Day 6 Friday: Trekking - Huemul National Park and Rio Chico
This Patagonia trekking day takes us upstream to a charming valley that contains the endangered Huemul; a small deer like animal that resembles the fabled jackelope of the American intermountain west. In order to protect its dwindling numbers, the Republic of Chile has created a National Reserve in this spectacular valley. The Futaleufu National Reserve, managed by CONAF, boasts a surface area of 12,065 hectares (28,956 acres). It was created to protect the Chilean cedar tree species (Austrocedrus chilensis) and the Huemul (Hipocalemus bisulcus). The reserve is completely undeveloped except for the signs announcing your entry into the protected area. This animal is rarer that any species will encounter while trekking in Torres del Paine or FitzRoy. It is a real rare treat to spot one of these endangered animals.

Day 7 Saturday: Trekking - Argentina: Parque Nacional de Los Alerces
From the border with Argentina, we trek into Argentina’s Parque Nacional de los Alerces. Los Alerces is home to the endangered 3,000 year old Alerce trees, similar to the California redwoods. These giants have survived development due to the concerted efforts of conservationists who, back in the 1920’s, worked to create the park and the Argentinean Park Service. Don’t forget to bring your passports on this eye-popping day of Patagonia trekking.

Day 8 Sunday: Depart Puerto Montt (overnight stay)
Wake up for an early breakfast and drive back to Chaiten, Chile and your flight to Puerto Montt, where you will catch a flight to Punta Arenas the following morning. Have all afternoon to relax in Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas, two stunning port town of the X Region of Chile. (Lodging and meal not included)

Day 9 Monday: Travel - Arrival and Introductions: Punta Arenas
Arrive in Punta Arenas where our representative will be there to greet you. After getting our group together, we drive to Puerto Natales (256km/160mi), the gateway to trekking Patagonia's Torres del Paine Park. After a short layover, giving you time to stretch your legs and wander around town, we jump back on our transfer and continue the last leg (115km/72mi) of our trip to Paine National Park. We may pick up other guests here who have been trekking FitzRoy with us. Another short stopover at Milodón Cave will be available, with a tour of the area and an opportunity to stretch your legs in this fascinating cave system. Your arrival to the Paine Eco Camp is met with a hearty feast that will get you ready for this week's activities.

Day 10 Tuesday: Trekking - Los Cuernos Trail
Our first day includes a short trek from Estancia Las Torres and the Eco Camp to the undulated Los Cuernos Trail (12km/8mi). This trek is the introduction to the Torres del Paine National Park, with an explanation of the region, common sights and wildlife to keep a look out for. At the end of the day, we will be reaching the Refugio Los Cuernos for our overnight stay at this remote moutain inn.

Day 11 Wednesday: Trekking - Mirador del Frances
The day starts with a trek (1 hr) over flat terrain to our Campamento Italiano and the wild Río Francés. This will be our starting point for our round trip trek to Mirador del Francés (1-3 hrs), offering a magnificent broad view of the lakes and valley below. We later descend 8 Km/5 miles (2-4 hrs) down to Refugio Pehoe at the turquoise Pehoe Lake. Our lodging this night will be our small Bed & Breakfast, with an incredible view of the Pehoe Lake below and the spectacular stars above. Trekking in Patagonia does not get better than this!

Day 12 Thursday: Trekking - Grey Glacier
Grey Glacier is our destination today, with a trek (4 hrs) that will leads us to the northern shore of Grey Lake. Our boat will be waiting to cross the lake, an hour trip, giving us ample time to marvel at this calving glacier while sailing alongside. Our return is met by our transport vehicle that will return us to our Eco Camp, crossing Torres del Paine and offering beautiful views of the park and the numerous guanaco herds that graze within this sanctuary. Our return is met by another great feast, and an explanation of the upcoming two trekking days, which are dependent on weather.

Day 13 Friday: Trekking - El Paine Massif
The best weather conditions define our choice, but ideally the choice will be the demanding trek (10km/6.3mi) to the foot of the impressive El Paine granite massif. Admire the striking sight of the gigantic granite monoliths (2,900m/9,400ft) and the unspoiled land around. This day will define trekking in Patagonia. Return to our Eco Camp, light-footed and joy-filled at this magnificent day, to enjoy the comforts of our luxurious camp and all its amenities.

Day 14 Saturday: Trekking - Paso Las Cornizas
The best weather conditions define our trekking choice, but ideally the choice will be the trek to the Mirador Laguna Azul (40 min) and then to the eastern side of Sarmiento Lake, a good spot to observe renown guanaco. Later we trek (3 hrs) to the Paso Las Cornizas with and unmatchable view of the Paine River Pehoe Lake, and the Paine massif (2-3 hrs). Our last dinner at the Eco Camp is celebrated with a the cultural Patagonian lamb barbecue (asado), wine glasses raised to celebrate this fabulous week of trekking in Patagonia.

Day 15 Sunday: Departure
Wake up for an early breakfast and drive back to Punta Arenas, Chile and your flight to Santiago, or relax at the quaint port town of Puerto Natales. As you catch a final view of the Paine massif; surrounded by snow capped mountains and glacier-fed lakes, take a moment to reflect upon all of the amazing sights and experiences of this past week. After all these years we are still stunned that views like these exist.

PRICE: $2995.00 USD

Included: All meals, lodging, transportation, guides and camping gear while trekking in Patagona with us. Round trip transportation between Punta Arenas and Torres del Paine. See the trekking Chile packing list for specific details. The actual program for your individual Patagonia trekking vacation may vary according to the desires and skill level of your group, weather, or other factors.

	Experience Needed: Physically Fit Physical Challenge: Demanding Cultural Experience: Medium Lodging: Hosteria / Lodge / Eco-Camp Comfort Rating: High Days away from home: 18 Days with us: 16 Max Trip Size: 8-12 typical, up to 20 in Torres del Paine Price: $2995.00 USD Region: Northern and Southern Patagonia Lakes, Rivers, Sites Visited: Chaiten, Puerto Montt, Futaleufu, Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine

Refugios: Our Torres del Paine trekking programs include one night in Pehoe and another night in Los Cuernos refuge. These are typical mountain huts, open to the public that visits Torres del Paine National Park. They have rooms for 4-6 people. The beds are single, bunk type and we will provide you with a sleeping bag and a polar fleece liner (you don't need to bring a sleeping bag!). The bathrooms are also shared and they have hot water. The refugios are heated and have a very comfortable dining area.

Other Trekking in Patagonia options include: Trekking Patagonia in the Futaleufu Valley Lodge , Trekking Chile's Route of the Cowboys, Torres del Paine Trekking Tours , FitzRoy Trekking Vacations . We also offer two weeklong Futaleufu, Cerro FitzRoy and Torres del Paine combination trips: Trekking in Patagonia: Torres del Paine and Futaleufu Combo , Chile Trekking: Trekking FitzRoy & Futaleufu Combo , Patagonia Trekking: Trekking in Torres del Paine & FitzRoy. For further information see our Trekking in Chile FAQs

Downloadable pdf Brochure: Chile Trekking