Difficulty Level: Trekking
No technical climbing or backpacking experience is necessary. It is important, however, that you are in good physical shape, and able to hike in rugged terrain for several hours each day. We are happy to detail physical training programs as needed to get you ready for our treks.
Patagonia is an area of the world that defies description. Sitting at the southern tip of South
America, it is a land of extremes, where massive storms whip off the Pacific and create huge
glaciers, sculpted mountains, deep glacier lakes, and flora and fauna that exist nowhere else
on earth. The Torres del Paine national park is the jewel of Patagonia, and one of the most
incredible parks in the world.
Our Torres del Paine trekking trip visits this impressive region of Patagonia, and combines travel
by private vans with supported trekking. Walking is the only way to really experience Patagonia.
While we are able to explore areas of the national park far from roads and tour buses, an
extensive lodge and camp system means we do not need to carry heavy packs. Each night we will
have meals in the lodges (and then sleep outside in quiet and clean permanent
tents) that are scattered throughout the park, where we finish long days of walking and exploring
in front of roaring fireplaces.
Our 10-day expedition takes full advantage of all that the region has to offer. We begin in Punta
Arenas, a town famed as a starting point for countless Antarctic expeditions. From there we
head into the national park, trekking for 3 days to the base of and then around the Torres del
Paine, jagged granite towers that have become the icon of Patagonia. Three days gives us time
to see these incredible mountains from all sides, and to explore the different ecological zones that
exist on each. The towers are a photographer’s dream!
Leaving the towers, we explore two of the region’s largest lakes, Lake Grey and Lake Pehoe.
Each have glaciers that come off of the mountains all the way into the lakes, where pieces
regularly break off to become floating icebergs. And since Alpenglow is a mountaineering guide
service, those interested will have the unusual opportunity to spend a day on the glacier, learning
the basics of walking in crampons and using an ice axe. Exploring a huge Patagonian glacier will
give you a view into the icy world that covers much of Patagonia. And two trips across the lake by
boat will give us another unique view of the park, and a way to explore the huge floating icebergs.
Finally we return to civilization, by boat and then van, to Punta Natales, a small town on Last
Hope Sound.
Our Patagonia adventure is designed for anyone interested in exploring this incredible place on
foot. No backpacking, mountaineering, or hiking experience is required. Participants should be in
good physical condition, and able to walk on rugged trails. Our longest day might include up to
eight hours of walking. We would be happy to provide you with recommendations on how best to
get ready for your expedition.
Trekking in Patagonia is extremely remote. Choosing to travel with an experienced guide and
guide service will increase both your safety and your enjoyment of this mountainous region. We
combine our North American guides’ experience with the local expertise of one of Patagonia’s
best logistics operators. This ensures we have the best in private transportation, food, and
lodging and that your experience will be one you will never forget!
