Short W Trek Eco Camp

• 5 days

DAY 1: Transfer from Punta Arenas to EcoCamp

This morning you will be met at the airport or your hotel in Punta Arenas before setting off for the world famous Torres del Paine National Park.

DAY 1: Arrival at Eco-Camp

This afternoon we arrive at the Eco Camp located inside the park. This well-equipped, environmentally friendly camp comprises of a collection of dome structured tents which nestle perfectly into their surroundings. This evening we will enjoy a hearty dinner and take advantage of the camp’s cosy social quarters to meet our guides and prepare for the adventure ahead. Overnight at Eco Camp.

DAY 2: Valle Frances

After breakfast, drive through the Torres del Paine National Park towards Pudeto Dock on the shores of Pehoé Lake. Here you board the catamaran that takes you to the north western area of the lake from where you begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley). This is a steep hike that comprises the middle point in the W. The French Valley is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the park and indeed the world. The high altitude valley is ringed by a curtain of almost vertical rock which creates an amphitheatre of granite walls and spires. It is famous for its 360 degree panoramic views of Los Cuernos, the French Glacier and Lago Nordenskjold. Overnight at a Refugio.

DAY 3: Glacier Grey

Today you’ll hike from Refugio Paine Grande along the shores of mountain-lined Lake Pehoé to the northern end of glacial Lake Grey. Enjoy a picnic lunch before boarding the boat to sail to the blue face of Glacier Grey. There is plenty of time to marvel at this calving glacier before the boat continues across Lake Grey weaving its way through the floating pieces of ice. Once on shore make your way to the EcoCamp. If the weather conditions prevent the navigation of Lake Grey, a hike to Glacier Grey will take place instead. Then at Pudeto board the catamaran to cross Lake Pehoé. Overnight at the Eco Camp.

DAY 4: Torres del Paine

After breakfast, begin your mission to complete the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine National Park. Walk from the EcoCamp towards Hostería Las Torres before joining with the undulating uphill path that takes you to the scenic Ascencio Valley. From here, follow a steep trail until the magnificent Towers come into full view, rising majestically before you with the glacial lake visible below. This is one of the most breathtaking sights of the world! Here you have a relaxing lunch before returning along the same trail to the Eco Camp. Overnight at the Eco Camp.

DAY 5: Farewell to Torres del Paine

Board an early morning vehicle for your scenic ride back to Punta Arenas or Calafate.

• Additionally, you can take an incredible journey and bear witness to the awe-inspiring and stunning beauty of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. See incredible wildlife at Ainsworth Bay or be mesmerised by the colossal Pia Glacier on a 5-day cruise that will take you to ‘The end of the World’. Find out more.

• Alternatively, you may choose to experience the incredible and drastic landscapes of the Atacama. Tierra Atacama provides an all inclusive experience in the worlds most surreal desert. Amidst arid salt flats, hot springs and geysers come drastic changes of fertile ravines and oases making for perfect culinary tours. This is a unique place where geography, nature and luxury morph into unforgettable experiences.Find out more.

   

• Experience the breathtaking landscape of the Atacama Desert. Undertake a 4-day luxury experience in a spectacular and private location. Tucked in a valley of scenic beauty you may choose to visit salt flats, hot springs, steaming geysers or even climb a volcano. Or simply unwind by visiting local museums or embracing local cultural encounters. Find out more.

Being environmentally accountable is a crucial part of our organisation. Chimu is currently striving towards using less paper, taking several initiatives to do so and tracking our progress along the way. Our goal: A paperless organisation. For this reason, all information given to you will be sent electronically. We encourage those who choose to travel with us to support our aspirations and actions and ask that you reconsider printing out documentation. To view these documents, you can download them to your iPad or portable computer before and during your trip.

Chimu is passionate and dedicated to sustainability measures and understands the crucial part sustainability plays within the tourism industry.

We use local guides and office staff to both maximise local employment opportunities and minimise carbon footprint. Local guides also ensure you benefit from the intimate knowledge, passion and culture of the country you’re visiting. Our guides are all highly qualified (most with university degrees) or equip with many years of experience and are paid above the standard wage. Whether it be our knowledgeable local guides, locally produced meals or the transport on tour, we do not use imported goods when local products are available. We aim to minimise our impact on the environment and give as much back as possible to the communities we work in.

Eco Camp created accomodation based on low impact design that has gained an award-winning reputation for its eco-friendly policies and innovative us of green technology and being a leader in environmentally responsible travel. They have been certified as complying with the highest international standards of environmental management. In regards to socio-cultural aspects, all food is bought from nearby farm suppliers, horses are hired from local ranch owners, most handicrafts and decoration are purchased from local artisan markets and they ensure a fair price is paid for all goods when buying directly from the local community. Eco Camp also offers regular in-house training of staff of which 90% are employed from the local region. EcoCamps also offer competive wages and good living conditions and support all staff having indefinite contracts. They are a supporter of the Torres del Paine Legacy Fund as a partner which aims to enhance the experience and long-term health of Torres del Paine and its surrounding communities as tourist destinations through projects that improve the environment, the community, and the tourism product of the region. EcoCamp also aims to educate guests about Patagonia's original inhabitants, nomadic tribes such as the Kaweskars and Yaghans, as well as the baqueano culture and the history of sheep farming in the region. While visiting the many national parks, heritage sites, museums and landmarks our travellers are encouraged to explore whilst remaining culturally aware and sensitive. We further encourage you to buy appropriate souvenirs and discourage the buying of anything wrongfully made or taken from the environment i.e. shells and endangered species products. Information on how you can be environmentally conscious, and travel responsibly will be made available in our Travellers Guides and provided during your travels by guides and staff.

For more information on our sustainability policies, including how we are striving towards being a paperless organisation, click HERE