Materia Urbana Full Day Tour to the Perito Moreno Glaci…

Chile Vineyards, Peaks and Fjords

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14 days (Santiago)

Destinations visited: South America, Chile, Santiago, World

Grading:

Moderate level

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Moderate to Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling or rafting in remote areas in variable weather conditions for up to 8 to 10 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include spending successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 6000m. These trips may often be over three weeks in duration. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8kgs (and in some cases a full pack) and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions.
Suggested preparation: One hour of aerobic type exercise, four to five times a week for three to six months prior to departure. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or on/off road cycling is also recommended.

Entry Mtn/Exploratory Treks

These adventures are classed as expeditions. They involve either extreme trekking and or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include a number of demanding high pass crossings and evacuation may be difficult from remote areas. Suitable for first time mountaineers wishing to take the step from trekking into the realm of mountaineering. Prior experience trekking at altitude is preferable but not essential and you should be comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Prior technical mountaineering experience is not necessary. Terrain will involve low angle snow slopes. Ropes may be used during treks for glacier travel and steeper sections of ice and snow. When mountaineering, basic mountaineering instruction is given by our mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Intermediate Mtn Expedition

Participants should be competent and self sufficient in the outdoors and have experience in multi day trekking at altitude. Prior experience on an entry level mountaineering expedition is highly recommended. The terrain will involve low to moderate angle snow slopes and traveling on crevassed glaciers. Experience using ice axe and crampons is preferred but not essential.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Advanced Mtn Expedition

These are our most challenging expeditions. Clients must have prior mountaineering experience. Most are participatory expeditions & involve load carrying, setting up of camps, cooking and campcraft. Altitude is generally greater than 6500m. Some of these expeditions also involve “technical” climbing and are for experienced alpine climbers / mountaineers only. Technical expeditions involve steep climbing at high altitude (including rock climbing). Participation on one of these expeditions is subject to acceptance by one of our high altitude mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

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Witness the best of Southern Chile by foot and boat

Combine walking the 'W' trek in Torres del Paine with time in the vineyards near Santiago, the Chilean Lakes District and a cruise through the remote west coast fjords. Our adventure begins aptly at one of Chile's great vineyards and historic Valparaiso, before heading south to Puerto Varas, in Chile's Lake District. The next leg of our journey is a stunning cruise south along the west coast with its glacier-studded fjords. For the nature lover, this opens up opportunities to see the multitude of wildlife found in these waters including penguins, dolphins, seabirds and sea lions. The adventure concludes in fine style with the stunning "W" Trek around the dramatic granite spires in Torres del Paine National Park.

Highlights

Santiago de Chile
Wildlife viewing opportunities
4 day cruise along Chile’s southern fjords
Overnight in estancia
Paine Massif
The Towers of Paine
Torres del Paine National Park, ‘W’ trek
Puerto Natales
Valparaiso & Vina del Mar (Pacific coast)
Casablanca vineyards

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Santiago

If you are arriving on the group flight you will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel. Otherwise, make your own way from the airport (refer pre-departure information for instructions) to the group hotel. The rest of the day is for rest and personal exploration of this buzzing city (pick up a tourist map from your hotel foyer). An arrival briefing will be held in the hotel before dinner.

Day 2 Casablanca Valley wine tasting, Valparaiso and Vina del Mar

Departure to the famed Casablanca Valley, home to some of Chile's finest wines. This morning we enjoy an opportunity to see the wine making process in action with wine-tasting. We continue our journey from the vineyards of the Andean foothills to Valparaiso, set on the beautiful azure Pacific coast. Our guided city tour will enlighten us about Valparaiso's historical past and present, as Chile's largest and most important sea port. We then transfer to our hotel in Viña del Mar ( Spanish for "Vineyard of the Sea") for overnight.

Day 3 Fly to Puerto Montt and transfer to Puerto Varas

This morning we will transfer to Santiago airport for our flight to Puerto Montt. On arrival we will be met and transferred to Puerto Varas. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 4 Board ferry in Puerto Montt

Today we will transfer back to Puerto Montt to check-in (from 09:00 to 12:00) on the ferry “Evangelistas”. Boarding time will be 14:00, and we will begin our sail south to Puerto Natales at 16:00. Whilst on board you will have Navimag services which include full board, accommodation in 4-berth cabins, open deck areas, bar, glacier viewing, films and other entertainment, lectures describing the local geology, glaciation, Kaweskar people, flora and fauna.

Days 5-6 Cruise south to Puerto Natales

Upon boarding the Evangelistas at Puerto Montt, we will be rewarded by a fabulous journey through the fjords and channels of Western Chile. From the comfort of our ship, we will be spectators of a wild landscape where the evergreen forests, glaciers and mountains with eternal snows meet the sea. This voyage, accompanied by seals and dolphins, passes close to national parks with untouched mountain massifs, and remote villages such as Puerto Edén, where the heritage of the aboriginal forefathers can still be recognized. This is the ideal accompaniment to any South American adventure. The friendly staff onboard will present useful information, and keep you abreast of developments during the journey. The majority of the cruise is through fjords and channels where the sea conditions are generally calm, however for one night the journey heads out into open water, where the conditions can sometimes be quite rough. We advise you take medications if you suffer from sea sickness.

Day 7 Arrival in Puerto Natales

The ferry will dock in Puerto Natales at approx 15:00, followed by a short visit of this colourful lakeside town. Transfer to hotel for overnight.

Day 8 To Lago Grey (5 hours walking)

Today we transfer from Puerto Natales to the spectacular Torres del Paine massif (Towers of Paine) National Park. This park forms part of the great southern chain of Andean peaks and offers some of the most spectacular wilderness trekking to be found anywhere in the world. The great thing about Torres del Paine is that it does not require many hours of trekking to fully appreciate these dramatic 3000m granite spires. In other parts of the world, it might take days or weeks to get views so impressive. Today we spend 5 hours on the “Laguna Verde” trail (Green Lake) to reach Puente Weber (bridge). Our vehicle meets us here and continues our journey into the heart of the park. After a visit to the Administration Centre we drive to Estancia Tercera Barranca or similar. Note: For the next 3 nights we will be travelling light (a maximum of 7 kg per person). Excess baggage should be given to the driver and will be returned to you on day 11.

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Day 9 Round trip trek to Refuge Grey (7-8 hours walking)

Today we commence the first leg of the famous "W" hike in Paine. Our trail offers stunning views of Lago Grey, the Towers of Paine and the Grey Glacier. It is immediately clear the scale of the ice and rock in this dramatic landscape. Towering above us the Cuernos del Paine, or "Horns" of Paine and Paine Grande, the highest peak in the massif. This morning is a 3-4 hour hike to view the awesome Grey Glacier and the Continental Icecap beyond. We return on the same trail to Camp Pehoe, past mountain lakes edged with wildflowers and stunning views down to the larger lakes below. As a day hike it is possible to walk as far as you wish and turn around, although the trail today has fairly gentle undulations with few steep sections. Overnight camp.

Day 10 Trek to Refugio Cuernos (4-5 or 8-10 hours walking)

Today's hike can be relatively easy or more difficult depending on group preference. The easy option is to walk the direct route which will take 4-5 hours to Refugio Cuernos. However we highly recommend taking a detour up the French Valley to where you will experience fantastic views of glaciers, waterfalls and be surrounded by the granite peaks of Paine. The first 2 hours takes us to Italian Camp at the foot of the French Valley. From here we can decide whether to take the 4-5 hour side trip to British Camp (or you can venture half way up for most of the highlights). The side trip up to French Valley follows the thundering River Frances. On one side of the valley is Cuernos del Paine at 2800m (Horns of Paine) and on the other side the Frances Glacier. Some sections of this glacial valley are steep and the trail can often be uneven and involve some scrambling. The views down to the lakes and forests below are also quite amazing. After our detour, we continue onward to Refuge Cuernos, which is spectacularly set above the lake and has great views of the Paine Massif. The walk today will be memorable and as you sleep, you will hear the intermittent roar of the collapsing glaciers in the French Valley. Overnight in Refuge or camp.

Day 11 Trek to Campamento Torres (8-9 hours walking)

Our hike today will take 8-9 hours and follows the scenic Lake Nordenskjöld. We trek through awe-inspiring scenery passing by emerald glaciated lakes, as we ascend via the Bader Valley into the heart of the Torres del Paine Massif. After a 3 hour ascent, we should reach Campamento Torres. With every step today you are rewarded with impressive views of the spires from a different angle. Overnight camp.

Day 12 Day walk to Towers of Paine (8-12 hours walking)

Today is a demanding walk, but weather permitting, can be one of the most rewarding mountain views in South America. We start early this morning to the base of the towers of Paine. Our aim is to glimpse the towers as the sun hits them, transforming them from grey to vivid reds and pinks. This will be a 2-3 hour return trek with some steep sections. Those with some puff might wish to take a detour to Japanese Camp for more dramatic views. We descend to Refugio las Torres, effectively completing the final stage of the "W" trek. Transfer to Estancia Tercera Barranca where we will spend the night. Your trekking guide will say farewell and give instructions for the following day's activities.

Day 13 Drive to Punta Arenas (approx 4 hours)

Today we transfer to Punta Arenas, visiting on the way the Otway Penguin Colony, where the Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) can be observed at close quarters. These penguins come ashore in spring to breed in burrows close to the coast, however are best observed between December and February when hatching begins. We continue onto Puntas Arenas for overnight accommodation.

Day 14 Trip concludes in Punta Arenas

Transfer to Punta Arenas airport, where trip concludes.

Additional Information

Inclusions

13 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 8 dinners
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Experienced bilingual trek guide from Day 8 to Day 12
Local bilingual guides for excursions
5 nights twin share accommodation in 3 star hotels and lodges
3 nights aboard boat in a 4 berth cabin with shared bathroom and window (twin upgrades available at additional cost)
All group camping equipment (except sleeping bags)
Excursions, visits, wine tour, boat on Lake Grey, park fees
Private vehicles for transfers
Group first aid kit

Summary

5 nights hotel/lodges
5 nights camping/refuges
3 nights boat

Trip Main Activities

Trekking
Cruising

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

5 nights twin share accommodation in 3 star hotels and lodges, 3 nights aboard boat in a 4-berth cabin with shared bathroom and window (twin upgrades are available, please ask your consultant for details and costs)

Equipment Required

Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).

What You Carry

In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc.

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Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site

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Pioneers in responsible travel.
No local payments.
True adventures in every sense.
Expert guides and support.
Quality facilities and transport.

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