Experience the magic of Torres del Paine like never before – with an EcoCamp twist.
Torres del Paine National Park’s magnificent and unrivaled flora, fauna, and stunning vistas are at your fingertips with this customized adventure package, allowing you to handpick daily activities such as cycling, hikes, and nature walks, returning home to EcoCamp at the end of each day for cozy accommodations and sublime meals. Best of all, the Wildlife Safari offers you the best flexibility to see and explore the park and its inhabitants with shorter or longer stay options, ranging from 4 days to 7 days so that you can get the most out of your stay at EcoCamp Patagonia!




Highlights
- Departs and finishes any day
- Stay in the world’s first fully sustainable geodesic dome hotel
- Make like-minded friends for life at EcoCamp
- Learn all the local secrets from our knowledgeable guides
- Choose between nature walks, treks, and bike excursions
- Explore unique Fauna and Flora
- Daily Yoga stretching group class
- Start in Calafate, Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales (transfer included)
- Ask to start in Santiago de Chile or Buenos Aires (not included)
Brief Itinerary
During your trip, you can choose between nature walks, treks, and bike excursions!
To make the most out of your stay we recommend a 6-day Safari program.
Itinerary Example:
- Day 1 (Sun): Travel from Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or Calafate to Torres del Paine NP
- Day 2 (Mon): Cycling to Laguna Azul
- Day 3 (Tue): Drive & Walk Western Lakes + Navigation Glacier Grey
- Day 4 (Wed): Navigation Pehoe Lake and hike French Valley
- Day 5 (Thu): Trek Tower Base
- Day 6 (Fri): Leave Torres del Paine NP
IMPORTANT: All excursions are subject to availability & weather conditions
EcoCamp Patagonia
Take a look at this short video to learn more about the EcoCamp experience
DESIGN YOUR TRIP
We can custom design this itinerary and all Chilean and Argentina destinations. You choose your preferred standard of accommodations, travel dates and the amount of time to spend at the various sites along the way. With advance planning, we can match a specific guide to your group’s interests.
Send us an email to reservations@cascada.travel and our Cascada Travel Expert team will get back to you within two business days!
Itinerary
With EcoCamp’s Wildlife Safari, you choose the activities! Nature walks, treks, bike excursions, and more are yours to pick from – it all depends on your mood, weather conditions, and travel companions’ preferences! Plus, our private excursion option gives you the freedom every day to choose any excursion that matches your special interests and wishes (ask our travel expert for more details).
IMPORTANT NOTES:
– All excursions are subject to availability & weather conditions
– There are no excursions on the first and last days of a program, as these days are used for transfers to pick-ups and drop-offs at the beginning/end of a program. This is due to the long distances between towns in Patagonia, and the time it takes to drive from Torres del Paine to nearby towns.
- Nature Walks & Bike Excursions
- Hike and Treks
Monday
Activity: Nature Walk or Biking |
Schedule: 10am to 4pm |
Distance: 5km / 3mi |
Difficulty: Easy |
Walking time: 2h |
Altitude point: 200m / 660ft |

Activity: Nature Walk or Biking |
Schedule: 10am to 4pm |
Distance: 5km / 3mi |
Difficulty: Easy |
Walking time: 2h |
Altitude point: 200m / 660ft |
On our way to Laguna Azul, we will have the chance to enjoy some marvelous views of the famous Torres, as well as passing through the pampas (the local steppe) where we will be lucky enough not only to spot many elegant guanacos, but also to hop out of the van and walk amongst them. After soaking up these beautiful surroundings, we will continue our drive to Laguna Azul (“Blue Lagoon”), where we’ll enjoy our box lunch looking out over the lake, with a view of the three granite towers in the distance. An alternative is a bike ride in the wilderness near Laguna Azul where you will cycle among the herds of guanacos that roam the pampas. We will then jump into our van again, heading back to the EcoCamp in time for cocktail hour.
Activity: Demanding Hiking |
Schedule: 8am to 5pm |
Distance: 22km / 14mi |
Difficulty: Hard |
Walking time: 9h |
Altitude point: 914m / 3000ft |

Activity: Demanding Hiking |
Schedule: 8am to 5pm |
Distance: 22km / 14mi |
Difficulty: Hard |
Walking time: 9h |
Altitude point: 914m / 3000ft |
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.
Activity: Demanding Hiking |
Schedule: 8am to 8pm |
Distance: 18km / 11mi |
Difficulty: Medium |
Walking time: 6h |
Altitude point: 500m / 1640ft |

Activity: Demanding Hiking |
Schedule: 8am to 8pm |
Distance: 18km / 11mi |
Difficulty: Medium |
Walking time: 6h |
Altitude point: 500m / 1640ft |
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 May (low season) the catamaran service will be out of operation. Therefore, the excursion will be replaced by a 15km/9mi Trek to Los Cuernos. [Read more about Los Cuernos Trek]. We will walk through the sinuous Cuernos Trail which leads us alongside the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this nice walk we will have the opportunity to admire the area’s exquisite flora and fauna, as we enjoy the magnificent views of the park’s central lakes and the Paine’s Horns, majestic black horn-like peaks of slate atop gray granite which crown the center of the Massif.
Tuesday
Activity: Nature Walk & Boat Trip |
Schedule: 10am to 8pm |
Distance: 0.8km / 0.5mi |
Difficulty: Easy |
Walking time: 1h |
Altitude point: 200m / 660ft |

Activity: Nature Walk & Boat Trip |
Schedule: 10am to 8pm |
Distance: 0.8km / 0.5mi |
Difficulty: Easy |
Walking time: 1h |
Altitude point: 200m / 660ft |
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).
Activity: Hiking |
Schedule: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm |
Distance: 12km / 7.5mi |
Difficulty: Medium |
Walking time:4h |
Altitude point: 800 m / 1970ft |

Activity: Hiking |
Schedule: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm |
Distance: 12km / 7.5mi |
Difficulty: Medium |
Walking time: time: 4h |
Altitude point: 800m / 1970ft |
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).
Activity: Hiking |
Schedule: 10am to 6:30pm |
Distance: 12km / 7.5mi |
Difficulty: Hard |
Walking time: 5h |
Altitude point: 700m / 2300ft |

Activity: Hiking |
Schedule: 10am to 6:30pm |
Distance: 12km / 7.5mi |
Difficulty: Hard |
Walking time: 5h |
Altitude point: 700m / 2300ft |
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.
Wednesday
Activity: Nature Walk |
Schedule: 10am to 5pm |
Distance: 10km / 6mi |
Difficulty: Easy |
Walking time: 5h |
Altitude point: 200m / 660ft |

Activity: Nature Walk |
Schedule: 10am to 5pm |
Distance: 10km / 6mi |
Difficulty: Easy |
Walking time: 5h |
Altitude point: 200m / 660ft |
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 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. 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.
Activity: Demanding Hiking |
Schedule: 8am to 8pm |
Distance: 18km / 11mi |
Difficulty: Medium |
Walking time: 6h |
Altitude point: 500m / 1640ft |

Activity: Demanding Hiking |
Schedule: 8am to 8pm |
Distance: 18km / 11mi |
Difficulty: Medium |
Walking time: 6h |
Altitude point: 500m / 1640ft |
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 lead us to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the south-east 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 May (low season) the catamaran service will be out of operation. Therefore, the excursion will be replaced by an approx. 15km/7.50mi hike to Valle Encantado (Seron Woods). [Read more about the Seron Woods hike]. We will leave EcoCamp and walk on the first kilometers of the famous Torres del Paine Circuit. Some of the most beautiful Lenga trees can be found in the Seron woods, which is home to the elusive Magellanic Woodpecker and Tucuquere owl – the biggest owl in Chile. After a few gentle ups and downs we will reach a lookout where you can admire the immensity of the steppe and lakes like Laguna Azul and Laguna Amarga.The path is smooth and will allow you to relax with the constant sound of the Paine River whose waters flow from the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields.
Activity: Demanding Hiking |
Schedule: 8am to 5pm |
Distance: 22km / 14mi |
Difficulty: Hard |
Walking time: 9h |
Altitude point: 914m / 3000ft |

Activity: Demanding Hiking |
Schedule: 8am to 5pm |
Distance: 22km / 14mi |
Difficulty: Hard |
Walking time: 9h |
Altitude point: 914m / 3000ft |
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 (2,900 m/ 9,400 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.
Thursday
Activity: Nature Walk or Biking |
Schedule: 10am to 4pm |
Distance: 5km / 3mi |
Difficulty: Easy |
Walking time: 2h |
Altitude point: 200m / 660ft |

Activity: Nature Walk or Biking |
Schedule: 10am to 4pm |
Distance: 5km / 3mi |
Difficulty: Easy |
Walking time: 2h |
Altitude point: 200m / 660ft |
On our way to Laguna Azul, we will have the chance to enjoy some marvelous views of the famous Torres, as well as passing through the pampas (the local steppe) where we will be lucky enough not only to spot many elegant guanacos, but also to hop out of the van and walk amongst them. After soaking up these beautiful surroundings, we will continue our drive to Laguna Azul (“Blue Lagoon”), where we will enjoy our box lunch looking out over the lake, with a view of the three granite towers in the distance. An alternative is a bike ride in the wilderness near Laguna Azul where you will cycle among the herds of guanacos that roam the pampas. We will then jump into our van again, heading back to the EcoCamp in time for cocktail hour.
Activity: Demanding Hiking |
Schedule: 8am to 5pm |
Distance: 22km / 14mi |
Difficulty: Hard |
Walking time: 9h |
Altitude point: 914m / 3000ft |

Activity: Demanding Hiking |
Schedule: 8am to 5pm |
Distance: 22km / 14mi |
Difficulty: Hard |
Walking time: 9h |
Altitude point: 914m / 3000ft |
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.
Activity: Demanding Hiking |
Schedule: 8am to 8pm |
Distance: 18km / 11mi |
Difficulty: Medium |
Walking time: 6h |
Altitude point: 500m / 1640ft |

Activity: Demanding Hiking |
Schedule: 8am to 8pm |
Distance: 18km / 11mi |
Difficulty: Medium |
Walking time: 6h |
Altitude point: 500m / 1640ft |
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 May (low season) the catamaran service will be out of operation. Therefore, the excursion will be replaced by a 15km/9mi Trek to Los Cuernos. [Read more about Los Cuernos Trek]. We will walk through the sinuous Cuernos Trail which leads us alongside the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this nice walk we will have the opportunity to admire the area’s exquisite flora and fauna, as we enjoy the magnificent views of the park’s central lakes and the Paine’s Horns, majestic black horn-like peaks of slate atop gray granite which crown the center of the Massif.
Friday
Activity: Nature Walk & Boat Trip |
Schedule: 10am to 8pm |
Distance: 0.8km / 0.5mi |
Difficulty: Easy |
Walking time: 1h |
Altitude point: 200m / 660ft |

Activity: Nature Walk & Boat Trip |
Schedule: 10am to 8pm |
Distance: 0.8km / 0.5mi |
Difficulty: Easy |
Walking time: 1h |
Altitude point: 200m / 660ft |
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 various viewpoints on the way to enjoy 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 and May- 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)
Activity: Hiking |
Schedule: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm |
Distance: 12km / 7.5mi |
Difficulty: Medium |
Walking time: 4h |
Altitude point: 800m / 1970ft |

Activity: Hiking |
Schedule: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm |
Distance: 12km / 7.5mi |
Difficulty: Medium |
Walking time: 4h |
Altitude point: 800m / 1970ft |
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)
Activity: Hiking |
Schedule: 10am to 6:30pm |
Distance: 12km / 7.5mi |
Difficulty: Hard |
Walking time: 5h |
Altitude point: 700m / 2300ft |

Activity: Hiking |
Schedule: 10am to 6:30pm |
Distance: 12km / 7.5mi |
Difficulty: Hard |
Walking time: 5h |
Altitude point: 700m / 2300ft |
We’ll start our day at 8:30am with breakfast at EcoCamp and a moment to prepare our Box Lunch before boarding our bus at 10am. 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.
Saturday
Activity: Nature Walk |
Schedule: 10am to 5pm |
Distance: 10km / 6mi |
Difficulty: Easy |
Walking time: 5h |
Altitude point: 200m / 660ft |

Activity: Nature Walk |
Schedule: 10am to 5pm |
Distance: 10km / 6mi |
Difficulty: Easy |
Walking time: 5h |
Altitude point: 200m / 660ft |
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 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. 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.
Activity: Demanding Hiking |
Schedule: 8am to 8pm |
Distance: 18km / 11mi |
Difficulty: Medium |
Walking time: 6h |
Altitude point: 500m / 1640ft |

Activity: Demanding Hiking |
Schedule: 8am to 8pm |
Distance: 18km / 11mi |
Difficulty: Medium |
Walking time: 6h |
Altitude point: 500m / 1640ft |
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 lead us to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the south east 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 May (low season) the catamaran service will be out of operation. Therefore, the excursion will be replaced by an approx. 15km/7.50mi hike to Valle Encantado (Seron Woods). [Read more about the Seron Woods hike]. We will leave EcoCamp and walk on the first kilometers of the famous Torres del Paine Circuit. Some of the most beautiful Lenga trees can be found in the Seron woods, which is home to the elusive Magellanic Woodpecker and Tucuquere owl – the biggest owl in Chile. After a few gentle ups and downs we will reach a lookout where you can admire the immensity of the steppe and lakes like Laguna Azul and Laguna Amarga.The path is smooth and will allow you to relax with the constant sound of the Paine River whose waters flow from the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields.
Activity: Demanding Hiking |
Schedule: 8am to 5pm |
Distance: 22km / 14mi |
Difficulty: Hard |
Walking time: 9h |
Altitude point: 914m / 3000ft |

Activity: Demanding Hiking |
Schedule: 8am to 5pm |
Distance: 22km / 14mi |
Difficulty: Hard |
Walking time: 9h |
Altitude point: 914m / 3000ft |
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 (2,900 m/ 9,400 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.
Sunday
Activity: Nature Walk |
Schedule: 8am to 5pm |
Distance: 8km / 4mi |
Difficulty: Easy |
Walking time: 6h |
Altitude point: 300m / 1000ft |

Activity: Nature Walk |
Schedule: 8am to 5pm |
Distance: 8km / 4mi |
Difficulty: Easy |
Walking time: 6h |
Altitude point: 300m / 1000ft |
After enjoying a buffet breakfast at EcoCamp, we’ll head towards the Laguna Azul sector. From here, we’ll begin our journey by 4×4 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.
N.B. The Wild Horse Tracking is not available during winter; the excursion is therefore not offered in May & September.
During May and beginning of September (low season) the excursion will be replaced by a 6km/7.50mi walk to Salto Grande & El Condor Lookout.
Activity: Demanding Hiking |
Schedule: 9am to 5pm |
Distance: 16km / 9mi |
Difficulty: Very hard |
Walking time: 8h |
Altitude point: 1500m / 4920ft |

Activity: Demanding Hiking |
Schedule: 9am to 5pm |
Distance: 16km / 9mi |
Difficulty: Very hard |
Walking time: 8h |
Altitude point: 1500m / 4920ft |
We leave after a tasty breakfast at EcoCamp to head to Cerro Paine, a nearby mountain characterized by its two imposing peaks. We hike along the mountain for half an hour, which allows us to warm up while admiring the view of the surrounding pampas. The challenge begins as we start climbing the eastern part of Cerro Paine. We cross the lenga forest with the sound of the local birds and enjoy a few stops to observe the immense Almirante Nieto Mountain and its glacier on our left side. With any luck, we will follow the tracks of the puma as the towers come into full view. A nice place for lunch, isn’t it? As we are ready to start the steepest part of the hike, we leave the forest and hike on the rock. As we go up, we admire the spectacular panoramic view of the immense pampas and the mountains in the distance, like the Balmaceda mountain. We walk upward for about an hour up to 1500m/4920ft to reach the eastern peak of Cerro Paine, which offers an unforgettable lookout of the towers and the ascencio valley. After chilling and taking in one of the most striking views of the national park, we backtrack along the same trail and return to EcoCamp.
Activity: Contemplative Ride |
Schedule: 10am to 5pm |
Distance: |
Difficulty: Easy |
Walking time: – |
Altitude point: – |

Activity: Contemplative Ride |
Schedule: 10am to 5pm |
Distance: |
Difficulty: Easy |
Walking time: – |
Altitude point: – |
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
Rates
Rates are valid from September 6th, 2019 to May 3rd, 2020
**What’s CLP? Your booking is based on Chilean pesos (CLP), but you pay in US$ (USD), using the exchange rate valid on the day of payment which will be shown in your order. This exchange rate may vary between the date you pay your deposit and the date you pay your outstanding balance, but rest assured this is the best way to keep our prices competitive and ensure the best rate for you!
EcoCamp Patagonia Seasons
- Low Season
- September 6th to October 15th, 2019
- April 18th to May 3rd, 2020
- Shoulder Season
- October 16th to 31st, 2019
- April 1st to 17th, 2020
- High Season
- November 1st to December 14th, 2019
- January 21st to March 31st, 2020
- Peak Season
- December 15th, 2019 to January 20th, 2020
Departures
Regular. Every day from September 6th, 2019 until May 3rd, 2020
Starting / Finishing Point
The trip starts every morning with pick ups and drop offs in Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or El Calafate.
Physical Demands
The Easy excursion options do not demand extensive physical activity, other than walking a maximum of two consecutive hours over the fairly flat terrain. We stop as many times as necessary depending on the rhythm of the group.
Travelers doing the active excursions will find them more energetic and to enjoy these more active treks it is essential to be in shape before arriving. All trails visited in the programs are under 1,000m / 3,000ft high so passengers don’t need to worry about altitude.
Included
- Accommodation at EcoCamp’s Suite, Standard or Superior Domes.
- Regular bus tickets Calafate<>Natales if starting/finishing in Calafate
- All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary.
- English speaking guide. Guide ratio 1:6. Max group size: 16 people.
- Torres del Paine National Park entrance fee.
- Boat ticket for crossing Grey Lake* and/or Pehoe Lake. *please check the itinerary
- House wine during dinner
- Meals:
- Day 1: Lunch / Box Lunch & Dinner
- Days in between: Breakfast; Box Lunch & Dinner
- Last day: Breakfast & Box Lunch
Not Included
- Flight tickets.
- Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip).
- Voluntary tipping of guides and staff.
- Soft drinks or snacks not served with the meals included at the EcoCamp.
- Bringing US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP is suggested.
- Items of personal nature.
Children Policy
- Minimum age 6 to participate in the program.
- Children aged 6 to 9 are welcome to participate in nature walks.
- Children aged 10 to 12 may participate in trekking excursions but the family must hire a private assistant guide.
- Children aged 12 and up are welcome to participate in all activities and are treated as adults.
- Check our Children discount policy for more details.
Transport
In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia transport is in minivans that normally seat from 8 to 14 people. Pick-up / Drop-off times will be confirmed locally by our operations team. An exclusive toll-free emergency number will be available for anyone needing additional support while they are in Chile.
Check our Weekly Transfer Board details for more information about pick-up and drop-off times to/from EcoCamp
Weather
The Patagonian Andes is very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. In addition, the strong marine influence and the effect of the Southern Patagonia Icefield make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer, fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and even snow. Even in summer (December to March), you should come prepared to find strong cold winds (up to 130km/hr) and rainfall. The summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºCmax, 2ºC min). However, just as quickly as the weather turns nasty, it can become lovely and sunny. So come prepared for all types of weather!
Read more about the weather in Patagonia here
What you need to bring
Passengers need to be prepared for summer and winter all at once. Essential equipment includes:
- One day backpack (10liters – to carry a camera, glasses, raincoat, etc)
- Trekking or hiking boots
- Extra shoes for evenings or in case others get wet
- Waterproof jacket
- Two pairs of woolen socks
- Fleece jacket or sweater
- Shorts or comfortable loose pants
- Sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm, and sunscreen)
- Optional Capilene underwear for the upper and lower body
- US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP
Find more information about what to bring to Patagonia here
Itinerary Modifications
The weather in Patagonia can be difficult to deal with at times. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations.
Also during Shoulder and Low season (October and April), some excursions are subject to the weather conditions and might be canceled or modified for reasons of security, for example, the Navigation on Grey Lake, the excursion to the French Valley and to the Tower base trek. In any case, we will either modify the original itinerary or offer you a good alternative of excursion within the park.
Ecocamp Patagonia is located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, with views of the majestic granite towers. The region’s first sustainable lodge south of the Amazon and the first of its kind in the Patagonian wilderness, EcoCamp offers upscale camping in domes inspired by the region’s ancient nomadic inhabitants.
Children from 6 to 12 years receive a 50% discount if staying with their parents in the same dome (advisable 6 years minimum age). Discount will be applied after the online inquiry. Check out the kids’ guide to EcoCamp!
(Heating & Private bathroom, 28m²/300ft²)
Suite domes were designed to further our goal of providing comfort in a natural setting with minimal environmental impact, and also maintain the hotel’s familiar and cozy vibe. The domes have comfortable double or twin beds, a wood stove and a private bathroom with a state-of-the-art composting toilet.
(2 floors, Heating & Private bathroom, 37m²/398ft²)
Suite dome lofts are two-storey domes which fit up to four people and have comfortable double or twin beds both up and downstairs. These domes, ideal for families or groups of friends, come with a wood stove, a private terrace and a private bathroom with a state-of-the-art composting toilet.
EcoCamp Patagonia Superior Dome
(Heating & Private bathroom, 23m²/250ft²)
Spacious, comfortable and equipped with private bathrooms, Superior Domes are the optimum choice for trekkers wanting that bit more space and comfort at the end of a long day’s walk. Each Superior Dome has comfortable queen-size or twin beds, a propane heater, skylight windows and a private bathroom with a sophisticated composting toilet

(Shared bathroom, 10m²/108ft²)
EcoCamp Standard domes were the world’s first lodge accommodation in geodesic shape. They are resistant to the strong Patagonian winds, and come equipped with two single beds (doubles on request), cozy fleece blankets and feather quilts. There are windows in the ceiling for stargazing. Standard domes include shared bathrooms which are large, comfortable and gender divided.