Patagonia Wildlife Safari

There are no shortage of breathtaking moments and awe-inspiring views on this easy-going, predominantly flat trek to the startling blue waters of Lake Sarmiento. We’ll first examine the geology of the area’s turbidite rock folds and then descend the isthmus that separates Lake Sarmiento from Lake Sarmiento Chico. At the impressive bay on the western side of Lake Sarmiento we’ll get an up-close look at the area’s calcium deposits which give the shoreline its characteristic white sheen. Along the way, there will be ample opportunities to spot fuzzy guanacos lounging in the grasslands and graceful great grebes bobbing in the lake’s glimmering waters.

On this excursion, we’ll head to the shores of Pehoe Lake for a morning catamaran ride to the trailhead for the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley). This steep trail leads to the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far 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. Time permitting, we’ll continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley where we will be able to marvel at the extensive mass of the area’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 picnic and relax. This adventure ends with a descent through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest which will take us to Refugio Paine Grande, back on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe. From here, we will board the catamaran for the trip back to Pudeto.

*This excursion varies throughout the season depending on the catamaran service connecting Pudeto and Refugio Pehoe. During September & May (low season) the catamaran may be out of operation or available less frequently. The excursion may be modified, returning through Las Carretas Trail (an extra 9.3 miles) and a van ride back to EcoCamp.

This full-day endeavor is a true bucket list hike and offers one of the most iconic and sought-after views in the world—the three distinctive granite spires in Patagonia known as the Torres del Paine. We set off from EcoCamp to join the uphill trail to Ascencio Valley toward the Towers’ eastern face. The hike takes us over wild rivers, a wind-swept pass and through a serene beech forest. The big challenge comes, however, as we climb the steep boulder-strewn moraine that leads us towards the Torres del Paine overlook or “Mirador Las Torres.” After a nearly 3,000-foot ascent, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before us, with the glacial lake visible below. We’ll enjoy lunch in this magnificent landscape and then backtrack along the same trail, enjoying a new perspective of the landscape.

The day begins with a drive across Torres del Paine National Park, admiring the view of Paine Grande and its snowy peaks, and Los Cuernos’ black, granite horn-like spires. We stop at 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 where we’ll wander along the beach and enjoy a tasty lunch.  The spectacular finale of this excursion is a boat ride across the lake’s icy waters for an up-close view of the towering blue walls of Grey Glacier.

*The Grey Glacier boat trip is subject to availability and weather conditions, so please confirm your reservation on the day of your arrival. During low seasons (September – October & April) the boat trip requires a minimum of 15 passengers and may be canceled if there is not enough interest. If this is the case we will plan an alternative excursion in the park.

This full-day summit pursuit begins with a drive to Lake Grey where the huge peaks of the east come into view. This wind-swept rock monster standing tall at 5,246 feet is Cerro Ferrier, which makes a rewarding (but intense) hike that will offer us expansive and unique views of Lake Grey and Grey Glacier. If we’re lucky, we’ll get an up-close encounter with an huemul—the endangered South American deer that only exists in Patagonia. It’s a hike that offers wonderful biodiversity and a top-of-the-world perspective of Torres del Paine.

We’ll meet for breakfast in the morning and prepare a box lunch for the trail. For this trip, we’ll board a bus for the ride to our trailhead in the park. 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 for a moment to refuel by the magical Laguna Honda and enjoy the sights and sensations of the gorgeous landscape and fresh breeze. The hike takes us 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 trail continues to El Toro Lookout where we’ll be wowed with a 360-degree view of the Paine mountain range, the Patagonian Andes, and a number of rivers and lakes (including the Paine, Grey, and Serrano Rivers, and Lake Toro, the largest in the region). After an hour’s descent towards Paine River we will reunite with our van for the ride back to EcoCamp.

The journey begins at the enchanting Estancia Dos Elianas. At this rustic and beautiful Patagonia ranch we will be greeted with a brief but informative session on horseback riding to equip us with the knowledge and safety measures necessary for our day. We then embark on a thrilling 2-hour ride to the breathtaking Sierra Ballena, where nature’s splendor unfolds before our eyes. For lunch, we indulge in an authentic Chilean meal featuring succulent roasted lamb and an array of mouthwatering side dishes. Afterward, we further immerse ourselves in the rich traditions of Patagonia on a tour of the Estancia where we can watch the arrieros in action, tending to their flock, shearing wool, and gracefully riding horses. As the day nears its end, we gather for another delightful meal, savoring sopaipillas, jam, cheese, and bread, all lovingly-prepared using local ingredients. With hearts full of memories and stomachs content, we bid farewell to this mesmerizing haven.

*During September and May, this excursion will be replaced with Condor & Salto Grande Lookouts.

We set off on an exhilarating journey towards the enchanting Laguna Inge. This hidden gem is nestled just a few miles from EcoCamp, along the mesmerizing Los Cuernos Trail. As we venture along this picturesque path, we are greeted by a kaleidoscope of vibrant flora and fauna. If luck is on our side, we may even catch a glimpse of majestic condors gracefully soaring above us. This heart-pounding excursion allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the captivating beauty of the park’s central lakes, while also admiring the magnificent horns that adorn the awe-inspiring Paine massif. The pace of our adventure is determined by the group, ensuring that we arrive at our ultimate destination—Los Cuernos Refuge.

This full-day endeavor is a true bucket list hike and offers one of the most iconic and sought-after views in the world—the three distinctive granite spires in Patagonia known as the Torres del Paine. We set off from EcoCamp to join the uphill trail to Ascencio Valley toward the Towers’ eastern face. The hike takes us over wild rivers, a wind-swept pass and through a serene beech forest. The big challenge comes, however, as we climb the steep boulder-strewn moraine that leads us towards the Torres del Paine overlook or “Mirador Las Torres.” After a nearly 3,000-foot ascent, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before us, with the glacial lake visible below. We’ll enjoy lunch in this magnificent landscape and then backtrack along the same trail, enjoying a new perspective of the landscape.

There are no shortage of breathtaking moments and awe-inspiring views on this easy-going, predominantly flat trek to the startling blue waters of Lake Sarmiento. We’ll first examine the geology of the area’s turbidite rock folds and then descend the isthmus that separates Lake Sarmiento from Lake Sarmiento Chico. At the impressive bay on the western side of Lake Sarmiento we’ll get an up-close look at the area’s calcium deposits which give the shoreline its characteristic white sheen. Along the way, there will be ample opportunities to spot fuzzy guanacos lounging in the grasslands and graceful great grebes bobbing in the lake’s glimmering waters.

On this excursion, we’ll head to the shores of Pehoe Lake for a morning catamaran ride to the trailhead for the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley). This steep trail leads to the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far 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. Time permitting, we’ll continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley where we will be able to marvel at the extensive mass of the area’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 picnic and relax. This adventure ends with a descent through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest which will take us to Refugio Paine Grande, back on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe. From here, we will board the catamaran for the trip back to Pudeto.

*This excursion varies throughout the season depending on the catamaran service connecting Pudeto and Refugio Pehoe. During September & May (low season) the catamaran may be out of operation or available less frequently. The excursion may be modified, returning through Las Carretas Trail (an extra 9.3 miles) and a van ride back to EcoCamp.

This full-day endeavor is a true bucket list hike and offers one of the most iconic and sought-after views in the world—the three distinctive granite spires in Patagonia known as the Torres del Paine. We set off from EcoCamp to join the uphill trail to Ascencio Valley toward the Towers’ eastern face. The hike takes us over wild rivers, a wind-swept pass and through a serene beech forest. The big challenge comes, however, as we climb the steep boulder-strewn moraine that leads us towards the Torres del Paine overlook or “Mirador Las Torres.” After a nearly 3,000-foot ascent, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before us, with the glacial lake visible below. We’ll enjoy lunch in this magnificent landscape and then backtrack along the same trail, enjoying a new perspective of the landscape.

The day begins with a drive across Torres del Paine National Park, admiring the view of Paine Grande and its snowy peaks, and Los Cuernos’ black, granite horn-like spires. We stop at 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 where we’ll wander along the beach and enjoy a tasty lunch.  The spectacular finale of this excursion is a boat ride across the lake’s icy waters for an up-close view of the towering blue walls of Grey Glacier.

*The Grey Glacier boat trip is subject to availability and weather conditions, so please confirm your reservation on the day of your arrival. During low seasons (September – October & April) the boat trip requires a minimum of 15 passengers and may be canceled if there is not enough interest. If this is the case we will plan an alternative excursion in the park.

This full-day summit pursuit begins with a drive to Lake Grey where the huge peaks of the east come into view. This wind-swept rock monster standing tall at 5,246 feet is Cerro Ferrier, which makes a rewarding (but intense) hike that will offer us expansive and unique views of Lake Grey and Grey Glacier. If we’re lucky, we’ll get an up-close encounter with an huemul—the endangered South American deer that only exists in Patagonia. It’s a hike that offers wonderful biodiversity and a top-of-the-world perspective of Torres del Paine.

We’ll meet for breakfast in the morning and prepare a box lunch for the trail. For this trip, we’ll board a bus for the ride to our trailhead in the park. 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 for a moment to refuel by the magical Laguna Honda and enjoy the sights and sensations of the gorgeous landscape and fresh breeze. The hike takes us 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 trail continues to El Toro Lookout where we’ll be wowed with a 360-degree view of the Paine mountain range, the Patagonian Andes, and a number of rivers and lakes (including the Paine, Grey, and Serrano Rivers, and Lake Toro, the largest in the region). After an hour’s descent towards Paine River we will reunite with our van for the ride back to EcoCamp.

There are no shortage of breathtaking moments and awe-inspiring views on this easy-going, predominantly flat trek to the startling blue waters of Lake Sarmiento. We’ll first examine the geology of the area’s turbidite rock folds and then descend the isthmus that separates Lake Sarmiento from Lake Sarmiento Chico. At the impressive bay on the western side of Lake Sarmiento we’ll get an up-close look at the area’s calcium deposits which give the shoreline its characteristic white sheen. Along the way, there will be ample opportunities to spot fuzzy guanacos lounging in the grasslands and graceful great grebes bobbing in the lake’s glimmering waters.

On this excursion, we’ll head to the shores of Pehoe Lake for a morning catamaran ride to the trailhead for the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley). This steep trail leads to the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far 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. Time permitting, we’ll continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley where we will be able to marvel at the extensive mass of the area’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 picnic and relax. This adventure ends with a descent through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest which will take us to Refugio Paine Grande, back on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe. From here, we will board the catamaran for the trip back to Pudeto.

*This excursion varies throughout the season depending on the catamaran service connecting Pudeto and Refugio Pehoe. During September & May (low season) the catamaran may be out of operation or available less frequently. The excursion may be modified, returning through Las Carretas Trail (an extra 9.3 miles) and a van ride back to EcoCamp.

This full-day endeavor is a true bucket list hike and offers one of the most iconic and sought-after views in the world—the three distinctive granite spires in Patagonia known as the Torres del Paine. We set off from EcoCamp to join the uphill trail to Ascencio Valley toward the Towers’ eastern face. The hike takes us over wild rivers, a wind-swept pass and through a serene beech forest. The big challenge comes, however, as we climb the steep boulder-strewn moraine that leads us towards the Torres del Paine overlook or “Mirador Las Torres.” After a nearly 3,000-foot ascent, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before us, with the glacial lake visible below. We’ll enjoy lunch in this magnificent landscape and then backtrack along the same trail, enjoying a new perspective of the landscape.

This exploratory adventure begins on the southern shore of Nordenskjold lake. Our first stop is the magnificent Salto Grande Waterfall, with its picturesque waters that cascade down from Nordenskjold Lake into Pehoe Lake. From here it’s a short walk to Cuernos viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of the mighty Horns. Next, we drive to Pehoe Lake for a two-hour round-trip walk around the shoreline to El Condor Lookout. We go gently uphill through the steppe vegetation; a great opportunity to learn about the local flora. We’ll admire the piercing blue of Pehoe Lake and the Paine River, and take in the stunning snow-capped peaks of the entire Paine range. On a clear day, we can also see the immensity of the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields in the distance. After a hearty lunch in this perfect location, we backtrack along the same trail.

This excursion takes us to the Laguna Azul sector. We’ll 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 pristine and untouched region of Torres del Paine. The experience of tracking, observing and analyzing the horses in their natural surroundings is incomparable. This excursion also offers fantastic views of Lago Stokes, the Cordillera Dickson, and the imposing Towers. 

*Wild Horse Tracking is not available during May and September and will be replaced by a short nature walk close to EcoCamp.

We set off on an exhilarating journey towards the enchanting Laguna Inge. This hidden gem is nestled just a few miles from EcoCamp, along the mesmerizing Los Cuernos Trail. As we venture along this picturesque path, we are greeted by a kaleidoscope of vibrant flora and fauna. If luck is on our side, we may even catch a glimpse of majestic condors gracefully soaring above us. This heart-pounding excursion allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the captivating beauty of the park’s central lakes, while also admiring the magnificent horns that adorn the awe-inspiring Paine massif. The pace of our adventure is determined by the group, ensuring that we arrive at our ultimate destination—Los Cuernos Refuge.