Overview
Trek back in time to Torres del Paine’s hidden valleys and canyons, where paleontology is very much alive and evidence of Patagonia’s prehistoric life lies in wait. Pour over Ichthyosaurus fossils, hike the Zapata Valley and explore steppe dotted with the fossils of ancient leaves. This trek through ancient history weaves through secluded valleys, steppe and canyons far from the Park’s more crowded trails.
Trip highlights
• Visit Torres del Paine’s Most Remote Locations
• Wild, Untouched Trekking & Camping Experience
• Hike the Zapata Valley
• Get Close to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field
• Trek to the Summit of Cerro Zapata
• See Impressive Ichthyosaurus Fossils
• Visit Tyndall Glacier
Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer to Torres del Paine - Full Day Trek through the Zapata Valley
2 hours by private transfer
6 hours hike, 14 KM
Night at Zapata Campsite (BL-D)
An early morning transfer will pick you up from your Puerto Natales hotel and take you to Torres del Paine National Park. After entering the National Park, we’ll drive to the post at Grey Lake and begin our 6-hour hike to the Zapata Valley, the most ancient one in Torres del Paine. This is an extremely unfrequented valley and your group will experience the peace of trekking alone, accompanied only by stirring scenery, and (if we’re lucky) the watchful gaze of the foxes, woodpeckers and huemuls (Andean deer) that live here. Hikers will share the weight of common equipment, carrying food and tents between them. A group porter and cook will carry the portable toilet and cook meals during your time at the Zapata campsite. This is a remote camping experience, staying at a basic campsite without access to hot water - but with the transcendent backdrop of Torres del Paine’s (truly) untamed landscapes on all sides. Upon arrival, we’ll set up camp, settle in and recharge with a nourishing evening meal.
Day 2
Explore the Ichthyosaurus Graveyard
12 hour round-trip/hike, 8 km
Night at Zapata Campsite (B-BL-D)
Today you’ll hike to rocky slopes near Tyndall Glacier to the site of a precious paleontological discovery. Here, 46 examples of Ichthyosaurus fossils, a dolphin-like “fish lizard” that lived 245 million to 90 million years ago in the Mesozoic Era, are seen as if etched into the rock itself. Adult and embryo specimens are present, showing us the remains of a what is likely a pack that was entombed by catastrophic mudflow that rushed into the underwater canyons they hunted. We’ll make our way back to our campsite via the same route and settle in to share a good meal. Tonight take time to stretch and rest: tomorrow’s hike is our most challenging.
Day 3
Full-day Hike to the Summit of Cerro Zapata
12-14 hour round-trip/hike, 26 km
Night at Zapata Campsite (B-BL-D)
This morning we’ll begin at around 4:00 am. Our destination is the Cerro Zapata (1590 m). This is a non-technical hike, but one that is long and requires hikers to interact closely with the landscape: weaving through forests of native trees, crossing snow and bouldering across huge rocks carved out by the glaciers’ ancient movements. The summit of Cerro Zapata has 360° views of fantastic Patagonian scenery, being surrounded by lakes, glaciers, mountain ranges and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Its peak is a particularly wonderful lookout for glaciers and the lakes they give birth to: from the summit, Glaciers Grey, Tyndall, Geikie, Pingo, Olguín (and others still unexplored) will be laid out below you. Our return hike to camp will be along the same route.
Day 4
Return hike, Transfer back to Puerto Natales
6 hour hike, 14 km
2 hours by private transfer
This morning we’ll break camp and begin our return hike across the grassy steppe and undulating slopes of the valley, with energy-boosting views of the Paine Massif along the way. At the end of our trek we’ll meet our driver, who will transfer us back to Puerto Natales.
INCLUDED
- All Private Transportation Indicated in the Schedule
- Entrance Fee to Torres del Paine National Park
- Three Nights at Zapata Campsite
- All Meals Indicated in Schedule (B: Breakfast, BL: Box Lunch, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
- Professional Hiking Guides (English-Spanish)
NOT INCLUDED
- Any Additional Nights
- Medical Expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Breakfast on Day 1, Lunch on Day 4
- Sleeping Bag and/ or Sleeping Mat
- Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Gratuities for Guide & Driver
Lodgings
Chile Nativo Wild Camping
When we go off the beaten path, we have to camp in places with no facilities, so we provide all the camping gear necessary for the most comfortable experience.
Each participant will have to carry the camping gear we provide, which includes tents (sharing between two), compact cooking utensils, portable camp chair and we will divide with all the participants the common camping gear such as food and cooking utensils. Each person will carry in total between 17 and 20 kgs (34 and 44 pounds).We will have a porter with the group that will carry a portable toilet.
Dates & Prices
Program prices are determined on the final number of confirmed guests in a group. The per person price lowers as more guests join the group. Chile Nativo operates with a maximum of 8 guests per departure which allows for a high level of individualized service and an unforgettable personalized experience.
PRICES FOR SEASON 2020/2021: (valid until April 2021)
2 guests USD$ New Season Price to Come!
3 guests USD$ New Season Price to Come!
4-8 guests USD$ New Season Price to Come!
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES/SERVICES: (must be booked in advance)
Public bus from/to Punta Arenas USD$ 15 per person/per way
Professional Grade Sleeping Bag: USD$ 6 per night
Professional Sleeping Mat: USD$ 6 per night
Trekking Poles: USD$ 6 per day
FAQ's
Q: Where do I keep my luggage that I won´t need during my trek while I am hiking in the park?
A: The majority of the hotels and hostels will store luggage for their guests who are staying with them prior to and after their travels in the park. If not, we will happily store your luggage securely in our office until you arrive back from your trek and will deliver this to your hotel where you will be staying in Puerto Natales.
Q: Do I need to travel with my own sleeping bag and tent?
A: You will need to bring our own sleeping bag and sleeping mat along on this trek and you will be required to carry these items with you. Your tent will be provided by Chile Nativo but hikers will be required to share the weight of the equipment among them.
Q: Will we have porters on this trek who carry some of our weight and personal items?
A: The Zapata Valley is one of the least hiked areas of the national park and this particular excursion is for active hikers who wish to have a unique and remote experience. Hikers will share the weight of common equipment, carrying food and tents between them. A group porter and cook will carry the portable toilet and cook meals during your time at the Zapata campsite.
Q: What are the campsites like during this trek?
A: This trek offers a remote camping experience, staying at a basic campsite without access to hot water – but with the transcendent backdrop of Torres del Paine’s truly untamed landscapes on all sides. A portable camping toilet will be setup for the comfort and privacy of restroom facilities for guests during this excursion.
