Excursions from EcoCamp Patagonia

1. Base of the Towers hike
2. Laguna Inge and Cuernos Pass hike
3. Lake Pehoe boat ride and French Valley hike
4. Drive and walk Western Lakes; Glacier Grey boat ride
5. Western Lakes drive and Cerro Ferrier hike
6. Salto Grande and Condor Lookout hike
7. Lakes Sarmiento and Sarmiento Chico walk
8. Lazo Weber hike
9. Lake Sarmiento and fauna trail hike
10. Wild horse tracking
11. Estancia Day and horse riding

Today you'll head to Laguna Inge - a hidden gem, nestled just 4km southwest of EcoCamp, on the mesmerising Los Cuernos trail. As you follow the picturesque trail, you'll be surrounded by vibrant flora and fauna and may even catch a glimpse of majestic condors soaring overhead.

As well as immersing yourself in the beauty of the lakes, you'll also have fantastic views of Los Cuernos on the Paine Massif.

You'll finally arrive at your destination, Refugio Los Cuernos, where you can rest and soak up the views, before returning to EcoCamp.

Available: Wed & Sun | Full day: 10am-5pm | Hike: 18km, 6hrs | Difficulty: Intermediate

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After breakfast, we drive to Lake Pehoe and take the catamaran to the north-western part of the lake. Here we start trekking to the French Valley (Valle Frances) along a steep trail. We'll reach the hanging bridge over the French River, from where there are fantastic views.

We'll then continue our ascent to the upper section of the valley where we'll take in the extensive mass of geological formations.

After a picnic lunch we descend to Refugio Paine Grande, on the shores of Lake Pehoe then board the catamaran back to Pudeto, from where we'll be transported back to EcoCamp.

Available: Mon, Wed & Thu | Full-day: 8am-8pm | Trek: 18km, 6hrs | Difficulty: Medium

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We'll drive across the park with views of Paine Grande and Los Cuernos. During the journery we'll stop to observe and photograph herds of guanacos, Andean condors and interesting flora.

As we walk along the shore of the beautiful Lake Pehoe, we'll see the tumbling Salto Grande waterfall and from here we can drive up to Lake Grey. We'll have a picnic lunch by the lake before taking a boat trip to the towering blue walls of Glacier Grey. After this incredibly close look at the glacier, we'll drive back to the EcoCamp.

Available: Tue & Fri | Full-day: 10am-8pm | Trek: 0.8km, 1hr | Difficulty: Easy

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We start the day driving across the park with views of Paine Grande and Los Cuernos. Walking along the shores of the beautiful Lake Pehoe we'll see Salto Grande waterfall.

We'll drive south to the shore of Lake Grey from where our hike to Cerro Ferrier begins. This is a fairly steep route which takes us through a fairytale-like Magellanic forest.

After ascending for about 1.5hrs we'll reach a viewpoint that will offer a unique perspective of the Paine Massive, Grey Glacier and some of the most famous lakes of the National Park. We'll then return to Lake Grey and head back to EcoCamp.

Available: Tue & Fri | Full-day: 7.30am-6.30pm | Trek: 12km, 4hrs | Difficulty: Demanding

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After breakfast we'll drive to Lake Nordenskjold and the magnificent Salto Grande waterfall. From here it's a short walk to the Cuernos viewpoint, which has stunning panoramic view of the mighty Horns.

We'll then drive to Lake Pehoe and start a 2hr round-trip hike to El Condor viewpoint. From here we'll see the shocking blue of Lake Pehoe and the River Paine and on a clear day it's possible to see the vast Southern Patagonian Icefield in the distance.

After a picnic lunch in this superb spot, we'll retrace our steps along the same trail and drive back to EcoCamp.

Available: Sun | Full-day: 10am-5pm | Difficulty: Easy

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This relaxed, predominantly flat walk covers diverse natural scenery and offers the chance to visit a startlingly blue lake, isolated from all the other water systems of the area.

First you'll examine the geology of the area’s turbidite rock folds, before descending the isthmus which separates Lake Sarmiento from Lake Sarmiento Chico which were once a single lake to eventually arrive at a picturesque bay on the western side of Lake Sarmiento.

On the ascent back to the van there will be some stunning views  across Lake Sarmiento from its western shore, looking towards its eastern coast glimmering on the horizon.

Available: Mon & Sat | Full day: 9:30am-3pm | Hike: 4km, 2hrs | Difficulty: Very easy

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We set off at 10am, driving past Estancia Lazo Weber where we begin our 12km hike on the Lazo Weber Trail. This hike is generally flat and is packed with native flora and fauna. There are superb views of the Paine range.

We'll have a picnic lunch by Laguna Honda. Along here is is one of the quietest forests in the national park – a fantastic opportunity to see native trees such as the lenga and the coihue.

Later we'll reach El Toro viewpoint where there are 360-degree views of the Paine mountain range, the Patagonian Andes, and a variety of rivers and lakes. From here it's a 1hr descent towards the Paine River where we'll meet up our van and return to EcoCamp.

Available: Tue & Fri | Full-day: 10am-6.30pm | Hike: 12km, 5hrs | Difficulty: Medium

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This trek is mainly level and full of highly diverse natural landscapes with a unique opportunity to visit a stunning blue lake, separate from all the other water systems in the area.

Firstly, we'll observe the area's turbidite rock folds, before heading down the isthmus separating Lake Sarmiento from Lake Sarmiento Chico. We'll walk to an impressive bay and start the ascent back to our van which will drive us to the starting point of the fauna trail.

Walking north we'll see guanacos, nandus and perhaps puma prints! After passing Goic Lagoon we'll finish at the Laguna Amarga ranger station and be driven back to EcoCamp.

Available: Thu & Sat | Full-day: 10am-5pm | Hike: 10km, 5hrs | Difficulty: Easy

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You'll take a 4x4 vehicle to the Laguna Azul area and drive into the folds of the Cordillera Masle to arrive at a puesto. Here you'll be introduced to the area's history and wild horses. Using satellite tracking equipment and experienced guides you begin trekking in search of the wild horses.

Along the way you'll have great views of Lake Stokes, the Dickson range and the Towers.

Note: This trip isn't available from May-Sept, during which time it will be replaced with a short nature walk close to EcoCamp.

Available: Sun | Full day: 8am-5pm | Trek: 8km, 6hrs | Difficulty: Intermediate

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Today you head to the enchanting Estancia Dos Elianas where you'll have a briefing about horse riding. The ride begins with a thrilling two-hour ride to the breathtaking Sierra Ballena.

You'll have roasted lamb for lunch and then take a captivating tour of the Estancia, immersing yourself in the rich traditions of Patagonia.

Towards the end of the day you'll have another delightful meal, savouring sopaipillas, jam, cheese, and bread, all prepared using local ingredients.

Note: During Sept and May, this excursion will be replaced with the Salto Grande & Condor Lookout excursion.

Available: Wed | Full day: 8am-5pm | Horse ride: 6km, 2hrs | Difficulty: Very easy

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