When should I go?
The best time of year to hike the circuit is November to April. There is relatively little difference in precipitation across this period although the earlier you go, the more likely you are to have lots of snow up at the pass which makes the going harder.

You are likely to experience cold evenings and mornings but mild daytime temperatures – Torres del Paine is basically at sea level and you are on the same latitude, roughly speaking, as Birmingham. However, the proximity of the Patagonian icefields means that you can expect weather to change rapidly from warm sunshine to cold rain and and wind.

Cruises to the Antarctic run between November and March to take advantage of the long summer days as well as the calmer sea conditions in Drake’s Passage.

How active?
Nine consecutive days hiking: some strenuous over varied terrain including snow, rivers, glacial end-moraine and muddy slopes.

If the weather is fair then you can consider this a medium grade walk. In bad weather it is a hard walk.
You must be used to hill walking to enjoy this holiday.
Some distances are long but porters carry your main bags throughout the walk.

In Antarctica shore landings are generally relaxed affairs with some walking but nothing very strenuous.

How comfortable?
First class small hotels with twin/double en suite rooms except inside Torres del Paine.

Spend seven nights in Patagonia’s mixed, communal refuges. One (occasionally two) nights camping. Tents are pitched and meals cooked for you. Your luggage is portaged in Torres del Paine.

On M/V Antarctic Dream we assume a double/twin cabin on the Amundsen Deck. All cabins are external and have portholes or windows. Facilities are comfortable and reasonably spacious 94ft²/10m²

You can upgrade to the larger cabins of the Shackleton, Pardo and Cape Horn decks at extra cost.

How independent?
You will be part of a small guided group, 8 maximum. We also offer private and tailor made departures.

In Ushuaia you will be at leisure to enjoy exploring independently.

On board the Antarctic Dream you will be with up to 78 other guests. Shore landings are made in zodiacs designed for 15 people.

Who is it for?
In general this holiday attracts people in their 30s, 40s and 50s, though there’s no barrier to younger and older. Broadly speaking, there is usually a 70:30 mix of solo travellers/friends and couples.

Clients on this holiday are used to longer walks in the UK or in an Alpine environment. But do not necessarily have much experience of longer treks. Most clients would consider this holiday a challenge.

How responsible?
Pura Aventura is passionate about the places it visits. To help preserve the integrity of these destinations we:

Keep groups small to minimise environmental impact

Work directly with local businesses and organisations to directly benefit local economies. We use small, locally owned hotels and restaurants. We know the owners except in the large cities.

Work with local guides so that our holidays are more interesting for clients and more beneficial locally.

Make payment to suppliers before our clients arrive.

Small groups in Antarctica minimise impact on wildlife.

You must wear boots that we provide on shore at all times. These are cleaned and disinfected by staff before and after all shore visits to ensure that no ‘alien matter’ is transferred onto the shore.

Antarctic Dream is a full member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) which promotes safe and environmentally responsible travel to the Antarctic. See www.iaato.org for more information on these responsibilities.

The Antarctic Dream is Chilean owned and therefore more of the benefit from your trip stays in the region.

Expert guides and leaders know how best to minimise the impact of any landings. They will also educate you as to how to behave, particularly on shore.

What makes our Patagonia and Antarctic different?

Pura Aventura was founded because of a chance meeting in Torres del Paine so it holds a special place in our hearts.

Torres del Paine is unique because within a relatively small area, you find every aspect of Patagonian scenery: mountains, lakes, glaciers, forests and grasslands. There is really no other place you can see such variety in such a compact area.

On this trip we take you on the famous ‘Circuit’ route which takes you from river meadows and grasslands, over a mountain pass to the glaciers and back past lakes and mountains.

In order to do this walk you need to leave behind the hotels and lodges in the south of the park and head into the wilderness areas of the north.

Whilst you have to sacrifice some creature comforts, but the guides, porters and refugios make it comfortable and civilised.

Walks are generally between four and five hours each day although on one day you can be walking for up to eight hours. This walk is suitable for anyone who enjoys good Alpine walking.

You have a team of porters carrying your overnight things so that you can walk with just a daypack.

Your guides are experts in this area, and the Park in particular. They therefore know how to pace the walk, when to sit tight and wait for weather to clear and when to head out.

This highest part of the route is around 1,300m, most of it is just above sea level.

The park is at roughly the same relative latitude as Manchester. Summer daytime temperatures are usually comfortably in the mid-teens celsius. There’s an average of 16 hours daylight in the summer months so the pace can be relaxed.

“It certainly helps their enjoyment not having to carry a full pack and I appreciated the opportunity to stop for photographs, look at the wildlife and so on.”

_Antarctica_As members of IAATO we are committed to procedures and guidelines that ensure appropriate, safe and environmentally sound travel to the Antarctic.

On this vessel, since there are under 100 passengers, there is no limit to the length of shore landings and you will get more from your time on shore.

Expert leaders are able to make shore landings more reliably giving you the most time possible on land, experiencing the wildlife.

Useful Links

As you already know, Pura Aventura is dedicated to safe and responsible travel. The links below provide useful content and more information about Chile. Please call us of any special requirements on 01273 676 712.

Country Information

FCO

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides useful travel advices on Chile and Antarctica

BBC News

BBC News provides useful information about Chile and Antarctica. Read more about it.

Official Government website

Find out more about Chile and Antarctica by visiting their official governement websites.

Prepare your holiday

Health

Before you go on your holiday to Chile, please ensure you have the correct vaccinations. Check out the NHS website for advices and visit your GP or a travel clinic.

Currency Exchange

For the latest information on the Chilean Peso currency, visit the ICE website.

Weather

To know the forecast in Chile and Antarctica, visit Wunderground.

Pura’s Amazon shop

Find out our own Chile selection and Antarctica selection in Amazon.co.uk for a wide range of travel essentials, such as books, gadgets, clothing, etc. in preparation for your upcoming holiday.

Train ticket

If you are leaving from the UK, and want to be easy in your mind before you leave, book your train ticket or airport hotel now.

Flight deals

Find the best flight deals for your holiday to Chile with Kayak, Expedia, Vayama and Opodo.