ZEALOUS CHILE
EXPLORE PATAGONIA & TREK THE W
OVERVIEW
Journey to the end of the world and discover Torres del Paine National Park. Immerse yourself in the outdoors with a group of like-minded, active travelers, fun trip leaders, and certified local guides on the iconic W-Trek. Ice hike on one of the largest non-polar glaciers, catch your breath on mesmerizing lookout points, view the sunrise over serene peaks, and soak in the beauty of Patagonia. Adventure awaits.
TREK ON GLACIER GREY
Marvel at the cool ice formations and vivid blue crevasses.
SUNRISE HIKE TO LAS TORRES
Witness the early morning light illuminating the granite peaks.
CAMP UNDER THE STARS
View an endless sky of stars (or clouds) from your cozy tent.
TRIP DETAILS
YOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1
Meet in the Santiago airport before flying down to Punta Arenas, one of the southernmost cities in the world. Kick-off your 9-day adventure at our welcome dinner with your fellow travelers — and likely a glass if Chilean wine, salud!
Meet in Santiago (SCL)
Fly to Punta Arenas (PUQ)
Accommodation in Punta Arenas
DAY 8
It’ll be an early start as we take a morning boat ride to see thousands of Magellanic Penguins on Isla Magdalena. During mating season, nearly 100,000 penguins arrive to the sialnd from September through March. After lunch, we’ll head to Puerto Natales for our final night before the W-Trek!
Boat ride to Isla Magdalena
Private transport to Puerto Natales
Accommodation in Puerto Natales
DAY 3
Rise & shine! We’ll depart early for Torres del Paine National Park. After checking-in at the ranger station, we hop aboard a catamaran to cross Lake Pehoé to our starting point. Trek towards the breathtaking Glacier Grey where we’ll camp for the night and celebrate our first dinner at the refugio.
Cool catamaran ride across Lake Pehoé
Hike towards Glacier Grey
Distance: 11 km
DAY 4
We embark on an epic adventure on Glacier Grey. After a safety talk, we take a boat ride with stunning views and hike to the glacier entry point. We strap on our crampons and grab our ice axes for the trek on the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, one of the largest non-polar glaciers. After lunch, we continue on the W.
Epic ice hike on Glacier Grey
Hike towards Refugio Paine Grande
Distance: 10 km (ice hike) + 11 km
DAY 5
Today highlights the natural beauty of the park. But first, we hike through a section ravished by a devastating forest fire in 2011. Upon arriving in Valle Francés, we grab our daypacks for an out-n-back to the Britannico Lookout. We head to Refugio Cuernos (our favorite) and trek along turquoise colored lakes.
View hanging glaciers from the lookout point
Hike along true turquoise colored lakes
Distance: 16.5 km — includes French Valley
DAY 6
Say adios to Los Cuernos and hello to Mont Almirante Nieto, which is visible for most of the day. This section of the trek is relatively flat, a welcome contrast to previous days. Once we start hiking alongside Rio Ascenscio, our destination, Refugio Chileno, slowly comes into view.
Best segment to spot condors above
Easier terrain before tomorrow’s AM challenge
Distance: 18 km
DAY 7
Grab your headlamp and daypack. We hike in the dark to reach the mirador, where sunrise lights up the iconic granite towers. This is truly an unforgettable experience. We say farewell on our final section of the majestic park before returning to Puerto Natales to celebrate our trekking feat over dinner and drinks!
Sunrise hike to Mirador Las Torres
Celebratory dinner & drinks
Distance: 14 km
DAY 2
After sleeping in a nice warm bed, you’ll visit a local estancia for a leisurely horseback ride to Laguna Sofia. The afternoon will be free to relax, get ice cream, explore Natales, or buy souvenirs. We’ll end our final night in Patagonia with a farewell dinner.
Horseback ride to Lake Sofia
Free time to explore the town
Accommodation in Puerto Natales
DAY 9
Pack your bags, it’s time to return to the real world. After breakfast, we’ll take private transportation to the airport, where you’ll catch your flight home. Don’t forget to exchange contact info with your new adventure friends to stay in touch, share pics, and plan next year’s Zealous trip 2.0.
Transportation
**INCLUDED TRANSPORTATION:**
*✦* Pick-up from the airport in Punta Arenas
*✦* Drop-off at the airport in Puerto Natales
*✦* All other private group transports
#### Food
 **INCLUDED MEALS:**
 ➜ Included: (1) one alcoholic drink
We're happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets.
Please inform us at the time of booking.
#### Accommodations
**INCLUDED ACCOMMODATIONS ➜ BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY:**
*✦* 4 nights in Puerto Natales in locally-operated accommodations
*✦* 4 nights camping in Torres del Paine National Park on W-Trek
*❖* Pre-setup tent
*❖* Sleeping pad
*❖* Sleeping bag
Potential limited availability for single occupancy for an additional fee
#### Activities
**INCLUDED ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES:**
*✦* Day tour ➜ Horseback riding at Lake Sofia
*✦* Entrance fee ➜ Torres del Paine National Park
*✦* Ice hike ➜ Glacier Grey on W-Trek
*✦* Certified guides ➜ Awesome local English-speaking guides for W-Trek
*✦* Day tour ➜ Kayaking
*✦* Trip leaders ➜ Fun, friendly, and logistics experts, level Jedi
And you'll meet other fun travelers like yourself 😎
#### Not Included
**NOT INCLUDED IN TRIP PRICE:**
*✘* Flights
*✘* Mandatory trip insurance
*✘* Some meals as outlined above
*✘* Personal and/or incidental expenses
*✘* 45-55L backpack (approx.) and some gear items
GETTING TO THE AREA
This is the simplified version:
➤ International flight ➜ Santiago (SCL).
Flight must arrive by 9:00 AM to catch the domestic flight. Baggage claim, customs, & rechecking can be unpredictable.
➤ Santiago (SCL) ➜ Puerto Natales (PNT).
Everyone must book the same domestic flight.
➤ Puerto Natales (PNT) ➜ Santiago (SCL).
Everyone must book dthe same domestic flight, unless personally extending trip after Zealous trip ends.
Travelers will receive detailed version after booking.
SAMPLE PACKING LIST
REQUIRED
Backpack ➜ at least 45L
Hiking footwear
Hiking socks
Hiking pants or leggings
Long-sleeve hiking shirts
Baselayers for sleeping
Rain pants
Rain jacket / shell
Packable midlayer
Beanie
Lightweight gloves
Water bottle / hydration
Headlamp
Microfiber towel
Daypack ➜ 15-20L
RECOMMENDED
Crocs or light camp/shower sandals
Neck buff
Headband
Windbreaker
Sunglasses
Portable charger
Type-C plug adaptor
Earplugs
Sunscreen & lip balm
Camp pillow
Liner socks
2-3 ziplock baggies
PROVIDED
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Trekking poles
Pre-setup tent
Travelers will receive a more detailed item-by-item gear list after booking, in addition to personalized pre-departure guidance from our trip specialists. We are happy to help you find the right gear for your safety and comfort on the trail. Because blisters suck.
Tompkins Conservation Foundation, created by both the founder of The North Face and the former CEO of Patagonia, gifted 1 million acres to Chile in 2019.
Valparaiso, the colorful port city, is one of our favorite places to spend an extra day or two. Since 2003, the historic quarter is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Spanish missionaries brought winemaking to Chile in the 16th century. Chile is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère, but don’t overlook their first varietal, the Paìs.
Often spotted soaring above in Torres del Paine National Park, the Andean condor is the largest flying bird in the world, with wingspans reaching well over 10 feet.
NOT-QUITE FINE PRINT
✦ Outdoor adventure travel can be unpredictable. Patagonia can be unpredictable. Our top priority is to provide a rewarding yet safe experience. We'll do our best to adhere to the intended itinerary. Certain circumstances (i.e. unsafe weather conditions) may result in slight changes to the itinerary. We believe spontaneity is often a good thing.
✦ Travelers must have a valid passport with an expiration date at least 6 months after your return flight.
✦ Travelers are required to have trip insurance. Proof of coverage must be received no later than 30 days prior to trip departure. We suggest purchasing trip insurance as soon as you book your Zealous trip. Our top recommendation is the Tin Leg Adventure plan through Squaremouth.
✦ Packing light is the way to go. Along with your hiking pack, we recommend a medium-sized bag for non-trekking items, ideally a carry-on duffel or equivalent. During the trek, this bag may be stored at our in-town accommodation. One bag per person is included. Additionally, the packable daypack can double as your go-to bag for day tours or wandering around town.
✦ IMPORTANT: Please do not book flights until receiving the go-ahead email from a trip specialist to ensure the minimum number of participants are confirmed. We are happy to provide flight recommendations.
PAYMENT POLICY
- ❖ At time of booking ➜ risk-free deposit!
- ✓ Transferable deposit due to reserve spot.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% refundable for any reason within 7 days.
- ❖ 120 days or more before departure
- ✓ 50% of trip cost due, includes deposit.
- ❖ 90 days or more before departure
- ✓ 75% of trip cost due, includes deposit.
- ❖ 60 days or more before departure
- ✓ 100% of trip cost due, includes deposit.
CANCELATION POLICY
- ❖ 120 day or more before trip start date:
- ✓ Payment(s) are 100% refundable.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% refundable.
- ❖ 90 to 119 days before trip start date:
- ✓ Payment(s) are 100% refundable.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% transferable to a future trip.
- ❖ 60 to 89 days before trip start date:
- ✓ Payment(s) are 100% transferable to a future trip.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% transferable to a future trip.
- ❖ 0 to 59 days before trip start date:
- ✓ Payment(s) are not refundable or transferable.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% transferable to future trip.
Travelers will receive additional details after booking.
$3,000
$400 refundable deposit