Trekking in Patagonia

The level of difficulty of the Patagonia day hikes is easier in comparison to treks Everest Base Camp Trek due to the much lower altitude but because of their length, hikers should be in very good physical condition. In Argentinian Patagonia, the starting point for the hikes is 1,424 feet and the maximum altitude reached on one of the hikes is 3,986 feet (Laguna de los Tres). In Chilean Patagonia, the starting point is 650 feet and we will reach a maximum elevation of 2,788 feet during the Torres Del Paine day hike.

The trails are in very good conditions with some stream crossings and short rocky sections.

Participants can enjoy the hikes carrying only day-packs.

Our leader for this trip is famed guide Jose Luis Peralvo, an internationally certified mountain guide with years of experience guiding Alpine Ascents trips in South America and a profound knowledge of the local culture and environment.

Each night is spent in the fine accommodations in the area, there are no nights in tents so you can enjoy the comfort of a hot shower and a good bed to recover from hikes and prepare for the next day’s activities. Single accommodations are available for an additional fee.

Please review the gear list.

All rental gear will be mailed to the trekker prior to the climb. Trekkers are expected to clean all rental gear and those requesting rental gear must submit an expedition rental form online. Return it to us by mail following the expedition

While all items are required there may be times when some of the items on the gear list may not be used (such as warm weather or changing conditions). The gear lists are created by the guides to assist in having trekkers be prepared to enjoy the hikes in any conditions.

While it is impossible for us to list all brands for certain gear, we do offer a wide variety of equipment in our Gear Shop, that has been hand-picked by our staff of mountaineering experts. Please feel free to call our offices with any gear questions or substitutes.

Drinking water poses no problems in Patagonia. In fact water can be taken from pipes or streams. But if you prefer to drink bottled water, it can be found in stores anywhere. Food in the south of Chile and Argentina are prepared and served with high hygiene standards and eating vegetables is safe.

Not at this time for US citizens. Citizens of Australia and Canada entering Argentina must pay a reciprocity fee online at either: http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesibleingles/ or http://www.provinciapagos.com.ar/dnm/ and bring a printed copy of the Reciprocity Fee Proof of Payment to present at the Migration Offices.

All passports have to be valid for at least six months after entering Argentina and Chile.

Climbers fly in to El Calafate, Argentina and depart from Punta Arenas, Chile. Detailed flight information will be sent to you upon registration.

Fares are generally less expensive when booked early. You may use our Travel Agent (Charles Mulvehill 1-800-727-2157) or book flights your self. Please note that flights booked on-line are often difficult to change. Please send us a copy of your flight schedule as early as possible as this allows us to book pick ups and hotels.

Your guide or an Alpine Ascents representative will meet you at the airport. Look for a large Alpine Ascents sign.

We are happy to make arrangements such as personalized tours, extra hotels rooms, airport pick ups and arrange for private rooms. Please indicate that you would like a private room on your application and we will contact you with information on single room supplement costs (for hotels only).

Not at this time for US citizens.

Regular updates are posted on our web site from our team while in the mountains.

You can always call our offices and one of guides will contact you, generally about 1 month before your trip departure. 30 days prior to departure, we mail a list of other team members to you.

Please see information sheet in your confirmation email.

Guides are permitted to accept and greatly appreciate tips. Contact our office for specific guidelines for your trip.

You may call our offices with a credit card or mail/fax an application with a check or credit card number. Or simply book on line.

We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, personal checks and Alpine Ascents gift certificates. To reserve a space the deposit is $700. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure. Unpaid balances can result in forfeiture of trip.

Note: Alpine Ascents International highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all expeditions.

Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits, Alpine Ascents International must adhere to a stringent refund policy.

Each deposit, regardless of amount, includes a $200.00 non-refundable registration fee.
Full refunds, less registration fee, will be provided 120-days prior to course, trek and/or expedition date.
50% refunds will be provided 90-120 days prior to course, trek and/or expedition date.
No refunds will be provided 89 days prior to course, trek and/or expedition date.
All refund requests must be made in writing and be received in our office within the 90-120 day period, as stated above.
All balances are due 120 days prior to departure date unless otherwise specified.
Participants whose balances are not received by the 120-day deadline as stated above, risk forfeiture of their place on the expedition.

Note: Alpine Ascents reserves the right to waive any fees. As we offer personalized service, we will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations when necessary, waiving certain fees when feasible.

If a trekker needs to leave early, arrangements can be made with the assistance our local support.