JOIN GALZ GONE WILD FOR THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME PATAGONIA ADVENTURE! EEEEEEEEEEK!

The famous W-Trek is a Patagonia classic and the best way to see the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park. Hike right to the base of the spectacular Towers del Paine, see the giant southern ice fields and experience ice trekking across Greys Glacier. The first day starts with the journey from Puerto Natales to the park entrance and an overnight at the relaxing Refugio Torre Central. We start the trek the following morning with a hike up to the Towers Lookout point for amazing views of the world famous granitic spires. The trek continues along the shores of Lago Nordenskjold to the beautiful French Valley which features excellent views of the surrounding hanging glaciers, mountain lakes and several peaks. The last day of the trek takes you to the Glacier Grey viewpoint where you will get a firsthand look at the massive Patagonian Ice Field where you may see icebergs calving directly from the glacier into the lake. You will be backpacking and camping on sites and will be guided by an expert English speaking trekking guide.

What's Included?

• Return Bus tickets between Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National park

• 2 Nights shared accommodation in Puerto Natales (Breakfast Included)

• 4 nights camping in Torres del Paine National Park

• All camping equipment when required* (Tents, sleeping bags and pads)

• Catamaran ticket Pehoe Lake

• Hiking poles

• Torres del Paine National Park Tickets

• Glacier trekking experience

• Airport Transfers* PNT PUERTO NATALE AIRPORT

• All meals as described on the itinerary

• English speaking guide

• Group training weekend and information session in Wicklow, Ireland.

• Whats app group chat

• Galz Gone Wild Trip Host

Exclusions

• Internet at the Refugios

• Personal expenses

• International flights

• Alcoholic drinks

• Tips

• Travel Insurance

• Porters if needed ($125 per day)

ABILITY , HIKING DISTANCE & PACK WEIGHT INFO

You will be required to hike and carry your own 35-40L backpack each day. You will be required to carry your pad, sleeping bag, lunch, your own personal items and clothing. Please make sure you are physically able to carry and hike with this weight each day. Alternatively you can hire a porter at an additional cost to carry your gear each day. You will not be required to carry your tent. These will be set up at the campsite each evening for you. Your pack weight will be estimated to weigh approx 9kg-12kg. Average distances covered each day 11km-18km. Elevation covered each day approx 150m-700m. Anywhere from 3-4hours to 7-8 hours hiking each day.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? HERE IS A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF WHAT YOUR DAY TO DAY WILL LOOK LIKE BELOW :)

Day 1: Arrival Puerto Natales & Welcome Briefing

Welcome to Patagonia. Our driver will pick you up at PUERTO NATALE (PNT) Airport or bus station when you arrive and transfer you to the hotel. Get some rest or enjoy the free time to explore. In the evening, a member of our team will review your equipment in the evening in preparation for the trek the following day.

No meals included

Day 2: Puerto Natales - Base of the Towers - Sector Torres

Hiking time 7 to 8 hours. 16km/10 Miles and Elevation Gain of 700m/2295 ft

Our journey starts in the morning with a 2-hour drive to Torres del Paine National Park. Once we arrive at the Park entrance and go through formalities we will continue to Refugio Torre Central from where we will be starting our trek.

The first part of the hike along the banks of the Ascencio River is a gradual climb and fairly easy. After two hours we will reach Refugio Chileno and take a short break before starting for the towers. The towers are about another 2 hours hike to the viewpoint where we will have lunch and enjoy the fantastic views. After lunch, we will hike back to Torres Sector.

Lunch/ Dinner included

Day 3: Sector Torres - Sector Francés

Hiking time 7-8 hours. 18km /11 miles and 150m Elevation Gain

The trail today follows around the base of the famous Mt Almirante Nieto (2750 m / 8759 ft) and along the shores of Nordenskjöld Lake. The open country and miniature windswept forests and interspersed grasslands give one a good feel of what a vast portion of Patagonia is like. The hike itself to Domo Francés is moderate and you will be reaching camp before dinner time.

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner included

Day 4: Sector Francés - Sector Paine Grande

Hiking time 7-8 hours. 14km /8.5 miles and 400m Elevation Gain

Our day starts with a 45 min hike to the Italiano camping site. Once we reach the camp we will drop our bags by the Ranger's house and start our hike to the French Valley lookout point. Enjoy the view as you see hanging glaciers and spot avalanches.

Optional hike: Britanico lookout point

After lunch, we will start our descent from the lookout and continue until we reach the Refugio Paine Grande.

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner included

Day 5: Sector Paine Grande - Sector Grey

Hiking time 3-4 hours. 11km /7 miles and 400m Elevation Gain

After breakfast, we start our trek towards Refugio Grey where one can often see the ice from the glacier crash into the lake and floating icebergs are common. After lunch, free time to explore the area.

Afternoon, you have the option to do the Ice hike on Grey Glacier

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner included

Day 6: Sector Grey to Puerto Natales

Hiking time 3-4 hours. 11km /7 miles and 400m Elevation Gain

We get back on the same trail until we reach Refugio and board the 6:30 p.m. Catamaran across Lake Pehoe and arrive back in Puerto Natales late in the evening for your last night.

Breakfast/ Lunch included

Day 7: Depart Puerto Natales

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. According to your flight time, we will pick you up at your hotel for your transfer to the airport.

Breakfast included

*Refugios are available at an additional cost.

**Transfer only from PNT airport on arrival March 13th and departure 20th days.
**Single supplement room $169 per night.

TRIP PRICE

Date: March 13th- March 19th 2025

Availability: 12-18 Spots

Deposit required to secure your spot: €500*

TRIP TOTAL: €3450

*Balances must be paid 105 days before the start of each trip, failure to pay may result in additional penalties.

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GEAR LIST FOR THE TRIP

• On the Trail Daypack

• Extra layers

• Windbreaker

• Poncho

• Gloves

• Sunscreen

• Lip Balm with Sunscreen

• Broad brimmed hat or bandana (for sun protection)

• Iodine Water Tablets (personal preference)

• Water Bottles or Camel Back

• Sunglasses

• Headlamp with extra batteries Favorite Snacks

• Waterproof bags to protect electronics or paperwork

• Camera with extra batteries and memory cards

• Umbrella (works great in a light rain or to protect from the sun)

• Toilet Paper

• Thermos (optional for hot beverages)

• Small Lock(s) for day pack

• Waterproof cover for daypack

• Clothing: Base, Middle, and Outer Layers

• Moisture-wicking long sleeve tee-shirts (1) Moisture wicking tee-shirts (1)

• Long underwear pants (1)

• Underwear (3 to 4)

• Heavy Fleece or Down Jacket

• Long sleeve shirts (2)

• Sweatshirt (optional)

• Fleece Pants (Winter Treks)

• Trekking Pants (2)

• Shorts (optional)

• Gore Tex or Waterproof Jacket with hood

• Rain Poncho that covers your daypack

• Waterproof Pants

• Wide-brimmed hat

• Wool hat (Should cover ears) or Balaclava

• Lightweight Gloves

• Insulated Wool or Down Mittens (Winter Treks)

• Gaiters (optional)

• Footwear: Shoes and Socks

• Hiking boots with ankle support

• Camp shoes or Tennis Shoes

• Plastic bag to carry spare shoes Hiking socks (6)

• Sock Liners (optional)

• First Aid Kit and Toiletries

• Advil or Ibuprofen

• Personal Prescriptions

• Medical Tape (for preventing treating blisters)

• Antibiotics (Cipro for travelers' diarrhea)

• Diaper Rash Cream (Can treat rashes or chaffing)

• Basic toiletries (Soap, Deodorant...)

• Wet wipes

• Panty Liners and Tampons

• Face lotion

• Hairbrush

• Hair ties

• Hand warmers

• Ear plugs for sleeping

• Sunscreen

• Lip Balm with sunscreen

• Toilet paper

• Towel

• Paperwork and Money

• Passport (needed at entry gate for registration) Spending Money around $200

• Other Items

• Portable Solar Charger Journal, pen and paper

• Drybags

• Stuff sacks for dirty clothes/shoes
  

Any questions about this trip, please email hello@galzgonewild.com

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TERMS & CONDITIONS

Payments

All payments made by debit/credit cards are subjected to a 3.5% surcharge to cover online bank transaction fees. All trip costs are shown in USD. If you pay online your credit card company will determine the actual exchange rate.

All outstanding balances must be paid 105 days before the start of each trip, failure to pay may result in additional penalties.

You can expect to receive an updated invoice from us within 24 to 48 hours of making an online payment. For Bank Transfers, your invoice confirmation will be sent once we verify that we received the funds.

The charge on your credit card will appear as TPS - Travel Pay which is operated by Travel Payment Solutions LLC. Travel Payment Solutions is a USA based company that provides booking and customer support services for Patagonia Hero Travel SPA. All treks and services are run and operated solely by Patagonia Hero Travel SPA, a local Chilean based company with RUT: 777654543. Travel Payment Solutions LLC and its employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents, and assigns, neither own nor operate any person or entity which is to, or does, provide goods or services for these trips or tours. Travel Payment Solutions LLC assumes no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal injury, death, property damage, or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any wrongful, negligent, willful, or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of Patagonia Hero Travel SPA or other employees or agents.

Passports & Visas (Chile)

Chile is very friendly to tourists and most nationalities can enter for up to 90 days cost-free, a tourist visa being granted upon arrival. Citizens of Mexico and Australia are required to pay reciprocity fees of $23 and $117 respectively upon arrival. Citizens of China need to apply for a no-cost tourist visa, unless an entry visa to Canada or U.S. with a validity of six months is held. If you are in any doubt about whether you need to apply for visa contact your country's Chilean embassy or ask us and we'll do all that we can to help. Note that you must have a blank page on your passport.

Taxes for Foreigners in Chile

Hotel charges in Chile are not subject to VAT charges(19%), when paid in US dollars by non-Chileans present in Chile on a tourist visa. All tourists are given PDI (Chilean Immigration Police) documentation upon entry to Chile, which can be used as proof of tourist status. We recommend keeping this safe as it is a small, but valuable document.

* Chilean and non-Chilean hotel guests possessing Chilean residency will be subject to VAT charges, charged at 19% in the national currency.

Travel Insurance

It is strongly recommended that you have adequate travel insurance for your holiday. Travel insurance covers your cost related to cancellation charges, unexpected curtailment of your holiday, medical and repatriation expenses including air ambulance, personal accident, delay loss or damage to your personal effects.

Guaranteed Deposits

Patagonia Treks

You can be assured that when you place a deposit it's secured for your future trip. If your travel plans change simply let us know and we can change your dates or if you prefer even apply your deposit to a different destination that we serve such as Nepal or Tanzania. Your deposit will never expire and can be applied towards any of our adventures. We book all accommodations in advance so please review the following conditions on changing dates:

1. Please inform us of any changes at least 105 days in advance. If you notify us within 105 days of your trip your deposit is fully refundable. Please contact us with any last minute changes and we will do our best to help.

2. Guests are responsible for any increases in price between the time they originally booked and the new trekking date.

3. If you don't contact us and you don't show up for your trip your deposit is not refundable.

Cancellations & Refunds

Bookings for Torres del Paine National Park (Campsites & Refugios)

We will reschedule you at no extra charge if your travel dates change, but please provide at least 105 days advance notice. All booking deposits are 100% refundable up to 105 days before your trip. No refunds on deposits on trips within 105 days. We book all hotels, campsites, refugios, boat tickets, guide services, and tours in advance so are unable to give refunds. Our general advice is that if you need to change plans please alert us as quickly as possible. Here is a detailed breakdown of our policy:

• Deposits are fully refundable up to 105 days before your trip.

• Payments are 80% refundable if cancellation is between 104 - 90 days before your trip.

• Payments are 50% refundable if cancellation is between 89 - 70 days before your trip.

• All deposits and full payments are nonrefundable if your cancellation is within 69 days of your trip date.

It is possible that a trek may be canceled in the event of a natural disaster, civil unrest, epidemic, airport closures, travel advisory or other unforeseen events beyond our control. If this happens we will work with you to reschedule the trek date at no extra cost. Our normal refund policy on deposits still applies in this situation. If you have any concerns we suggest you take a travel insurance policy that covers this type of trip interruption and or cancellation.

For Hotel Las Torres, a deposit of $750 per person is required upfront to secure the booking. The outstanding balance will be due 90 days before your arrival. Please note that deposits for Hotel Las Torres are non-refundable.

For Hotel Rio Serrano SPA, a deposit of $1000 per person is required upfront to secure the booking. The outstanding balance will be due 90 days before your arrival. Please note that deposits for Hotel Rio Serrano Spa are non-refundable.

Bookings for Antarctica Air Cruises

The following payment, cancellation and refund policy will apply in the case of individual bookings; in the case of charters (booking of the entire tour and vessel) or group bookings specific payment, cancellation, in addition, refund terms can be negotiated and agreed upon by separate contract. In the case of cancellation of a booking, which must be done in writing by the passenger, the following terms will apply:

• Cancellation received up to 210 days prior to departure: there will be a full refund of the deposit received less a $1250 USD per person processing fee.

• Cancellation received between 209 and 180 days prior to departure: there will be no refund of the deposit paid.

• Cancellation received between 179 and 120 days prior to departure: there will be a refund of 10% of the amount paid, provided that the final payment has been received.

• Cancellation received between 119 and 60 days prior to departure: there will be a refund of 5% of the amount paid, provided that the final payment has been received.

• Cancellation received between 59 and the departure date: there will be no refund whatsoever.

Upon cancellation, the passenger releases the canceled cabin and all rights over it to Patagonia Hero.

Antarctica Contingency Plan

While historically a majority of flights has operated on the scheduled day, in some instances weather conditions have required that adjustments to the departure time of Antarctic flights be made to avoid protracted delays. In the unlikely event that the flight to Antarctica cannot take place on the scheduled day due to unfavorable weather conditions, we will apply a Contingency Plan. Additionally, the Contingency Plan offers you financial protection by providing a refund should weather conditions prevent us from reaching Antarctica.

• In case the outbound flight to Antarctica is moved forward
  In some cases it may be necessary to move forward the Antarctic flight to the afternoon or evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. This will result in early departure from Punta Arenas and early arrival in Antarctica.

• In case the outbound flight to Antarctica is delayed
  The group will remain in Punta Arenas while waiting for an improvement in the weather. Included are accommodation at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar, meals, and guided excursions to local attractions. If by 2 PM on Day 4 of the itinerary it is still impossible to reach Antarctica, the trip will be interrupted and the cruise fare will be refunded.

• In case the return flight to Punta Arenas is moved forward
  In those cases when the forecast suggests the likelihood of unfavourable weather conditions in Antarctica persisting for several days, the flight back to Punta Arenas may be moved forward to the previous evening as a way to avoid a protracted delay in Antarctica. Accommodation at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar is included upon arrival. All other inclusions will remain per the original itinerary.

• In case the return flight to Punta Arenas is delayed
  The group will remain in Antarctica and wait for the opportunity to fly to Punta Arenas. Included are meals and accommodation on the ship, and local excursions. Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, the trip will end at the airport. Travellers are responsible for any expenses associated with the rescheduling of their airline tickets or onward travel plans. In the extremely unlikely event that the delay exceeds 2 days the captain of the vessel may decide to sail back to South America.

Cancellation Due to Events Beyond our Control

Our normal refund policy does not apply in the event of a natural disaster, civil unrest, epidemic, airport closures, travel advisory or other unforeseen events beyond our control. In these cases, deposits are non-refundable. Its best to check your travel insurance and make sure that it covers trip interruption and cancellations.

In the event that we cancel a trip we will work with you to reschedule the trip at no extra cost. If you decide to cancel a tour that we are still running due to one of the above events we will work with you to reschedule the dates (subject to availability) at no extra cost as long as you notify us at least 31 days in advance.

Exclusions

What's included and what's not included is detailed individually on every package. However the following are excluded from all of our packages.

• International Flights

• Internal Domestic Flights

• Entry Visas

• Travel Insurance

• Drinks and other items of personal nature

• Customary gratuities for guides & porters

• Unforeseen cost due to flight cancellation, weather conditions etc

• All costs not outlined under "What's Included"

Have a Problem?

We want to help. If you are facing any difficulties either before you arrive or once you are on your trip please let us know as soon as possible so we can provide a solution. Our goal is to make sure you have the best trip possible and leave the headaches at home!

No exchanges, refunds of your ticket or transfers of your ticket onto another adventure.

If you have had to cancel your booking due to experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 you are not entitled to a refund, exchange or transfer.

We reserve the right to cancel any of our Hikes/Getaways/Mountain Skills Training/Events/Challenges at any time without notice.

All of our Hikes/Getaways/Mountain Skills Training/Events/Challenges are subject to change and cancellation including date/time/location/length.

Deposits are non refundable/transferable/exchangeable.

If hikes that are part of our 2/4/6 week challenges are cancelled due to situations out of our control for e.g Weather Warnings, Snow, Rain, Wind, Sickness, Bereavement, Injury, Bus break downs etc we will reschedule the hike for another date. If you are unable to attend the new date you will not be entitled to a refund/exchange/transfer.

Failure to make final payments for Hikes/Getaways/Mountain Skills Training/Events/Challenges will result in the loss of your deposit, installments and place.

We accept no responsibility if your flight/boat/train/car is delayed, cancelled,missed or transferred. You will not be entitled to a refund or exchange of your ticket or deposit.

All meals are vegetarian however the production facilities are not allergen free and cross contamination may occur. We cannot guarantee that traces of the food that you are allergic to are not present in the foods that you are served. This may include but not limited to nuts,gluten,eggs,dairy,meat,fish etc If this presents medical issues for yourself then you need to make an informed decision on whether to consume our food and meals.

During the hike your itinerary and its activities may be subject to alteration/cancellation/duration due to but not limited to bad weather, group/individual safety, timing, ability, delays. Refunds will not be issued in this case.

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