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NORTH TOWER OF PAINE
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DATES OF TRIP 2008-2009:
November 8-24, 2008
November 29 - Dec 15, 2008
January 3-19, 2009
January 31 - Feb 16, 2009
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NORTH TOWER OF PAINE
Torres Del Paine National Park
| Itinerary Below
| Schedule & Rates
Torres Del Paine Nat'l Park
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This expedition takes us to the heart of Patagonia, and by far one of the most dramatic and beautiful mountain ranges in the world. The Paine Range is located in the Towers of Paine National Park, or Torres del Paine. Some of the hardest climbs in the world lie in this magic land of Patagonia. Startling granite spires jut into the sky as part of our daily geography.
Perfect Patagonian
Granite on North Tower
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Our route follows the same route first accomplished in 1962 by an Italian team. Climbing this route was an incredible achievement in 1962, and is still considered an impressive challenge today! This very technical route, combined with the legendary Patagonian weather, makes this climb extremely challenging. Aventuras Patagonicas was one of the first companies to do this type of guiding in Patagonia.
We find it tremendously exciting to be able to share this climb with our clients. Guide to client ratios are kept small, with a maximum of 2 clients per guide. Climbers for this expedition need to have previous rock climbing experience and be in top physical condition. Join us and climb a tower in Patagonia!
North Tower of Paine Itinerary
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DAY 1: |
We meet in Punta Arenas, we will pick you up at the airport. Gear
check at the hotel and expedition briefing. At dinner we will try
some of the fine Chilean cuisine and wines. |
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DAY 2: | Spectacular drive to Parque Nacional Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine
National Park), one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Drive to
Laguna Amarga and establish camp. Arrange horses for next day. |
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DAY 3: | Hike to Camp 1 and establish camp. Horses will carry all of our gear
to this camp. |
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DAY 4: | Carry a load to Camp 2. Follow the Ascencio Valley with a breathtaking
view of the Towers of Paine. Horses will take our gear to Camp 1. From
here on we will double carry loads to each camp. This will be our advance
Base Camp. This spot at the end of the forest is our last protected spot
from the strong Patagonian winds. |
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DAY 5: | Move to Camp 2. |
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DAY 6: | Carry a load to Camp 3, at the base of the Towers. |
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DAY 7: | Move to Camp 3, only if not windy. |
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DAY 8: |
North Tower of Paine
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Fix line all the way to the Col Bich, the col where the Central Tower
meets with the North Tower. We will be surrounded by impressive steep
faces of perfect Patagonian granite: to the west the Fortress and the
Shield, to the south the Central and South Towers, to the east the vast
Patagonian Pampa, and to the northwest the Southern Patagonia Icefield. |
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DAY 9: | Jumar up to Col Bich and keep fixing lines on the North Tower. The
North Tower is a Grade V route with climbing difficulties up to 5.10,
A2. |
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DAY 10: | Possible first summit attempt or descend down to Base Camp for rest
and to dry gear, etc. |
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DAY 11: | Rest day at Base Camp (Camp 2). |
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DAY 12: | Move to Camp 3 again (weather permitting). |
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DAY 13: | Early start for the summit. It will be a long day ascending fixed lines
all the way to the Balcony at the end of the fixed lines, climbing to
the summit, and rappelling down to Camp 3. |
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DAY 14: | Down to Base Camp (Camp 2). |
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DAY 15: | Down to Camp 1. |
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DAY 16: | Down to Laguna Amarga. |
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DAY 17: | Drive back to Punta Arenas. End of expedition and celebration dinner.
Next day fly home via Santiago or continue traveling in South America. |
This itinerary is intended to be a guideline only, weather days and rest days are always a possibility while on a climbing expedition.
COST INCLUDES
Professional Mountain Guides (1 to 2 guide-client ratio), two nights hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas (four star), all land transportation from Punta Arenas, horses, permits, all expedition food, all community camping gear (tents, stoves, cooking gear, medical kit, etc.), all community technical gear (such as climbing ropes, fixed lines, multiple racks of hardware; cam devices, nuts, pitons, carabiners, webbing, etc.)
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR
Flights to Punta Arenas, personal equipment, passport, personal items and services (laundry, drinks, tips, etc.), and expenses incurred in the event of a rescue.
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