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Travel/Study
Beautiful hiking and a window into Chilean life

Patagonia Trek

Glacial lakes, granite towers, lush valleys—explore the varied landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park on foot, returning each night to our private base "glamp."

Overview

Enlightening explorations of a vibrant region

In addition to glorious treks, you’ll have the opportunity to partake in numerous Chilean foods and traditions. We’ll travel to a local estancia for horseback riding along a scenic trail and a lunch of traditional Chilean asado: open-fire lamb barbeque. 

As we hike amidst the jaw-dropping beauty of Torres Del Paine, you’ll take in towering peaks, sprawling glaciers, and the crystal waters of vast lakes. We’ll venture deep into secluded valleys, where the scenery becomes even more dramatic. And for the features that have to be seen up close to be believed, we’ll travel by boat. From our catamaran, we’ll marvel at the icy blue walls of Grey Glacier and float amongst its enormous icebergs.

Dates

March 22–29, 2025

Duration

8 days

Price

From $11,995 per person

Trip size

22 participants

Minimum age

18 years
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Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Liz Hadly

Biology and Earth System Science

A global change scientist, Elizabeth Hadly has studied the impacts of environmental change for the past four decades, addressing the biology of species from both evolutionary and ecological perspectives.

Learn more about Liz

“Liz Hadly's boundless enthusiasm and expertise make every trip a unique and unforgettable experience. She pulls together so much information, makes sense of so many complicated factors, and leaves you with a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of where you're traveling."

—Susan Keller, ’67

Itinerary

Adventures in Torres del Paine and Bernardo O’Higgins

Explore the diverse landscapes of two of Chile’s greatest national parks: Torres del Paine and Bernardo O’Higgins. Hike in the shadows of soaring granite pillars, cruise across teal and azure lakes, and stand in awe before towering glaciers. Bookend our time at a tented camp on the Serrano River with stays in luxury accommodations in Puerto Natales.

  • Puerto Natales, Chile

    Arrive in Puerto Natales and transfer to our hotel. Gather this evening with fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Weskar Lodge

    Included meal: Dinner

  • Cerro Benitez Hill Hike

    Embark on a hike to Sofia Lake and Benites Hill, home of the majestic Andean condor. It’s common to see them gliding close to the cliffs. Afterward, visit Milodón Cave, discovered by German settler Hermann Eberhard in 1895. Home to prehistoric animal remains, this historic reserve boasts amazing rock formations and great views of Ultima Esperanza Fjord and Antonio Varas Peninsula.

    Accommodations:

    Weskar Lodge

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Base of the Towers Trek

    This morning, drive to the trailhead for our full-day hike to the base of the Paine Towers. Afterward, enjoy delicious Chilean dishes prepared by our camp chef as we settle in to our Patagonia Base Glamp, located on the banks of the Serrano River with stunning views of Torres del Paine.

    Accommodations:

    Patagonia Base Glamp

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • French Valley

    Spend today exploring the French Valley, where the Paine Towers are located. Take in the ice-blue glacier-fed lakes and lush vegetation of this beautiful valley along the trail, ending with incredible views of the park’s iconic granite towers. Return to our Patagonia Base Glamp, via catamaran, for a well-earned and delicious dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Patagonia Base Glamp

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Grey Glacier

    Begin the day with a scenic drive to Lago Grey Hotel, where we embark on a catamaran cruise to Grey Glacier. Marvel at the magnificent blue walls and enormous icebergs floating on the lake. Back on land, venture out on a half-day hike to either the Ferrier or Condor lookouts, depending on weather conditions. Later this afternoon, return to camp to relax and unwind before dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Patagonia Base Glamp

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Bernardo O’Higgins National Park

    Today, we visit Chile’s largest park, Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. Part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and home to 49 glaciers, the park is only accessible by boat. Cruise along the Ultima Esperanza (“Last Hope”) Fjord, keeping an eye out for South Andean deer, South American fur seals, and South American sea lions. Disembark for lunch at a local barbeque restaurant before transferring to our hotel in the heart of Puerto Natales.

    Accommodations:

    NOI Indigo Patagonia Hotel

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Estancia Laguna Sofia

    Delve into Chilean culture and traditions with a visit to Estancia Laguna Sofia, a family-owned cattle ranch dedicated to land conservation. Enjoy a horseback trail ride before sitting down to a traditional asado, or open-fire barbeque. Return to Puerto Natales later this afternoon.

    Accommodations:

    NOI Indigo Patagonia Hotel

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Puerto Natales / Home

    This morning, transfer to the airport for flights returning home.

    Included meal: Breakfast

Trip details

Start preparing for the trip of a lifetime

From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.

Travel in Patagonia

The weather in Patagonia is notoriously unpredictable. Strong winds are persistent and sudden rain showers are common. Though we expect mostly sunny days, participants should be prepared to walk and stand in cold, windy conditions for extended periods of time.

About our Base Glamp

Located on the banks of the Serrano River, Patagonia Base Glamp provides a wonderful and private alternative to crowded trekking hotels in the national parks. Six-person walk-in tents accommodate up to two people each and feature sleeping cots with insulated mattress pads, sleeping bags, and pillows. There is cellular service, and each tent is outfitted with electricity. The camp has shared bathrooms. In an elevated dining dome, freshly prepared Chilean cuisine is served atop tables outfitted with tablecloths, cutlery, and glassware.

Activity level

The terrain of Patagonia includes valleys, steep hills, and high mountain ridges. Our treks range in length from 4 to 8 miles per day, or 3.5 to 8 hours, with an opportunity to go as far as 10 miles one day.  Trails may be narrow, uneven, rocky, and muddy. On certain treks, there will be significant uphill or downhill grades with elevation gains and losses ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 feet. Travelers must be able to walk at a pace of at least two miles an hour (including short rest stops), carrying their own daypack with rain gear, lunch, and a personal supply of water. All other gear, including tents, cooking supplies, luggage, and sleeping bags, is carried by trip staff.

This program is designed for people who are regular walkers and can cover different types of terrain without aid. Travelers should have an appreciation for physical exercise undertaken on a sustained basis over several days. Because there is no support vehicle or ability to otherwise deviate from the excursion, participants must commit to trekking with the group for the entire day. Additionally, it will be necessary to make use of a bush, tree, or rock during hikes, when restrooms are not available. All walks are led by experienced leaders.

Pricing

Secure your spot today

The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours, and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

Price

Double occupancy:
$11,995 per person

Single occupancy:
$12,995 per person

Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $450 per person.

What’s included?

  • Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including an education resource list and travel information

  • Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program

  • All meals, tours, and excursions as described in the itinerary

  • Gratuities to guides and drivers for all group activities

  • 4 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations

  • 3 nights of camp accommodations

  • Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days

  • Minimal medical, accident, and evacuation coverage 

You are responsible for your personal travel expenses, including flights to and from the program.

Deposits, payments, and cancellations

A $2,500-per-person deposit is required to reserve space on this program. Final payment is due 150 days prior to program start. Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee, until 150 days prior to program start. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and we resell your place(s), in which case a $2,500-per-person cancellation fee will apply.

Join us in Patagonia

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