Patagonia: the name alone gives rise to feelings of wonder and adventure. Yvon Chouinard, founder of the famous Patagonia clothing brand, perhaps summed it up best when he said the name Patagonia brings up, ’romantic visions of glaciers tumbling into fjords, jagged windswept peaks, gauchos and condors.’ We will see all that, and more.

There are few places on earth with such wild, raw beauty, and it has attracted intrepid rock climbers and mountaineers for generations. Running is a more novel approach, but it gives us a chance to get up close and personal with this majestic landscape in a different way. The trails and roads are quiet and endless, the pace of life is as relaxed as it comes, and the climate, though fierce at times, makes you feel alive as never before.

Our adventure begins with a full day boat journey through the Strait of Magellan and around the southernmost tip of South America. We’ll sail among rugged mountains, thundering glaciers and virgin ecosystems while spotting sea lions and whales in one of the most pristine places on the planet. Believe us, this is a next-level experience!

Afterwards, we head north towards the renowned Torres del Paine National Park for a week of running & trekking through the awe-inspiring beauty of Patagonia: enjoy a stunning mosaic of golden meadows, lush forest, brilliant glacial lakes, dramatic mountains and rushing rivers. Finish each day with a big feast, plenty of Chilean wine and a warm bed, preparing you for the next incredible day.

Between running, hiking and plenty of chances to explore the lakes and glaciers, this trip is all-action and perfect for anyone with a keen sense of adventure. You don’t have to be a trail runner to go to Patagonia with us, but we guarantee that you’ll leave as one!

ITINERARY

DAY 1
ARRIVAL
Arrive in Punta Arenas and meet your guides at our hotel near the town center.  Use the afternoon to relax and recover from the long flight or to stretch your legs with a walk around town. That evening we’ll take care of introductions, enjoy a big welcome dinner and then turn in - we’ve got an early start tomorrow! 

No running
Meals: D (dinner)

DAY 2
WHALES, PENGUINS & GLACIERS!
Today we will wake up before sunrise to embark on a full day sailing the famed Strait of Magellan. Breakfast and lunch will be served onboard, and we’ll spend the day spotting humpback whales, sea lions, penguins, albatross and glaciers in one of the most pristine places on the planet.  We’ll dock back in Punta Arenas that evening for dinner and a full night of sleep.

Running: No running
Meals: BLD

DAY 3
PUERTO NATALES
Wake up for an early breakfast and then disembark to our waiting transportation which will take us to Puerto Natales, a beautiful seafront town that serves as the gateway to the national parks and surrounding wilderness. Enjoy an afternoon trail run that takes in views of stunning Laguna Sofia and explores the prehistoric natural monument at Cueva del Milodon. Afterward we’ll check into a nice hotel and everyone will have a chance to relax or explore the town. Wrap up the day at a local restaurant serving up regional specialties.

Running: up to 10 mi / 16km. Trail & dirt road.
Meals: BLD

DAY 4
RIO SERRANO
After breakfast we’ll pack up and head towards the legendary Torres Del Paine National Park for a mid-morning trail run with absolutely spectacular views of the mountains, multi-colored lakes and, off in the distance, Grey Glacier. The run finishes in the pristine Rio Serrano valley, our home for the night. Ice your legs in a glacial river then spend the evening relaxing with a cold beer and big views from our cozy accommodation!

Running: up to 9 mi / 15km, trail & 4x4 track
(Shorter options available if needed, but everyone is encouraged to prepare for the full distance. No time limits!)

Meals: BLD

DAY 5
GLACIER GREY
Wake up for an optional sunrise shakeout (it's worth it!) followed by breakfast. Then, we'll pack the essentials, leave our other stuff behind and take a short catamaran ride across the brilliantly blue Lago Pehoe before beginning a stunning hike towards Grey Glacier. After reaching the refugio that we’ll call home for the night, you can choose to continue hiking up to a couple of vertigo-inducing suspension bridges over the glacier, get up close with an afternoon sea kayaking trip or simply kick back and soak it all in.
Running: up to 6mi / 10km sunrise run (optional), single track trail
Hiking: 7 mi / 12km (mandatory), technical trail
Meals: BLD

DAY 6
MORE GLACIER GREY!
Today begins with an optional guided trek on Glacier Grey, which involves a pre-dawn alarm, a short boat shuttle, about 4 hours of hiking on rock and ice and some of the most spectacular views of your life! Those who do not wish to do the trek have a free morning to go for a trail run, hike or relax. Around lunchtime we’ll all depart on a comfortable tour boat, which will sail the length of Lago Grey and meet our bus and luggage at the dock for a short transfer back to the same place we stayed two night before.

Running: no organized run, but morning and evening trail options available. 
Hiking: Ice trekking (optional and weather-dependent) takes 4-5 hours.
Meals: BLD

DAY 7
THE TOWERS
Our final run/hike takes place on one of the most popular trails in the region; although we prefer the lesser known spots, this is one that no one should miss. After breakfast we will head to the base of the park’s namesake, the iconic Torres del Paine. This is a tough trail that is often better suited for hiking than for running, but the view at the top is worth every step! We’ll return to a final evening at an elegant estancia and enjoy trading stories over a traditional Chilean barbeque.
Running: 12 mi / 20km round trip required to get to the Towers – may cut it short if needed. Single track trail with lots of technicality towards the top. Expect to hike!
Meals: BLD

DAY 8
DEPARTURE
This is it! We will rise to an early breakfast and begin the journey back to Punta Arenas, where we will catch flights back home or connect to any additional travel. A morning run is optional for those that want to soak up one last sunrise view!
Running: No organized run
Meals: BL

**Please note that this itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions. The weather in Patagonia is notoriously unpredictable, and adjustments may be necessary if we deem a scheduled run or activity unsafe (we always have a plan B, C and usually a D too). High winds occasionally prevent boats from sailing, in which case we will either wait it out or hike out from that location. If you show up with everything on the packing list and an adaptable attitude then you’re going to be fine!

PRICING & DETAILS

DATES
Week 1: Monday, January 13 through Monday, January 20, 2020

Week 2: Monday, January 27 through Monday, February 3, 2020

COST
A $600 deposit secures your spot, and the total cost depends upon signup date:

Standard pricing - through October 13 (W1) or 27th (W2): $4,200
Late pricing - after October 13th (W1) or 27th (W2): $4,350

Balances due by October 13, 2019 (Week 1) or October 27, 2019 (Week 2). Please refer to the FAQs on our website for our cancellation & refund policy.

COST INCLUDES

• Pre-trip communication + guidance

• Transfers to Punta Arenas airport on the final day (flights must depart no earlier than 3pm)

• Transportation, fuel and drivers

• One full day sailing through the Strait of Magellan

• Three nights in nice refugios (clean, modern bunk rooms with 2-6 people per room and shared bathrooms). Please note that its possible the bunks with 4-6 people will be mixed male/female in the same bunk room.

• Four nights in unique 3 and 4-star hotels or lodges (double occupancy)

• National park entrance fees and permits

• All boat/ferry transport fees in the national park

• Organized, guided runs & hikes

• Experienced team of Rogue Expeditions trip leaders and local Chilean logistical experts

• All meals from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 8

• Rogue Expeditions shirt & buff

• An experience you'll remember forever!

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Flight

• Transport to the hotel on Day 1. It is very simple and cheap to take the local shuttle or a taxi from the airport; we will provide detailed instructions

• Alcohol

• Extra activities / personal purchases

• Travel Insurance

• Tips (optional)

EARLY ARRIVAL
Participants may opt to arrive one day early in Punta Arenas for a chance to recover from travel, explore the town and begin our trip feeling well-rested. The cost is $175 and is based on double occupancy and includes hotel and breakfast the following morning. Our guides will be there to greet you, offer suggestions for a city running route and will have dinner plans for anyone who wishes to join in. This option is strongly encouraged!


GROUP SIZE
There will be a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 16 runners. Spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so early deposits are recommended!

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Participants will need a valid passport. No visas or vaccinations are required for US citizens; citizens of other countries should check with their respective embassy for entry information.

Participants must book departure flights for 3pm or later on the final day. 

Please keep in mind that we will be traveling and running in remote, wild country – though we will be comfortable and well taken care of, an adventurous and flexible attitude is a must!

Please note that travel insurance is strongly recommended. Although we hope you never need it, we've seen enough to know that it can be a lifesaver in the event of a medical emergency, flight delays that cause you to miss the start of the trip, lost baggage or cancellation on your part (broke your leg two weeks before departure? Insurance could cover the entire cost of your trip!). 

FAQS
You can find those here.

CONTACT
Gabe Steger at gabe@roguexpeditions.com