Patagonian International Marathon
5 Days
On September 4th, runners from around the world will be flocking to beautiful southern Chile to participate in the 8th annual Patagonian International Marathon, running to raise awareness for the preservation of Chilean Patagonia.
The race route has magical and breathtaking landscapes. Mountains of granite and ice rise more than 2,500 meters above the race route. Multi-coloured lakes and wildlife are abundant which include condors, guanacos, foxes, huemul, pumas and rhea, among others.
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Event Highlights
- One night in Puerto Natales
- Experience Patagonian Wildlife Safari
- Three nights in cozy EcoCamp Dome
- Choose between nature walks, treks, and bike excursions
- Explore unique Fauna and Flora
Itinerary in Brief
- September 4th: Transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales hotel.
- September 5th: Transfer from Puerto Natales to the starting point of the marathon. Overnight at Ecocamp Patagonia
- September 6th: Choose between a trek to Ferrier Hill or a Nature Walk. Overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia
- September 7th: Choose between a trek to Base of the Towers, or a Nature Walk to Laguna Azul. Overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia
- September 8th: Leave Torres del Paine National Park to Punta Arenas Airport

Day 1: Arrival, The Patagonian Adventure Starts
The trip begins with you being picked up from your hotel in Punta Arenas or from the Punta Arenas airport in the morning and driven to Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of "Seno de Ultima Esperanza.” The whole drive takes you past great scenic views and lookouts. Upon arrival in Puerto Natales, you will be dropped off at your hotel and will have the rest of the day to relax and prepare yourself for the race.
Overnight at 3-star hotel in Puerto Natales
Day 2: Patagonian International Marathon - Competition Day
The day has come! After a light breakfast, you will be driven to your start point of the marathon. The event features four race distances: ultramarathon (60 km), marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km) and 10km. Each race distance will have different starting points, however, everyone finishes in the same location.
The race route has magical and breathtaking landscape with mountains of granite and ice rising more than 2,500 meters above the race route. Multicolored lakes and wildlife are abundant including condors, guanacos, foxes, huemul, pumas, and rhea, among others. The road surface of the race route is a winding gravel road with a total climb (ascent + descent) of 2,400 meters (for 60k). Be aware that Torres del Paine is known for his high winds.
After you cross the finish line you will be picked up and driven back to Ecocamp. Of course, if you want to stretch out your legs you're welcome to walk back!
An evening with Dinner and overnight at Ecocamp Patagonia.
During days 3 & 4 you will join our Wildlife Safari program activities, and you will have the chance to choose between treks or nature walks.
Day 3: Excursions
Choose one of the following excursion options:
Trek Cerro Paine:
We leave after a tasty breakfast at EcoCamp and head to Cerro Paine, a nearby mountain characterized by its two imposing peaks. This is a demanding trek of 16km with a max altitude of 1200m and an estimated hiking time of 7hrs. Highlights include the lenga forest, mountains, glaciers, the pampa and an unforgettable lookout of the towers and the Ascencio Valley. After taking in one of the most striking views of the national park, we backtrack along the same trail and return to EcoCamp.
Nature Walk to Salto Grande & El condor Lookout:
After breakfast we head westwards by van, taking a route along the southern shore of Nordenskjold Lake. Our first stop is the magnificent Salto Grande waterfall, with its impressive cascading waters falling from Nordenskjold lake into Pehoe Lake. From here it's a short walk to Cuernos viewpoint, with a panoramic view of the mighty Horns. From the viewpoint, we drive to Pehoe Lake and begin the two-hour round-trip walk to El Condor Lookout from its shores. We go gently uphill through the steppe vegetation; a great opportunity to learn about the local flora. Here we witness the piercing blueness of Pehoe Lake and the Paine river. On a clear day, we can see the immensity of the Southern Patagonian ice fields in the distance. We reenergize taking in the whole Paine Mountain range and its stunning snowcapped peaks. After a hearty lunch in the perfect location, we backtrack along the same trail and drive back to EcoCamp.
Day 4: Excursions
Choose one of the following excursion options:
Nature Walk to Laguna Azul:
On our way to Laguna Azul we will have the chance to enjoy some marvellous views of the famous Torres, as well as passing through the Pampa Guanaco, where we will be lucky enough not only to spot many elegant guanacos but also to hop out of the van and walk amongst them. After soaking up these beautiful surroundings, we will continue our drive to Laguna Azul, where a picnic lunch will have been prepared for us! We will enjoy our picnic lunch looking out over the lake, with a view of the three granite towers in the distance. After lunch, we will walk south to Macho Cañon, where we can observe the typical fauna of the Torres del Paine National Park, including more guanaco herds. From here we will jump into our van again, heading back to the EcoCamp in time for cocktail hour.
Trek to Base of the Towers:
After a hearty breakfast we set off from Ecocamp towards Hostería Las Torres and join the uphill path to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. Dry mountain spots, beech forests and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. Our big challenge comes as we climb the steep moraine, a mass of boulders leading us towards one of the world's most famous views overlooking the Towers. The famous Torres del Paine (2,900 m/ 9,400 ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After an uphill slog, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before us, with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting on the view and our picnic, we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp.
Day 5: Departure Day
We board an early morning vehicle, sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas on time to catch the evening flight to Santiago. On the way, we will make a stop in Puerto Natales to have a delicious lunch.
About the Hotel
EcoCamp is situated in the very heart of Torres del Paine National Park and provides the region's first fully sustainable accommodation, complete with green technology. You enjoy guided treks and wildlife excursions by day and share evening meals with new friends, before falling asleep gazing up at the star-filled sky through your dome ceiling. Wake up in the middle of the Patagonian wilderness in a cosy geodesic dome, with a panoramic view of the majestic Torres del Paine, ready to pick up the hiking trail!
Room Types
Standard Dome
EcoCamp Standard domes were the world's first lodge accommodation in geodesic shape. They are resistant to the strong Patagonian winds, and come equipped with a double bed, cozy fleece blankets and feather quilts. There are windows in the ceiling for stargazing. Standard domes include shared bathrooms which are large, comfortable and gender divided.
**Please note that Standard Domes do not have heating or electricity but you can charge cameras and other devices in the Community Domes. They also do not have keys or locks to ensure the safety of those inside in the case of emergency. If you wish to have accommodation with heating and private bathroom then we suggest upgrading to a Superior or Suite Dome.
Superior Dome
Spacious, comfortable and equipped with private bathrooms, Superior Domes are the optimum choice for trekkers wanting that bit more space and comfort at the end of a long day's walk. They are the perfect upgrade from a Standard Dome for those doing the 'W' trek and looking for heating, a private bathroom and a more spacious interior.
**Please note that electricity is very limited in Superior Domes meaning that hairdryers are not permitted but laptops and cameras can be charged.
Whats included?
- 1 Night Accommodation in Puerto Natales in a 3* star hotel
- Accommodation at EcoCamp’s Suite, Superior or Standard Domes
- All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary.
- Full Day excursion on day 3 & 4.
- English speaking guide. Guide ratio 1:12. Max group size: 16 people
Meals
Day 1: none
Day 2: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Breakfast, Lunch
What’s not included?
- Marathon registration NOT included
- Transfer from El Calafate/ Argentina (ask if you need arrangements)
- Flight tickets
- Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip)
- Soft drinks or snacks not served with the meals included at the EcoCamp
- Bringing US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP is suggested
- Items of personal nature
Notes
For night 1 in Puerto Natales, we offer an optional upgrade to 4-star hotel. Please ask your Travel Designer if you would like an upgrade on night 1.
Please be aware that Standard Domes are NOT heated and can be cold at night in September
Transport
In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia transport is in minivans that normally seat from 8 to 14 people.
Weather
The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. In addition, the strong marine influence and the effect of the Southern Patagonia Icefield make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer, fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and even snow. Even in summer (December to March), you should come prepared to find strong cold winds (up to 130km/hr) and rainfall. The summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºCmax, 2ºC min). However, just as quickly as the weather turns nasty, it can become lovely and sunny. So come prepared for all types of weather!
What you need to bring
Passengers need to be prepared for summer and winter all at once. Essential equipment includes:
One day backpack (10liters - to carry a camera, glasses, raincoat, etc)
Trekking or hiking boots
Extra shoes for evenings or in case others get wet
Waterproof jacket
Two pairs of woolen socks
Fleece jacket or sweater
Shorts or comfortable loose pants
Sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm, and screen)
Opional Capilene underwear for the upper and lower body
US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP.