PATAGONIA VÍA FERRATADouglas Point
7 days in Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park — fjord crossings, backpacking through temperate rainforest and a via ferrata ascent of the 1,400 m Douglas Point.
Duration
7 days
Grade
Moderate to Demanding
Altitude
0 – 1,400 M
Season
NOVEMBER – APRIL
(01) Overview
A guided crossing of Pumalín National Park.
Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park is a 400,000-hectare (1,000,000-acre) national park located in the Palena Province of Chile. Established by Tompkins Conservation and gifted to the Chilean state in 2017, it is one of South America's largest national parks — a wilderness of temperate rainforest, glacial fjords and volcanic peaks.
This venture includes several days of trekking, as well as climbing a 1,400 m (4,600 ft) peak via a Via Ferrata. The terrain is steep in some areas, requiring a strategic approach to pacing and time management. No previous experience in trekking or rock climbing is required. However, weather conditions in Patagonia during the summer can change rapidly — strong winds, rain and snowstorms can occur unexpectedly.
Special Considerations Participants will embark on a multi-element expedition through the challenging and remote wilderness of Patagonia. Activities include backpacking, route finding and crossing mountain passes, alongside tent camping. Risks include falling rocks, sunburn, hypothermia and exposure to the elements over multiple days.
Participants should have a moderate level of physical training and conditioning for this adventure. While being in good physical shape is recommended to fully enjoy the program, its diverse activities allow everyone to participate to some extent, regardless of their physical condition. No previous experience in hiking and camping is required.
Cancellation & Refund Policy Deposit (USD 550): A non-refundable deposit of USD 550 per participant secures a place on the expedition. Participants are strongly advised to purchase trip cancellation insurance. Balance: The balance is due 60 days before the expedition start date. Refund Schedule: • 45–29 days before the course: Andes Explorers retains 50% • Less than 30 days before the course, or once it has begun: Andes Explorers retains 100% of tuition
(02) Highlights
Trip highlights.
- 01Fjord Crossing from Hornopirén to Vodudahue by Fast Boat or Charter Flight
- 02Backpacking through Pumalín's Temperate Rainforest to High Camp
- 03Via Ferrata Ascent of Douglas Point (1,400 m) Above the Comau Fjord
- 04Leadership Workshops: LOD Rotation & After Action Reviews
- 05Porcelana Hot Springs Boat Excursion
- 06Lodge Nights at Refugio San José Carpintero
(03) Day by day
Itinerary.
- Day 01PUERTO VARAS
13:30 arrival at Puerto Montt Airport (PMC). 15:00 transfer to Puerto Varas (~35 min). Gear check, program presentation, logistics briefing, team formation, LOD & AAR introduction. Overnight at hotel in Puerto Varas.
- Day 02VODUDAHUE / BASE CAMP
09:00 ground transport to Hornopirén (~2 hrs). 11:00 charter flight or fast boat to Vodudahue (~2 hrs). 13:30 hike to Base Camp, lunch. Workshops: Leave No Trace, cooking & nutrition, navigation, self-care & backpack fitting. Overnight at San José Carpintero Lodge.
- Day 03TREK TO HIGH CAMP
Pack up camp and distribute food and equipment. Begin trek to High Camp at Douglas Point (11 km · ~8 hrs · +1,200 m elevation gain). Arrival, camp setup, dinner and After Action Review.
- Day 04SUMMIT & VIA FERRATA
Breakfast at High Camp. Short trek to the summit of Douglas Point (3 km · ~1 hr). Via Ferrata at Douglas Point, return to High Camp. Dinner and After Action Review.
- Day 05RETURN TO BASE CAMP
Pack up High Camp. Trek back to Base Camp (14 km · 6–7 hrs). Dinner and After Action Review. Overnight at San José Carpintero Lodge.
- Day 06HOT SPRINGS & BBQ
Breakfast at the lodge. 09:30 boat transfer to Porcelana Hot Springs. 14:00 return to Refugio San José Carpintero. Final BBQ. Overnight at the lodge.
- Day 07RETURN TO PUERTO MONTT
Breakfast at San José Carpintero Lodge. 08:00 charter flight or fast boat from Vodudahue to Hornopirén (~2 hrs). 11:00 ground transport to Puerto Montt Airport (~2 hrs). 13:00 arrival at PMC. Please do not book onward flights before 4:00 PM. End of program.
(04) Logistics
What's included.
Included
- +Professional fees: 1 instructor per 6 participants + 1 logistics staff per 6 participants
- +Pumalín National Park entrance fees
- +Certified guides throughout the expedition
- +Group technical gear: tents, meeting/cooking tent, radios, maps
- +All meals during the expedition
- +All technical workshops and via ferrata equipment
Not included
- −International flights and transfers to Puerto Montt (PMC)
- −Lodging: first and last night in double room (Puerto Varas)
- −Additional nights in Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt due to weather delays
- −Meals in Puerto Varas (arrival and departure)
- −Personal gear per the recommended Gear List
- −Travel insurance (mandatory)
- −Evacuation or rescue operation costs
- −Any cost not explicitly listed as included
(05) Gear & safety
Gear
- Layered clothing system combining different garments to achieve proper thermoregulation. Avoid cotton — it is a poor insulator when wet.
- Waterproof shell jacket and pants — Patagonian summer weather changes rapidly.
- Sturdy trekking boots with ankle support, broken in before the trip.
- Backpack (55–65 L) capable of carrying personal and shared group gear.
- Sleeping bag rated to 0 °C (32 °F) minimum, plus sleeping pad.
- Participants carry their own backpacks with food, personal and shared common gear. Detailed gear list sent after registration.
Safety
- Certified guides at 1:6 ratio, plus logistics staff at 1:6 ratio
- Wilderness First Responder on every departure
- Radios and satellite communications with 24/7 basecamp check-in
- Coordinated evacuation protocol — travel insurance is mandatory
- Mandatory Medical Information Form due 45 days before departure
- Contingency days built into every itinerary for weather windows
(06) FAQ
Questions.
Do I need previous climbing or trekking experience?+
No previous experience in trekking, camping or rock climbing is required. Participants should have a moderate level of physical training and conditioning: the ability to walk 6–8 hours per day on uneven terrain and carry a backpack of 12–16 kg for extended periods. All participants must complete a medical information form.
How does the via ferrata work?+
Douglas Point is one of South America's premier via ferratas. Participants ascend on fixed cables, iron rungs and steel steps anchored into the rock, always clipped to the safety line with a specialized via ferrata lanyard. All technical equipment is provided and guides give a full progression briefing before the ascent.
What happens if the weather changes?+
Access to Vodudahue and the return to Puerto Montt Airport may be by fast boat or by aircraft, depending on weather, sea and operational conditions. Contingency days are built into the itinerary. Additional nights in Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt due to weather delays are not included.
(07) Request this expedition
Ready for Patagonia?
Tell us your group size, target dates and objectives. Our basecamp team replies within 48 hours with a tailored proposal.