This October, Dan and I are heading to Chile for the Adventure Travel World Summit, hosted by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA). For those who don’t know, ATTA is the global hub of our industry—bringing together operators, destinations, storytellers, and travelers who believe adventure should be a force for good. The Summit is the highlight of the year, a mix of inspiration, big ideas, and new partnerships.
But before the conference begins in Puerto Natales, we’ll be joining one of the hosted pre-trips: the Torres del Paine Multisport Adventure. These aren’t just perks—they’re immersive field experiences designed to connect delegates with the landscapes and communities that make adventure travel so powerful. For me, it’ll be my very first time in Patagonia, a dream that’s been a long time coming. Dan’s been before, but Patagonia has a way of drawing you back.
To get there, we’ll fly from Santiago to Puerto Natales, a frontier town that feels like the edge of the world. From there, the landscape explodes into jagged granite towers, sprawling glaciers, and vast pampas where condors ride the wind. Just getting there feels like an adventure in itself.
Day 1 – Arrival in Puerto Natales
We’ll ease into Patagonia with a warm welcome—exploring small pioneer villages, hearing stories of the region’s first settlers, and gathering over dinner with our guides and fellow adventurers.
Day 2 – Grey Glacier Ice Trek
Imagine strapping on crampons and stepping onto a living glacier, weaving between crevasses and shimmering lagoons in surreal shades of blue. Grey Glacier isn’t just scenery—it’s a reminder of how alive, fragile, and awe-inspiring these landscapes are.
Day 3 – Kayaking Among Icebergs
The next morning we’ll trade boots for paddles, gliding across Grey Lake between icebergs that look sculpted by the gods. If conditions allow, we’ll approach the glacier’s massive eastern face—an experience that promises goosebumps.
Day 4 – Condors & the Horns
Few views compare to watching condors circle above the Paine Massif. Add in the emerald waters of Lake Pehoé, the roar of Salto Grande waterfall, and the jagged “Horns of Paine” standing guard in the distance, and you’ve got Patagonia in a single frame.
Day 5 – The Base of the Towers Trek
The grand finale: hiking up the Ascencio Valley, through forest and moraine, to finally stand beneath the iconic granite towers that define the park. It’s tough—nearly eight hours on the trail—but one of those pilgrimages every adventurer dreams about.
Trips like this are humbling. They remind us why we’re in this business—not just to plan itineraries, but to connect people with wild places that change the way we see the world. To be hosted on experiences like this, alongside colleagues from across the globe, is something we don’t take for granted. We’re stepping into Patagonia with excitement, gratitude, and maybe just a little awe.
Learn more about the Adventure Travel World Summit 2025 in Chile.