Overview
Travel to the Ernest Helmer Park & the Milodon Cave Natural Monument in the heart of Patagonia where many historical discoveries await! Just outside of Torres Del Paine and Puerto Natales, these private sectors hold a rich and valuable importance to the region´s culture and history. One of kind views of iconic Patagonia landscapes, cave exploration, interactive learning, and an opportunity to view Andean Condors as they soar effortlessly above! This is the perfect day journey which will enrich your understanding and appreciation of such an incredible piece of Chilean Patagonia. Indulge in a picnic lunch with local Chilean wine to compliment your day´s excursion!
Trip highlights
• Visit the Ernest Helmer Park & Milodon Cave Natural Monument
• Learn About the Archaeological Remains of Indigenous Ancestors
• Up-Close Discovery of Cave Paintings
• View Andean Condors & Their Natural Colonies
• Perfect for Guests with Limited Time in Puerto Natales
*Please note that this activity are subject to change due to weather conditions or unexpected circumstances beyond our control, but we will try our best to keep them unaltered.
DOWNLOAD YOUR MAPS:
• PUERTO NATALES
• MAGALLANES & ANTARCTIC REGION
Itinerary
Day 1
Private Transfer from Puerto Natales – Cave Paintings & Formations Discovery Hike – Return Transfer
- 30 Minute Private Transfer Each Way
- 4 Hour Hike/11 KM
- Premium Box Lunch & Wine
This excursion begins from Puerto Natales from your hotel accommodation, taking you along a 30 minute private transfer towards the Milodon Cave Sector which lies just outside of the town of Puerto Natales.
We begin our excursion by first visiting the viewpoint over the Cueva Grande (Large Cave) ascending 600 meters where our guide will introduce the fauna and flora of the region.
With sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes, this is a great spot for some first photos before we continue to the right side of the cave, 70 meters more along a route where Ernesto Helmer Park begins.
This is a private sector in which our excursion takes us passing through condoreras (natural condor colonies) and native lenga forests arriving at the “Sofía” viewpoint which offers a spectacular view of the lagoon and far reaching fjords below.
Later we continue alongside mountainous walls to see the first cave paintings where we learn their significant value to the region and their history.
We continue along the south-east side, where a mysterious cave of approximately 70 square meters is located.
Here we must enter with headlamps to discover the millenary stalactite minerals which have taken millions of years to form! After carefully inspecting these incredible formations, we leave the cave and head towards the eaves of “Two Horseshoes” where we live an experience in the forest and later discover more cave paintings on the rocky walls – historical footprints and archaeological remains left by the indigenous natives of the region, who used these caves and walls to protect themselves, live and eat.
Upon our return, we will visit the Milodon Cave Natural Monument, a 200 meter long cave where the remains of a mylodon, a large ground sloth, and other early Patagonian animals were discovered dating from the Pleistocene epoch.
After our time exploring this magnificent natural formation, we will enjoy a premium box lunch with local wine to end our journey at this spectacular location.
Once we are finished, our comfortable and private transfer will take us back to Puerto Natales.
INCLUDED
- Private Transportation to/from Puerto Natales
- Entrance Fee to Ernest Helmer Park
- Entrance Fee to Milodon Cave Natural Monument
- English Speaking Guide
- Premium Box Lunch w/Wine
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal Expenses of Any Kind
- Personal Items for Excursion (headlamp or trekking poles)
- Gratuities for Guide/Driver
Lodgings
Dates & Prices
Program prices are determined on the final number of confirmed guests in a group. The per person price lowers as more guests join the group. Chile Nativo operates with a maximum of 8 guests per departure which allows for a high level of individualized service and an unforgettable personalized experience.
PRICES FOR SEASON 2022/2023: (Valid until April 2023)
Price Per Person:
2 Guests Total in Group: New Season Pricing to Come!
3 Guests Total in Group: New Season Pricing to Come!
4-8 Guests Total in Group: New Season Pricing to Come!
DAILY DEPARTURES AVAILABLE