Overview
Adventure along a new path leading you to the best undiscovered spots of Patagonia. Hike in the heart of Southern Patagonia to discover a birds eye view of the Last Hope Sound, Admiral Montt Gulf, and Pingo & Grey Glaciers. Kayak among icebergs in the Grey Lake & River and trek to the summit of Cerro Paine for an entirely new view of the iconic Three Towers! Rest each evening in the comfort of a private hotel and our secluded Riverside Camp on the shores of the Serrano River. This is a featured program in Torres del Paine National park, one of the 17 parks that make up the Route of Parks of Patagonia. An unforgettable multi-sport adventure where you are sure to discover new paths in Patagonia!
Trip Highlights
• Featured Program Part of the Route of Parks of Patagonia
• Relax in Comfortable, Private & Professional Transfers
• Discover the Admiral Montt Gulf & Surrounding Landmarks of the Ultima Esperanza
• Trek Along Quiet & Less Visited Trails
• See the Pingo & Grey Glaciers
• Kayak Among Immense Icebergs
• Unique & Private Camping Experience at Our Riverside Camp
• Hike Cerro Paine for a Whole New View of the Iconic Three Towers!
DOWNLOAD YOUR MAPS:
• TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK MAP
• MAGALLANES & ANTARCTIC REGION
• PUERTO NATALES
Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer to Puerto Natales – Hike of Cerro Dorotea – Kawesqar Basket Weaving Experience
- 3 Hour Private Transfer
- 2.5 Hour Hike / 7km
- 10 Minute Private Transfer
- Night at Hotel Vendeval in Puerto Natales (Single/Double Occupancy Room) (BL-D)
Relax in a private transfer taking you along the far reaching pampas of Punta Arenas en route to Puerto Natales.
Admire the changing Patagonia sky that stretches out into the horizon and herds of iconic Patagonian sheep grazing on grand estancias.
Soon we arrive to the colorful coastal town of Puerto Natales where our multisport adventure begins with a hike of Cerro Dorotea (Dorotea Hill).
Our 800 meter ascent to the summit allows for a gentle and inviting hike where we will be rewarded with mesmerizing views of the city of Puerto Natales, the Ultima Esperanza Fjord, and the Admiral Montt Gulf.
After our descent, our private transfer takes us into the heart of Puerto Natales where we will see iconic monuments along the coast and surely be blessed with an enchanting evening’s view of the fjords and mountain peaks silhouetted against the colorful sky.
As an optional activity if you are not up the hike, we will enjoy an afternoon of basket weaving with local Kawesqar women. Basket weaving in the Kawesqar culture represents a traditional ancestral spiritual connection, using the hands as dialogue which weaves stories and connects people.
The basketry of junquillo (type of reed) is taught from generation to generation and reaches us today through its artisans who preserve their legacy and brings us closer to this experience with the Kawesqar people.
Tonight we will share a private dinner at a local restaurant as we finish our first day with a comfortable night’s rest in our hotel accommodation.
Day 2
Transfer from Natales – Hike Estancia Lazo to Weber Bridge
- 2 Hour Private Transfer
- 5 Hour Hike / 13 KM, 20 Minute Private Transfer
- Night at Chile Nativo Riverside Camp, Single/Double Deluxe Tent, (B-BL-D)
Our second day begins from our hotel in Puerto Natales as we travel 2 hours to Estancia Lazo, a 13,000 hectare cattle ranch founded over a century ago and still operating today beneath striking views of the Paine Massif on the shores of Laguna Verde.
From here we’ll hike into Torres del Paine National Park along a generally flat trail through peaceful stretches of native beech and coihue forests teeming with wildlife.
As you walk, watch for condors and caranchos circling the skies; guanacos grazing on the hills; and woodpeckers, owls, and lesser-known species such as the cachaña (Austral parakeet), peeking out from the leafy trees.
We’ll reach Honda Lagoon and continue on to the Toro Lake lookout (559 m), where 360 degree views of mountains, rivers, lakes and glaciers await.
Take a moment to identify the Grey, Serrano and Paine Rivers, Serrano Valley, Mount Balmaceda and the Geike and Tyndall Glaciers before we make our descent to the Weber bridge, where a transfer will take us to our campsite for the evening greeted with a freshly prepared welcome dinner.
Day 3
Transfer to Grey Lake – Kayak Excursion on Grey Lake & Grey River
- 30 Minutes Private Transfer
- 4-5 Hours Paddling / 19 KM Kayak Excursion
- 30 Minutes Private Transfer
- Night at Chile Nativo Riverside Camp, Single/Double Deluxe Tent, (B-BL-D)
After an early breakfast, your private transfer takes you to the Grey Lake to meet your kayaking guide.
Here, with views of Paine Grande and Grey Glacier as our morning backdrop, you’ll hear about kayaking safety and paddling techniques.
You’ll paddle Grey Lake for approximately 2 hours, weaving amongst the floating icebergs that have calved from the glacier and been whittled into natural ice sculptures by the wind and sun.
While paddling, take time to look around you: the granite peaks of Paine Grande, Cordon Olguín and Los Cuernos interplay beautifully with the water’s multiple shades of turquoise.
Leaving Grey Lake we’ll begin our descent of Grey River, which snakes through canyons bubbling with rapids and framed by steep rock faces.
Accompanied by views of the imposing Paine Massif, we’ll paddle down Grey River until it joins the Serrano River. Heading back to our camp, we’ll rest after we celebrate and share our accomplished excursion of the day!
Day 4
Round Trip Summit Hike of Cerro Paine – Three Towers Lookout
- 1.5 Hour Private Transfer
- 8-10 Hour Hike/16 KM
- Night at Hotel Vendeval in Puerto Natales (Single/Double Occupancy Room) , (B – BL – D)
Waking up to the impressive sunrise views will give us energy for today’s trek! We indulge in an energy-packed breakfast before taking a 1.5 hour private transfer to the Las Torres trailhead.
Today’s hike will offer one of the most incredible viewpoints of the National Park as we hike to the summit of Cerro Paine.
We begin winding through the forest of the Ascencio Valley, following the same path as one of Patagonia’s first and most famous explorers, Alberto Agostini’s.
We will continue to the top where we are blessed with truly mesmerizing views: the three towers poised in the west, and views of the Paine River Valley, Laguna Azul, and the Nordenskjöld & Sarmiento Lakes.
A picture perfect panorama that seems too good to be true! Taking in the granite peaks, glaciers, lakes, forest and pampas – you will feel the full Patagonia essence of your adventure.
We will take our time to return along the same path where our private transfer will take us back to Puerto Natales where will enjoy a farewell dinner together as a group before tucking in to our hotel accommodation to rest for our departures in the morning.
Day 5
Transfer to Punta Arenas
- 3 Hour Private Transfer (B)
After a restful night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, your private transfer will take you back to Punta Arenas for your connecting flight or onward travels.
INCLUDED
- All Private Transportation Indicated in Schedule
- All Meals Indicated in Schedule (B: Breakfast, BL: Box Lunch, D: Dinner)
- Chile Nativo Certified Guide (English-Spanish Languages)
- Entrance Fee to Torres del Paine National Park
- Certified Kayaking Guide (Day 4)
- All Kayaking Equipment (double kayaks, neoprene gloves, paddling jackets, life jackets, skirts, and neoprene boots).
- 2 Nights Lodging in Hotel Vendeval (Double Standard Rooms w/ Private Bathroom)
- 2 Nights Lodging in Chile Nativo Riverside Camp (comfortable deluxe tents with 2 inflatable mattresses and shared mens/womens bathrooms, all bedding, fresh linens, and personal towels)
NOT INCLUDED
- Any Additional Nights
- Medical Expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Gratuities for Guide/ Driver
Lodgings
Hotel Vendaval
Conveniently located within the principal gastronomic neighborhood in downtown Puerto Natales just 3 blocks away from the waterfront, 1 block from Chile Nativo´s office headquarters, and only half a block from the main square. The hotel has 23 rooms with plenty of natural light and tranquillity along with a gorgeous roof top patio which provides breath-taking views of the city and coast. Accommodations are warmly decorated and each with a private bathroom.
Riverside Camp
Glamping at its finest! Perfect for families or groups, Chile Nativo’s Riverside Camp is a fully-equipped site located on the shores of the Serrano River away from the crowded refugios and campsites. Equipped with men’s & women’s restrooms, hot showers, and electrical outlets for charging and operating electronic devices. Delicious meals are shared in a dedicated dining lodge with views of the Paine Massif. A spacious lounge offers the perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying with great company!
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)
2 Guests Total in Group: New Season Pricing to Come!
3 Guests Total in Group: New Season Pricing to Come!
4-5 Guests Total in Group: New Season Pricing to Come!
6-8 Guests Total in Group: New Season Pricing to Come!
DEPARTURES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST!
FAQ's
Q: How do I arrive to Punta Arenas Airport?
A: The Santiago International Airport (Arturo Merino Benítez Airport) is the main international hub where travelers arrive to begin their travels in Chile. Direct flights to Punta Arenas Airport (Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport) are 3.5 hours or guests may flight directly to Puerto Natales (Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport) which is also a 3.5 hour flight. There are more frequently scheduled flights to Punta Arenas which is the main airport in the region and where many travelers stop to explore prior to or after their adventures in Torres del Paine National Park. If you are arriving the same day as your program begins, be sure to book a morning flight that arrives to Punta Arenas by 10AM or before. If arriving to Puerto Natales, you´ll want to book a flight that arrives by 12PM or earlier.
Q: Where do I keep my luggage that I won´t need during my excursion while in the park?
A: The majority of the hotels and hostels will store luggage for their guests who are staying with them prior to and after their travels in the park. If not, we will happily store your luggage securely in our office until you arrive back from your trek. On the last day of your excursion, your private transfer will have your luggage in the vehicle upon your pick-up from the park.
Q: Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag and tent?
A: No – this particular program includes nightly accommodations in a private hotel and in our Riverside Camp in Torres del Paine. Fresh, clean bedding is provided to all guests so there is no need to bring your own sleeping bag/mat or tent.
Q: What kind of physical ability does this program require?
A: This program includes several moderate hikes and daily activities. Guests should have a strong physical condition in order to enjoy each activity to the fullest. Guests of any age and ability may complete this excursion if they exercise on average 4-6 hours a week and include a combination of resistance and strength training in their workout regimen, can hike or bike 2-3 days in a row for at least 3 hours a day, and are comfortable with hiking uphill for sections at a time. The kayaking portion of this program does not require any previous experience – only the desire to learn new safety & technical skills.
Q: What is included during the kayak excursion?
A: All the necessary kayaking equipment and gear will be provided to guests during the kayak portion of the itinerary including double kayaks, neoprene gloves, kayak jacket, life jackets, kayak skirts, and neoprene boots.
Q: Should I tip my guide? If so – how much is appropriate?
A: Tipping can be a delicate subject and many different nationalities have different tipping cultures. Tips or ´propinas´ in Chile, are viewed as a reward for good, quality service. When tipping your guide/s, they should be in Chilean pesos. If you do leave tips in US dollars – make sure the bills are unmarked and undamaged. A good guide who does the job well, has good English and provides a great service, can expect CLP 10,000 to 15,000 a day in total per day from the group. For a good assistant guide, each should get about half that of the guide per day, CLP 5,000 to 8,000 per day. It is usual to leave your driver or chauffeur a tip too. Normally around CLP 2,000 to CLP 3,000 per person. These amounts are merely a source to help you or give you a general idea of what is normal or typical. Of course, tipping is always at the discretion of the group members as to what they deem appropriate for the service they received.