Overview
The ideal trip for all family types, this 5 day Patagonia experience takes families along an unforgettable and most memorable excursion. Discover ancient caves, primitive paintings, and hill-top views of the fjords and Ultima Esperanza. Step inside the Milodon Cave and navigate by boat up-close to the immense Grey Glacier. Hike among the last wild Patagonia horses where few travelers have been before and tour first-hand an authentic ranch. Experience Torres del Paine and its famous attractions by day, and relax and reconnect by night in deluxe tents and a cozy, remote cabin. Freshly prepared meals and picnic lunches are prepared to each families’ liking and a local guide assists each group along their day’s activities. Sure to create one-of-a-kind memories along this carefully planned, perfect family trip!
Trip Highlights
• Discover Primitive Cave Paintings & Visit the Milodon Cave
• Navigate Up-Close to Icebergs & the Grey Glacier
• Hike Among Patagonia’s Last Wild Horses
• Enjoy a Full Day Photo Safari – Visit Torres del Paine’s Best Highlights!
• Tour an Iconic Patagonian Estancia
• Observe Local Wildlife & Fauna Including Condors, Ñandus & Woodpeckers
• Stay at a Wild Patagonia Horse Camp in a private sector of the National Park
DOWNLOAD YOUR MAPS:
• TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK MAP
• MAGALLANES & ANTARCTIC REGION
• PUERTO NATALES
DOWNLOAD YOUR PACK LIST:
• PATAGONIA FAMILY TRIP PACK LIST
Itinerary
Day 1
Private Transfer from Puerto Natales – Cave Paintings & Discovery Hike – Visit to Milodon Cave – Transfer to Torres del Paine
30 Minute Private Transfer
4 Hour Guided Hike, 11 km / 6.8 mi
1.5 Hour Private Transfer to Torres del Paine
Chile Nativo’s Riverside Camp (BL-D)
Our first day begins with a Chile Nativo Transfer from your hotel or accommodation in Puerto Natales, making for a laid back morning with plenty of time to prepare before heading out.
We’ll start by traveling 30 minutes along Puerto Natales’s beautiful coast before arriving to the Milódon Cave Sector, where we’ll begin the day’s adventure. Our guide will take us to visit a viewpoint over the “Cueva Grande” (Large Cave), ascending 600 meters (1,968 ft.), where we’ll be introduced to some of Patagonia’s fauna and flora.
With sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes, this is a great spot for some first photos and for watching condors soar above us. We’ll pass by natural condor colonies and through native lenga forests, later arriving to the Sofia Lagoon Viewpoint.
After a quick break enjoying spectacular views of far reaching fjords, we’ll continue alongside mountainous walls to see the first petroglyph cave paintings of the day. Our guide will tell us about their significant value and history.
Moving along, we’ll enter another cave equipped with headlamps to discover the millenary stalactite minerals, having taken millions of years to form above.
After carefully inspecting these incredible formations, we leave the cave and head towards the eaves of “Two Horseshoes,” where we will share an experience in the forest and discover yet more cave paintings on rocky walls.
As we make our way back, we will visit the Milodon Cave Natural Monument, a 200 meter (656 dt.) long cave where the remains of a mylodon (a large ground sloth) and other early Patagonian animals were discovered.
After our time exploring this magnificent natural formation, we will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch prepared to your families likings before taking our private transfer to Torres del Paine National Park, where we’ll spend our first night at Chile Nativo’s Riverside Camp.
Along the shores of the Serrano River, we’ll take in the incredible views of the Paine Massif and enjoy a freshly prepared welcome dinner. At nights’ end, tuck into your private, deluxe tent for a great evening of rest.
Day 2
Boat Navigation Across Grey Lake to Grey Glacier – Optional Hike to Pingo Valley
20 Minute Transfer
Morning: 30 Minute Walk Each Way
3 Hour Boat Navigation
Afternoon: 3 Hour Round-Trip Hike, 10 km / 6.2 mi
Chile Nativo’s Riverside Camp (B-BL-D)
After a relaxed morning and nourishing breakfast in the dining lodge, we will prepare for our afternoon boat navigation on Grey Lake.
Our transfer takes us along a short 20 minute transfer through the park to the Grey area, where we enjoy an easy 30 minute walk through a woodpecker-inhabited beech forest to our boat’s departure point.
The three hour boat trip takes us around blue-hued icebergs to the immense face of Grey Glacier, where we’ll stay for a while to admire its textures, lines and colors. If we’re lucky, we’ll witness a glacial calving, where chunks of ice break off and plummet spectacularly into the freezing waters.
On your return journey you’ll glimpse the wind-sculpted “ice mushrooms” atop the massive peaks of Paine Grande. If your family is up for the adventure – after enjoying a premium picnic lunch, we’ll hike to the Pingo Valley to reach a viewpoint at “Cascada los Salmones”, a waterfall where salmon are sometimes seen.
Be alert as we return: you may see a huemul (Andean deer) hiding nearby.
Our private transfer will take us back to camp where we will relax and rest with plenty of free time to enjoy together before settling in for our second night.
Day 3
Full-Day Torres del Paine Photo Safari Excursion
3 Hour Transfer Throughout the Day
Optional Short Hikes, 1.5 – 2 Hours Hiking, 2-3 km / 1.2-1.8 mi
Night at Patagonia Bagual (B-BL-BBQ)
Our third day shows us Torres del Paine’s best highlights! As we awake to the sunrise on the Paine Massif from our camp, we’ll enjoy a specially prepared breakfast before setting off in our private vehicle along with our guide.
Leaving from the Serrano River, we’ll take our time traveling the park’s route stopping along various destinations to capture lasting family photos and to explore the area’s pristine landscapes and features.
Iconic destinations such as Mirador Condor for those wanting to enjoy a short hike to a terrific viewpoint, Salto Grande Waterfall and an easy hike to Los Cuernos lookout will be among our first destinations.
Moving north we’ll pass by Lago Nordenskjöld and Laguna Amarga for our chance at seeing Guanacos as they graze in herds and the iconic Chilean Flamingos as they feed in the waters.
Laguna Amarga offers a great view of the three towers before we make our way to Laguna Azul where we will enjoy the perfect picnic lunch and can enjoy seeing the famous towers once again but from an entirely different angle.
After enjoying the wetlands and shores of the ‘Blue Lagoon’, a private transfer will take us to a special reserve where we will discover the last groups of wild horses in Patagonia.
This reserve hasn’t been exploited for tourism or farming and offers astounding views of Torres del Paine that few have seen.
Here a special team welcomes us to tell us about this exclusive location and our next days’ activity while we enjoy a welcome dinner with great company.
Tonight enjoy a restful evening under the Patagonia skies in a comfortable accommodation on this remote reserve.
Day 4
Full Day Patagonia Wild Horse Experience
Optional Experiences Including 4-6 Hour Hike & Wild Horse Watching
Night at Patagonia Bagual (Private Dome) (B-BL-D)
Today we’ll stay on the reserve to take advantage of our time in this special place.
We will have the opportunity to select from various experiences and activities including wild horse watching while learning about their special breed, characteristic traits, and exclusive Patagonia habitat.
Or if preferred, families may also enjoy exploratory or guided hiking in this pristine area of Torres del Paine.
Today is yours to create! Take the time to enjoy your surroundings in this one of a kind location. Enjoy lunch together before spending the rest of the afternoon roaming, relaxing, and re-connecting.
You will spend your second evening again in your cozy accommodation with a delicious dinner before tucking in for a quiet night of rest.
Day 5
Private Transfer to Cerro Guido – Estancia Tour & Lunch – Transfer to Puerto Natales
1 hour Transfer
3 Hour Tour
2 Hour Transfer (B – L)
Awakening in the morning you’ll be treated to a fresh breakfast before continuing your journey onward. Today you’ll take your private transfer 1 hour outside of Torres del Paine to Estancia Cerro Guido.
Founded 100 years ago, this is the largest estancia in the region settled between Torres del Paine National Park, the Argentine pampas, and the Sierra Baguales.
With its typical architectural style and cultural heritage of the pioneers who settled here – today’s tour will allow you to discover the traditions and history of this authentic ranch.
Upon your arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by the ranch staff in the hall of the main house and be given a brief introduction to understand the importance of the ranches of Patagonia.
As you begin the walking tour, you’ll visit the estancia’s greenhouse to try freshly grown produce and walk along the gardens and grounds of this incredible place.
Visiting the shearing shed, you’ll be shown the different stages of shearing sheep and their wool with it’s unique details. Enjoy a relaxing lunch in the estancia’s restaurant with views of Torres del Paine and free-roaming horses.
After our farewell lunch, we’ll return back to Puerto Natales traveling along a different route and passing through the village of Cerro Castillo.
INCLUDED
- All Private Transportation Indicated in Schedule
- All Meals Indicated in Schedule (B: Breakfast, BL: Box Lunch, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, BBQ: Chilean Asado)
- All Park Entrance Fees
- Two Nights in Private Double Deluxe Tents
- Two Nights at Patagonia Bagual (Private Double Accommodation)
- Round-Trip Boat Navigation to Grey Glacier
- Guide (English-Spanish languages), Guide to Passenger Ratio is 1:6
NOT INCLUDED
- Any Additional Nights
- Medical Expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Breakfast on Day 1, Dinner on Day 5
- Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Drinks Except those Included in the Menus
- Gratuities for Guide & Driver
Lodgings
Wild Patagonia Horse Camp
Pristine & untouched landscapes, some of the last Patagonia wild horses, and an impressive view of the iconic three towers. This private sector of Torres del Paine offers guests a privileged opportunity to stay in Chile Nativo’s private, comfortable domes. Equipped with double-height inflatable mattresses, fresh linens and down covers, each dome offers an exclusive accommodation in a one-of-a-kind place. Groups enjoy traditional cuisine with fresh, local ingredients that are cooked over an open fire. Onsite restrooms and shower facilities.
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 2023/2024: (valid until April 2024)
2 Guests Total in Group: USD$ 4.395 per person
3 Guests Total in Group: USD$ 4.195 per person
4-8 Guests Total in Group: USD$ 3.695 per person
Departures Available Upon Request!
FAQ's
Q: Where do I keep my luggage that I won´t need during my trek while I am hiking 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 and will deliver this to your hotel where you will be staying in Puerto Natales. We ask that you come to our Office between the hours of 09:00 – 13:00 or 15:00 – 19:00 to drop these off if you are not able to make it to the briefing the day prior to your trip.
Q: What time will we finish our trek on the last day and arrive back to Puerto Natales?
A: Upon completing your hike on the last day, your private transportation will bring you all back to Puerto Natales arriving around 16:30hrs, in time to take the bus to Punta Arenas for a departing flight or onward travels.
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 service. When tipping, a good guide and guide assistance who does the job well, has good English and provides a great service, can expect 10 – 15 USD per person per day. It is usual to leave your driver or chauffeur a tip too. Normally around 5 USD 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.
Add-Ons & Upgrades
PRIVATE DEPARTURES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST – CONTACT A TRIP SPECIALIST TO BEGIN YOUR FAMILY’S ADVENTURE!
OPTIONAL SERVICES: (must be booked in advance)
– Private Transportation to/from Punta Arenas : *Please Check with A Trip Specialist for Your Family’s Rate
– Private Transportation to/from El Calafate : *Please Check with A Trip Specialist for Your Family’s Rate
Reviews
Chile Nativo was recommended to us by a friend who took a trip and we will gladly do the same to anyone we know who wants to go to Chile. Many thanks to all of you who did such a great job planning and securing all our travel arrangements.
Carrie Tietz, Chile
Great introduction for non-Spanish speaking older people to Patagonia! Stress-free trip with friendly, knowledgeable guide – we all loved Rodrigo. We were guided through beautiful country and lodged and fed in a variety of well-chosen places. Hope to return.