Overview
Between the border of Argentina and Chile, in the middle of the mountain range sits Sierra Baguales. Located 65 km to the northeast of the Torres del Paine National Park and 134 km from the coastal town of Puerto Natales, this region was once the bottom of the sea for more than 50 million years. Today, trekking this incredible route uncovers marine & plant fossils with more than 50 million years of history. Few places can match the mystical beauty of this isolated mountain range unique of its kind in the country. With its jagged reliefs and vibrant red mountains, any visitor who comes to explore its precious paleontology leaves with amazement. This protected area is a private initiative that seeks to place the important geological and paleontological resources of the area as a central focus of conservation.
Trip Highlights
• Backpack Through Untouched Landscapes & Among the Wild
• See the Red Rocks of the Rodas Lagoon
• Uncover Fossilized Leaves Along Mountain Ridges
• Trek Along Gentle River Shores Discovering Marine Fossils
• Observe Wild Guanacos & Unique Vegetations
• Stay at a Rustic Patagonia Outpost
• Learn About the Geological & Paleontological Histories
• Camp in Patagonia Steppe Under the Vast Southern Skies
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• PUERTO NATALES
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Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer to Estancia Las Cumbres, Sierra Baguales – Hike to Rodas Lagoon & Green Outpost
- 1.5 Hour Private Transfer
- 4-5 Hour Hike, 8 km / 4.9 mi
- Night at Camping Las Cumbres-Baguales(BL-D)
Early in the morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel in Puerto Natales where you begin your private transfer to a private estancia (ranch) located in the northeast corner of the Last Hope Province.
The drive itself is amazing, passing the coastline of Puerto Natales along several ranches as the road becomes more rural where we can spot ñandus (Darwin’s Rhea), flamingos, skunks, foxes, a variety of birds, and many iconic sheep as they graze the endless Patagonia landscapes.
We will get as far as the road goes, ending at Las Cumbres – a very rustic Patagonia estancia where we will spend our first two nights camping at a typical outpost in the Patagonia steppe.
Here we begin our first trek alongside the eastern bank of the Baguales River as we start this pleasant hike following guanaco tracks through the rolling hills.
Our gentle walk leads us to an amazing landscape made up of green valleys surrounded by mountains peaks that were built by lava flows.
Surprising us with its beauty, we come to Rodas Lagoon, an unexpected lagoon that sits hidden surrounded by its red rock cliffs.
Resting by the lagoon we will be able to spot the wild trout as they swim through the algae.
Returning along the same trail we arrive back to our outpost where we will set up our camp and prepare dinner before wading in the Baguales River, relaxing and resting among these impressive landscapes.
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Day 2
Sierra Baguales: Hike to Berlika Pass
- 10-12 Hour Hike, 25 km / 15.5 mi
- Night at Camping Las Cumbres-Baguales(B-BL-D)
After breakfast we will prepare ourselves for a long, full-day hike along which leads us to amazing landscapes where clear rivers and creeks flow down the gentle steppe slopes, adding vivid greens and yellows to the landscapes.
Coming closer we will be able to see the different species of vegetation and fauna that are unique to this remote region.
Continuing on, we will hike towards the Argentinian border crossing the Berlika Pass where we have overlooking views of the magnificent vast pampa lands on the other side of the border of Argentina.
We complete our loop by hiking down the ridge back to our outpost where we rest, have dinner, and spend our second night under the open Patagonian skies.
Day 3
Sierra Baguales: Hike to Casa Museo
- 3-4 Hour Hike, 6 km / 3.7 mi
- Night at Estancia Las Cumbres (B-BL-D)
After breakfast, we’ll pack up camp and head towards ‘la casa museo’, also known as the museum house situated on Estancia Las Cumbres-Baguales.
Hiking down the river, we take our time as we discover a unique corner which is rich in marine fossils such as snails and oysters.
Upon arrival to the house we will prepare a well-deserved dinner and restful night of sleep.
This rustic house offers comfortable sleeping commons with fresh liners and pillows, but no sheets or blankets.
The house is simple yet fully equipped with hot showers, electricity by generator, full kitchen, and a wood fire stove to keep us warm during cool Patagonia evenings.
Day 4
Sierra Baguales: Hike to Fossil Leaves
- 4-6 Hour Hike, 12 km / 7.4 mi
- Night at Estancia Las Cumbres (B-BL-D)
Today after a delicious breakfast we will follow the tracks of the wild animals through the steppe and hills where we will discover several corners that are rich in a variety of fossils – petrified wood, leaves, shark teeth and sea shells.
Picking up just about an ordinary rock will surely surprise those who turn it over – almost a third of the rocks in this region have a fossil which lies on the other side.
Little hidden lakes give rise to the clearest rivers and creeks that flow down the slopes.
Close to them we will be able to observe more species of vegetation and fauna unique to this special place.
We will arrive back at the house and prepare a home made dinner while enjoying another well-deserved evening resting in a remote, quiet landscape.
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Day 5
Private Transfer to Puerto Natales
- 2 Hour Private Transfer (B)
Today we awake to enjoy our final breakfast together as a group in the museum house before our private transfer brings us back to Puerto Natales where guests end their journey or continue their travels onward.
INCLUDED
- All Private Transportation Indicated in Schedule
- Entrance Fees to Sierra Baguales
- Specialized Bilingual Guides (English - Spanish)
- Two Nights Camping at Green Outpost
- Four-Season Tents (Single or Two-Person Shared)
- Two Nights at Estancia Las Cumbres
- All Meals Indicated in Schedule (B: Breakfast, BL: Box Lunch, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, BBQ: Chilean Asado)
NOT INCLUDED
- Any Additional Nights
- Medical Expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Sleeping Bag/Mat
- Gratuities for Guide & Driver
Lodgings
Estancia Las Cumbres
La Casa Museo, or museum house, located at Estancia Las Cumbres in Sierra Baguales is a rustic, fully-equipped ranch home with hot showers, electricity by generator, full kitchen, and wood burning stove to keep warm during chilly Patagonia nights. The simple home has comfortable mattresses in a common sleeping area with liners and pillows, but no sheets or blankets. This remote home offers guest an authentic experience staying in the Patagonia steppe under its vast changing skies.
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)
2-3 Guests Total in Group: New Season Pricing to Come!
4-8 Guests Total in Group: New Season Pricing to Come!
Single supplement: New Season Pricing to Come!
**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.
Add-Ons & Upgrades
OPTIONAL SERVICES: (must be booked in advance)
– Public Bus to/from Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales: USD$ 15 per person/per way
– Private Transportation to Calafate or Punta Arenas – Please Ask Our Trip Specialists for A Personal Quote!
EQUIPMENT RENTAL: (must be booked in advance)
– Trekking Poles: USD$ 6 per pair/day
– Sleeping Bag/Mat: USD$ 6 per item/per night
