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Lodge to Lodge
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive into Puerto Natales. Guide’s briefing. Hotel in Puerto Natales.
For those clients arriving before 2 p.m. we can arrange an extension to Sierra Dorotea or Laguna Sofia and the Milodon Cave during the afternoon.
Guide’s briefing
Room basis: Hostel Amerindia or Kau Lodge, both small comfortable centrally located lodges
Meal basis: no meals included
HOTEL UPGRADE possible on request, our recommendations are Hotel Weskar, Hotel Indigo Spa, Hotel If Patagonia or Hotel Simple Patagonia, all on the waterfront except the Hotel If which happens to be next door to what we feel is currently the town’s best restaurant; Santolla. Contact us for costs.
Day 2 | Take a boat across the fjords to the beautiful authentic Estancia La Peninsula. Hotel.
Today we will be transferring the short distance from our hotel to the dock a little outside town where we will meet a catamaran and our hosts for a 20 minute boat ride across the fjords to the peninsula on the other side of the water. We will be spending the day at the lovely Estancia La Peninsula one of the area’s oldest ranches owned by the MacLean family and run by two sons Kevin and Ian. It is accessible only via the water giving it a tranquility and unique landscape in addition to making it an interesting place to farm.
After an introduction to the estancia we can enjoy a coffee and fresh pastries before deciding on whether we would like to ride horses or trek, or just relax at the estancia.
Riders / once mounted and depending on the weather we will be riding out into into this island-like landscape through rich forests with ancient beech trees and giant green foliage, soft grassy valleys and sandy shores full of drift wood and with a good variety of bird life including the native black necked swans that nest along the shores. Our ride will take us north across the land belonging to the estancia to a look-out with far reaching views across the fjords to the peaks of Torres del Paine and the Bernardo O’Higgins National Parks. Heading back we can step up the pace a little as we canter along the beach shores back to the estancia where we will dismount and relax and enjoy a glass of wine while lunch is prepared consisting of a typical gaucho asado (vegetarian options available).
Trekkers / will be setting out on foot in the company of a guide into the distinctive landscapes of the peninsula with trails through valleys, up to dramatic look-outs and along the beaches that line the fjords. After a few hours walking we will return to the estancia where we can enjoy a glass of wine while lunch is prepared as above.
Lunch is plentiful and delicious and it will be served in the comfortable main house after which we can relax on the comfortable sofas and read about the area or chat to the hosts. There will then be a demonstration of shearing or working the dogs prior to boarding the catamaran which will take us back across the sound to the dock in Puerto Natales.
Return catamaran to Puerto Natales. Meet driver and return to your hotel for the second night.
Room basis: Hostel Amerindia or Kau Lodge
Meal basis: breakfast and lunch included (wine with lunch included)
Hiking/riding distance: 2 hours, moderate hiking/riding
Day 3 | Transfer to Laguna Verde in Torres del Paine. Hike to Puente Weber. Night Serrano River
After breakfast you will be picked up by your driver and guide for the two hour drive in a private transfer towards the jagged peaks of Torres del Paine situated to the north. Our route takes us west on a scenic track which follows the shoreline of Sarmiento Lake as it weaves and winds across the pampas through ancient forests and with dramatic mountain and lakes views. Eventually we will arrive at the typical red rooftops of Estancia Lazo where we will start the day's hike. There will be a chance to enjoy the views of Laguna Verde and the Paine Massif from this lesser known southern perspective and explore the lake front before starting today's hike.
After packing our day packs we will be starting our hiking along the shores of Laguna Verde through some ancient southern beech forests and through grassy valleys towards the Sierra del Toro.
This is a great introductory hike with fairly flat terrain, soft grassy trails and incredible mountain and lake views at every turn. After a few hours hiking we will reach the Mirador del Toro where we will enjoy far reaching views across this marvelous southern landscape crammed with more than its fair share of fast flowing rivers, snow capped granite peaks and iceberg-choked lakes. After some time spent here enjoying the views, we will start the steep descent of this scree slope to the pampas below.
Lunch will be taken in the valley before a visit to the national park headquarters and visitors centre where your guide will further explain the park's history and show you the relief maps that illustrate the following days hiking.
From here it is a short distance to our accommodation in the comfortable and fairly new Pampa Lodge, a small boutique hotel with just 9 rooms decorated in a contemporary natural style and with uninterrupted views of the Paine Massif. For early risers, this area also offers some of the best sunrises in all of Patagonia.
Comfortable en suite rooms with views, fire side bar and restaurant serving a mix of local and international food.
Room basis: Pampa Lodge with dinner in the hotel (www.pampalodgepatagonia.com)
Meal basis: all meals included (wine/drinks available at extra cost at dinner).
Hiking distance: 3-4 hours, moderate hike
Day 4 | Drive to Grey Lake Take Grey Boat to face of Glacier. Hike to Mt Ferrier. Pampa Lodge.
After breakfast, we will transfer across the pampas or the short walk to Lago Grey Beach, one of the Park’s most popular sights. After crossing the small footbridge and walking through the forest we will arrive at the shores of the lake. We can explore the shores of these grey waters and admire the miracles of nature as seemingly turquoise icebergs are seen floating in the lake. The huge mass of white behind the icebergs is Grey Glacier, the largest in the park.
After our walk we will board the Grey launch and set off into the iceberg choked lake towards the walls of this spectacular Glacier. The short boat trip will give us up close and personal views of this spectacle as well as stunning views of Paine Grande and surrounding mountains.
After our return to the dock we will enjoy a packed lunch in a suitable location. After lunch those still with energy can opt for a hike up to Mt Ferrier, a stunning viewpoint of the entire western side of the park with their guide or take the van back to our accommodation at the Pampa Lodge
Room basis: Pampa Lodge with dinner in the hotel (www.pampalodgepatagonia.com)
Meal basis: all meals included (wine/drinks available at extra cost at dinner).
Hiking distance: 2-3 hours, moderate hike. Optional extra hiking in the afternoon.
Day 5 | Up and over hike across the Park, or hike to the French Valley. Night authentic Estancia
After breakfast we will pack our lunches and take the short drive to the start of our up and over route across the heart of the park. This is a beautiful walk that sees very few hikers. The trail cuts through some incredibly diverse scenery including verdant green valleys and ancient southern beech forests as you pass by azure lakes, cascading waterfalls and wide open plains. Condors hover above the nearby mountain peaks while herds of guanaco scatter as we approach. Our views are constantly dominated by the granite peaks of the Paine Massif to our left.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more challenging hike today you can take the catamaran across Lake Pehoe and hike to the famous granite basin known as the French Valley before taking the catamaran back across the lake to meet your driver who would take you to Estancia Tercera. The French Valley is normally accessed via the W trek but it is possible to take the boat in and out from the trail head. This would enable you to complete this rewarding trail in one day while avoiding sleeping in the Park Refugios or camping which does not suit everybody.
After a full day's hiking, we will be reunited with our van and driver for the short transfer to the comfortable Estancia Tercera which will be our base for the night
Situated on the eastern perimeters of the Park this authentic estancia property has some of the best views in the Park. Country-style accommodation in the pretty, wooden guest house with all the comforts of home including hot baths, comfortable sofas and fireside relaxation.
Room basis: Estancia Tercera with dinner at the Estancia, http://www.bluegreenadventures.com/patagonia-estancias.html Meal basis: all meals included (wine/drinks available at extra cost at dinner).
Hiking distance: 3-5 hours for up and over or 5-7 hours for French Valley according to preference of the group (vehicle support provided on up and over hike).
HOTEL UPGRADE possible on request to the sumptuous Tierra Patagonia, ask for costs.
Day 6 | Hike to the base of the Towers, hike from Laguna Amarga to Lago Sarmiento or take a road trip to La Cumbre/Baguales. Return to Puerto Natales
Today there is a choice of hikes depending on the group’s preference:
1) Hike to the base of the Towers / challenging, 10 miles, 6-8 hours round trip with some challenging sections)
We start off by walking through a flat valley and crossing some streams before an ascent of the first steep hill which will take around 45 minutes. Once at the top the scenery starts to change as we skirt mountains, cross fast flowing rivers and pass through pretty southern beech forests. We will then continue on a trail through the Ascending Valley and then after a final push and climb over glacial moraine we reach the top where the scenic rewards are truly spectacular. Lunch can be enjoyed in the shadow of these enormous granite peaks whilst watching the icebergs drift across a glacial pool of water. A memorable lunch spot and a highlight of every visitor's itinerary.
After our descent we can pop into the nearby hotel bar for a well deserved pisco sour before joining our driver for the transfer back to Puerto Natales where the trip ends.
2) Hike Porteria Sarmiento to Porteria Amarga / moderate, 4-5 miles, 3-4 hours or according to preference of the group
Our drive today takes us along the shores of the beautiful Lake Sarmiento where we will be getting out of the van to start our walk for the day.
Today's hike takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on pace and photo stops. It is a moderate hike loaded with great scenery, interesting wildlife and (hopefully) fresh calafate berries to snack on en route.
This area is also home to large summer breeding groups of the llama-like guanaco with their cute, playful young known as chulengos never far from their side. Our destination is the salt encrusted shores of Amarga Lake (bitter lake) with the magnificent Towers of Paine reflected in the surface of its waters.
After some time taking photos and enjoying the lake shore here we will jump in the van for the return transfer to Puerto Natales where the trip ends.
3) Take a road trip into the wild and arid scenery close to the border with Argentina. Today’s adventure would take us to the end of the mystical Route 9, an empty road that heads north east of Torres del Paine into the frontier lands which exist close to the border with Argentina. The scenery in this area is dramatic and different to anything experienced in the Park.
The recently formed Baguales Geo-Paleontological Park is a private initiative recently placed in the hands of the Estancia La Cumbre which farms the surrounding land covering thousands of hectares. It is located within the mountain range of Sierra Baguales in the north east of the province of Ultima Esperanza about 140 km from Puerto Natales close to Torres del Paine. The steppe height is between 600 and 1,200 metres above sea level which promotes a singular and specific flora and fauna. The mission of the Estancia La Cumbre is to protect, preserve and explore the ecological importance and singularity of the landscape. These elements are the foundations on which this private conservation program has been built. The Park is also a natural attraction to visitors which allows the sharing of this cultural wealth.
There is a visitors center in an old house built by a local family. This house can be used as a hostel or shelter, it is also an interpretive centre and workplace for scientists and researchers. The centre has information about geology and paleontology as well as samples of rocks and fossils. There are a number of trails in the area from short one hour walks to longer trails of 4-5 hours.
Breakfast and lunch box included.
After the day’s activities we will take a private transfer back to Puerto Natales where the trip will end.
Meal basis: Breakfast and packed lunch included.
*Extra hotel nights can be booked on request or we can an extension to Argentina, another part of Chile or even Antarctica depending on your requirements and available time.
**Alternatively if you would like to take a Zodiac trip out of the Park we can arrange that for today or tomorrow, please ask us for costs.
For those clients arriving before 2 p.m. we can arrange an extension to Sierra Dorotea or Laguna Sofia and the Milodon Cave during the afternoon.
Guide’s briefing
Room basis: Hostel Amerindia or Kau Lodge, both small comfortable centrally located lodges
Meal basis: no meals included
HOTEL UPGRADE possible on request, our recommendations are Hotel Weskar, Hotel Indigo Spa, Hotel If Patagonia or Hotel Simple Patagonia, all on the waterfront except the Hotel If which happens to be next door to what we feel is currently the town’s best restaurant; Santolla. Contact us for costs.
Day 2 | Take a boat across the fjords to the beautiful authentic Estancia La Peninsula. Hotel.
Today we will be transferring the short distance from our hotel to the dock a little outside town where we will meet a catamaran and our hosts for a 20 minute boat ride across the fjords to the peninsula on the other side of the water. We will be spending the day at the lovely Estancia La Peninsula one of the area’s oldest ranches owned by the MacLean family and run by two sons Kevin and Ian. It is accessible only via the water giving it a tranquility and unique landscape in addition to making it an interesting place to farm.
After an introduction to the estancia we can enjoy a coffee and fresh pastries before deciding on whether we would like to ride horses or trek, or just relax at the estancia.
Riders / once mounted and depending on the weather we will be riding out into into this island-like landscape through rich forests with ancient beech trees and giant green foliage, soft grassy valleys and sandy shores full of drift wood and with a good variety of bird life including the native black necked swans that nest along the shores. Our ride will take us north across the land belonging to the estancia to a look-out with far reaching views across the fjords to the peaks of Torres del Paine and the Bernardo O’Higgins National Parks. Heading back we can step up the pace a little as we canter along the beach shores back to the estancia where we will dismount and relax and enjoy a glass of wine while lunch is prepared consisting of a typical gaucho asado (vegetarian options available).
Trekkers / will be setting out on foot in the company of a guide into the distinctive landscapes of the peninsula with trails through valleys, up to dramatic look-outs and along the beaches that line the fjords. After a few hours walking we will return to the estancia where we can enjoy a glass of wine while lunch is prepared as above.
Lunch is plentiful and delicious and it will be served in the comfortable main house after which we can relax on the comfortable sofas and read about the area or chat to the hosts. There will then be a demonstration of shearing or working the dogs prior to boarding the catamaran which will take us back across the sound to the dock in Puerto Natales.
Return catamaran to Puerto Natales. Meet driver and return to your hotel for the second night.
Room basis: Hostel Amerindia or Kau Lodge
Meal basis: breakfast and lunch included (wine with lunch included)
Hiking/riding distance: 2 hours, moderate hiking/riding
Day 3 | Transfer to Laguna Verde in Torres del Paine. Hike to Puente Weber. Night Serrano River
After breakfast you will be picked up by your driver and guide for the two hour drive in a private transfer towards the jagged peaks of Torres del Paine situated to the north. Our route takes us west on a scenic track which follows the shoreline of Sarmiento Lake as it weaves and winds across the pampas through ancient forests and with dramatic mountain and lakes views. Eventually we will arrive at the typical red rooftops of Estancia Lazo where we will start the day's hike. There will be a chance to enjoy the views of Laguna Verde and the Paine Massif from this lesser known southern perspective and explore the lake front before starting today's hike.
After packing our day packs we will be starting our hiking along the shores of Laguna Verde through some ancient southern beech forests and through grassy valleys towards the Sierra del Toro.
This is a great introductory hike with fairly flat terrain, soft grassy trails and incredible mountain and lake views at every turn. After a few hours hiking we will reach the Mirador del Toro where we will enjoy far reaching views across this marvelous southern landscape crammed with more than its fair share of fast flowing rivers, snow capped granite peaks and iceberg-choked lakes. After some time spent here enjoying the views, we will start the steep descent of this scree slope to the pampas below.
Lunch will be taken in the valley before a visit to the national park headquarters and visitors centre where your guide will further explain the park's history and show you the relief maps that illustrate the following days hiking.
From here it is a short distance to our accommodation in the comfortable and fairly new Pampa Lodge, a small boutique hotel with just 9 rooms decorated in a contemporary natural style and with uninterrupted views of the Paine Massif. For early risers, this area also offers some of the best sunrises in all of Patagonia.
Comfortable en suite rooms with views, fire side bar and restaurant serving a mix of local and international food.
Room basis: Pampa Lodge with dinner in the hotel (www.pampalodgepatagonia.com)
Meal basis: all meals included (wine/drinks available at extra cost at dinner).
Hiking distance: 3-4 hours, moderate hike
Day 4 | Drive to Grey Lake Take Grey Boat to face of Glacier. Hike to Mt Ferrier. Pampa Lodge.
After breakfast, we will transfer across the pampas or the short walk to Lago Grey Beach, one of the Park’s most popular sights. After crossing the small footbridge and walking through the forest we will arrive at the shores of the lake. We can explore the shores of these grey waters and admire the miracles of nature as seemingly turquoise icebergs are seen floating in the lake. The huge mass of white behind the icebergs is Grey Glacier, the largest in the park.
After our walk we will board the Grey launch and set off into the iceberg choked lake towards the walls of this spectacular Glacier. The short boat trip will give us up close and personal views of this spectacle as well as stunning views of Paine Grande and surrounding mountains.
After our return to the dock we will enjoy a packed lunch in a suitable location. After lunch those still with energy can opt for a hike up to Mt Ferrier, a stunning viewpoint of the entire western side of the park with their guide or take the van back to our accommodation at the Pampa Lodge
Room basis: Pampa Lodge with dinner in the hotel (www.pampalodgepatagonia.com)
Meal basis: all meals included (wine/drinks available at extra cost at dinner).
Hiking distance: 2-3 hours, moderate hike. Optional extra hiking in the afternoon.
Day 5 | Up and over hike across the Park, or hike to the French Valley. Night authentic Estancia
After breakfast we will pack our lunches and take the short drive to the start of our up and over route across the heart of the park. This is a beautiful walk that sees very few hikers. The trail cuts through some incredibly diverse scenery including verdant green valleys and ancient southern beech forests as you pass by azure lakes, cascading waterfalls and wide open plains. Condors hover above the nearby mountain peaks while herds of guanaco scatter as we approach. Our views are constantly dominated by the granite peaks of the Paine Massif to our left.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more challenging hike today you can take the catamaran across Lake Pehoe and hike to the famous granite basin known as the French Valley before taking the catamaran back across the lake to meet your driver who would take you to Estancia Tercera. The French Valley is normally accessed via the W trek but it is possible to take the boat in and out from the trail head. This would enable you to complete this rewarding trail in one day while avoiding sleeping in the Park Refugios or camping which does not suit everybody.
After a full day's hiking, we will be reunited with our van and driver for the short transfer to the comfortable Estancia Tercera which will be our base for the night
Situated on the eastern perimeters of the Park this authentic estancia property has some of the best views in the Park. Country-style accommodation in the pretty, wooden guest house with all the comforts of home including hot baths, comfortable sofas and fireside relaxation.
Room basis: Estancia Tercera with dinner at the Estancia, http://www.bluegreenadventures.com/patagonia-estancias.html Meal basis: all meals included (wine/drinks available at extra cost at dinner).
Hiking distance: 3-5 hours for up and over or 5-7 hours for French Valley according to preference of the group (vehicle support provided on up and over hike).
HOTEL UPGRADE possible on request to the sumptuous Tierra Patagonia, ask for costs.
Day 6 | Hike to the base of the Towers, hike from Laguna Amarga to Lago Sarmiento or take a road trip to La Cumbre/Baguales. Return to Puerto Natales
Today there is a choice of hikes depending on the group’s preference:
1) Hike to the base of the Towers / challenging, 10 miles, 6-8 hours round trip with some challenging sections)
We start off by walking through a flat valley and crossing some streams before an ascent of the first steep hill which will take around 45 minutes. Once at the top the scenery starts to change as we skirt mountains, cross fast flowing rivers and pass through pretty southern beech forests. We will then continue on a trail through the Ascending Valley and then after a final push and climb over glacial moraine we reach the top where the scenic rewards are truly spectacular. Lunch can be enjoyed in the shadow of these enormous granite peaks whilst watching the icebergs drift across a glacial pool of water. A memorable lunch spot and a highlight of every visitor's itinerary.
After our descent we can pop into the nearby hotel bar for a well deserved pisco sour before joining our driver for the transfer back to Puerto Natales where the trip ends.
2) Hike Porteria Sarmiento to Porteria Amarga / moderate, 4-5 miles, 3-4 hours or according to preference of the group
Our drive today takes us along the shores of the beautiful Lake Sarmiento where we will be getting out of the van to start our walk for the day.
Today's hike takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on pace and photo stops. It is a moderate hike loaded with great scenery, interesting wildlife and (hopefully) fresh calafate berries to snack on en route.
This area is also home to large summer breeding groups of the llama-like guanaco with their cute, playful young known as chulengos never far from their side. Our destination is the salt encrusted shores of Amarga Lake (bitter lake) with the magnificent Towers of Paine reflected in the surface of its waters.
After some time taking photos and enjoying the lake shore here we will jump in the van for the return transfer to Puerto Natales where the trip ends.
3) Take a road trip into the wild and arid scenery close to the border with Argentina. Today’s adventure would take us to the end of the mystical Route 9, an empty road that heads north east of Torres del Paine into the frontier lands which exist close to the border with Argentina. The scenery in this area is dramatic and different to anything experienced in the Park.
The recently formed Baguales Geo-Paleontological Park is a private initiative recently placed in the hands of the Estancia La Cumbre which farms the surrounding land covering thousands of hectares. It is located within the mountain range of Sierra Baguales in the north east of the province of Ultima Esperanza about 140 km from Puerto Natales close to Torres del Paine. The steppe height is between 600 and 1,200 metres above sea level which promotes a singular and specific flora and fauna. The mission of the Estancia La Cumbre is to protect, preserve and explore the ecological importance and singularity of the landscape. These elements are the foundations on which this private conservation program has been built. The Park is also a natural attraction to visitors which allows the sharing of this cultural wealth.
There is a visitors center in an old house built by a local family. This house can be used as a hostel or shelter, it is also an interpretive centre and workplace for scientists and researchers. The centre has information about geology and paleontology as well as samples of rocks and fossils. There are a number of trails in the area from short one hour walks to longer trails of 4-5 hours.
Breakfast and lunch box included.
After the day’s activities we will take a private transfer back to Puerto Natales where the trip will end.
Meal basis: Breakfast and packed lunch included.
*Extra hotel nights can be booked on request or we can an extension to Argentina, another part of Chile or even Antarctica depending on your requirements and available time.
**Alternatively if you would like to take a Zodiac trip out of the Park we can arrange that for today or tomorrow, please ask us for costs.
