Lodge to Lodge Explorer

Highlights

• Witness some of Patagonia’s most dramatic and compelling landscapes and wildlife
• Experience real Patagonian culture as you visit a remore estancia hidden among the fjords
• Hike some of Torres del Paine’s most renowned trails and enjoy its iconic views
• Sail up to the face of a towering valley Glacier
• Visit Laguna Azul, a quiet and little known spot in the north east corner of the Park
• Stroll along the Serrano River to photograph the Paine Massif at sunrise with jaw dropping views
• Learn about the archaeology, geology and paleontology of the Ultima Esperanza region of Chile

Day by day

1. Arrive into Puerto Natales in the far south of Patagonia.
   *Ask for our arrival document for details on how to get to Puerto Natales

   Guide’s briefing will be held in our office or your hotel in the evening

   On arrival into Puerto Natales (airport or bus station) you will be collected and taken to your hotel for the night.
   Room basis: Hotel Costanera, comfortable centrally located lodge
   Meal basis: no meals included
   *Or upgrade to Hotel Simple Patagonia or Angelica’s, prices on request

2. After pick up from your Puerto Natales hotel we will be transferring the short distance to the dock a little outside town where we will meet a catamaran and your hosts for a 20 minute boat ride across the fjords to the peninsula on the other side of the water. You 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 you can enjoy a coffee and fresh pastries before deciding on whether you 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.
   
   Room basis: Hotel Costanera as above.
   Meal basis: breakfast and lunch included.
   *Or upgrade to Hotel Simple Patagonia or Angelica’s Casa, prices on request.

3. After breakfast you will be picked up by your driver and guide for the two hour drive in a private transfer vehicle towards the jagged peaks of Torres del Paine situated to the north. Your destination is the beautiful Laguna Azul located in the north eastern sector of the Park with dramatic views of the Towers across the azure waters of the lake. This area is particularly good for wildlife and it is a great introduction to the landscapes of Torres del Paine.

   The guide will discuss a choice of walks depending on the group’s preference. We normally recommend the moderate 3-4 hour walk from the bitter salty shores of Laguna Amarga (sometimes home to Chilean flamingo) to Laguna Azul (or vice versa). This trail is loaded with dramatic mountain and lake views with plenty of photography and wildlife opportunities including seeing guanaco who breed in the area and Darwin’s Rhea (nandu). Condors can be seen gliding the thermals up above in their search for carrion.

   Alternatively if you prefer something more strenuous it would be possible to hike the challenging trail to the base of the Towers (6-8 hours depending on fitness, approx. 12 miles).

   After our day exploring the eastern areas of the Park we will be driving to our accommodation for the night at the very comfortable Hotel Las Torres situated at the base of the trail to the Towers

   There will be a chance to explore the gardens and look for wildlife or relax in the hotel’s comfortable bar area before dinner.

   Room basis: Hotel Las Torres in superior double/twin rooms
   Hotel Las Torres This very comfortable well located hotel was once the Cerro Paine ranch, an 8,000 acre ranch that breeds cattle. Now it is a lovely hosteria with restaurant, bar, spa, stables, organic garden and gift shop. Standard, superior and suite rooms available.
   Meal basis: all meals included.

4. After breakfast, you will be setting off on a wonderful safari through the heart of Torres del Paine from east to west to enjoy a full day exploring the magnificent scenery and wildlife opportunities in the area. Fully supported by your Bluegreen guide and driver, options during the day include hikes to waterfalls and mountain lookouts, a stroll through the summer breeding grounds for guanaco and general wildlife spotting activities in the vicinity. Other activities include a walk to the Salto Grande waterfall, time spent on the lakeshores of Pehoe and Nordenskjold and hunting for Calafate berries on the pampas and Patagonian scrublands.
   

   The scenery today is quite spectacular and includes many excellent photographic opportunities incuding monstrous granite peaks, crystal clear turquoise lakes, beautiful valleys and waterfalls to say nothing of the exotic wildlife in the area.

   After your day exploring you will be boarding the afternoon Grey III boat which will take you on a round trip journey to the vertical face of Grey Glacier crossing the grey waters of the lake navigating through the icebergs, a great finale to a wonderful day exploring.

   From here it is a short distance to our accommodation in the comfortable and fairly new Pampa Lodge & Refugio, a small boutique lodge 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 Refugio* with dinner in the hotel.
   Meal basis: all meals included (wine/drinks available at extra cost at dinner).
   *Or upgrade to the adjacent Pampa Lodge, see costs

5. After breakfast you will be heading back to Puerto Natales with your guide and vehicle. On the way you will be visiting the beautiful Laguna Sofia area located around 30 minutes north of the city. Here you will enjoy a guided hike that will take place on the rocky outcrops that surround this beautiful lake where condors can be seen nesting and where the mountains form steep walls of granite where caves and remote trails exist, one of these trails leads to ancient wall art believed to have been carried out by early settlers to the region who used these caves and walls to protect themselves, live and eat. The trail also takes you to the Laguna Sofia viewpoint which offers spectacular views of the lake below. Now known as the Ernesto Helmer archaological route, this 10 kilometre/6 mile trail takes around 4 hours and it offers panoramic views, great bird and wildlife watching and a chance to learn more about the archaeology, geology and paleontology of the Ultima Esperanza region of Chile.

   On return to Puerto Natales you will be dropped off at your hotel or bus station for onward travel (we can book an extra hotel night on request or if you would like to extend your trip with a visit to Argentine Patagonia, just ask for suggestions). 

   Optional upgrade to Zodiac/Boat trip finish (ask for prices):
   After breakfast we will walking from the hotel to the nearby Serrano River and board Zodiacs for a beautiful down river journey through the pristine wilderness area known as Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. Leaving Torres del Paine via the waterways this journey is a great alternative to taking the land transfer back to Puerto Natales.

   Where the river spills into the vast and mythical waters of Last Hope Sound, there will be a chance to walk the short distance to the lovely Serrano Glacier that tumbles down the mountain surrounded by ancient forest. We will then connect with a larger boat that whisks us across the fjords to the quayside in Puerto Natales. The boat trip includes a chance to see the beautiful hanging Balmaceda Glacier and some fantastic wilderness scenery, there is also a stopover at a waterside estancia en route where you can enjoy a traditional gaucho BBQ where lamb is cooked over an open fire and served with locally produced salad and produce.

   Arrive in Puerto Natales where the trip will end (as above, we can recommend and book a hotel for tonight).

   Meal basis: breakfast and lunch included.
   

6. Transfer to airport or bus station (included)

Is this trip for me?

• Our Lodge to Lodge is one of our most popular trips and we are one of only a handful of companies offering a private point to point guided lodge-based, moderate hiking trip such as this one.
• This is a great trip for those wanting to combine some walking with slower explorations, stunning scenery and nights in comfortable accommodation (while not being confined to one hotel which adds diversity and cuts driving time). If you want more challenging hiking, ask about our Lodge to Lodge Active version (see hiking). Hiking distances are detailed on the trip dossier which is available on request
• This trip is short enough for those with limited time but long enough to enjoy some of the Park’s renowned trails and viewpoints.
• You will experience a typical Patagonian estancia during this trip which adds some local flavour and an insight into Patagonian culture
• This trip is fully supported by an English speaking guide and a dedicated driver and vehicle ensuring full flexibility during the day’s activities. We can book the trip on a private basis for 2+ people; travel within the privacy of your own family or group ensures you can set your own pace and see and do what interests you.
• Luggage is moved by vehicle leaving you free to hike with just a day pack. All transfers are private with a dedicated vehicle and driver which adds flexibility into the itinerary in case of bad weather.
• The trip is available on request for 2+ people (ask about already confirmed departures which may be suitable for solo travellers or small groups to join). 
• Getting to Puerto Natales is not included, we can book bus tickets on request from either Punta Arenas or el Calafate. Prices are approximately US$20 for Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales and US$50 for el Calafate to Puerto Natales.
• While at Estancia La Peninsula you will be looked after by the estancia’s team of staff and guides. Your BlueGreen guide will be with you on the transfer into the Park on Day 3 until your return to Puerto Natales

Extras

• Option to take zodiac/boat trip down river from Serrano village through Bernardo O’Higgins to Puerto Natales with an estancia lunch on the way.
• Upgrade hotel in Puerto Natales to the lovely, contemporary Simple Patagonia.
• Upgrade hotel at Serrano River to the Hotel Rio Serrano with its mountain-view pool and spa
• This trip can be extended to suit your available time or combined with a few nights in Argentina
• During the whale watching season, why not extend your trip with a boat journey to see humpback whales in their natural habitat out of Punta Arenas to the south.