|
A very comfort way to explore Torres del Paine from lodge to
lodge.
Our comfy lodge-based exploration of Torres del Paine takes in the
Park highlights as well as getting off the beaten path. It includes
walks into the natural granite amphitheatre that is known as the
French Valley, the memorable and dramatic Towers of Paine, the beautiful
and unknown "Up & Over" through the heart of the park,
and the largest glacier in the park, Grey Glacier. We overnight
in beautiful lodges, spending one night at the lovely converted
Estancia house El Pionero, two nights on the Serrano River and two
nights at the wonderfully authentic and pretty La Tercera Estancia.
All are situated in open countryside with great views and plenty
of opportunity for short walks in the evening and morning. The Serrano
river lodge is situated beside the emerald green waters of the Serrano
River offering world class trout fishing a few steps from your room.
|
|
| Day 1 PUNTA
ARENAS - CERRO CASTILLO |
| Late morning
collection from airport. Drive to see the cute burrowing Magellanic
Penguins at their colony in Otway Sound. There will be plenty of time
to observe and photograph these fascinating creatures before continuing
on across the Patagonian Steppe where you will have your first opportunity
to see some of the unusual plant and animal life that exists in this
area. After a short stop in Puerto Natales, the capital of the Ultima
Esperanza region of southern Chile, we will transfer to Cerro Castillo
and the extremely comfortable Hosteria El Pionero. Converted from
a villa built by settlers to Tierra del Fuego at the beginning of
the century, this was once home to one of the most important and influential
estancieros (or local farmers) in the region. It offers comfortable
accommodation and an excellent restaurant offering a variety of typical
local foods and international cuisine. The fireside bar is an excellent
place to enjoy a pisco sour whilst your guide gives a briefing and
answers any questions about the days ahead. Comfortable ensuite accommodation.
(L,D) |
| Day 2 CERRO
CASTILLO - TORRES DEL PAINE |
| After
breakfast, we will continue on towards the towering peaks of the Torres
del Paine National Park. Our route will take us around the shores
of Lake Sarmiento with the towering peaks of the Paine Horns to our
right. We begin our introductory hike along the shores of Laguna Verde
through ancient southern beech forests towards the Sierra del Toro.
After a few hours of hiking we will ascend to the fabulous Mirador
del Toro to enjoy the spectacular views of the peaks of Paine and
the lakes and waterways that flow through the pampas below. After
stopping to take some photographs and enjoy the marvelous view we
will start our steep descent of the Sierra del Toro. Lunch will be
taken in the valley before a visit to the Park HQ and the Visitor's
Center where we will see the park maps and history. From here we will
be collected in our vehicle and driven a short distance to our lodge
on the peaceful Serrano River. Our home for 2 nights this cozy lodge
is set away from the mountains giving a full view of the entire Paine
Massif across the river. Great opportunities for fishing, walks or
horseback riding here make this the perfect two-night stop. Dinner
in the cozy restaurant with fabulous views of the Paine Horns. For
the early risers amongst us, this hotel is said to offer the most
spectacular sunrises in Patagonia! (B,L,D) |
| Day 3 GREY
LAGOON & GLACIER - SERRANO RIVER |
| After breakfast,
we will transfer across the pampas for the short walk to the amazing
Lago Grey Beach. We will walk along 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 new Grey 2 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 those still with energy can opt for a hike up to a stunning
viewpoint of the entire western side of the park with your guide or
to take our van back to the Serrano river lodge. Those returning to
the river can enjoy a leisurely afternoon walking around the hills
here enjoying the fantastic afternoon sunlight or optional fishing
or horseback riding can be arranged with the lodge. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4 SERRANO
RIVER - FRENCH VALLEY - ESTANCIA LA TERCERA |
| Today we
will rise early, pack our lunches, and prepare for our 'up and over'
route across the heart of the park. This is a beautiful walk that
sees very few hikers. We will hike through verdant green valleys and
southern beech forests passing turquoise lakes and crossing hills
dotted with eerie windswept trees. With luck we will see magnificent
condors hovering high above mountain peaks whilst down on the plains,
herds of guanaco scatter as we approach. The route today crosses amazing
scenery dominated by the French Valley, Paine Horns and eventually
the Towers after which the park is named. As the trail is so long
we will hop in the van for the last section taking us to the beautifully
situated and comfortable Estancia La Tercera. Situated on the eastern
perimeters of the Park this authentic estancia property has some of
the most spectacular views in the Park. Country-style accommodation
in pretty guest house with all the comforts of home. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 BASE
LAS TORRES - ESTANCIA LA TERCERA |
| Today after
breakfast and a short drive, we will begin our most challenging hike
to the base of the Towers themselves. A steep climb crossing mountain
trails, rivers and valleys and finally a clamber up glacial moraine,
the rewards today are truly spectacular. Lunch (for those who make
it to the top) 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.
Tonight were back at the comfy estancia where a roaring fire, hot
bath and home cooked Chilean food await us. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 ESTANCIA
LA TERCERA - PUNTA ARENAS |
| After a
breakfast of home-baked bread, preserves and cake we will be transferring
out of the park and back to the airport in Punta Arenas in time for
afternoon flights. Time permitting we will once again make a short
stop in Puerto Natales and this will give clients an opportunity to
purchase any souvenirs/books/postcards etc. (B) |
B = breakfast
L = box lunch or launches
D = dinner |
| Season:
November to March |
| |
|
|
|
November 16
|
December 7
|
January 11
|
|
February 1
|
March 14
|
November 16
|
|
December 7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Min. 2 persons
|
US$ 1.680
|
|
3-6 people
|
US$ 1.550
|
|
7-12 people
|
US$ 1.340
|
|
| Single
Supplement: US$ 230 |
|
INCLUDED :
- All accommodation based on double occupancy.
- All transfers to and from airport Punta Arenas and whilst in
Park .
- English speaking Guide throughout the program.
- Vehicle support for luggage.
- All meals stated (excluding drinks and personal items in hotels).
- Park and penguin fees.
|
|
NOT INCLUDED :
- Internal flights or airport taxes.
- Gratuities.
- Medical expenses.
- Any kind of insurance.
|
| This trip
is moderate. Hiking is optional. We do day hikes with our guide, and
return to the hotel or lodge for meals and the night. No special abilities
are needed although group members should realize that tempestuous
weather is normal for this region. |
| TRIP
SUPPLEMENTS: On receipt of your deposit, we will send you complete
General Information for this trip including equipment list. |
| *Please
ask for our General Terms and Conditions Form |
|
