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Kayaking
in Torres del Paine - Patagonia Chile |
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4
Days - Kayak Down the Serrano River + Horseback Ride to
Glacier Gueikie |
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Day 1
Early in the morning, the kayak guide will pick you up
from your hotel and take you to Torres del Paine National
Park. When we arrive to the Serrano River Sector, the
guide will pass out kayaks and personal equipment, while
you listen to an instructive talk on safety and how to
paddle a sea kayak.
We begin paddling the first leg of the Serrano River,
an ideal place for you to familiarize yourselves with
the equipment and paddling techniques. After about 1.5
hours, we reach Salto Serrano (a geologic depression that
makes for strong water rapids), which requires us to carry
the kayaks about 100 meters.
Depending on weather conditions and the fitness of the
group, we continue down river another 2.5 hours, until
we reach the camp site, or perhaps we may even head directly
to the Guerrero family estancia. During the trip, we can
appreciate the Southern Patagonia Ice Field, the Paine
Massif and Mount Balmaceda in addition to local birds
and typical Andean forests of the Magellan region. Dinner.
Day 2
Very early after eating a good breakfast and breaking
camp, we paddle for about an hour to Estancia Anita.
Here, we exchange our kayaks for horses, and we set
off with the local cowboys of the estancia on a horseback
ride to Glacier Gueikie.
Because of its geographic isolation, the Glacier Gueikie
is still a real secret to many, even though it is one
of the most beautiful in the region. We will visit the
three most impressive lookout points, with plenty of
time to take memorable photos.
At Lake Gueikie, we will seek out the perfect lunch
spot on the beach, beside huge icebergs. After lunch
we can ride beside the icebergs, snapping some of the
most excellent, unique photos of Patagonia. This is
undoubtedly one of the best excursions in the region,
due to the impressive glacial landscape and the feeling
that we are the only humans in this isolated corner
of Patagonia Torres del Paine National Park.
When we return to the estancia along the Serrano River,
we will enjoy an excellent asado dinner (barbecue beef,
typical of the region) with the Guerrero Family. Accommodation
is in simple huts with an outdoor bathroom, no showers.
Day 3
Early in the morning, after a good farewell breakfast
with the Guerrero Family, we continue to paddle
the second leg of the Serrano River. The river picks
up waters of other rivers flowing down from the
mountains, slightly increasing our speed.
After about two hours, we leave the calm waters
of the river and enter the open waters of Última
Esperanza Fjord. Within a few minutes we reach our
camp site for the night, located in Puerto Toro,
the gateweay to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park
and Glacier Serrano Patagonia. Here, we set up camp
and eat lunch.
In the afternoon—weather permitting—we will paddle
in the waters of the fjord until we reach Glacier
Balmaceda. We will visit great waterfalls within
the thick vegetation, synonimous with the Chilean
fjords. Back at camp, we can appreciate Glacier
Serrano, a huge mass of ice flowing into the Serrano
Lagoon below it. Dinner.
Day 4
Early in the morning after a good breakfast,
we set out to paddle among icebergs in the Serrano
Lagoon, until we reach the front of Glacier Serrano’s
vertical wall—paddling only as close as is safe.
After this impressive navigation in kayak, we
paddle back to camp and get ready to load the
kayaks onto the boat 21 de Mayo. We then sail
back through Última Esperanza Fjord to
Puerto Natales. During the voyage we will see
Glacier Balmaceda again, as it tumbles from the
summit of Mount Balmaceda into the sea. We stop
for 1.5 hours to enjoy a typical Patagonian lamb
barbecue at Estancia Perales. After lunch, we
continue navigating through Última Esperanza
Fjord, reaching Puerto Natales around 18:00. Transfer
to hotel.
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Start:
Puerto Natales |
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End:
Puerto Natales |
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Difficulty:
Medium |
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Season:
All year |
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More Options |
At the beginning of the program, the transport
can pick you up from wherever you may already be in Torres
del Paine National Park.
This program can include sport fishing as well.
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Requirements |
It is not necessary to have paddling experience.
Your guide takes the time necessary to ensure that you learn
all the most important technical aspects of paddling and how
to stay safe on the water.
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Note |
Please be aware that sea kayaking
in Patagonia depends entirely on the weather. The guide will
evaluate the current weather conditions, before heading out
on the water. At this point your guide may decide to shorten
the trip, suspend its start or cancel it altogether. If the
trip is suspended, your guide will evaluate alternative activities
such as hiking, horseback riding or fishing—depending on the
group’s geographic location.
In cases that the program is somehow
modified—via shortening, suspension or cancellation—there
will be no cash refunds.
The group occupies two-person tents. You
can request a single-person tent, at an additional cost.
Each group member will receive a dry bag to store personal
belongings. You will also receive a smaller dry bag for your
cameras or other such items.
The water supply comes from rivers and lakes in the areas
we visit. In this part of Patagonia, the water is pure and
you can drink it without problems. The guide carries a filter
and chlorine tablets for those who wish to purify the water.
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Climate
and temperature |
Patagonia is known for its changeable weather
and high winds. Even the summers can be very cool and rainy.
Appropriately warm clothing and equipment are required.
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Equipmet |
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Sun
hat or visor |
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Warm
clothes |
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Waterproof
clothing (pants and jacket) |
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A
complete change of clothes |
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Cap
or wool hat |
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Gloves |
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Sunscreen |
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Appropriate
walking shoes |
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3
pairs of socks |
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Fleece
jacket |
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Sunglasses (optional) |
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Long
underwear (top and bottom) |
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Services |
| Included |
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Transfer from Puerto Natales to the Serrano Sector.
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Bilingual guide (Spanish / English / German),
with WFR training, VHF radio and first aid kit. |
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Single or double kayak. |
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Full paddling equipment (neoprene gloves, paddling
jackets, life jackets, kayak skirts, neoprene
boots, dry bags). |
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Camping equipment: Tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag. |
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Kayaking on the Serrano Lagoon and the Última Esperanza
Fjord. |
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Horseback ride
to Glacier Gueikie, Estancia Anita (about 7-8 hours). |
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Individual horseback
riding equipment (helmet and gaiters). |
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Entrance fees for Bernardo
O’Higgins National Park.
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Complete food service: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack,
Dinner (4 meal services per day). |
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Drinks: water, juice, coffee, tea, Pisco Sour. |
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Round trip navigation
to Glaciers Balmaceda and Serrano. |
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Typical Chilean
barbecue in Estancia Perales (drinks not included).
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Transfer from
Puerto Bories to Puerto Natales Center. |
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| Not
included |
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Drinks
at Estancia Perales. |
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Entrance
fees for Torres del Paine National Park |
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Groups |
Groups have a maximum of 6 people. It is possible to exceed
this maximum for tour operators or family groups.
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| Sea kayaking
- Patagonia Horseback riding |
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