Day 1
This excursion to Torres del Paine National Park, offers
a wonderful opportunity to experience the natural beauty
of this region.
Early in the morning, we pick you up from your accommodation
in Puerto Natales. The tour starts with a visit to Milodón
Cave Natural Monument (approximately 1 hour, entrance
optional.)
Next we head to Torres del Paine National Park, visiting
the best lookout points along the way. Lookout points
include: Sarmiento Lake; Laguna Amarga (with a classic
view of the Towers); Nordenskjöld (with a classic
view of the Paine Horns); Salto Grande (a big waterfall
that connects Lake Nordenskjöld with Lake Pehoe);
Weber Bridge; the shore of Grey Lake (area of icebergs)
and the Grey Glacier lookout point (where we take a short
stroll along the lake to observe impressive icebergs and
a marvel at Glacier Grey.
The diverse animal world we witness along the way is sure
to fascinate. We will certainly see herds of guanaco and
rheas. And with a little luck, we may see foxes, pumas
and the majestic condor.
After visiting Grey Lake, we return down the same road
till we reach Estancia Tercera Barranca, where we stay
the night and dig into an excellent meal of grilled lamb
on the spit. Guests enjoy views of the Towers from their
rooms.
Day 2
Early in the morning, after eating a good breakfast with
excellent views of Torres del Paine, we begin a horseback
ride of about 7-8 hours. For the first two hours, we ride
toward Laguna Azul, stopping to visit the Las Chínas
waterfall on the way.
At Laguna Azul, we marvel at the best view of the three
Towers yet. We eat our lunch here, while enjoying the
breathtaking views of the Paine Massif beside the lake.
After lunch we continue to ride another 2.5 hours (approximately)
to Laguna Amarga. Here, we visit one of the most famous
lookout points of the Towers, offering classic postcard-picture
views of the national park.
Here, the vehicle will be waiting for us to take us back
to Estancia Tercera Barranca. Dinner tonight is an asado
(barbecue) of Patagonian lamb, which is typical of the
region. Accommodation in the Hostería.
Day 3
Early in the morning after a good breakfast, we cross
the front of the Paine Massif again until we reach the
Serrano sector. Here, we receive waterproof jackets and
life vests to start descending the Serrano River toward
Glacier Serrano in semi-rigid boats. During the journey,
we will make a short stop at Salto Serrano (a geologic
depression that makes for strong water rapids). This requires
that we leave the boat and walk five minutes to pass the
rapid and board another boat to continue with our trip.
During the voyage, we enjoy the flora and fauna along
the river with continuous views of the Paine Massif and
Glacier Tyndall. We eventually arrive to Glacier Serrano.
This is the gateway to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park,
one of the largest parks in Chile. Here we walk to the
viewpoint of Glacier Serrano. If we are lucky, we’ll be
able to contemplate the blocks of ice calving and splashing
into the lagoon below.
We return to the port by 13:15 hours, where we board the
21 de Mayo boat and begin to navigate through the Última
Esperanza Fjord en route to Puerto Natales. During this
voyage we will observe the Balmaceda Glacier, which pours
into the sea from the summit of Mount Balmaceda.
In the middle of the fjord we stop for 1.5 hours for a
Patagonia lamb barbecue at Estancia Perales. We then continue
sailing through the fjord, arriving to Puerto Natales
around 16:00 hours, where you will be transferred to your
hotel.