Summary
Did you know that a large area of Chilean Patagonia has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO? There, you can explore the land and immerse yourself in unique landscapes steeped in history and full of amazing natural attractions such as fjords, mountains, glaciers, channels, and islands.
You will start by exploring the city of Punta Arenas, where you will go on an incredible sailing trip and interact with colonies of some of the region’s most significant animals, making it an unforgettable experience. Then, you’ll continue your adventure staying in the country’s most famous National Park, Torres del Paine, where you will be able to undertake activities of your choosing, such as hiking to the foot of the “towers”, trekking, sailing to the Grey Glacier, observing nature, and more, depending on the weather and on your preferences.
Day 1: Punta Arenas – Patagonia.
Day 2: Magdalena Island & Torres del Paine National Park.
Day 3: Trekking to “Base Torres”.
Day 4: Full Day: Torres del Paine.
Day 5: Torres del Paine National Park – Punta Arenas Airport.
Overview
Chilean Patagonia is the southernmost region of the country. Its capital is Punta Arenas and it is noted for its strong sense of tradition and rural customs, which are still observed today. It is home to a variety of ecosystems and mildly cold, rainy weather as well as interesting geomorphology that lends value to its landscapes. Its rich fauna includes the puma, southern Andean deer, chilla fox, guanaco, skunk, Patagonian ferret, and Geoffroy’s cat. If you are lucky, you should be able to spot at least one of these creatures! In terms of vegetation, this is a region with many southern beech forests, xerophytic brush, and Andean desert.
Itinerary Details
DAY 1:
PUNTA ARENAS - FIRST DAY IN PATAGONIA
Once you arrive in Punta Arenas, located at the southernmost of Chile, a van will be waiting to take you to your hotel, Yegua Loca. After check-in, you’ll have free time to explore the amazing city of Punta Arenas, home to attractions such as the Cemetery – which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world – Plaza Muñoz Gamero, a traditional area, Sara Braun Palace, which is an Historic Monument, and the “Zona Franca”, famous for its low-cost products. If you have enough time you can visit the Magallanes National Reserve just 5km from the town center, as well as several other exciting destinations. There is many good restaurants and food options, Yegua Loca is one of those. Super tasty food!
Meals: None.
Overnight: Yegua Loca Hotel.
Hotel
DAY 2:
MAGDALENA ISLAND & TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, a van will pick you up and head to the jetty where you’ll start your spectacular sailing trip towards the islands of Magdalena and Marta – both home to valuable ecosystems. On the former, you will disembark to visit the colony of Magellanic penguins at “Los Pinguinos Natural Monument”, where over 150,000 of these birds live. Then, you’ll continue your journey towards Marta island, where you’ll get off to observe a large colony of over a thousand sea lions and birds native to the region.
Once you get back to the hotel, a van will be waiting to take you to your next point of accommodation, located within the Torres del Paine National Park. After check-in, a guide from the hotel will meet with you to explain the different tours and schedule the excursions of your preference.
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight: Rio Serrano Hotel.
Hotel
DAY 3:
TREKKING TO "BASE TORRES"
*Please note that the activities described for days 3 and 4 are recommendations. In the Hotel you will be able to choose the excursions of most interest. Depending on the day of your arrival and weather conditions. Details of each activity will be given to you upon your arrival.
After breakfast, your excursion to the National Park will begin, heading towards the base of the Torres. This is a hike that requires good physical condition, but it’s worth doing!
The trip lasts 9 hours and over 22 kilometers. You will be able to enjoy the incredible scenery, made up of rivers, forests, local fauna, lakes, and mountains.
Your ascent will begin near Las Torres Hotel and will take you towards Ascencio Valley, where you’ll continue through sections of forest, looking at the spectacular geology. The terrain becomes more difficult from then on, as you will have to climb a moraine and the path up to the viewpoint is steep. Once there, you’ll have time to look at the amazing rock formations known as the Torres del Paine and the Cuernos del Paine, as well as rest, enjoy the view and sample a delicious picnic. Your return consists of a descent of approximately 4 hours, back to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight: Rio Serrano Hotel.
Hotel
DAY 4:
FULL DAY TORRES DEL PAINE
Full day Paine, is an incredible excursion to explore Lakes, rivers, colorful flowing waterfalls and the majestic Paine Massif. Flora, fauna and the most unique-postcards will be the traveler’s experience during this excursion.
On our way to the Gray Lake, we will stop to appreciate views of the Serrano River, along with the beauty of the village of the same name. The Grey guard office will be the starting point of the hike following the imposing path that guides you to the glacier. The lake is known for the striking huge ice blocks resting on its waters.
We will be amazed by the turquoise colored waters of Lake Pehoé situated nearby Pudeto, and after a short hike we will be faced with the magnificent views of Lake Nordenskjold plummeting into the famous ‘Salto Grande’, where we will also encounter the famous Paine Horns.
Our journey will continue with the enjoyment of various aspects of the mountain range, as well as the exquisite views of Lake Sarmiento, the largest in the National Park. Here the Patagonian steppe invites herds of Guanacos to run freely through the clear forests.
By this stage we will have reached the north/east area, just outside the park to Laguna Amarga, where weather permitting, the lake will act as a mirror to the renowned Torres del Paine. Laguna Amarga shores feed the elegant flamingos on the algae and plankton that live beneath its waters.
Following our adventure, we continue to be in awe by the spectacular Cascada Paine, as it’s unique fall flows into Laguna Azul the last location of our trip, ending the day with an unforgettable view to the magic that is Torres del Paine.
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight: Rio Serrano Hotel.
Hotel
DAY 5:
TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK - PUNTA ARENAS AIRPORT
On your last day, depending on your flight, you will have time to enjoy the park’s surrounding area and the incredible hotel facilities. The van will pick you up from the hotel at an agreed time and take you to Punta Arenas airport, where you will catch your flight for your next destination!
Meals: Breakfast.
End of EcoChile Services.
2020 – 2021 SEASON RATES
Land Portion Pricing: Group of 2 People (Shoulder Season)
Price per person
>> USD 3,300 (High Season)
>> USD 2.550 (Shoulder Season)
* Please note that international and domestic flights are not included in this price.
Price Includes