Enjoy a luxury holiday in Torres del Paine National Park at Hotel Las Torres.

This beautiful, all-inclusive hotel, deep in the heart of Paine, offers and authentically Patagonian experience.

Hotel Las Torres offers comfort and style from which to explore the park. It sits at the trail head to the park’s most famous trail, the trek to the base of the Towers of Paine.

More on Hotel Las Torres, Paine, Chile

Start your journey in Punta Arenas or El Calafate from where you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel in the Torres del Paine.

All your meals, open bar and daily excursions, walking, horse-riding, wildlife watching, boat trips, are included.

There is also a special ‘Puma spotting tour’ or you can choose to relax in the hotel’s lovely surroundings. Read more about Hotel las Torres’ environmental work, too.

 

More about Paine

Paine features 180,000 hectares of diverse scenery and wild landscape on the edge of the southern ice fields of Patagonia.

Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978, Paine is one of the largest sources of temperate-zone glaciers in the world and lies 120kms / 75 miles north of Puerto Natales, the gateway town for the park.

The name ‘Paine’ (pronounced ‘pie-nee’) comes from a Tehuelche Indian word meaning blue.

The ‘Torres’ – or Towers – are named after three spectacular granite peaks, the highest reaching 2,900m/9,514ft, that form the centrepiece of Torres del Paine.

These dramatic peaks are part of the Cordillera del Paine, the youngest mountain range on earth.

Other notable peaks include Paine Grande at 3,050m and Los Cuernos (the Horns) that range from 2,200-2,600m / 7,218-8,530ft.

Forests, steppe lands, lakes and valleys surround them.



Trip Highlights

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  • Stay at Hotel Las Torres in Torres del Paine, Chile’s most prized national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • A choice of daily guided half day or full day excursions are offered.

  • The hotel is family run, all rooms have central heating, box spring beds, telephones and private bathrooms in a simple and comfortable decor.

  • Las Torres has riding stables just 100 metre from the hotel, where the Baqueanos work daily with 150 horses.

  • The Spa Hotel Las Torres counts with hydro-massages, fango therapy, sauna, reflexology and massages.

  • Hotel Las Torres produces much of the food served at the Las Torres restaurant. Many vegetables are cultivated in the organic garden.

It was a FABULOUS trip – so THANK YOU!  All the bookings, guides and transport that ANDEAN set up worked out very well for us and made for a great trip.

M. Gleason, Patagonia

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Full Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from El Calafate, Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales to Hotel Las Torres, overnight hotel (L,D)

For those starting in Punta Arenas there are daily pick ups at your hotel in the city at 09.00 or 15.00 and from the airport at 09.30 and 15.30.

From Punta Arenas we drive northwards with a stop after 180km / 112 miles at the Estancia Cerro Negro. We gain an insight to the history of the estancia as well as enjoy a barbecue lunch or Patagonian high tea.

After, we continue driving to the Torres del Paine National Park. We arrive to the hotel at 16.00 or 21.30 depending on our pick up time.

For those starting in El Calafate transfer from your hotel around 07.00 to the Chilean border at Cerro Castillo. At the border you have the opportunity to exchange money. Change of vehicle and transfer to the hotel. Arrive around 12.30. Lunch and the option of a half-day excursion.

On arrival to the hotel we check in and settle into our rooms. Dinner and the chance to choose our following days activities from a menu of half day and full day excursions.

Day 2 & 3: Choice of excursions, overnight in hotel (B,L,D)

After a hearty breakfast we set off on our chosen excursion – see the ‘Excursions’ in Practical Information beow.

Those with a full-day excursion will be provided with box lunches whilst those doing two half day excursions will lunch at the hotel.

Day 4: Transfer to El Calafate, Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales (B,L,D)

For those heading to Punta Arenas there is a choice of two transfers: 08.30 arriving Punta Arenas 13.30 with a box lunch included or 14.00 arriving 19.00. Those taking the later transfer have time to do a half-day excursion in the morning.

Those heading to El Calafate depart at 09.00, changing vehicle at the border and arriving at the hotel in El Calafate at 14.30.


Prices From $2,650 / £2,154 per person

Enquire about booking

What's Included?

Transfer to and/or from Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, El Calafate. Park entrance fee, all meals, all excursions (except with navigations), open bar, accommodation in superior room, bilingual guides, wi-fi, 35% discount on spa services.

What's Not Included?

Flights, services not mentioned in the itinerary, premium wines and spirits, laundry, tips and phone calls.

 


Accommodation

There are three types of room available at Hotel Las Torres.

Suites: Our suites are the largest rooms (38m2 / 410ft2) in the hotel and include a mini bar, a small living and jacuzzi where you can relax enjoying the beautiful view of the Paine Massif.

Ciprés rooms: Newly renovated, spacious (22m2 / 237ft2), warm, with excellent insulation and large windows to enjoy the scenery. Each one has been decorated with different and special elements of the area, such as looms and ethnic masks with furniture made by artisans from Patagonia.

Canelo rooms: These rooms (20m2 / 215ft2) are very warm, pleasant and offer comfortable space mixing simple elements that evoke the history and culture of Patagonia.

Tour Staff

Expert local guides for all activities – trekking, horse-riding, wildlife watching, boat trips etc.

The Hotel has a fleet of sturdy vehicles with experienced drivers for getting you around the park. Families are welcome and well catered for.

There are family friendly activities and specialist guides available for family activities.


Meals

Almost all dietary requirements can be catered for – please get in touch for more.

Breakfast and dinner are served buffet style in the restaurant. Wine is served with meals.
There is a bar open all day for drinks, snack, and light meals too.

The hotel has its own organic garden and is able to produce fresh vegetables and fruit for the restaurant.

There are two eateries to choose from at the hotel, for lunch and dinner.

 

Restaurant Coirón

One of the real pleasures when staying with us at Hotel Las Torres is dining in the restaurant.
Restaurant Coirón specialises in the “flavours of the end of the world” – a unique blend of modern, creative culinary methods and traditional regional dishes from Chilean Patagonia.

As much as possible, chefs use fresh locally sourced products from the estancias and organic garden, ingredients that literally go straight from the farm and ranch onto your plate. Lunch and dinner are a la cart.

Huge, glass windows surround the restaurant at Hotel Las Torres on all sides, making it easy to watch the happy habits of endemic birds and mammals that live just a few feet away from your table.

 

Bar Pionero

Bar Pionero is the social hub of Hotel Las Torres where guests trade tales about their adventures that day. Comfortable sofas, huge windows and the best regional cocktails are on offer.

Try a Calafate Sour, made from the fruit of the endemic Calafate bush, or order a Pisco Sour Pioneer, with a sprig of mint from Hotel Torres del Paine’s organic garden. The “Costumbres” or the ”Aborigen” – winner of the national tournament “Capel Puro Talento” in 2014 – are just two further options on offer as the night draws in on your Patagonia vacations.

There is also a homemade craft beer “Pionera”, brewed in a little cabin just outside Bar Pionero.

Furthermore, don’t forget about the standard selection of regional and national wines, liqueurs and premium spirits. The bar alsos provide a range of sandwiches, snacks, salads, coffees and cakes.

Activity Level

A wide range of activities are available, so there is something to suit everyone, from one hour horse rides, to an 8-hour walk to the base of the towers, leisurely wildlife and sightseeing tours.

There is no high altitude to worry about in Torres del Paine National Park.

 

Enquire about booking

Practical Information

Introduction to Patagonia

For most people, Patagonia evokes a vast, windblown plateau, jagged mountains and the life of the gauchos.

The steppe that occupies much of southern South America is only one aspect of a magical region, jam-packed with amazing and contrasting landscapes.

Patagonia (latitudes 40°-55°, approximately) embraces a vast portion of southern Chile and Argentina, from the Rio Colorado in the north, to Tierra del Fuego in the south.

For convenience, we have divided the region into three zones: the Lakes District of northern Patagonian, central Patagonia and southern Patagonia.

Geography of Patagonia

Southern Patagonia (latitudes 49° to 55°), encompassing the southern Andes of Chile and Argentina plus Tierra del Fuego, has an altogether more vertical aspect than the rest of Patagonia.

As the continent tapers towards its southern point, the Andes take on new characteristics and offer some truly impressive panoramas.

Much of southern Patagonia is characterized by virgin landscapes where man’s hand has either not been present or, because of the scale of the landscapes, goes almost unnoticed. To the west of the semi-arid Patagonian plateau, mile-high granite spires – e.g. Cerro Torre and Fitzroy in Argentina and the Torres and Cuernos del Paine in Chile – rise abruptly from the Andean foothills, while vast blue glaciers, fringed by southern beech forest, gouge out thevalleys below.

At the heart of these magnificent landscapes lies the South Patagonian Ice Field, an utterly remote icy wilderness spanning hundreds of kilometers, whose glaciers – including the Perito Moreno and Upsala – are tens of kilometres long by severalkilometers wide.

Also characteristic of the southern Patagonian Andes are its turquoise, iceberg-filled lakes. To the west lies the southern portion of the Chilean Archipelago, comprising snow-capped islands and fjords.

Across the Magellan Straits from mainland Patagonia lies Tierra del Fuego which, like the rest of Patagonia, is divided between Argentina and Chile.

The north and east of Tierra del Fuego is flat, but flanking the Beagle Channel in the south, the tail end of the Andes provide very dramatic mountain scenery.

 

The Lake District (latitudes 40° to 45°) or the Araucania, is a region of dramatic conical volcanoes, evergreen, high-canopy forests and, of course, lakes.

It straddles the Chile-Argentine border, and also takes in Chiloe island, in the extreme north of the Chilean Archipelago. This region stretches from Temuco in the north to Chiloe in the south.

 

Central Patagonia (latitudes 45 to 49) is one of South America’s best-kept secrets. The vast wilderness area can be divided in two:

  • The dry band of Andean foothills and wind-blown plateau lying on the Argentine side of the Andes. This remote area is traversed north to south by a gravel highway known as the Ruta Cuarenta (Highway 40).
  • The Chilean portion to the west of the Andean watershed, often referred to as the Careterra Austral (after the little-used gravel highway that crosses it from north to south).

This huge region, embracing the sparsely-inhabited southern Araucaria and Aisén Region, features temperate rainforests, snow-peaks (often extinct volcanoes), lakes and, to the west, the Chilean Archipelago: a labyrinth of fjords and mountain-islands. This, the Chilean portion of central Patagonia, boasts the northernmost of Patagonia’s many giant, sea-level glaciers.

The San Raphael Glacier, probably this region’s most famous landmark, is an immense hanging glacier whose seracs calve into an iceberg-filled lagoon.

 

Find out more about Patagonia with our blog about its wildlife.

Weather

Chilean Patagonia, in the south of the country, has a climate with lower temperatures compared to the rest of Chile.

 

Lake District and Patagonia

It can be better to go in the Austral summer (Oct-March). Daylight hours are much longer at this time, with Nov-Feb being popular times to visit. October and March can be very colourful and vivid with less visitors, but weather can be more blustery.

In Patagonia, the weather is, putting it mildly, variable, and variable on a daily basis. It is usually cool and windy all year round but seldom does the temperature fall below freezing point. Some days start with snow and end in balmy sunshine. It is always interesting, and can range from 10°C-20°C in the summer, although the wind can make it feel chilly.

The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to the saturated winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also the South Patagonia Ice field influence makes the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rains and eventually snow. Even in summer (Dec-Mar) you should come prepared to find cold, strong winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfalls. The summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºC max, 2ºC min).

Winter visits to these southern areas are possible, but many hotels close and not all trips are possible. Daylight hours can be very short, but the lack of visitors can greatly improve chances of seeing wildlife in parks such as Paine.

The Lake District’s temperate climate can be said to resemble that of the UK, with rain possible but also enjoying long spells of fine, fresh weather in the summer (Oct-March).

Kit list

Good kit is vital for every trip.

Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.

 

Overview

When planning for the varied climatic conditions encountered in Paine, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system.  It’s worth remembering that our clothing keeps us warm by retaining and isolating the heat we ourselves create.

To best maintain body heat, several layers of lightweight, warm and quick-drying clothing are far more efficient than one or two thick layers. Layers should have the following qualities:

 

  1. Breathability (able to wick away the humidity produced by sweat):
  2. Isolation (able to keep in the warm air our body produces); and
  3. Impermeability (able to impede the passing of wind and water).

 

First (base) layer: This layer wicks the sweat away from our skin, thus helping keep the body dry and warm. To this end, synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene should be used.

Mid layers: These isolating layers should also be synthetic (e.g. the known polar linings such as polartec or windblock, which are light and insulate twice as well as wool). Very important layers for retaining body heat.

Outer layer / shell: Finally, the vital layer which protects us from climatic adversities. A breathable, wind-proof and waterproof anorak, such as Goretex.

Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.

We also carry an extensive first aid kit & oxygen on all trips, but these are generally for emergencies only.

 

Below is a more detailed kit list.

 

Detailed kit list

  • 2 pairs synthetic inner socks (e.g. polypropylene, thermastat, coolmax) and 2 pairs thick loop-stitch/wool socks for cold.
  • Trekking boots – should be well broken-in, waterproof and provide good ankle support.
  • Trainers/sandals for city-wear, evenings at lower camps & river crossings.
  • Base layer leggings (1 pair).
  • Thick fleece leggings (or salopettes) (1 pair).
  • Goretex-type over-trousers (or salopettes) (1 pair).
  • Gaiters (optional).
  • Trekking trousers (2 pairs).
  • Shorts – wear sparingly in early stages at altitude, as sun burns.
  • Thermal base layer shirts (2).
  • Microfleece mid-layer shirt (1).
  • Shirt/t-shirt 1 or 2 for lower altitudes. Long-sleeved, collared shirt protects against sun
  • Fleece jacket or similar (1).
  • Warm jacket (down or synthetic). For camp and upper slopes.
  • Waterproof Goretex-type jacket.
  • Broad-brimmed sunhat, essential.
  • Warm hat, fleece or wool. (N.B. Up to 30% of body heat can be lost through the head).
  • Sunglasses with UV filter.
  • Scarf for cold.
  • Bandanna – to protect neck from strong sun.
  • Light inner gloves.
  • Swimming suit of hotel has a pool.
  • Warm gloves, e.g. fleece, and outer waterproof gloves or mittens (1 pair)
  • Mittens allow you to keep the fingers together, and better conserve heat (though they also make it difficult to perform certain tasks).
  • Daypack (at least 30 litres). Comfortable and with waterproof lining or cover.
  • Large rucksack or suitcase.
  • Pair of telescopic trekking poles (optional).
  • Water bottle (2 litres approx.) & purification tablets.
  • Personal first-aid kit to include: painkillers, plasters (band-aids), moleskin, anti-biotic cream, general antibiotics (ask your GP), after-bite (tiger balm), anti-diarrhoea tablets, throat lozenges, re-hydration salts & personal medication.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Towel & wash-kit.
  • Wet Wipes/antiseptic hand-wash cream.
  • Toilet paper (1)
  • Sunscreen (factor 30+) and lip salve.
  • Head-lamp (plus spare bulb and batteries).
  • Penknife.
  • Travel alarm clock.
  • Plastic bags – ‘Zip-loc’ & tough bin liners.
  • Camera and film / memory cards (take at least twice the amount you think you will need!).
  • Book, e-book, mp3 player/ipod or other for free time.
  • Binoculars.
  • Spanish/English phrasebook.
  • Extra snacks i.e. cereal bars or favourite chocolate bars.

 

 

Miscellaneous others

  • Money belt.
  • Passport.
  • U.S. dollars cash, mixed-denomination notes, undamaged and unmarked.
  • ATM cash/credit card.
  • Any inoculation certificates.
  • Personal & medical insurance certificates.
  • Presents e.g. Postcards from home.
  • Comfortable clothes for travel, smart clothes for night life.

ATOL holiday protection

Andean Trails has 25 years of experience of putting together the best South America holidays.

We pay a fee to the CAA for every licensable passenger we book since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking.

We also offer ATOL (Civil Aviation Authority) protected holidays to give our customers peace of mind when booking and travelling.

When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package from Andean Trails Ltd you will receive a Confirmation Invoice from us confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 6275.

You can read more about ATOL, who is covered and what protections you have if not ATOL-covered, on our ATOL page.

 

What is ATOL?

The CAA’s ATOL scheme offers protection to your money and your holiday if you book with us. Not everybody is covered (see ‘Who is covered?’ for more), as you must purchase an ‘air package holiday’ with Andean Trails to be protected.

And  ‘air package holiday’ is defined as including a flight and some ground services (hotel, transfer, trek etc). This is also known as an ‘ATOL-protected holiday’.

 

Who is covered?

To be covered by ATOL, you must book a flight and some ground services with us and be from the UK. If you are from the UK and only book ground services and no flights, you are not covered by ATOL (see below for more on how non-ATOL clients are covered).

If you are outside the UK and buy flights with us, you will be ATOL protected IF any of the flights booked with Andean Trails touches/stops in the UK at any point during your holiday package booked with us.

If you buy your flights elsewhere, please check with that agent if you are ATOL protected. Be careful with online flight purchases and make sure you know what protection you have, if any, before paying for flights.

Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.

For land only holidays not involving any air travel, in accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992”, all UK passengers booking with Andean Trails Ltd. are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all money paid to us, arising from cancellation or curtailment of travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Andean Trails.

 

I’m not ATOL covered, what protection do I have?

If you are not ATOL covered, any payments you make to us go to a Trust account.

We can only access this money once your tour has been completed, meaning that if anything happens to Andean Trails Limited while you are on holiday, then your money is secure and you can either complete the trip or be able to make it home.

If you pay for your holiday with a credit card, some offer payment protection – please check with your cardholder.

You also should have cancellation protection written into your insurance (which we recommend you have at the time of booking) in case you need to cancel.

Excursions From Hotel Las Torres

Each evening you will be asked by the guides at Hotel Las Torres which excursions you would like to do the following day. Your chioces should be made by 8pm.

All excursions are subject to weather conditions.

 

INCLUDED IN ALL INCLUSIVE PROGRAMME

 

Las Torres Sendero del Ascencio (base of the towers trek)

This is one of the most famous treks of the Torres del Paine National park taking you to the base of the granite spires which give the national park its name.

You will set off from the hotel on foot as the trail head is in its back yard.  The path will lead you upwards along the Ascencio Valley edge until you reach the high mountain lodge known as Refugio Chileno. This is is roughly the half way mark.

From here you continue through majestic lenga (southern beech) forest until you reach a rocky moraine. You then have a tricky 40 minute climb around rocks and boulders to the viewpoint. The reward will be, weather conditions permitting, the granite spires of the three magnificent towers perched above a berg filled grey blue lake.

The return journey follows the same route.

There may be an option to do the section between the hotel and Refugio Chileno on horse back. Riding experience is required and this is weather dependent.

Distance: 18.8 km

Duration 8 hours

Difficulty: demanding

 

 

Los Cuernos sector hike

This full day hike is part of the world famous W trek. The sinuous trail will take you between the cold blue waters of Lake Nordenskjöld and the imposing Mount Almirante Nieto. The rocky trail which leads from the hotel to the Cuernos (horns) sector is crossed by various streams fed by hanging glaciers.

Some of the highlights of the walk are: crossing the hanging bridge of the Arriero River;stopping to view Inge Lake and the landscape around it; as well as the different views of the Cuernos (horns) peaks.

With a bit of luck you may even spot the “foehn” on the lake. These are small tornados which spin across the surface.

Distance: 23.2 km

Duration: 6-8 hours

Difficulty: medium to demanding

 

 

Valle Encantado (enchanted)

If you have experience and enjoy horse riding then this excursion is for you. Feel the Patagonian air in your face and the adrenaline coursing through your body as you gallop across the pampa.

The excursion starts at the hotel’s own stables and you will head off towards the river Paine valley. From the trail you will have views of Laguna Azul (blue) and Cerro Paine (hill) before arriving to the Seron camp site in the Valle Encantado (enchanted).

The trail will also take you through a beautiful  lenga forest (southern beech) and if in luck you may spot a Magellanic Woodpecker or an Austral Parakeet.

Distance: 24 km

Duration: 6-8 hours

Difficulty: demanding. Horse riding experience needed.

 

 

Valle Frances (French)

To some the Valle Frances is the most beautiful valley in the national park. It is, without a doubt, stunning with spikey granite peaks all around. This will be a long and demanding day.

You will set off from the hotel in a minibus for a 45 minute drive to the jetty for the catamaran that will take you across Lake Pehoe. After a short journey you disembark at Paine Grande where your trek starts with a walk along the shore of Lake Skottsberg, before turning up into the Valle Frances.

You trek a steep trail into the heart of the valley. You walk though a magnificent lenga forest (southern beech) and on the other side the scene greeting you will be of the multicoloured Los Cuernos (horns) and the hanging Frances (French) glacier.

From your viewpoint in the valley, weather permitting, you will have views of the lakes below and will be surrounded by mountains with names such as Hoja (leaf), Máscara (mask), Espada (sword), Fortaleza (fortress) and Aleta de Tiburón (shark’s fin).

Return the way you came.

Duration: 1 hour 30 by van, 1 hour sailing, 9 hours 30 on foot.

Distance: 20 km trekking

Difficulty: demanding

 

 

Sendero de los Lagos (lakes trail)

This tour, as well as a good hike, is a great opportunity to see the mountains from a different perspective as well as take in some of the amazing flora and fauna of Patagonia.

You set off by minibus from the hotel. The drive will go past Lake Sarmiento, one of the largest in the park, to the drop off point near Estancia Lazo. During the drive there will be various opportunities to see some of the wildlife.

You start off on the walk walking through lenga (southern beech) forests with breaks opening up to views of the shores of Laguna Verde (green) and Laguna Honda. Look out for condors, owls, woodpeckers, rhea and guanacos, all so typical of the Chilean Patagonian wildlife.

From the lakes hike up to a small summit from where there will be views of the Paine Massif, Lago Toro and the Patagonian pampa. Don’t forget your camera.

Duration: 2 hours 30 by van, 7 to 8 hours in total

Distance: 15 km trekking

Difficulty: medium

 

 

Cerro Paine half day (Paine hill)

This trek takes you up the west flank of Cerro Paine (1,508 m) with superb views of the famous Towers of Paine along most of the climb – weather permitting.

You climb through a marvelous lenga (southern beech) forest with some excellent bird spotting opportunities. Following the forest you reach the D’Agostini look out point from where you will see valleys, glaciers, lakes and the Towers of Paine.

This excursion can be done in the morning or the afternoon.

Duration: 4 hours

Distance: 6.5 km

Difficulty: medium

 

 

Patagón

The Patagon tour begins close to Laguna Amarga with an explanation of the origins of life on this planet. This is one of the few lakes in the world which has cyanobacteria which convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, enabling life.

The tour will then head south, through what the guides call the “Puma restaurant”. Although unlikely to spot them during the day, evidence of their presence should be clear along the route.  However, the chances of seeing foxes, condors and rheas are pretty good.

You will have the opportunity to visualize how Patagonia has been inhabited, from the dinosaurs to large mammals and the first humans who decided to make the area their home. These were hunter gatherers who settled over 7000 years ago. Approximately half way along the hike you will see a large overhang with cave paintings.

The hike will finish at Lago Sarmiento where you will see life giving bacteria in the form of lumpy structures know as thrombolites. These can be up to 2 metres in size.

Duration: 6 hours

Distance: 11 km

Difficulty: easy to medium

 

 

Lago (lake) Nordenskjöld horse ride

This tour is ideal for those with little or no horse-riding experience. You will have the chance to horse ride along the shore of Lago Nordenskjöld as well as hike some of the trails in the area.

The tour will start at the hotel’s stables. You will be accompanied by expert baqueanos (Patagonian horsemen) who will teach you the basics of horse riding as well as share their knowledge of the flora and fauna you will see and give you an insight into their culture.

Lake Nordenskjöld, where you will be riding, was named after a Swedish/Finnish explorer, Otto Nordenskjöld, who made his name with the work he did in Chile, Antarctica, Peru and Greenland. The ride will take you to various look out points and in the distance you will be accompanied by views of Mount Almirante Nieto and it’s hanging glacier.

Duration: 3 hours

Distance: 8 km

Difficulty: Easy

 

 

Lenga forest (southern beech)

This hike takes you through a southern beech forest which flanks the massif and is part of the Paine circuit trek. Your trail will skirt Cerro Paine (hill) taking you through the forest, crossing several streams and finishing in a valley, which if you visit in spring, will be covered in daisies. From the trail you will have excellent views of Laguna Azul and Cerro Guido (hill).

The southern beech, nothofagus pumilio, is one of the characteristic trees of the zone as it grows well in areas with low temperatures and high snowfall. The forest is habitat for Magellanic Woodbeckers and Austral Parakeets, as well as other bird species.

Duration: 3-4 hours

Distance: 8 km

Difficulty: Easy to medium

 

 

Laguna Azul

This tour is a van excursion to Laguna Azul (translates as blue lake) where you will have half an hour to walk around and take in views of the Torres del Paine (towers). The views from this sector are from a perspective which you won’t see elsewhere in the park.

Laguna Azul is the site from which the 19th century traveller, Florence Dixie caught her first glimpse of the granite towers after which the park is named. She is considered the “first tourist” and described her experience in her 1880 book, Across Patagonia.

The tour will finish with a visit to the Cascada del Paine (waterfall) before returning to the hotel.

Duration: 4 hours

Distance: 1 km

Difficulty: Easy

 

 

Cerro Paine summit and horse ride.

This excursion will take your from the hotel on horseback, through a southern beech forest in the Ascencio Valley to the edge of the tree-line. Here you dismount to hike to the summit of Cerro Paine.

The rewards from the summit, 1,508 m, are some incredible vistas. In the west you will see the three spires of the Towers of Paine. Looking east the Paine River Valley and Laguna Azul and dominating the southern view, Lakes Nordenskjöld and Sarmiento.

Duration: 8 hours

Distance: 8 km horseback, 8 km trekking

Difficulty: Demanding. Only experienced horse riders.

 

 

 Ascencio Valley horse ride.

This horse ride will take you into the Ascencio Valley along little used trails which were originally used by the colonists and first baqueanos (horsemen). You will ride next to rock walls as well as have great views of the towers themselves. There will be flat sectors too where you will be able to ride at the pace you feel comfortable and gallop if you so wish.

Duration: 3 hours

Distance: 7 km

Difficulty: Easy

 

 

Baqueano Cultural Experience

The baqueanos are the Patagonian horsemen and women who work the many estancias of Patagonia. Many are descendants of those who came to the region over a century ago.

You will spend a few hours in their company learning about their traditions and culture. They will explain their traditional dress, the saddles and horse tack, They will show you how to saddle, shoe and ride a horse.

As a treat you will share with them a typical snack of sopaipillas and pebre (pumpkin bread and salsa) and the rituals that surround their traditional tea drink, mate.

Duration: 3 hours

Distance: n/a

Difficulty: Easy

 

 

Rock climbing – Puma Cave

Spend some hours rock climbing in the Torres del Paine National Park.

You will be given instruction so that you feel confident once on the rock. You will be provided with all the safety and logistical equipment and then set off on a 20 minute walk to the Puma Cave.

Here you will find a large rock face with different routes for beginner, experienced and expert climbers.

There is a maximum of 4 climbers per guide.

Duration: 3 hours

Distance: n/a

Difficulty: Easy to medium

 

 

 

NOT INCLUDED IN ALL INCLUSIVE PROGRAMME

These need to be booked and paid for at the hotel.

 

Full Paine – Grey Glacier

Set off by vehicle from the hotel in the morning crossing the park. On this drive you will have the opportunity to see some of the park’s major landmarks as well as take short hikes to viewpoints for a better view.

Stops include: the Nordenskjöld lookout with views of Lake Noredenskjöld and the Cuernos (horns) mountains; Sarmiento lookout with views of Sarmiento Lake and the Torres (towers) del Paine granite spires; Lake Pehoé and the classic view of the park with the Cuernos (horns); the Salto Grande waterfall.

After lunch you will have a choice of a short hike to the shores of Lake Grey to take in the views and ice floes floating around or board a boat and navigate to the Grey Glacier.

Duration: 3 hours sailing, 7-10 hours total

Distance: 4 km

Difficulty: Easy

 

 

Full Paine – Serrano and Balmaceda Galciers

Both Full Paine excursions have the same itinerary up to and including lunch. See description above.

After lunch you will set off on a boat down the Serrano River heading towards Mount Balmaceda. This will take you into the largest National Park in Chile, The Bernardo O’Higgins. On this excursion you will have views of the Tyndall and Balmaceda Glaciers as well as the opportunity to disembark for 90 minutes close to the Serrano Glacier. Here you will visit a perennial wood and have good photo opportunities for the Serrano Glacier.  

Duration: 4-5 hours sailing, 7-10 hours total

Distance: 4 km

Difficulty: Easy


Argentine Patagonia

Argentine Patagonia, the southern half of Argentina, is a remote, wind swept land of plains, mountains, lakes and glaciers.

The main airport is at El Calafate which is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park.

Nearby is the mighty Perito Moreno glacier where you have the opportunity to get up close to the ice on one of the many walkways or on a boat trip.

El Chalten, a  3 1/2 hour drive from Calafate, is the trail head for treks in to the base of Cerro Torre, Fitzroy or for the more intrepid, on to the South Patagonian ice-cap.

Ushuaia, on the Beagle channel, is the southern most city of Argentina. Ushuaia is fascinating for historical interest, is rich in wildlife and is departure port for many Antarctic cruises

Chilean Patagonia

Chilean Patagonia is a pristine wilderness of fjords, glaciers, plains, mountains and forests.

Southern Patagonia’s main attraction is the Torres del Paine National park. The granite spires attract many visitors to what some have called the 8th Wonder of the World. The park is a trekkers paradise with two classic treks, the Paine W and the Paine Circuit.

Northern Patagonia, the Aysen region,  is one of the least populated parts of the country and is blessed with spectacular countryside.

The main airport is Balmaceda near the city of Coyhaique and must see places include Lake General Carrera and the Marble Caves, The San Rafael Glacier,  the Quelat Hanging Glacier as well as driving the Austral Road.

The Futaleufu River is a must for white water enthusiasts.

The region also offers great horseback opportunities as well as kayaking ones. Nature enthusiasts can admire the impressive scenery, imposing glaciers and fascinating wildlife and flora.

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