ITINERARY
TORRES DEL PAINE – BALMACEDA AND SERRANO ACTIVE PROGRAM
GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION
Not included:
- Meals not specified
- Other expenses not mentioned
- Other services not specified
- Personal insurance or travel insurance
- Technical clothing or appropriate attire for the activity, unless otherwise indicated in each excursion
What to bring:
- Personal water (mandatory)
- Camera or mobile phone with a fully charged battery
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for the service, according to the destination and weather conditions
Day 1
➜ Flight and transfer
Flight: Santiago – Puerto Natales:
Shared transfer: Puerto Natales Airport – Accommodation in Puerto Natales
Check-in – accommodation: From 15:00 hrs
Day 2
➜ Base Torres del Paine Trekking
The Base Torres del Paine Trekking allows you to experience one of the most iconic hikes in Chilean Patagonia, covering part of Torres del Paine National Park, located in the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Region, in the south of Chile. This activity is designed for those seeking a demanding hiking experience in one of the most recognized mountain landscapes in South America.
The excursion begins with departure from your accommodation in Puerto Natales, heading to Torres del Paine National Park via Route 9. After approximately 1 and a half hours of travel, you arrive at the Laguna Amarga Entrance Gate, where registration at CONAF takes place, and then continue to the Las Torres Reserve Welcome Center, the starting point of the trek. Before beginning the hike, the guides provide a prior safety briefing.
During the trek, the route advances through the Ascencio Valley, crossing an old bridge over the Ascencio River and ascending to El Chileno Refuge, where a rest stop is usually made. Then, the trail continues through a lenga forest, crossing streams that descend from Mount Almirante Nieto, until reaching the tree line and beginning the final ascent alongside the glacial moraine. After this last stretch, you reach the Base Torres Viewpoint, located in front of Laguna Torres, from where there are direct views of the South, Central and North towers, also known as De Agostini, Central and Monzino, together with nearby peaks such as Peineta and Nido de Cóndores. At this point, there is time to rest, enjoy the included box lunch, and then return along the same trail to the vehicle that takes you back to the accommodation in Puerto Natales.
Places to visit: Laguna Amarga Entrance Gate, Las Torres Reserve Welcome Center, Estancia Torres del Paine, Ascencio River, El Chileno Refuge, Lenga Forest, Mount Almirante Nieto, Glacial Moraine, Base Torres Viewpoint, Laguna Torres, view of the South, Central and North towers, Peineta Peak and Nido de Cóndores
Departure time: (Departure from the accommodation)
- Between 06:15 and 06:45 hrs approx
Return time: (Return to the accommodation)
- From 21:30 hrs approx
- The return time may vary depending on weather conditions or other operational circumstances
Trekking starting point: Las Torres Reserve Welcome Center
- Transfer time between the accommodation and the trekking starting point: 1 h 30 min approx each way to the park access sector, plus the internal transfer to the starting point
Approximate trekking distance:
- 22 km round trip approx
Includes:
- Shared round-trip transportation from and back to the accommodation in Puerto Natales (JAC vehicle)
- Certified bilingual guide
- Box lunch
- Safety briefing, trekking poles, gaiters and crampons during the winter season
- Entrance to Torres del Paine National Park (national passenger)
- The Torres del Paine National Park entrance ticket may be used for 3 consecutive days
Important information:
- Activity difficulty: Medium / High
- Does not include personal or medical expenses
- Total activity duration: approx. 15 hours
- Approximate walking duration: approx. 8 hours
- Does not include personal accident insurance
- Beverages and snacks are not included. We recommend bringing your own
- Demanding physical activity, recommended for people in good general physical condition
- Reaching the viewpoint will depend on the weather conditions and the physical condition of the group
- Does not operate: December 25, January 1
- Operation:
- May 1 to August 31: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
- September 1 to April 30: every day
Passenger responsibility and safety:
- It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure that their health condition is compatible with the activities to be carried out
- If the majority of the group decides not to continue, whether due to weather conditions or health condition, the guide will evaluate the situation and make the most appropriate decision according to their judgment and experience. Passenger safety will always be the priority at all times
- No responsibility is accepted for the health condition of passengers or for disorders or accidents arising from it
- If the passenger has to leave the excursion for medical reasons, they must assume the financial costs of their rescue
- Minors between 14 and 18 years old must be accompanied and under the direct responsibility of their parents or adult guardians
- Services are not considered for minors under 14 years old
- In exceptional cases, participation of minors under 14 years old may be allowed, provided they have previous mountain hiking experience that can be verified by their parents or legal guardians
- If the activity cannot be carried out and the cancellation is informed at least one day in advance, the possibility of rescheduling during the trip or the corresponding refund will be evaluated, according to operational conditions
- If the cancellation occurs once the transfer has started or while en route due to force majeure, the service will be considered as provided by the supplier
Day 3
➜ Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Navigation
The Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Navigation allows you to discover one of the most traditional routes in Chilean Patagonia, sailing through the Fiordo de Última Esperanza (Última Esperanza Fjord) from the surroundings of Puerto Natales, in the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Region, in the south of Chile. This experience combines scenic navigation, glaciers, native forest and typical local gastronomy.
The excursion begins with presentation at the shipping company’s office, from where the transfer is made to Puerto Bories, the starting point of the navigation. Once on board, the journey through the Fiordo de Última Esperanza (Última Esperanza Fjord) begins, crossing landscapes characterized by mountains, waterfalls, ranches, flora and Patagonian birdlife, in one of the most representative natural settings of southern Chile.
During the navigation, there is a view of Balmaceda Glacier and later a landing to visit Serrano Glacier, where a walk is made through a lush forest of coihues and ñirres to the vicinity of the glacier. After the visit, the navigation continues toward Perales Tourist Ranch, enjoying an appetizer on board with whisky and glacier ice. Afterwards, lunch is served at the ranch, consisting of a Magellanic lamb barbecue, with a chicken alternative, vegetarian options and more. Once lunch is finished, the return through the same fjord to Puerto Natales begins.
Places to visit: Puerto Bories, Fiordo de Última Esperanza (Última Esperanza Fjord), Balmaceda Glacier, Serrano Glacier and Perales Tourist Ranch
Departure time: (Departure from the office)
- April 01 to August 31: Between 06:45 and 07:00 hrs
- September 01 to March 31: Between 07:45 and 08:00 hrs
- You must arrive at the shipping company’s office at the indicated time. Upon arrival, state your first and last name, where a voucher will be provided to board the bus to the pier. During the navigation, this ticket will be requested again, and afterwards it may be kept
Return time: (Return to the office)
- April 01 to August 31: From 17:00 hrs approx
- September 01 to March 31: From 18:00 hrs approx
- The return time may vary depending on weather conditions or other operational circumstances
Tour starting point: Shipping company’s office
- Transfer time between the presentation point and the navigation starting point: approx. 30 min between the office and Puerto Bories
Includes:
- Shared round-trip transportation from and back to the office in Puerto Natales (Sprinter or bus depending on the number of passengers)
- Navigation through the Fiordo de Última Esperanza (Última Esperanza Fjord)
- View of Balmaceda Glacier
- Visit to Serrano Glacier
- Coffee, tea and juice on board
- Appetizer with whisky and glacier ice
- Safety briefing
- Certified bilingual guide
- Entrance to Bernardo O’Higgins National Park
- Navigation insurance
- Lunch at Perales Tourist Ranch
- Lunch includes: Magellanic lamb barbecue, with chicken alternative, vegetarian options and more
Important information:
- Total navigation duration: approx. 5 hours
- Total activity duration: approx. 10 hours
- The use of strollers or transport carts for children is not recommended. The use of baby carriers is recommended
- Does not operate: December 25, January 1, Good Friday. The office also remains closed
- Operation:
- September 01 to March 31: every day
- April 01 to October 15: Sundays only
- If the activity cannot be carried out and the cancellation is informed at least one day in advance, the possibility of rescheduling during the trip or the corresponding refund will be evaluated, according to operational conditions
- If the cancellation occurs once the transfer has started or while en route due to force majeure, the service will be considered as provided by the supplier
Day 4
➜ Transfer and return flight
Check-out – accommodation: 11:00 hrs
Shared transfer: Accommodation in Puerto Natales – Puerto Natales Airport
Flight: Puerto Natales – Santiago
End of our services.
