OVERVIEW
In a world that is so full of incredible landscapes and spectacular wilderness, Southern Patagonia nevertheless manages to stand out. It is one of the last frontiers of the natural world; a still largely unexplored region that's home to a few hardy baqueanos (cowboys) and hundreds of miles of golden pampas, rugged mountain peaks, towering glaciers, floating icebergs and aquamarine lakes and fjords. In parts of Patagonia, one can drive for days without seeing another soul.
Our Patagonia multisport trip takes full advantage of this natural splendor. We will spend two days horseback riding in the magnificent Torres del Paine National park, making our way into the hills and forests of the Sierra Contreras, past the Cascada Zamora waterfall, pampas and lakes, and through the summer grazing grounds of large guanaco herds. We will then head off on a 4-day hike by winding our way towards one of the true icons of Patagonia, the spire-like rock formations of the 'Torres del Paine,' past lakes and spectacular glaciers. After another day of riding, we will board Zodiacs for an exciting ride down the Serrano River, then kayak through the Ultima Esperanze Fjord and paddle in between the floating icebergs. Patagonian asado (BBQ) will be served in a beautifully situated estancia, as we finish our magnificent journey in Puerto Natales.
Along with the incredible outdoors, during the course of the trip we will indulge in another highlight of Patagonia travel, the food and wine. We take full advantage of Chile's wonderful culinary traditions and offer the opportunity to sample some of the countries most famous dishes accompanied by some great Chilean wines.
INSTRUCTION
In addition to showing you the very best of Patagonia's spectacular landscapes, our Patagonia multisport trip will also help you to develop valuable riding, kayaking, hiking and wilderness skills. Whether you're new to kayaking or hiking or you're a seasoned outdoors person, our highly skilled and experienced guide will teach you all you need to know to make the most of riding, kayaking, hiking and camping in the wilderness.
Beginners Information
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Intermediates Information
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Advanced Information
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: Arrive & RelaxFly into Santiago de Chile, then catch shuttle flight to Punta Arenas. First introduction to Chilean cuisine.
DAY 2: Horseback riding in the Sierra Contreras Mountain RangeMorning drive towards the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park. Adventure of horseback riding into the hills and forests of the Sierra Contreras. Chilean wine & cuisine in cozy cabin. Hours in the saddle: 5-7
DAY 3: Riding in Torres del Paine National ParkPassing through the large guanaco herds, our riding trail takes us into the Launa Amarga area of the Park. Camping. Hours in the saddle: 4-5
DAY 4: Hiking to the base of the Towers We will start our challenging hike as we climb up to the base of the Towers. Descend to our camping spot in the valley. Hiking: 5.9 miles/9.5km (3-5 hours)
DAY 5: Hike around the shores of Lake NordenskjoldStart our hike around the shores of Lake Nordenskjold. Staying at the Refugio beside the turquoise waters of the lake. Hiking: 6.8 miles/11 kms (4-5 hours)
DAY 6: Hike towards the French ValleyAfter breakfast in the convivial refugio we will continue our hike along the shores of Lake Nordenskjold towards the French Valley. We will set up camp here on the shores of these pretty waters.
Hiking: Italiano 3.4 miles/5.5 kms (2-5 hours), Britanico 3.4 miles/5.5kms (2-5 hours), Paine Grande 4.7 miles/7.6 km depending on how far the group hikes into the French Valley.
DAY 7: Hiking Grey GlacierHike up to the spectacular and immense Grey Glacier. Destination is refugio Grey and the mirador (lookout) where we can enjoy lunch on the shores of the iceberg choked lake. Camping.
DAY 8: Riding to the Serrano RiverHorseback riding across wide open pampas to the Serrano River. Go through trails around Pehoe Lake before opening out onto flat pampas. Camping.
Hours on saddle: 4-5 hours
DAY 9: Board zodiacs down the Serrano RiverBoard Zodiacs for our exciting ride down the Serrano River. Go through the Bernardo O‟Higgins National Park (the largest in the country) past Tyndall and Geike Glaciers finishing at the mouth of the river where it spills into Last Hope Sound. Prepare for our journey to the Balmaceda Glacier through the Ultima Esperanza Fjord, with its waterfalls and cliffs (3 hrs approx). Camping.
Hours in zodiac: 2-3 hours (depending on weather)
DAY 10: Kayaking in between the floating icebergsKayak in the lagoon and paddle in between the floating icebergs. Return to Puerto Natales. Stop at the cute and beautifully situated “Estancia Perales” where a Patagonian asado (BBQ) will be served. Arrive and stay at the hotel.
DAY 11: Visiting the Otway Sound Penguin ColonyVisit the Otway Sound Penguin Colony to see the fascinating burrowing Magellanic penguins. Continue on to Punta Arenas airport for onward flight.
Transfer time: 4.5 hours with the penguins
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Duration11 Days
Dates| Nov - Mar |  |
Prices from| USD 3650 | |
Skill levelBeg - Adv
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For anyone who has dreamed of exploring the unique beauty of Southern Patagonia, who enjoys horseback riding, hiking and camping, who likes sea kayaking or would like to learn sea kayaking, and who enjoys good food and wine, this is the trip for you! This trip includes some fairly strenuous hikes, so you should be reasonably fit, but packhorses will carry our luggage so you need only carry a small day pack. The trip also involves multiple nights of camping so you should enjoy sleeping in the nature.
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| * | See some of Patagonia's most remote, spectacular & renown scenery | | * | Hike the famous Towers Hike, a breathtaking journey | | * | Sea Kayak beneath a 90 ft glacier and paddle among floating icebergs | | * | Enjoy delicious & authentic Chilean meals accompanied by some of Chile's best wines |
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TerrainVarious
Instructor to Guest Ratio1:6
Max Group Size15
Accommodation3 nights in estancias and hotels, 1 night in refugio lodges & 6 nights camping
FoodAll meals included (except for drinks)
Travel InfoImportant flight, insurance and equipment information
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Mayta (USA): It was such a surprise. I did not know what to expect. Our trip leader took us on an unbelievable adventure. It was fun, full or surprises and I got to discover a new country, different culture and surf sweet waves.
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