Torres del Paine Kayaking
Destination
Latin America
Duration
4 days
This is the perfect way to cap off your Torres del Paine Trek or Patagonia Wildlife Safari: paddling down the Serrano River in a sea kayak. The Torres del Paine kayaking extension is an active adventure in extraordinarily beautiful surroundings.
NOTES:
THE ECOCAMP is a type of luxury camp similar in concept to the famous African lodges. It is an environmentally friendly camp, especially important in a National Park with the characteristics of Torres del Paine. It was designed with comfort in mind, yet stresses the importance of interfering as little as possible with the natural surroundings. Sleeping occurs in big comfortable 2-meter-high domed tents that have wooden floors and are resistant to the strongest winds, rain, and even Patagonian snow. They are each equipped with 2 or 3 single beds, sheets, blankets, and down comforters. The EcoCamp has a large dome tent equipped with a living area, a dining room, and a fully equipped kitchen run by a chef. The EcoCamp also includes a bathroom module/cabin with composting toilets, showers, and solar-heated hot water.
REFUGIOS at LOS CUERNOS and PEHOE are typical mountain huts and are open to visitors of Torres del Paine. The Refugios have shared rooms for 4 to 6 people. The beds are single and bunk-style, and you will be provided with a sleeping bag and a polar fleece liner (although you may want to bring your own sleeping bag liner for comfort). The bathrooms are also shared, and they have hot water. The Refugios are heated and have a very comfortable dining area.
Itinerary
Day 1 Torres del Paine/Kayaking
Transfer this morning from the EcoCamp to Camp Serrano where the Serrano River leaves the Torres del Paine National Park and drains the intricate Torres del Paine glacial hydrological network into the Pacific Ocean. The kayaks and equipment will be prepared and distributed with safety and paddling instructions. Your guides will help to recommend the appropriate equipment you’ll need to take during the trip, so that the rest of your luggage will be taken directly to Puerto Natales by a private transfer (to store in their local office). During the kayaking excursion, you will stop at several places to enjoy the landscape and have occasional snacks. Down the river you pass through beautiful Lenga forest-covered mountains as you leave the Paine Massif behind. Then take the Tyndall River to arrive at the lake of the same name. At the end of the day, you will enjoy a delicious dinner before you settle into your tent for your overnight stay. (Approximately 5 to 6 hours of kayaking).
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 Kayaking
After a big breakfast continue your trip at approximately 9:00 am this morning. Today you will navigate on the Tyndall Lake to get the best panoramic views of the Glacier Tyndall, a major arm of the enormous Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Throughout the trip you will also see typical cold forest vegetation and the wildlife of Magellanes. Afterward you continue through the Serrano River until you arrive at Puerto Toro. Here enjoy an exquisite and nutritious dinner and camp overnight in a tent. (Approximately 5 to 6 hours of kayaking).
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Kayaking/Puerto Natales
After breakfast, start the day by visiting the surroundings of this wonderful place. Then take your kayak and sail among the floating ice of the Serrano Lagoon. Take the opportunity to walk to the foot of the Serrano Glacier, a major cascading glacier along the immense Monte Balmaceda Massif. This afternoon transfer to Puerto Natales. Stay overnight in Puerto Natales at the Hotel Charles Darwin (or similar).
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 Puerto Natales/Punta Arenas/Santiago
Early this morning board the private vehicle to Punta Arenas. Arrive at the airport in time to catch the evening flight back to Santiago.
Meals
Breakfast
What to Expect
Duration 4 days
Sunday departures from October to March
Activity Level
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.