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Patagonia - Lodges Tour, a lodge-based exploration of Torres del Paine National Park
Duration: 7 days
4+ Travelers: $2,705 per person
3 Travelers: $2,805 per person
2 Travelers: $2,870 per person
Our comfortable Patagonia lodge-based exploration of Torres del Paine takes in the park highlights as well as going beyond traditional Patagonia tours to venture off the beaten path. This Patagonia tour includes the memorable and dramatic Towers of Paine, the beautiful and rarely visited 'Up and Over' through the heart of the park, and the largest glacier in the park, Grey glacier. Enjoy your Patagonia tour and overnight in beautiful lodges, spending one night at the lovely converted country house El Pionero, two nights on the Serrano River and two nights at the authentic Tercera Barranca estancia. All are situated in scenic remote locations with great Patagonia views and plenty of opportunities for short morning and evening walks. The Serrano River Lodge is situated beside the emerald green waters of the Serrano River, offering world-class trout fishing a few steps from your door. Estancias also offer some of the best sunrise views in Patagonia.
Private departures for this lodge-based Patagonia tour can also be arranged. Please contact us to discuss the particulars.
Patagonia - Lodges Tour Itinerary
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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
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Hike the Up and Over, a rarely visited beautiful trail
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Enjoy world-class trout fishing
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See guanacos, rheas, condors and other wildlife
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Observe the burrowing Magellanic penguins at their colony in Otway Sound
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Enjoy a fireside Pisco sour at the picturesque Estancia Lazo
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Sleep in an authentic estancia and enjoy fabulous views of the Towers from your window
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Hike the classic Towers hike to the base of these granite monoliths
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Experience a close up view of Grey glacier when you take a boat trip up to this huge wall of ice
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Stay in beautiful lodges and converted estancias, situated in the open countryside with stunning views and fantastic walking. This Patagonia tour itinerary is designed to accommodate individual group wishes. While some may choose to linger, photographing the sights, others may seek to challenge themselves on a hike. Horseback and additional boat rides may be arranged.
Exact schedule may vary due to weather conditions and group skill levels. Lodge location may vary due to room availability.
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Day 1 (Sat) ARRIVE PUNTA ARENAS (Via Santiago, Chile)
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Your Patagonia tour adventure kicks off with arrival at Punta Arenas airport where you will transfer on your own to your hotel.
Begin Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Day 2 (Sun) PUNTA ARENAS - CERRO CASTILLO
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On the first day of your tour of Patagonia, you'll have a morning pick-up at the hotel to drive to Otway Sound, home of a fascinating Magellanic penguin colony. After a brief stop in Puerto Natales, the capital of the Ultimo Esperanza region of southern Chile, drive to Cerro Castillo and the charming Hosteria El Pionero. El Pionero offers comfortable accommodations, including an excellent restaurant that serves superb regional and international cuisine. Learn about Patagonia tours alongside a Pisco sour at the fireside bar, as our guide describes the coming adventure. (D)
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Day 3 (Mon) PARK VISITOR CENTER - SERRANO RIVER
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Today, you begin authentic Patagonia trekking, entering Chile's premier Torres del Paine National Park. Starting at the sparkling Laguna Verde, this Patagonia tour route travels along the quiet shores of Lake Sarmiento with a view of the Horns of Paine, trekking through ancient southern beech forests towards the Sierra del Toro. The top of the valley offers a picturesque stopping place to photograph the surroundings before descending into Sierra del Toro. Enjoy a packed lunch in the heart of this scenic valley before heading to the park's visitor center to learn more about its fascinating history and geography. From here, take a short drive to the your Lodge. This cozy lodge is situated near the peaceful Serrano River with a magnificent view of the Paine massif across the river. While at the lodge, enjoy fishing, walking or horseback riding. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
7.5mi; 100 ft elevation gain.
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Day 4 (Tue) GREY LAKE AND GLACIER
View Rio Serrano accommodations picture gallery
After breakfast, youll travel across the pampas for the short walk to ancient Grey Lake, where across the quiet waters looms Grey glacier, the park's largest. These graceful ice boulders provide many picturesque moments on Patagonia tours. After exploring the shoreline, take a boat out to the foot of the glacier, with Paine Grande and the surrounding mountains providing a sublime setting. Upon return if time permits, you may take a guided hike to get a spectacular view of the entire western side of the park. Return to the lodge to fish, walk the trails, or take a horseback ride across the beautiful terrain. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
6.2 mi/500 ft elevation gain.
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Day 5 (Wed) HIKE NEAR THE FRENCH VALLEY
View La Tercera accommodations picture gallery
Rising early to pack a lunch, you'll prepare for the 'Up and Over' route across the heart of the park. This beautiful walk through verdant valleys and southern beech forests passes turquoise lakes and hillsides of windswept trees in an isolated part of the park that sees few hikers. With luck, you'll catch the magnificent sight of a condor hovering high above. On the plains, herds of guanaco are often seen. The scenery of today's portion of your Patagonia tour is dominated by the French valley, Paine Horns and eventually the Towers after which the park is named. As the trail is so long, a van will take you the final forty-five minutes of the trip to the beautifully situated and comfortable lodge where you will stay for the next two days.. Situated near the eastern perimeter of the park, these country-styled accommodations offer excellent views in the park. These are country-style accommodations in a pretty guest house with all the comforts of home. This gracious respite is the perfect complement to a fun day trekking Patagonia. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
10.6 mi; 1,000 ft elevation gain.
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Day 6 (Thu) ASCENCIO VALLEY - TOWERS OF PAINE
View La Tercera accommodations picture gallery
After breakfast and a short drive, begin the most challenging hike yet on your tour of Patagonia, all the way to the Torres del Paine. An epic experience of many Patagonia tours, tackling the steep climb across mountain trails, winding rivers, deep valleys and glacial moraine will afford you spectacular views. Once these steep slopes have been conquered, have lunch under the enormous granite Towers, while watching icebergs drift slowly across glacial pools. Truly an amazing experience, time at the Towers will be remembered as a highlight of this exciting adventure. Return to the estancia (45 min), where a hot bath, roaring fire and a delicious Chilean meal await. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
10.8 mi; 2,680 ft elevation gain.
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Day 7 (Fri) LOS TORRES PARK - PUNTA ARENAS
After a home-made breakfast travel to the airport in Punta Arenas for the flight to Santiago, marking the end of Southern Explorations services and your tour of Patagonia. If time permits, there will be a brief stop in Puerto Natales for a last minute opportunity to buy souvenirs. Trip extensions or extra nights in Santiago may also be arranged. (B)
Begin Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
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More information about Traveling in Patagonia
Itinerary Map
CONTACT US
CALL
1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111
2008 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
October
04-10
6 Spaces Left!
November
22-28
December
12/27-01/02
2009 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
January
10-16
February
14-20
March
14-20
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
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Included in tour cost
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- Professional, English-speaking local guides
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- Meals as indicated
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- Plentiful, nutritious meals and snacks while hiking and at hotels/Refugios (Vegetarian option available)
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- All hotel accommodations (twin shared basis including continental breakfast)
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- All transfers in private van
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- Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks, archaeological sites and boats
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- Southern Explorations pre departure services
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Excluded in tour cost
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- International round-trip airfare USA / Santiago / USA
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- $275 Airfare (Santiago / Punta Arenas / Santiago), subject to change
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- Lunches and dinners in the cities (unless otherwise noted)
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- Hiking boots and other personal gear
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- Personal expenses (tips and gratuities, alcoholic beverages, medical or travel insurance, laundry, airport taxes, etc.).
PHYSICAL RATING
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Moderate
CHILE ACCOMMODATION
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Patagonia Lodges:
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2 nights hotel
2 night lodge
3 nights estancia
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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Additional $460
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- Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.
Prices based on 3% cash discount