Patagonia Lodge to Lodge Hiker
Iconic and off-the-beaten path hikes through Torres del Paine National Park with comfortable evenings in charming bed and breakfasts and traditional estancias.
From: $4,900 | 6 DAYS | CHILE
Patagonia Lodge to Lodge Hiker Trip Highlights
- Hike the ‘Up and Over’ route, a little-known and stunning trail
- Enjoy world-class trout fishing
- See guanacos, rheas, condors and other wildlife
- Visit the cute burrowing Magellenic Penguins at their colony in Otway Sound
- Enjoy a fireside pisco sour at the lovely converted Estancia Lazo and stay in charming accommodations throughout – no camping!
- Make the classic Torres hike to the base of these granite monoliths
- Boat to the face of the Grey Glacier for up-close views of the massive ice walls
Itinerary Overview
The rugged natural beauty of the Patagonian landscape goes beyond words and expectations. Granite towers thrust some 6,000 feet from the expansive plains dotted with glacially formed turquoise lakes. Southern beech forests spread over the plains and enormous glaciers continue carving the landscape. This pristine beauty comes to its height in Chile’s Torres (Towers) Del Paine National Park, which contains vast networks of trails to access thousands of acres of wilderness and wildlife. Some say it is like Yosemite and the Grand Tetons rolled into one.
This trip combines active days of hiking throughout the park with relaxing evenings in classic accommodations, affording comfort and relaxation as well as authentic access to Patagonian life and culture. You’ll make the classic hike to the base of the Towers as well as discovering little-known trails taking you through the heart of the park. You’ll also take a boat to the face of the massive Grey Glacier. Enjoy evenings with fireside pisco sours as well as local Chilean wines and delicious cuisine at both a traditional estancia (Patagonian ranch) and a cozy riverside inn.
This trip is ideal for those looking to spend their days with active days including a few hours of moderate hiking, (no backpacking required – you’ll hike with only a light daypack) while spending their nights in a comfortable bed and accommodations that mix elegance and intimacy in breathtaking settings.
DAY 1 • Punta Arenas – Lago Toro, Torres Del Paine
Visit Otway Sound penguin colony before arriving to your comfortable estancia (ranch house) with magnificent park and lake views.
DAY 2 • Laguna Verde, Sierra Del Toro
Hike along the Laguna Verde and through beech forests towards the Sierra Del Toro for vast vistas of the snow-capped granite mountains and iceberg-dotted lakes. Continue to your charming lodge along the banks of Rio Serrano where you can flyfish, spot wildlife and enjoy delicious locally-grown cuisine.
DAY 3 • Grey Glacier
Hike along Grey Lake and take a boat ride amongst the icebergs to the face of the massive Grey Glacier.
DAY 4 • French Valley
Discover the little-known ‘up and over’ hike. Watch for Andean condors and wild guanacos as you enjoy verdant green valleys, azure lakes, cascading waterfalls and wide-open plains. End the day at your accommodations in another authentic estancia with spectacular park views.
DAY 5 • Ascencio Valley – Towers of Paine
Hike amongst mountains, rivers, and valleys before clambering up glacial moraine, and arriving to the stunning base of the Towers Mountains. Enjoy lunch in the shadow of these famous granite peaks while watching icebergs drift across the turquoise lake. Finish the day with a pisco sour back at the estancia.
DAY 6 • Punta Arenas
Depart from Punta Arenas.
Is It For Me?
A great trip for those looking to combine moderate hiking with charming accommodations as well as local culture and delicious cuisine.
Knowmad has vast knowledge and operations in Chile; this is a private trip and we are happy to modify excursions, accommodations, and the flow of the itinerary to perfectly suit your travel style and interests.
Have questions? Talk to an expert: 612-315-2894
Important Info
COSTS
Listed prices are approximations. All Knowmad trips are custom and exact pricing is provided in your trip proposal.
TYPE Flexible Date Private Departures & Fixed Date Group Departures
MODERATE TRIP Activities include hiking, boating, wildlife viewing & cultural opportunities.
LENGTH 6 days BEGIN / END Punta Arenas, Chile
Air Travel
International Airfare is not included in the land cost of our trips. You may arrange your international airfare independently, or we are happy to offer our feedback and assistance in helping you book it.
regional If booked by Knowmad Adventures, internal airfare for this trip (Santiago/Punta Arenas & Punta Arenas/Santiago) averages $300, however this is an approximation and the airfare is subject to change upon booking. If you would like to arrange your own regional flights, please consult us prior so we can verify the departure and arrival times.
What's Next?
Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Signing up is easy. Call us at 612-315-2894 or email [email protected] and reserve your spot. Or simply download our registration form, fill it out, and send it back to us along with your trip deposit. Please refer to registration form for terms & conditions.
Weather & When to Go to Chile
The best time to visit Patagonia is during the dry summer season which is November through March. It can rain any time of year and can also get windy. Daytime temperatures during this season are typically in the 50s and 60s F (10-16 C) although it is often sunny and feels more like the 70s F during the daytime.
Prior to your departure, you are provided a detailed pre-trip information packet including a recommended pack list, information about the regions you’ll be visiting, suggested readings, up-to-date health information including any recommended vaccinations and more.
Accommodations
Our trips feature comfortable accommodations that complement their surroundings. We seek out intimacy and character, but never sacrifice cleanliness and security. We also find the best value for quality. In general, our physically moderate to vigorous trips feature hotels classified as 3+ to 4 stars, while less physically demanding trips feature 4+ to 5 star hotels.
As South American travel specialists, we’re experts and have inspected hundreds of properties. Knowmad is happy to suggest upgrades and alternative hotels based on your preferences to ensure your trip is perfect for you. Photos below are from this itinerary’s preferred accommodations. For more specifics, call or write to request more info, or download the detailed trip itinerary.
Accommodations featured in this itinerary are the following:
- Mirador Del Paine located in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
- Hotel Rio Serrano located in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
- Estancia Tercera located in Patagonia, Chile
DAY 1 Punta Arenas – Lago Toro, Torres Del Paine
After being picked up from your hotel in Punta Arenas, you’ll make the short drive to the Magellanic penguin colony where you’ll get up close and personal with these playful animals. You’ll continue across the Patagonian steppe towards the park on a spectacular drive alongside the turquoise waters of Sarmiento Lake and arrive to the beautifully situated Hosteria Mirador del Payne. This comfortable converted estancia has one of Torres Del Paine National Park’s most beautiful settings, situated beside the Laguna Verde with inspirational mountain views. Take an evening stroll spotting wild Patagonian geese and ducks before enjoying a delicious dinner of fresh, locally grown ingredients.
DAY 2 Laguna Verde, Sierra Del Toro
After a hearty breakfast you’ll hike along the shores of Laguna Verde through old-growth southern beech forests and grassy valleys towards the Sierra del Toro. After a few hours in the flat terrain you’ll reach the Mirador del Toro lookout and have far-reaching views to snow-capped granite peaks and iceberg-choked glacial lakes. Descend to the pampas below for lunch in the valley before visiting the park headquarters to learn of its history and geography. Continue on a short ways to Hotel Rio Serrano where you can try your hand at fishing and unwind beside the fireplace.
- B,L,D – Hotel Rio Serrano
DAY 3 Grey Glacier
After breakfast you’ll be driven over the vast pampas before a light hike to Lago Grey, admiring turquoise icebergs and the massive Grey Glacier. Setting off on the new Grey 2 boat you’ll traverse the lake to the face of the glacier to admire this incredible natural wonder. Those with energy can join their guide for a hike to a viewpoint that brings the entire western side of the park into view, or choose to head back by van and take in the view from the comfort of Hotel Rio Serrano.
- B,L,D – Hotel Rio Serrano
DAY 4 French Valley
Today we make the awesome ‘up and over hike’ across the heart of the park. This little-known moderate hike affords spectacular views of the peaks of Paine and meanders through verdant green valleys and forests and runs alongside turquoise lakes dotted with eerie windswept trees. Keep your eyes peeled for enormous condors hovering above the mountain peaks and guanacos scattering across the grasslands. Taking lunch
in the valley, this incredible route brings us along the French Valley and Paine Massif peaks. After a full day’s hike you’ll transfer to Estancia Tercera. This authentic and comfortable estancia has one of the most privileged locations in all of Patagonia and will be your home for the next two nights.
DAY 5 Ascencio Valley – Towers of Paine
After an early breakfast you’ll begin the climb to the base of the famed Towers that the park gets its name from. This challenging hike will take you across mountain trails, rivers, valleys, and a final clamber up to the top. Enjoy a delicious picnic with one of the world’s most spectacular mountain vistas towards the enormous granite peaks standing tall above an iceberg-dotted glacial lake. Toast your feat with a pisco sour after descending and returning to Estancia Tercera.
DAY 6 Punta Arenas
After another delicious breakfast you’ll depart from the park with a brief stop in the town of Puerto Natales before heading to Punta Arenas for your flight.
Extend Your Adventure
Wine Country
Bike from vineyard to vineyard on gentle country roads, tour the cellars, taste fine wines, eat gourmet cuisine and stay in charming boutique hotels. With premier wine growing valleys just an hour from Santiago, a few days in wine country is an ideal extension to your adventure and a good example of the diversity of landscapes and lifestyles within Chile.
Atacama Desert
Looking for unique? Earth’s closest thing to Mars, Atacama will not disappoint. Your trip to this surreal landscape offers countless cultural and adventure excursions to choose from during the day, while spending nights in a true oasis, the Tierra Atacama boutique hotel and spa. Return for a dip in the pool and enjoy a local cabernet with gourmet cuisine. Don’t forget to take advantage of the world’s best moonscape and stargazing.
Easter Island
A tropical paradise with history, culture and mystery at every beautiful turn, a visit to Easter Island – the world’s most isolated speck of land – will captivate any traveler. Meander through the picturesque countryside dotted with volcanoes, and learn about the mysterious Moai statues erected by the original Polynesian tribes who inhabited the island. Still today little is known about the statues or their creators. While circumnavigating the island on visits to the diverse Moai sites, you’ll have opportunities to relax on deserted, white-sand beaches, explore volcanic caves with petroglyphs and walk the rim of a seaside volcano.
Let The Journey Begin
Planning a trip to South America might seem a little overwhelming at first. Knowmad offers door-to-door trip planning: first, we listen, and then we help you navigate the seasonal differences and itinerary options, resulting in a holistic, seamless, and custom-crafted experience, all at a guaranteed best value.
The simplest way to get started is to give us a call at 612-315-2894or to fill out this short form so we can learn more about your travel preferences.
