Patagonia Lodge Based
Puerto Natales, Chile
4.8 (5 reviews)Trip Highlights
- World Class Hikes
- Cozy Lodging
- Glacial Lake Kayaking
- Glaciers, Spires, Wildlife & More
- Unique Wildlife
- Scenic Boat Shuttles
- Fantastic Chilean Cuisine
Description
Come join us for a lodge-based, multi-sport exploration of Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia! Six days and five nights in duration, this trip is a fantastic choice as a stand-alone trip or for guests looking to add some adventure to a longer South American visit. Featuring amazing hikes, scenic boat shuttles, a half day of kayaking, and wonderful lodging that puts us right in the action, we provide an all-around experience of Torres del Paine in a relatively short amount of time. Highlights of this tour include glaciers, glacial-fed rivers, turquoise lakes, towering granite spires, unique wildlife, amazing views, and invigorating hikes!
Please Note: some guests are not excited about the basic, communal accommodations in the Torres del Paine refugios (on the W Trek and Circuit Trek), which are co-ed and have 6-8 people per room. This lodge-based tour features more private accommodations (still 2-4 people per room, but shared solely among our group) in a wonderful, cozy lodge and each room has its own bathroom and shower. Also, guests hike with much lighter day packs, as we aren’t required to carry a week’s worth of clothing and personal items between the refugios. This tour still covers almost all the same hiking as the W Trek, making it a fantastic alternative.
$160 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
On this trip the single supplement includes single rooms in the hotels we stay at in Puerto Natales (2 nights). At the KUA River Lodge we will not have the ability to put guests in single rooms. However, couples and groups of 3 or 4 are normally able to request private rooms, and you can double-check this before registering. If traveling solo, please be prepared to share accommodations with other guests. Each room accommodates 2-4 guests and has an individual bathroom and shower for the occupants of that room.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 5-10 lb backpack for 8-10 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Patagonia hike a solitude 2. You can expect to have as much as an hour of solitude at a time while hiking.
BOOKING FLIGHTS
For our Patagonia treks we recommend flying directly into Puerto Natales, Chile on the day the trip begins. LATAM Airlines and Sky Airline offer direct flights from Santiago to Puerto Natales. However, you can also fly into Punta Arenas and we will pick you up and shuttle you to Puerto Natales (3 hours).
If flying into Punta Arenas, guests should arrive in the morning no later than 12PM, and we will shuttle 3 hours to Puerto Natales. If flying into Puerto Natales, guests should arriver before 3PM. Your guide will rendezvous with you at either airport and transport you to our hotel. An orientation meeting, dinner and accommodations are included on Day 1.
Flights to and from Chile are the guest’s responsibility. Multiple airlines operate flights into Punta Arenas (and LATAM Airlines flies into Puerto Natales), but there are no direct flights from U.S. or European cities. Most flights connect through Lima, Santiago, and/or Puerto Montt, Chile. The duration of these multiple-stop flights, including layovers, is normally between 20 and 28 hours.
Your flight on the final day should depart no earlier than 3PM if you’re flying from Punta Arenas. If you’re flying from Puerto Natales your flight can leave at any time.
Please Note: When you enter Chile, you will be issued a document called a PDI (tourism card). Please do NOT throw this away. You will need it to exit the country and nearly every lodge we stay in also asks for a copy.
Minimum of 4 Guests
We require a minimum of 4 guests to confirm this trip. If a trip date is not confirmed yet, you can register and will be notified when the trip is officially confirmed. We recommend not making final travel arrangements until your trip meets the minimum number of guests and is confirmed.
In most cases, if a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, or be refunded your payments in full. We make the final determination for these trips 45 days before the departure date.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 4-5 People: Rate x 1.5
- 6-10 People: Rate x 1.15
- 11-12 People: Rate x 1
*all rates are per person and single supplements apply
Private 10+ Guest Patagonia Trips
On all Patagonia trips for private or custom groups of more than 10 guests, a non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total trip cost is needed to secure the group’s reservations.
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private TripsTRIP ITINERARY
DAY 1
On this Patagonia hiking tour, we will either pick you up at the international airport in Punta Arenas, Chile or Puerto Natales, Chile. You can get a direct flight to Puerto Natales (recommended) and that will save you the 3 hour drive from Punta Arenas.
For those flying into Punta Arenas, we will begin the 3-hour drive to Puerto Natales through the beautiful Patagonian pampa. Upon arrival in Puerto Natales, we will check into our accommodation, freshen up and have our orientation meeting to conduct a gear check, answer questions you have, and become acquainted with our group and itinerary. After our meeting, we will head out for our first Patagonian dinner!
Please Note: When you enter Chile, you will be issued a document called a PDI (tourism card). Please do NOT throw this away. You will need it to exit the country and nearly every lodge we stay in also asks for a copy.
DAY 2
- Hiking Mileage: 11.8 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 2430 feet
- Trekking Duration: 7 hours
This morning we will wake up early and, after breakfast, depart Puerto Natales and begin our 2-hour drive to Torres del Paine National Park. Upon arrival at Torres del Paine, your guides will give an overview of the natural and cultural history of the area. We begin our trek to the Ascencio Valley, while having views of the the stunning Ascencio River. We will come to refugio Chileno (a backcountry lodge) and have a break for water and snacks, then continue through a beautiful forest of native Lenga (Beech) trees and keep hiking until we reach a glacial moraine (a ridge made from debris pushed out by the glacier). From the moraine, we trek another hour until we reach the most impressive Torres del Paine rock spires! Our views of the iconic granite towers and turquoise glacial lake are absolutely breathtaking, and they are the features that made this park world-famous.
After our hike we will head to the Serrano River area, where we will enjoy our first night at the Kau River Lodge. We will take time for showers and a bit of relaxation time until dinner is served.
DAY 3
- Hiking Mileage: 5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2780 feet
- Elevation Loss: 2780 feet
- Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
This morning after breakfast, we will drive roughly 30 minutes to Grey lake, where we will have the opportunity to kayak for the morning if weather conditions are safe. We begin our paddle on the Pingo River in an area full of icebergs that have broken off of the Grey Glacier. It’s absolutely magical to paddle around floating blue icebergs in Patagonia! After we have seen the icebergs and if the weather allows we’ll continue on down river via kayak back to our lodge, where we will have lunch and change into our trekking clothes. After changing clothes, we will begin hiking to our special Two Glacier Look Out Point. This is a special and lesser known hike that leads us to an awesome vantage point to see Grey and Tyndall Glaciers. This hike is optional for guests and if you prefer you can relax at the lodge while the rest of the group hikes. We will then head back to our lodge for showers, free time and dinner.
Due to occasionally harsh weather conditions, the kayaking is not always possible and will be substituted by an alternative activity if not possible.
DAY 4
- Hiking Mileage: 13 miles
- Elevation Gain: up to 2953 feet
- Elevation Loss: up to 2953 feet
- Trekking Duration: 7-9 hours
This morning after breakfast we transfer to Pudeto and cross lake Pehoe by catamaran. Today we explore the French Valley, one of the most picturesque valleys in Torres del Paine National Park with hanging glaciers and awe-inspiring granite walls and spires. With any luck we’ll witness glaciers calving and hear the resulting natural symphony echoing throughout the granite amphitheater.
Today’s lengthy hike is through the French Valley and up to a stunning viewpoint to witness the spectacular surrounding mountain vistas. We will then descend back to Lake Pehoe, board our catamaran and travel back to Kau River Lodge for showers, free time and dinner.
DAY 5
- Hiking Mileage: 3.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2073 feet
- Elevation Loss: 2073 feet
- Trekking Duration: 2-3 hours
This morning after breakfast we board the Grey III catamaran for a 2-hour boat tour of the lake, glaciers and mountain views. The boat gets up close and personal to Grey Glacier and there is an option for a Chilean pisco sour served with glacial ice as we absorb the majesty of our surroundings. We will have lunch in the area near the boat harbour.
After lunch we’ll head to the start of our hike. Today’s hike is to the Ferrier Lookout. The trail to one of the Park’s best views is steep, but well worth it. From the top we get a panoramic view of the Pingo Glacier, Lake Pingo, Gray Glacier, Gray Lake, Paine Masstif, the Sierra Baguales, and even Argentina on a clear day! This is the perfect hike to end our amazing trip. After arriving back to our private shuttle we’ll head back to Puerto Natales for our celebratory and final dinner.
DAY 6
This morning, after breakfast our shuttle driver will come to our hotel and deliver you back to the Punta Arenas or the Puerto Natales airport. If you are remaining in in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales, please let us know. We can help you suggest extra activities in Patagonia. Thanks for choosing Wildland!
OPTIONAL GAUCHO LIFE CULTURAL ADD-ON TOUR
We offer a highly personalized, very special experience to immerse yourself in the “Gaucho life” on a remote, working ranch in Patagonia. Spend time getting to know Chilean cowboys, how they live, the intense beauty that surrounds their lives, and the amazing cuisine they enjoy. Read more…
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to: extreme weather, availability of refugios, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more. Also, the kayaking portion on this trip is weather-dependent and not guaranteed; we will substitute alternate activities in the case kayaking is not possible. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
- Access to our Adventure Consultant team 7 days a week
- Transportation for the duration of the tour starting on Day 1 and ending on the day you depart
- Lodging for the duration of the tour
- All meals for the duration of the tour (dinner Day 1 through breakfast on the final day of the tour)
- Use of a day pack and trekking poles
- Professional, certified Wildland Patagonia hiking guides
- Kayak equipment and local kayak guides for one day (weather permitting, not guaranteed)
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and satellite phone
- A Lifetime Hiking Membership entitling you, your spouse and dependents to a discount of 10% off any Wildland hiking trip after your first one (must book directly with us to receive the discount)!
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Transportation to Puntas Arenas or Puerto Natales, Chile
- Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $30,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (required in Chile)
- Bar bills, drink bills, extra snacks, telephone bills, wifi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/ laundry)
- Clothes, rain gear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
- Gratuity for guide(s) and crew (industry recommendation is 10-20% of total trip cost; please tip your lead guide and they will distribute responsibly to any supporting crew. USD is recommended.), Gratuities for kayak guides (recommended $25-$50 per kayak guide)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
MEALS: WHAT TO EXPECT
This Patagonia hiking tour features a combination of in-town meals and meals prepared by your guides. We’ll have dinners at carefully selected, wonderful restaurants in Puerto Natales and in some of the backcountry lodges as well as meals prepared on the trail by your guides and/or support staff.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables. In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We can often accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee, and in some countries may be more difficult to accommodate than others. Please inquire with us for more information about the specific trip you’re interested in.
GEAR WE PROVIDE
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Backpacks
- Trekking poles
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
WHAT GEAR TO BRING
We ask that you supply a couple of gear items on your hiking tour. These items are two 1-liter water bottles per person and basic items like sunscreen, bug repellent (where and when applicable), lip balm, and toiletries are also important.
WHAT CLOTHES TO BRING
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with detailed guidance about what clothes to pack (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, and our recommended clothing system. A minimum of three pairs of wool or synthetic hiking socks are also required.
Trip Logistics
HOW DO I REGISTER?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
WHERE DO WE MEET?
We will meet you at the airport in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales on Day 1 and transport you to the first night’s hotel (included), where we’ll conduct an orientation meeting at 5:00 PM the first evening (your flight should arrive before 12PM if flying into Punta Arenas, and before 3PM if you’re flying into Puerto Natales). Our team in Patagonia will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip to coordinate your rendezvous and answer any last-minute questions you have.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Your safety is our top priority. Our Global Destination trips are led by professional hiking guides along with additional support staff. All of our guides are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Finally, we’ve developed comprehensive risk management protocols that our guides adhere to in case of an emergency, and all tours carry a satellite phone. If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
In the interest of your safety, it’s important to refer to the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date recommendations on immunizations before your trip.
GUIDES
This trip is led by expert, local Wildland guides. Our approach to international travel is to combine the best of two worlds: the dialed-in details, professionalism and consistency Wildland trips are known for; and the cultural immersion and intimate regional knowledge that only locals can provide. To excel with this approach, we vet and hire the best local guides, welcome them into the Wildland family and train them to meet our standard of excellence with every aspect of a trip. But along with managing logistics and safety, your guides will teach you about the area’s history and culture, and provide a level of familiarity and intimate detail only locals can.
Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
GUIDE WORKING PARAMETERS
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
GROUP SIZE AND AGE RESTRICTIONS
The standard group size on this hiking tour is 12 guests and 2 guides, with a minimum of 4 guests and 1 guide. If you have more questions about group size, please give us a call at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) and we’ll answer all your questions.
Age restrictions are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
TRIP INSURANCE
For your protection, Chile currently requires the purchase of field evacuation (at least $30,000), repatriation, and medical trip insurance.
If you wish to purchase trip insurance, we recommend IMG/iTravelinsured. They are one of the world’s leading providers of travel insurance.
For information on recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please click here.
For even greater information, or if you simply prefer communicating with a real, live person, feel free to contact our exclusive agent Michael Bennett. Michael will help you identify the best product for your needs, and there is no cost associated with his assistance. You may contact him at:
Email: WildLandTrekking@EasyToInsureME.com
US by Phone: 877-305-9083
Direct/International by Phone: 702-448-3664
If you already have insurance or wish to purchase from anyone other than IMG/iTravelinsured, we recommend careful consultation with the provider to ensure appropriate coverage. This is because many providers have a number of policy exclusions.
If you secure an insurance policy please bring a copy of it to provide to your guides at the orientation meeting.
WEATHER IN PATAGONIA
Chile is a long, thin country extending North-South more than half the length of South America which gives it a tremendous diversity of climates. The Patagonia region of Chile, where we operate our trips, is at the far southern tip of South America, relatively far from the equator and close to the South Pole. It is a generally cool climate with potential for year round inclement weather including rain, snow, sleet, and very strong winds.
The average temperatures and precipitation in the Patagonia region are:
| Month | Hi | Low | Precip |
| October | 51° F | 37° F | 5 in |
| November | 55° F | 40° F | 5.6 in |
| December | 57° F | 42° F | 7.2 in |
| January | 59° F | 44° F | 5.1 in |
| February | 58° F | 43° F | 3.8 in |
| March | 55° F | 41° F | 4.9 in |
| April | 50° F | 38° F | 5.8 in |
Accommodations
HOTEL NATALINO
2 NIGHTS
This modern, comfortable hotel, with architecture that evokes the form of Patagonia’s natural landscapes, is a premier accommodation in the town of Puerto Natales. Just a couple years old, and with all the amenities, it is a fantastic place to prepare before, and rest after, our Patagonia trek.
(heated pool)
KAU RIVER LODGE
3 NIGHTS
This wonderful, boutique lodge is near the village of Serrano on the shores of the Serrano River. The setting is stunning, and the location is perfect for exploring Torres del Paine on a lodge-based tour. The rooms are very clean and simple with twin beds, bunk beds and accommodates 2-4 guests per room. Each room has a private bath and shower.
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
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Carol B.
Cannot Recommend Highly Enough
Our Patagonia trip was amazing. The guide provided us a wide range of information including the geological history of the area, the unique flora and fauna and cultural and historical references. She was patient while also gently pushing us to do all that we could. I cannot recommend the trip highly enough
Barbara S.
Wonderful Guide & Enjoyable Experience
Anna was a wonderful, knowledgeable, capable guide and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with Wildland Trekking.
Isabelle D.
Absolutely incredible experience
What an absolutely incredible experience. Anna Heinrich was an amazing hiking guide, with extensive knowledge of the area. I hope she gets to lead tours in the USA as well during the summer season so we can hike with her again. Very well organized hike, with back-up plans each day in case the weather was not optimal. Food was great every where we went. I have already recommended this tour to all of my friends and hope to go back down to Patagonia someday soon.
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