Patagonia Lodge Based
Puerto Natales, Chile
4.9 (9 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! Seven days and six 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.
$220 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. Each room accommodates 2-4 guests and has an individual bathroom and shower for the occupants of that room. However, couples and groups of 3 or 4 are normally able to request private rooms without an additional fee, and you can double-check this before registering. If traveling solo, please be prepared to share accommodations with other guests. In some cases a solo guest can request a private room for an additional single supplement fee ($650). This is subject to availability on a case by case basis.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
Torres del Paine National Park is not a high elevation park, so although this tour has hikes with significant elevation gain and loss, elevation is not a factor. What gives this trek a Level 3 difficulty is the length of the hikes – three hikes are over 10 miles, and one of those is a 13 mile day. This trip falls between a 3 and 4 difficulty level.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 13 mi
Backpack Weight:
8-12 lbs
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 3,000 ft
Heights Exposure:
Light
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 8-12 lb backpack for 8-10 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
- Potential for harsh, rainy and extremely windy weather conditions.
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, Sky Airline, & Jet Smart offer direct flights from Santiago to Puerto Natales. However, you can also fly into Punta Arenas.
Flights to and from Chile are the guest’s responsibility. Multiple airlines operate flights into Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, 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.
If flying into Puerto Natales, guests should arrive before 4PM. Our Patagonia team will rendezvous with you at the airport and transport you to our hotel. An orientation meeting, dinner and accommodations are included on Day 1. Your flight on the final day from Puerto Natales can leave at anytime.
If flying into Punta Arenas, only one shuttle is planned per group for airport pick-up or drop-off per trip and shuttle departure times will vary depending on everyone’s logistics. Anyone arriving to Punta Arenas after 1PM on Day 1 of trips or departing Punta Arenas before 3PM on the final day of the trip will be responsible for securing their own transportation to Punta Arenas or paying an additional shuttle fee that is not included in the trip rate. Drive time between Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales is 3 hours.
Important 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 TripsITINERARY
Day 1
On this Patagonia hiking tour, we will pick you up at the airport in Puerto Natales, Chile or the International airport in *Punta Arenas, Chile. If you arrive in Punta Arenas, you will have a 3 hour shuttle drive to Puerto Natales. Once we have everyone in Puerto Natales, we will check into our accommodation, have our orientation meeting and become acquainted with our itinerary. After our meeting, we will have our first Patagonian dinner together!
(*Please Note: If planning to arrive in Punta Arenas, only one shuttle is planned per group and the departure time will vary depending on everyone’s arrival logistics. Anyone arriving to Punta Arenas after 1PM on Day 1 of the trip will be responsible for securing their own transportation to Puerto Natales or paying an additional shuttle fee that is not included in the trip rate. If you are arriving the day before the trip starts, let our Patagonia team know in pre-trip communication which hotel you are staying at and they can arrange for the shuttle to pick you up at your hotel this morning.)
Important 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: 9.3 mi (15 km)
- Elevation Gain: 820 ft (250 m)
- Elevation Loss: 985 ft (300 m)
- Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours
- Driving Duration: 1.5 hours
Today we depart Puerto Natales after breakfast and head toward Torres del Paine National Park. Our drive takes us to the region’s biggest lake, Mirador Lago Toro. The views from this lake of the Torres del Paine massive are a great introduction to the types of sweeping landscapes we’ll experience throughout our coming days. Upon arrival at the lake, your guides will give an overview of the natural and cultural history of the area. Our hike today starts directly from the lake and ends at our lodging by the Rio Serrano. Don’t worry our luggage will get transferred to the lodge for us as we hike. This hike is definitely off the beaten path, full of solitude and showcases well the Patagonia environments you came to enjoy. Once arriving to this isolated lodge, we’ll join our awaiting luggage, get checked in and relax before dinner together.
Day 3
- Hiking Mileage: 11.8 mi (19 km)
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 2430 ft (740 m)
- Trekking Duration: 7 hours
- Driving Duration: 1 hour
This morning we will wake up early and, after breakfast, depart the lodge and drive to Torres del Paine National Park and possibly the most popular hike in the Park. Our early start will let us beat the crowds on the trail to this iconic destination. 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 back to the Serrano River area, where we will enjoy another night at the Kau River Lodge. We will have time for relaxation until dinner is served.
Day 4
- Hiking Mileage: 5 mi (8.1 km) *optional hike
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 2780 ft (847 m) *optional hike
- Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
- Driving Duration: 1 hour
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 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 5
- Hiking Mileage: up to 13 mi (20.9 km)
- Elevation Gain/Loss: up to 2953 ft (900 m)
- 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 some free time before dinner.
Day 6
- Boat Excursion: 2.5 hours
- Driving Duration: ~3 hours
This morning after breakfast we board the Grey III catamaran for a 2.5 hours 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 harbor.
In the afternoon, we start our return to Puerto Natales. We’ll stop along our route to explore the Milodon Cave natural reserve. This reserve is surrounded by magnificent snow capped mountains and glacier colored fjords. Here we can learn about of the beginning of the Holocene era (12.500 years BC), where the early human settlers to this region first left remnants of their presence. We’ll follow the coast of the paleo-lake of the Last Hope Fjord, here we visit various caves and learn about how the settlers lived and survived in this area.
Day 7
This morning, after breakfast our shuttle driver will deliver you back to the airport in Puerto Natales or *Punta Arenas. Thank you for choosing Wildland Trekking!
(*Please Note: One shuttle is planned per group to go to Punta Arenas and the departure time will vary depending on everyone’s departure logistics. Anyone departing Punta Arenas before 3pm on this day of the trip will be responsible for securing their own transportation to Punta Arenas or paying an additional shuttle fee that is not included in the trip rate.)
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
- Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
- Transportation for the duration of the tour starting on Day 1 and ending on the day you depart within scheduled group shuttles
- 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
- Kayak equipment and local kayak guides for one day (weather permitting, not guaranteed)
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or 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 Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, Chile
- Punta Arenas airport pick-up/drop-off outside of specific arrival/departure parameters set for included group shuttles
- 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 is optional but always appreciated; (The industry average for this trip type is 5-10% of total trip cost; please tip your lead guide and they will distribute responsibly to the crew. Local currency is preferred or USD is acceptable.); 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 snacks* (nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, & cookies) 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.
*Common trail snack brands and items found easily in the US are not readily available in this destination. (i.e. protein bars, trail bars, beef jerky, etc…) We recommend guests that prefer these types of trail snacks to bring a few of their own choice items from home.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Backpacks
- Trekking poles
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
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 Puerto Natales or *Punta Arenas 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 4PM if you’re flying into Puerto Natales, and before 1PM if flying into Punta Arenas). Our communications 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.
(*Please Note: If planning to arrive in Punta Arenas, only one shuttle is planned per group and the departure time will vary depending on everyone’s arrival logistics. Anyone arriving to Punta Arenas after 1PM on Day 1 of the trip will be responsible for securing their own transportation to Puerto Natales or paying an additional shuttle fee that is not included in the trip rate.)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
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.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and that of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
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.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip 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
Field evacuation (minimum coverage of at least $30,000), repatriation, and medical trip insurance is required on all Chile trips as a condition of partnership terms with our Chilean vendors.
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: [email protected]
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.
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
4 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. Each room accommodates 2-4 guests and has an individual bathroom and shower for the occupants of that room. However, couples and groups of 3 or 4 are normally able to request private rooms without an additional fee, and you can double-check this before registering. If traveling solo, please be prepared to share accommodations with other guests. In some cases a solo guest can request a private room for an additional single supplement fee. This is subject to availability on a case by case basis.
* 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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Joe M.
This was a great trip! Feb 2023
This was a great trip--well planned and executed. We had very knowledgeable guides who made the experience fantastic. Would highly recommend!
Cherie R
AMAZING
This trip was challenging, auto fill and just AMAZING with a 5-star guide, Karina! I give our accommodations 5-stars with gourmet food!
Mark E
Highly Recommend
This was our 2nd Wildland Trekking experience and it exceeded our expectations. Patagonia was amazing, the accommodations were excellent and our guide Karina was fantastic. I would highly recommend this trip.
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