Laguna San Rafael - Full Day with Río Exploradores

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1 Laguna San Rafael - Full Day with Río Exploradores One day return trip to Laguna San Rafael from Bahia Exploradores. Time table: Leave Puerto Tranquilo for Bahia Exploradores Arrive to La Teresa in Bahia Exploradores and meet your guide Cross the Exploradores River and transfer to the dock Orientation and safety briefing departure in Explora II. Summary: Arrival in Laguna San Rafael Excursions, lunch & observation Return journey to Bahia Exploradores Transfer to your vehicles and return towards Puerto Tranquilo (2 horas aprox.) Weather Conditions: The coast line of Patagonia is known for a cooler, wetter and windier climate. Temperatures range between 6 c and 28 c in summer time and some rainfall is normal. What to Take: You should plan for the worst and hope for the best! Warm and waterproof clothing is recommended you can take off and store what you do not need. Footwear suitable for a short walk in muddy, damp conditions plus a warm hat, sun hat, sun glasses, sun protection and a small bottle of water. Food: During the journey you will be offered hot Coffee or chocolate, juice, cookies, fruit & chocolate. The picnic buffet in Laguna San Rafael includes locally made bread, cheeses & seasonal surprises plus Serrano ham, tomatoes, lettuce, olives, fruit, crackers, and a pisco sour or juice,

2 Detailed Itinerary Reception in La Teresa - Bahia Exploradores (km78, Valle Exploradores). NOTE: You need to leave Puerto Tranquilo not later then in order to arrive on time. The meeting place in the end of the road where a bridge is being built the photograph above. Your vehicles can be left safely here. Your guide will give a brief orientation before crossing the river in a small boat and continuing to the boat dock in our minibus about 15 to 20 minutes away Briefing and Departure Once at the dock the guide & boat captain will give a safety briefing, hand out lifejackets and share some maps with you to fully understand the route we will take and the current conditions.

3 The first leg of the trip is along the Exploradores, through the delta and out into the bay and once around the Punta Caldera out into the Cupquelan fiord. The second leg passes the Sisquelan or Quesuhuan point before crossing the Elefantes gulf. Once around the Leopard point we begin to see some floating blocks of ice that increase as we enter the Rio Tempanos. It is common to see a good variety of seabird life along with dolphins and the occasional seal on the leg of the trip. We also get spectacular views of the Gualas glacier and the San Valentin massif.

4 12.00 Arrival in Laguna San Rafael. Once we are in the laguna we adapt the order of activities to best cater for the conditions and interests of each group. Cruising the icebergs we frequently see large and unusual icebergs with amazing colours, shapes and an impressive size. Disembark for a short hike & lunch break. History, Nature & Science: Your guide will stop to show, explain and discuss different points of interest along the way both on the boat and on land. Short hike: Either from the dock or the beach we will take a short hike to the bathrooms and the ruins of the historical Hotel San Rafael as well as the forest and beach line to see the wildlife & natural contrasts that cannot be appreciated fro the boats. Picnic Buffet Served either at the dock or on the beach and occasionally floating in front of the glacier wall we enjoy a break and some re-fueling.

5 The Glacier Wall The huge ice wall of the glacier is the focal point for the time in the afternoon when we will get as close as safely feasible and drift around watching the calving, new bergs form and also the birdlife as we discus climate change, glacial cycles and other natural phenomena that are right there in front of us. This is a place and a moment to enjoy and make the most of Return Journey. Making the most of last opportunities to see and film the glacier& icebergs we begin our return journey towards Bahia Exploradores Arrival and transfer to La Teresa Once back on land we transfer everyone to their vehicles in La Teresa. For the motivated there is plenty of time to visit the Exploradores Glacier on the return journey to Puerto Tranquilo. Note: The times given are a guide and will change subject to weather, group interests and other factors. Arrival time back in Puerto Tranquilo is typically between & One day return trip to Laguna San Rafael from Bahia Exploradores (km 78 on the Valle Exploradores road) including all logistical Support, guides, food, national park permits and specialized equipment. (Does not include transport from Puerto Tranquilo)