EXPLORA PATAGONIA Explora, Art of Travel - Tour Extension 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS Spend 8 days surrounded by enchanting valleys, exotic fauna and mighty mountains reflecting in the crystal-clear lakes at the Explora Patagonia lodge, in Torres del Paine National Park. Explora Patagonia comes with the most luxurious rooms, a relaxing spa and beautiful open-air Jacuzzi s. Choose from over 50 different explorations throughout Torres del Paine National Park. Five-day itineraries are also available. Note: The tours listed in this itinerary are just examples of what you can do in Torres del Paine with Explora Patagonia. You are free to choose as many activities as you please. FROM $ 4120 per person THIS LODGE INCLUDES: Transfers to/from local airport and Explora Patagonia Accommodations Full board (3 meals per day) and open bar Daily explorations in groups of no more than 8 people with bilingual guides and equipment Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park HIGHLIGHTS High-class accommodation within Torres del Paine National Park Spa Facilities Paine Horns, Paine Massif and Toro Height Birdwatching Photo Safari to spot local flora and fauna Pehoé, Toro, Grey, Nordenskjöld and Skottsberg Lakes French Valley Navigation to the Grey Glacier Horseback Riding & Trekking Indoor Pool and 4 Open-Air Jacuzzi's PACKAGE TORRES DEL PAINE EXPLORATION
Day 1 ARRIVAL IN TORRES DEL PAINE Upon your arrival at the airport, transfer to Explora Patagonia, located in Torres del Paine National Park. The transfer schedule is subject to change. Driving from Punta Arenas to the lodge takes around 4.5 hours. After a long day of traveling or hiking, wander to Ona Spa and pamper yourself with a massage. Relax in the sauna or head outside to the open-air jacuzzi?s, with incredible views of Pehoé Lake and the Paine Massif. Walk 100-m (325 ft) along a wood path, to the massage room and swimming pool. In the evening, head to the bar and living room to meet your guide during your journey. Your guide will explain all of the explorations available during your stay and help you decide which ones are best for you according to your personal interests and abilities. All the explorations are done in small groups consisting of no more than 8 people, which allows you to meet and share your Patagonian adventure with visitors from all over the world. Note: From now on, the tours listed have the mere intention of giving you an idea of the broad array of activities you can choose from, depending on availability, weather conditions, and your preferences. Day 2 WALK TO GREY LAKE PENINSULA Duration: 3:30 to 4 hours, walking from 2 to 2:30 hours Distance on foot: 5 km / 3.1 mi Before starting your walk, take a 45-minute transfer from Explora Patagonia to the Grey Ranger Station. Start your walk and you will quickly cross the Pingo River hanging bridge. Continue for 15 minutes through the forest of lenga trees (nothofagus pumilio), where you can see a variety of different birds. Arrive at Grey Lake beach and admire the picture-perfect views of pristine icebergs and crystal clear water. Ascend down a moderately steep slope to fully enjoy Grey Glacier. Return to the Grey Ranger Station to board the Van and return back to the lodge.
Day 3 WALK TO THE FRENCH VALLEY GLACIER Duration: 7 to 8 hours, walking from 6 to 7 hours Distance on foot: 16 km / 10 mi Board the Explora Catamaran for a 30-minute boat ride towards the Pehoé Refuge. Follow the trail for 150-m (500 ft) and climb to the Pehoé and Skottsberg Lakes until you reach a viewpoint with breath-taking views of the lakes, the Paine Horns and the Paine Grande Mountain. As you cross the hanging bridge over the French River, you will see the French Glacier, the principal peak of the Paine Grande Mountain and the Paine Horns. After enjoying a picnic lunch in this scenic natural landscape head back to the Pehoé Refuge and board the catamaran back to Explora Patagonia lodge. Note: This tour is subject to weather conditions. Day 4 WALK ALONG THE CORNICES Duration: 3 to 3:30 hours walking Distance on foot: 6.5 km / 4 mi Hike the ridge behind Explora Patagonia to 250 m / 820 ft. From the cornices you can marvel in spectacular views of the Paine Massif, the Condor vista point, and Nordenskjöld and Pehoé Lakes. The road continues along the cornice, passing additional lakes and forests including the Paine River, Prat Mountain, Serrano Prairie, and Toro Lake. These are all alluring landscapes that you will never forget. Finally, Descend through the Feria Ravine and return back to the Explora lodge. Note: Frequent strong winds are present in the area.
Day 5 PHOTO SAFARI TO OBSERVE FLORA, FAUNA AND BIRDS Duration: 3 to 4 hours by van This is an ideal tour for those who have a passion for nature and photography! Go on a half-day photo safari where you will see the Paine Horns, Paine Towers, Almirante Peak, and the Paine River Waterfall. Animals you may encounter include: guanacos, skunks, and foxes, and birds like rheas, skunks, ducks, geese, condos. Spring is the perfect season for spotting birds. Day 6 WALK TO RIVERA SERRANO Duration: 2 to 2:30 hours, walking for 1:30 hours Distance on foot: 3 km / 1.8 mi Transfer by van to the Serrano River. Trek along the riverbank and arrive at the Serrano Park entrance, where you can take in splendid views of the Paine Massif, Toro Heights and Serrano Prairie. Walk along the riverside trail following the river basin of Torres del Paine National Park. Expect to be mesmerized by the landscape with the jagged mountains reflecting in the crystalclear lake waters. Return to Explora Patagonia by van. Day 7 WALK TO THE TORO HEIGHTS Duration: 5:30 hours, 5 hours walking Distance on foot: 15 km / 9.3 mi Transfer to the Weber Bridge and start your trek to the top of Toro Height. On this hike you will see lovely views of Toro Lake while walking along the top of a sandy ravine. Afterwards, walk through valleys, lush lenga and Antarctic beech (native trees) forests, home to a variety of exotic bird species. As you reach the Toro Heights, enjoy panoramic views of Torres del Paine National Park. Descend the slopes of the Toro Heights and return to Explora Patagonia by van.
Day 8 WALK TO THE BASE OF THE PAINE TOWERS Duration: 10 to 11 hours, walking from 8 to 9 hours Distance on foot: 17 km / 10.6 mi Level: Difficult Transfer by van for 1 hour until reaching the Cerro Paine Ranch. Enjoy a birds eye view of the Ascencio River Valley and arrive at the Chileno Shelter. From there, follow the ravine down through the ancient beach forest surrounded that will take you to the Torres Shelter. Your last stop will be the Towers viewpoint, located by one of the glacial lakes, at an altitude of 350 m / 1,100 ft. Take some time to rest after this challenging hike and enjoy a packed lunch. Take in views of the park and feel the soothing Patagonian atmosphere. Return to Cerro Paine Ranch by the same path and a van will pick you up to take you back to Explora Patagonia. Note: Due the difficulty of this exploration, a good physical condition is required. Day 9 DEPARTURE FROM TORRES DEL PAINE Stop and take in the mesmerizing Torres del Paine landscape for the last time before your departure. Your guide will transfer you back to Punta Arenas to either your hotel, the airport, or the Cruise Dock. A transfer to the Argentine border in Cancha Carrera is also available if you want to continue your Patagonia exploration in the Argentine side. South America.travel 2016. All rights reserved. www.southamerica.travel