Activities in Southern Patagonia
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Hiking, The 'W'
Should one hike the 'W' or go for the whole Circuit? The answer lies in one's time, hiking experience and endurance. Doing the Circuit takes five to eight days, while the 'W' takes at least three to four. If you're not driving, figure another day or so for transportation connections. With the Circuit you will definitely see more and get further away from the crowds; however, the 'W' neatly packages the park's 'highlight' views into a tighter period of time.
The majority of trekkers start both routes from Laguna Amarga, although it's also possible to hike from the Administración or take the catamaran to Lago Pehoé and start from there. The treks are not without difficulty,…
reviewed
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Hiking, The Circuit
Should one hike the 'W' or go for the whole Circuit? The answer lies in one's time, hiking experience and endurance. Doing the Circuit takes five to eight days, while the 'W' takes at least three to four. If you're not driving, figure another day or so for transportation connections. With the Circuit you will definitely see more and get further away from the crowds; however, the 'W' neatly packages the park's 'highlight' views into a tighter period of time.
The majority of trekkers start both routes from Laguna Amarga, although it's also possible to hike from the Administración or take the catamaran to Lago Pehoé and start from there. The treks are not without difficulty,…
reviewed
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Parque Nacional Pali Aike
The park has several hiking trails, including a 1700m path through the rugged lava beds of the Escorial del Diablo to the impressive Crater Morada del Diablo; wear sturdy shoes or your feet could be shredded. There are hundreds of craters, some as high as a four-story building. There’s also a 9km trail from Cueva Pali Aike to Laguna Ana, where there’s another shorter trail to a site on the main road, 5km from the park entrance.
reviewed
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Mirador Dorotea
So you've been running around town all morning trying to organize gear & plans for the park and want to get out & do a little warm-up hike? Head to Mirador Dorotea, less than 10km from Natales. Dorotea is the large rocky outcrop just off Ruta 9. There is a big sign that identifies the hike to the lookout at lot 14 just off the road. The hike takes you through a lenga forest & up to a splendid view back over Puerto Natales, the glacial valley and the surrounding mountains.
reviewed
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Turismo Comapa
If you have the time, a more atmospheric alternative to Seno Otway is the thriving Magellanic penguin colonies of Monumento Natural Los Pingüinos on Isla Magdalena. Five-hour tours on the Barcaza Melinka (adult/child CH$25,000) land for an hour at the island and depart the port on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, December through February. Confirm times in advance. Book tickets through Turismo Comapa and bring a picnic.
reviewed
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Day Hikes, Parque Nacional Torres Del Paine
Walk from Guardería Lago Pehoé, on the main park highway, to Salto Grande, a powerful waterfall between Lago Nordenskjöld and Lago Pehoé. Another easy hour's walk leads to Mirador Nordenskjöld, an overlook with superb views of the lake and mountains. For a more challenging day hike, try the four-hour trek leading to Lago Paine, whose northern shore is accessible only from Laguna Azul. The route offers tranquility and gorgeous scenery.
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Barcaza Melinka Tours
Five-hour tours on the Barcaza Melinka land for an hour at the thriving Magellanic penguin colonies on Isla Magdalena. They depart from the port on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from December through February. Book tickets through Turismo Comapa at Magallanes 990 and bring a picnic - snacks on the ferry leave something to be desired.
reviewed
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Glacier Trekking & Kayaking, Big Foot
Puerto Natales-based Big Foot is the only outfitter authorized to lead day-long ice hikes on Glaciar Grey, which involve a long hike, rappelling on to the glacier, walking on the glacier with crampons and harnesses, chances to view ice caves, and ice climbing before heading back.
reviewed
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Mandala Andino
You don’t need a gold card to get a little pampering here. With mini-spa Mandala Andino hikers fresh off the trail need not stay sore. Three large wooden tubs, one in a covered dome, are heated to a toasty temperature and massages are also available.
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Ski Club Andino
Ski Club Andino runs a quaint restaurant at the Reserva Forestal Magallanes chairlift and rents ski equipment. It is skiing - and therefore better than nothing - but not the kind of terrain that would warrant a specific ski trip to Punta Arenas.
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Horse Riding, Baqueano Zamora
Horse Riding, Baqueano Zamora runs half-day excursions to Lago Pingo, Laguna Amarga, Lago Paine and Laguna Azul, including a country-style lunch. Hostería Las Torres controls the eastern area of the park (snack included).
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Fuerte Bulnes & Puerto Hambre
Visits to the town's first settlements at Fuerte Bulnes & Puerto Hambre leave at 10:00. Most lodgings will help arrange tours - if they don't run their own operation.
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Whalesound
Supports science with study-based sailing and kayak trips to the remote Coloane Marine Park. Humpback whale-watching trips are available from December to May.
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Antares Patagonia
Specializes in trekking in El Calafate, El Chaltén and Torres del Paine. Can facilitate climbing permits, science expeditions and made-to-order trips.
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Antares Patagonia
Specializes in trekking in El Calafate, El Chaltén and Torres del Paine. Can facilitate climbing permits, science expeditions and made-to-order trips.
reviewed
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Estancia Travel
Run by a former Chilean equestrian champion, this professional outfit facilitates horseback-riding trips in and out of Torres del Paine.
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Chile Nativo
Links visitors with local gauchos, organizes photo safaris and can competently plan your tailor-made dream adventures.
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Blue Green Adventures
A quality outfitter offering estancia (grazing ranch) horseback-riding trips in and out of Torres del Paine.
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Knudsen Tour
Well regarded, with trips to El Calafate, Torres del Paine and alternative routes along Seno Último Esperanza.
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Rutas Patagonia
Glaciar Grey ice trekking and ice climbing (CH$90,000), as well as kayaking on Lago Grey and Río Grey.
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Whale Sound
Supports science with study-based sailing and kayak trips to the remote Coloane Marine Park.
reviewed
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Indomita Big Foot
Popular kayaking, trekking and mountaineering trips, plus ice- and rock-climbing seminars.
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Indomita Big Foot
Popular kayaking, trekking and mountaineering trips, plus ice- and rock-climbing seminars.
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Inhóspita Patagonia
Offers trekking trips to Cabo Froward, the southernmost point on mainland South America.
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Baqueano Zamora
Runs horseback-riding trips and owns the Posada Río Serrano in Torres del Paine.
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