Plan Your Trip
A trekkers' paradise, Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park provides an endless array of Patagonian scenery that will leave you speechless with wonder and awe. In only a day, the adventurous traveler can delve deep into this pristine region to gaze upon some of the park's most striking and iconic natural landmarks.
This and so much more can be discovered on this 5-day/4-night stay at the Rio Serrano Hotel, which itself sits just outside of the park, at its southern entrance. This 5-star family-owned luxury hotel – which is the largest hotel in the Torres del Paine National Park area – commands superb views of the Paine Massif’s monumental Cuernos (“Horns”), granite spikes that thrust skyward. From the hotel, this 6-day program will take you on a hiking excursion to the base of this park centerpiece, while a wide array of other excursions include short walks and full-day hikes, 4x4 adventures and horseback riding.
“The trip was excellent from beginning to end. The Isabella II was a fine ship and the crew and guides were all of the highest quality. I would recommend them to others. For us, the ship was the perfect size – not too small and not too large.”
AM: Arriving at Chile’s Puerto Natales airport, a Rio Serrano Hotel representative can meet you and drive you along the scenic 83 km road to Hotel Río Serrano, situated just 4 km from the southern entrance to Torres del Paine National Park. After checking in, you can enjoy lunch at the hotel and have a chance to rest up.
PM: Following lunch, we will set out on your first excursion, which will be to Lake Sarmiento. Crossing pre-Andean bush, you will sight groups of guanacos (llama-like animals typical of the Patagonian fauna). Later, we will reach this afternoon’s destination: Lake Sarmiento, whose deep blue waters contrast with calcium carbonate rock formations along its coast, which are particularly unique and quite beautiful. Later, we will walk or drive back to the hotel.
AM: This morning, we will head out along the shores of Lake Grey, which will serve as the backdrop for this simple yet serene country walk. During the trek, you will sight icebergs from the Grey Glacier, which are likely to delight you with the strong blue colors that characterize them. Also present and equally fascinating will be Nothofagus forest birds, Magellanic woodpeckers and other wildlife of the Patagonia environment.
PM: Following lunch at the hotel, you will have an incredible opportunity to appreciate local fauna close up and personal by approaching families of guanacos. From there, we will trek along the Aonikenk Route to the Monte Almirante Nieto area of the Paine massif, on park’s eastern trail. You will probably find this most interesting part of the trek as you will be able to observe ancient paintings made by the indigenous peoples who once inhabited this area, thereby giving an anthropological character to this activity.
AM: Today you will have an excellent alternative for experiencing the park. Riding in a 4X4 vehicle, you will realize the true majesty of the Paine Massif as we visit the beautiful lakes, rivers and waterfalls of the park. Along with the flora and fauna of Patagonia, these features are the postcard-perfect images that you will view throughout our morning excursion that ends at Laguna Azul (“Blue Lake”), where we will have lunch with a spectacular view (weather permitting) of the famous Torres del Paine.
PM: After a hearty boxed lunch, we will trek through Ascencio Valley, named in honor of the notorious Patagonia bandit of the early 20th century. Here, we will make our way through ancient beech forests that will lead us to the base of the front moraine, which was left ages ago by the advance of the Torres Glacier. Once there, we will climb up to the imposing Torres del Paine and to the lake at its foot.
AM: As Patagonia is the land of the gaucho, this region is the best place for connecting with this celebrated culture. And for this, the Serrano River provides the ideal setting. After mounting up on your selected steed, we will ride to the Serrano River’s confluence with the Grey River, even crossing the river on horseback and heading into the Nothofagus forest. We will later ride back to the hotel for lunch.
PM: This afternoon you will have a chance to experience one of the most spectacular views of the park. Driving in a 4X4 vehicle, we will ride to Condor Lookout Point to take in the views of everything around the massif Paine – including lakes, rivers, flora and fauna and the intense color of Lake Pehoe. If you’re lucky, you might even sight a majestic condor flying overhead or perched on a wall near the trail.
AM: This final day at Rio Serrano Hotel will provide you with an unforgettable alternative for trekking. We will advance along a trail that winds through lush vegetation to Ferrier View Point. As we climb, your eyes will look out upon an incredible landscape full of lakes, glaciers and mountains, before we return to the hotel
PM: Following a rich Patagonia lunch, your amazing Chilean experience based at Rio Serrano Hotel will come to its conclusion. After you pack and check out, you will be driven back to Chile’s Puerto Natales airport for your flight home or onward.
| Price per person | ||||||
| Season | Standard | Superior | Superior with Balcony | |||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | Double | Single | |
| High Season | US$ 1,835 PP | US$ 2,467 PP | US$ 2,013 PP | US$ 2,775 PP | US$ 2,210 PP | US$ 3,115 PP |
Interested in more information about any particular South American destination or trip?
Simply let us know your interests or question, and one of our travel experts will be more than happy to assist you -- at no charge, of course!
“I was very happy in every way with your booking and Cuyabeno Lodge. It surpassed my expectations in every way. No hitches with flights and transportation. The lodge was beautiful. The staff was professional and friendly.”
