Description Pricing Itinerary Sub Trips Hotels

Prices include air transportation from London to Santiago in economy class, domestic air from Santiago to Punta Arenas and return, hotel accommodation with daily continental breakfast. All transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling, and guided tours including all entrance fees, where applicable. Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at the time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote).

No visa is required for travel to Chile as a U.S., Canadian or Australian citizen. A reciprocity fee must be paid upon entering Chile; the current amount that must be paid by U.S. and Canadian citizens is $140 per person.

Daily explorations in Torres del Paine National Park, groups no larger than 10, with bilingual guides, equipment, horses, vehicles and food. Explorations have been carefully created and are classified according to duration, level of difficulty and guests’ desires. Each day, guests can choose from five different options. On foot, horseback, by van or on a boat, accompanied by expert bilingual guides, you will be astonished by the nature and environs of Patagonia. Explorations are led with a maximum of 10 people per guide, and all the necessary equipment.

Excursions around Santiago

Full day excursion to Vina del Mar and Valparaiso

Depart for the Central Coast traveling through the valleys of Curacaví and Casablanca. The latter is known for its recent success as a wine producing area and there is a stop to visit one of the vineyards and taste some wine. Continue to the coast and visit the beach area of Reńaca and the town of Vina del Mar, known as the Garden City for its pretty parks and flower lined streets. Visit the Gaming Casino and the coastal road. In the afternoon continue to the picturesque port of Valparaiso built in the XVI century on a total of 43 hills which are reached by narrow windy streets, staircases and a series of lifts (funiculars) which is now declared by UNESCO as World Heritage Site because of its eclectic architecture and urban development. Visit the Museum house of Pablo Neruda, La Sebastiana. The house is situated on one of the hills overlooking the bay and contains some of the poets collections, specifically related to the sea. Return to Santiago.

Full Day excursion Valle Nevado

Valle Nevado ski resort is in the mountains near to Santiago at a height of 3.025 meters/ 9,982 feet above sea level and very close to Santiago. Following the river Mapocho up the valley pass through some small mountain villages before starting to climb the mountain proper up a series of hairpin bends. The views are incredible and there is a good chance of seeing condors all year round. The quality and variety of the runs as well as the usually clement weather make this one of the best ski areas in the southern hemisphere. Skiing is available from June – August (lift pass, ski rental etc not included) and the rest of the year it is possible to enjoy the mountain air and wonderful views.

Full Day excursion to Isla Negra – Pablo Neruda Museum

Depart Santiago in the morning for a full day heading towards the coast. Enjoy the first stop in Pomaire, a small village where the inhabitants work the local clay to make a variety of dishes, pots and interesting sculptures amongst other handicrafts. Continue to Isla Negra, a small beachside community with a pretty beach backed by fragrant pine trees. This is the place where Chilean Nobel Prize for Literature winner Pablo Neruda chose to build one of his houses. The eccentric architecture houses some of his collections, including bottles, figureheads from ships, shells and various other eclectic articles.

There is time for lunch locally after the visit (not included) before returning to Santiago.

List of possible excursions available at Hotel Explora

half-day excursions

1. WALK TO LAKE GREY PENINSULA

Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours (half-day). Walking 2 to 2.5

hours. Distance: 5 km. Itinerary: Leave explora by

van toward the Grey Ranger Station (40 min). Cross

the Pingo River hanging bridge by foot and continue

through a forest of beech, followed by the Lake Grey

beach and peninsula. View of the Grey Glacier and

icebergs along the shore. Return by van (40 min).

Level: Easy.

2. WALK TO NORDENSKJÖLD VISTA POINT

Duration: 3 hours (half-day). Walking: 2.5 hours.

Distance on foot: 6 km. Itinerary: Leave explora by

van (10 min) toward the Pudeto Refugio. Walk to the

shore of Lake Pehoé, first passing the Salto Grande

waterfall, then toward the Paine Massif until reaching

the vista point of Lake Nordenskjöld. Spectacular view

of the French Valley, the Paine Grande Massif and the

Horns. Note: Frequent strong winds. Level: Easy.

3. WALK TO THE TORO VISTA POINT

Duration: 2 hours (half-day). Walking 1.5 hours.

Distance on foot: 3.5 km. Itinerary: Leave explora

by van (15 min) toward the Weber bridge, climb 100

meters until reaching the Toro vista point. Observe

birds, regional fauna and characteristics of the local

aquatic flora. Views of Lake Toro and the Serrano

River flanked by grand Andean peaks such as the

Ferrier and Donoso mountains, among others. Return

by van to explora (15 min). Level: Easy.

4. WALK ALONG LAS CORNISAS (THE CORNICES)

Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours (half-day). Walking 3 to 3.5

hours. Distance on foot: 6.5 km. Itinerary: Leave

explora on foot. Ascend 250 meters to the cornice

of the ridge behind explora, offering views of the

Paine Massif, the Condor vista point, and lakes Pehoé

and Nordenskjöld. The road continues along the

cornice, with passing tiny lakes and forest, with views

of the Paine River, Prat Mountain, Serrano Prairie and

Lake Toro in the distance. Descend the La Feria Ravine.

Note: Frequent strong winds. Level: Medium.

5. WALK TO LAGO SARMIENTO

Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours (half-day). Walking 2 to

2.5 hours. Distance on foot: 4 km. Itinerary: Leave

explora by van (20 min) passing the Lagunas Mellizas

(Twin Lakes). The walk leads to Lake Sarmiento, which

has unusual yet beautiful calcium formations along

its shore. Possible sightings of guanacos and diverse

birds, and a wide variety of flora (especially during

the spring). Views of Lake Sarmiento in its entirety.

Return by van (20 min). Level: Easy.

6. WALK TO PINGO RIVER

Duration: 4 to 5 hours (half-day). Walking 2.5 to 3

hours. Distance on foot: 8 km. Itinerary: Leave

explora by van (40 min) toward the Grey Ranger

Station. Relatively flat trail that follows the turbulent,

glacier-fed Pingo River, through open prairie to arrive

at the Salmon River Cascade. Great variety of birds

and exuberant vegetation. Return to the Grey Ranger

Station, and back to explora by van (40 min).

Level: Easy.

7. WALK TO THE CONDOR VISTA POINT

Duration: 2 hours walking. Distance on foot:

4 km. Itinerary: Leave explora on foot. This walk

offers sweeping views of the park, and allows for the

observation of diverse flora and species of birds.

Ascend 250 meters to the Condor vista point.

Note: Frequent strong winds. Level: Medium.

8. WALK TO FERRIER VISTA POINT

Duration: 4 hours (half-day). Walking 3 hours.

Distance on foot: 7 km. Itinerary: Leave explora

by van (40 min) toward the Grey Ranger Station.

Steep climb (550 meters) to Ferrier vista point. Lovely

vegetation along the trail and the possibility of viewing

huemules,a local deer. Ancient forest of deciduous

beech and a spectacular panorama of the Paine Massif

from the eastern flank of the Pingo Valley. View of

lakes Grey, Pehoé, Nordenskjöld and Sarmiento.

Return by van (40 min). Note: Frequent strong winds.

Level: Difficult.

9. WALK ALONG THE AONIKENK TRAIL

Duration: 3 to 4 hours (half-day). Walking 2.5 to

3.5 hours. Distance on foot: 7.5 km. Itinerary:

Leave explora by van (30 min) toward the Lake

Sarmiento Ranger Station. Walk a moderate trail

north to the limit of the park, with moderate ascent

(150 meters). The excursion allows for walking through

an open landscape with panoramic views. On several

rock walls it is possible to see Aonikenk Indian

paintings, primitive inhabitants of the region. There

is an abundance of guanacos here. Gradual descent

to the Laguna Amarga Ranger Station. Return by van

(35 min). Level: Easy.

10. PHOTO SAFARI TO OBSERVE FLORA,

FAUNA AND BIRDS

Duration: 3 hours (half-day). Itinerary: Leave explora

by van to the quincho barbecue site. This excursion

has an emphasis on photography and learning the

flora and fauna of the park. During the journey it is

possible to observe a numerous varieties of fauna

such as guanacos, rheas, condors, foxes, skunks,

ducks, geese and other varieties of birds, especially

during the spring. Views of the Horns and the Towers,

the Almirante Peak and the Paine River Cascade.

Return by van (1 hour). Level: Easy.

11. WALK ALONG LAGUNA AZUL (BLUE LAKE)

Duration: 4 to 5 hours (half-day). Walking 2 to 3

hours. Distance on foot:8 km. Itinerary: Leave

explora by van to the quincho barbecue, and walk

from the extreme northeast of Laguna Azul along

the northern shore until reaching the Torres del Paine

vista point. Forests of deciduous and Antarctic beech,

views of the Towers and Laguna Azul. Abundant flora

and opportunities for birdwatching. This walk may

be taken before or after the barbecue lunch.

Level: Easy.

full-day excursions

12. WALK TO GLACIAR GREY

Duration: 10 to 11 hours (full day). Walking 4 to 6

hours. Distance: 12 km. Itinerary: Leave explora by

boat (30 min). Walk from the Pehoé Refugio to the

Grey Refugio, with views of the Grey Glacier, icebergs

in Lake Grey, the Southern Ice Field, the Paine Massif

and the Olguin Mountains. Picnic lunch close to the

glacier. Return by boat across Lake Grey (2 hours),

with an close look at the glacier wall. Return by van

from the Grey Ranger Station to explora (40 min).

Note: The boat crossing is dependent on climactic

conditions. Level: Medium.

13. WALK TO THE TORO HEIGHTS

Duration: 5 to 6 hours (full day). Distance on foot:

12 km. Itinerary: Leave explora by van (10 min) to

the La Feria Ravine, and ascend 250 meters. Views

of the Paine Massif and the Paine River. Continue

through interior valleys, past lakes and beech forests.

Picnic lunch. The trail continues until reaching the

Toro Heights Lake, with a spectacular, 360-degree

view of the park. Descend to the Weber Bridge.

Return to explora by van (15 min). Level: Medium.

14. WALK TO LAGUNA LA CAL / SARMIENTO

Duration: 7 hours (full day). Walking 6 to 7 hours.

Distance on foot: 17 km. Itinerary: Leave by foot

from explora via the trail to the Las Buitreras (Condor

Nest) Pass, ascending 200 meters. The trail passes

through beech forest and arrives at La Cal Lake, a

site where one can usually appreciate the strong

Patagonian wind. In the spring, there is abundant

fauna in the area. Impressive view of the Paine Horns

and Lake Sarmiento, with its calcium formations.

Return by van (20 min). Level: Medium.

15. WALK TO THE FRENCH VALLEY GLACIER

Duration: 7 to 8 hours (full day). Walking 6 to 7

hours. Distance on foot: 16 km. Itinerary: Leave

explora by boat (30 min) to the Pehoé Refugio. Walk

along the trail that borders lakes Pehoé and Skottsberg,

with undulating climbs of less than 150 meters.

Spectacular views of the two lakes, of the Grand

Paine Mountain and the Paine Horns. Cross the

hanging bridge over French River for a view of the

French Glacier, the principal peak of the Grand Paine

Mountain and the principal and north Horns. Picnic

lunch and return walking back to the Pehoé Refugio.

Return by boat to explora (30 min) Note: The boat

crossing is dependent on climactic conditions.

Level: Medium.

16. WALK TO THE BASE OF THE PAINE TOWERS

Duration: 10 to 11 hours (full day). Walking 8 to 9

hours. Distance on foot: 17 km. Itinerary: Leave

explora by van (1 hour) toward the Cerro Paine Ranch.

Ascend 350 meters through the Ascencio River Valley

to the Chileno campground. Walk through centuryold

forests of beech and past gorges until reaching

the Torres campground. Climb a glacial moraine until

reaching the Towers vista point at the lake (a 350-

meter climb). Picnic lunch and return walking back

to the Cerro Paine Ranch, with a view of multicolored

lakes. Return by van to explora. Note: This excursion

requires that participants be in good physical shape.

Level: Difficult.

17. WALK TO THE PINGO RIVER VALLEY

Duration: 10 to 11 hours (full day). Walking 8 to 9

hours. Distance on foot: 21 km. Itinerary: Leave

explora by van (40 min) toward the Grey Ranger

Station. Walk along a relatively flat trail following the

turbulent, glacier-fed Pingo River, and through open

prairies and exuberant vegetation. Pass the Salmon

River and climb lightly (200 meters). Native beech

forest, views of the Grand Paine mountain and the

River Pingo Cascade, and good opportunities for

birdwatching. Picnic lunch and return walking back

until reaching the Grey Ranger Station. Level: Difficult.

horseback ride at the

barbecue site

Horseback rides in the Laguna Azul (Blue Lake) area

begin at the quincho barbecue site, about an hour

from explora by van, and visit a few of the estancias

(ranches) in the area. Rides are designed for guests

with riding experience, and who feel comfortable

trotting and galloping.

18. HORSEBACK RIDE AT THE QUINCHO

Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours of horseback riding (halfday).

Itinerary: Leave explora by van toward the

quincho barbecue site (1 hour). Leave from the

quincho on horse, passing through forests of

deciduous and Antarctic beech, with views of the

Baguales peaks, the Las Chinas River, Mount Almirante

Nieto, the Towers and the Condor Nest peak. Pass

by the Laguna Azul ranch and return to the quincho

bordering the Las Chinas River. Level: Easy.

19. HORSEBACK RIDE TO THE 2 DE ENERO

ESTANCIA (JANUARY 2 RANCH)

Duration: 3 hours of horseback riding (half-day).

Itinerary: Leave explora by van to the quincho

barbecue site (1 hour). Cross the Zamora River on

horseback, passing through sections of prairie, Lake

Jara and finally arriving at the 2 de Enero estancia at

the base of the Obelisco peak. Possibility of seeing

condors and eagles. Views of the Sierra Baguales

peaks and the Paine Towers. Note: This excursion

requires previous horseback riding experience.

Level: Difficult.

20. HORSEBACK RIDE TO THE SANTA

GEMITA RANCH

Duration: 2 hours of horseback riding (half-day).

Itinerary: Leave explora by van to the quincho

barbecue site (1 hour). Cross the Zamora River on

horseback. Ascend and descend the hills surrounding

the quincho, arriving at the Santa Gemita ranch.

Return via steep slopes. Possibility of seeing condors

and eagles. Spectacular view of the Towers and

Laguna Azul. Level: Medium.

horseback rides

The horseback rides that follow begin at the explora

stable located 15 minutes from the hotel, unlike the

rides that begin at the quincho barbecue site. These

rides are designed principally for participants with

riding experience and who feel comfortable riding

for several hours on flat prairie and hills. Participants

should know how to trot and/or gallop. explora

provides the highest-quality Chilean and English

saddles, gaiters and helmets.

21. HORSEBACK RIDE TO THE DONOSO

VISTA POINT

Duration: 6 hours (full day). Five hours riding.

IItinerary: Leave explora by van (15 min) to the stable.

Narrow trails through forest, along lakes and across

prairie land. View of Donoso Mountain, in one of the

least-explored, virgin areas of the park. Picnic lunch

next to Los Choros Lake. Prairie, streams, mountains

and exuberant flora are a few of the highlights of

this horseback ride. Return by van (15 min).

Level: Medium.

22. HORSEBACK RIDE TO SERRANO RIVER

Duration: 3 hours (half-day). Two hours riding.

Itinerary: Leave explora by van (15 min) to the stable.

The horseback ride begins crossing the Serrano prairie

and along the turquoise waters of the Serrano River,

with a view of the snowy peaks of Mount Balmaceda.

Return via the golden Serrano prairie, with views

of the Paine Horns. Return by van (15 min).

Level: Medium.

23. HORSEBACK RIDE TO LAKE LINDA

Duration: 3 hours (half-day). Two hours riding.

Itinerary: Leave explora by van (15 min) to the stable.

Leaving north from the stable, the trail first passes

through hills dotted with charred trees. Views of the

Negra Lake, Linda lake, the prairie around the

administration building, Paine River, Toro Lake, and

the Paine and Andean mountain ranges. Return by

van (15 min). Level: Easy.

24. HORSEBACK RIDE TO THE PEHOÉ REFUGIO

Duration: 4 hours (half-day) Three hours riding.

Itinerary: Leave explora by van (15 min) to the stable.

The ride begins through the prairie next to the stable,

in the direction of the Las Carretas campground.

View of Lake Grey and its icebergs. Picnic lunch in

the area. The ride continues to the Pehoé Refugio,

with spectacular views of the Paine Massif, Lake

Pehoé and the Andean mountain range. Return by

boat from Refugio Pehoé (30 min). Note: The boat

crossing is dependent on climactic conditions.

Level: Medium.

25. HORSEBACK RIDE TO THE TORO HEIGHTS

Duration: 4 hours (half-day). Three hours riding.

Itinerary: Leave explora by van (15 min) to the stable.

The horseback ride begins at the eastern side of the

Paine River, heading toward the La Feria Ravine. Ride

uphill 250 meters, with views of the Paine Massif and

River. Continue along interior valleys dotted with

lakes and through beech forest. The trail continues

until reaching the Toro Heights, with a spectacular,

360-degree view of the park. Descend toward the

Weber Bridge and return to the stable. Return to

explora by van (15 min). Level: Difficult.

Hotel services include; Dining room with the Explora quality cuisine, In-room phones with national and international direct dialing service, Open Bar. Including alcoholic drinks and a wide selection of wines, Room service, Shop with souvenirs and Explora clothing, Laundry services, Lockers: every room has a locker at the hotel entrance, Internet connection available, Indoor heated pool, Sauna, Massage rooms and Open air Jacuzzis.

Accommodations in Patagonia

The hotel has 50 rooms:

6 Suites Exploradores (39 m2/ 420 sq. ft) with a view of Macizo del Paine.

37 Cordillera Paine rooms (26 m2/ 280 sq. ft) with a view of Macizo del Paine.

7 rooms with view to the Salto Chico waterfall (26 m2/ 280 sq. ft).

Food & Wine

The food at Explora is based on the simple details of quality and incorporates local products. Food is an essential part of Chilean culture. At Explora, it is equally important to have the appropriate food not only at the lodge, but also while enjoying an exploration. During the latter, no matter how remote the location, Explora’s staff will always surprise you.

In addition, Explora staff and guests frequently organize at the Quincho (traditional barbecue area), near the Estancia 2 de Enero, outdoor food activities where guests, staff and locals find a good reason to get together.

Wines are brought from different vineyards belonging to sister-companies, namely: Vińa Gracia, Vińa Porta, Vińa Agustinos and Vińa Veranda

For those looking to explore deeper into Chile’s wine alternatives Explora has designed a premium selection list.

Getting there:

Daily flights from Santiago, Chile, to Punta Arenas (approximately 4 hrs). The staff at Explora will welcome guests at the airport and transport them in a comfortable van to Hotel Salto Chico. The trip takes approximately five hours: 2 ˝ hrs from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales on a 250 kms (155 miles) of paved road, and 2 ˝ hrs from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park, along a 150 kms (93 miles) of dirt road. The trip includes a snack break, organized by Explora.

Vehicles:

When traveling from and to the airport and to access most of the excursions comfortable vans for 10 passengers are used.

Language:

At the hotel, most of the personnel is able to communicate in English. Guides are fluent in both English and Spanish. You are likely to find someone that will speak with you in German, French or Portuguese.

Pets:

Animals are not allowed in the hotel area.

Adequate clothing:

Explorations require the use of a parka and/or water-repellent windbreaker, wide pants (long johns or thermal underwear may be advisable at times), good hiking boots with rubber soles (leather or waterproof fabric), or trekking shoes for easier walks, gloves, caps, sunglasses or ski goggles, lip protector and sun block. At the hotel each guest may wear whatever is comfortable. The hotel’s interior has a pleasant temperature (not too warm), ideal for light and informal clothing.

For details, go to equipment for Patagonia explorations.

Insurance:

Although all safety measures are taken for explorations, and Explora provides the necessary means to resolve contingencies, it is recommended that every visitor has an insurance policy.

Currency:

Chilean pesos are accepted, as are American dollars, and Euros. VISA, MASTERCARD, DINERS and AMERICAN EXPRESS credit cards are welcome for all purchases within the hotel.

Children:

Children under two years old are free of charge when they share their parents’ room.

RESPONSIBILITY

Explora reserves the right to alter, change or eliminate parts of the exploration itineraries without prior notice, when advisable for the well-being or safety of guests.

Service List

Dining room serving exceptional cuisine

Bar

Room service

Shop with Explora clothing and other sundries

In-room telephone with international and national direct dial

Game room equipped with videos and laser discs

Satellite dish with communication access to Chile and the world

Meeting room

Library

Laundry service

Lockers: there is a locker for every room at the entrance of the hotel

Internet available Casa de Bańos del Ona

Heated indoor lap pool

Sauna

Exercise corner

Massage service

Outdoor Jacuzzis