Paddle the Ice Route in Chilean Patagonia
Patagonia spans parts of Argentina and Chile and includes the southern portion of the Andes mountain range, featuring lakes, fjords, temperate rainforests and glaciers in the west with deserts, tablelands and steppes toward the east. It’s in Chilean Patagonia that our kayak expedition takes place, along two national parks-Torres del Paine and Bernardo O’Higgins. Over five adventure-filled days, kayakers will paddle approximately 134 kms (81 miles) along lakes, through rapid-filled canyons and meandering rivers with stunning backdrops of mountains, glaciers, fjords and ice. On the sixth and last day of the expedition we swap paddles for hiking boots for an 8km (5 mile) trek to a high lookout to view the Balmaceda massif, a towering and heavily glaciated 2,035-metre mountain. Accommodation along the kayaking route is a mix of camping, cabins and lodges, all situated in stunning locations with stupendous views. Our start and end point is Puerto Natales, a vibrant town serving as the primary gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Join SSV on this amazing adventure to explore the wonderful purity and spectacular scenery of Chilean Patagonia!
Dates
2027
27 Feb-5 Mar, 14-20 Mar
Private group trips are available between Dec-Mar. Contact us for costs and dates.
Cost
2027
From US$4825.00 per person
Trip costs are in US dollars and based on a minimum of two participants. Please contact us for the single room supplement cost.
Includes
Hotel accommodation in Puerto Natales for the first night of the trip. Return transfers between Peurto Natales hotel and the start/finish point. Camping equipment including tents, sleeping bag, liner, mattress and pillow. Kayak equipment. All kayak clothing gear including a dry suit, a one-piece polartec suit (to wear under the dry suit), life jacket, helmet, Neoprene gloves-5mm, Neoprene booties-2mm, Neoprene wet socks-4mm. Neoprene sprayskirt, dry bags and a compact waterproof bag for phones. Ratio of one guide to three paddlers. Meals and drinks from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 7. Entry fee into Torres del Paine National Park and Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.
Excludes
Airfares, travel insurance, visas (if required), alcohol, tips to local staff.
Day 1
Arrive Puerto Natales and make your way to the group hotel. Meet your guide this evening for a trip briefing. Overnight hotel.
Day 2
The group will transfer about 100 kms (65 miles) to the shores of Grey Lake, located in Torres del Paine National Park. We kayak close to the broken ice from Grey Glacier and admire the amazing view of the magnificent Paine massif; including Paine Grande, the Olguin Range and Los Cuernos. After paddling Grey Lake, the descent of Grey River begins! The paddle continues next to the Paine massif for until it joins with the turquoise waters of Serrano River. Camping.
Day 3
Kayaking down the Serrano River until we arrive at the Serrano waterfall. Here we’ll keep kayaking downriver for another five kms (three miles) until we meet the Rio Brush. Continuing on, we arrive at beautiful Brush Lake and delight in the views of the Paine massive while paddling through crystal clear waters. At the end of the lake, there is a short walk to our overnight stay at Lago Brush Refugio. Cabins.
Day 4
Paddling down the Serrano River, passing open and exposed windy areas to reach the mouth of the Tyndall River. We will paddle the upstream of Tyndall River until we reach beautiful Tyndall Lake. We spend the night camping wild on the shores of Tyndall Lake. Camping.
Day 5
Kayak the 9 km (5.5 miles) expanse of Tyndall Lake. We’ll then paddle along the quiet waters of Tyndall River until we reach the Serrano River. After about two hours of paddling, we come close to Balmaceda Mount, on the shores of Ultima Esperanza Fjord and the amazing Serrano Glacier. We are now in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park and spend two nights at Lago Monte Balmaceda Lodge. Lodge.
Day 6
We start with a 30 minute paddle on the fjord to the Park Ranger Balmaceda Station. From here we do a portage of the kayaks for 50 metres from the Ultima Esperanza Fjord to Serrano Lagoon. Serrano glacier is an unforgettable experience with the first rays of sun highlighting the unique views of the beautiful landscape. If the weather is good we will also paddle the fjord to admire the Balmaceda glacier, waterfalls and wildlife. Lodge.
Day 7
Hike to a high lookout to see the Balmaceda massif from a different perspective. After returning to camp, we pack up and hop on board the on “21 de Mayo” catamaran for our transfer back to Puerto Natales. End of trip arrangements.
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