Explora – Torres del Paine 5

Flights: Flight should arrive at least an hour before scheduled transfers from Puerto Natales to Explora Hotel: 12 Noon and 3 PM. Private transfer available for an additional cost.

Upon landing at Puerto Natales Airport, we will embark on an enthralling drive to the famous Torres del Paine national park. The road will be flanked by open fields and steppes, where we might spot roaming guanacos and other local wildlife. In the distance, the outlines of the Andean mountain ranges will come into view, setting the stage for our upcoming adventure. As we approach the hotel, the scenery will change once more, now featuring a mix of rolling hills and bodies of water that shimmer in the sunlight. The drive will serve as an appetizer for the natural splendor that awaits us, making every moment of the journey to Patagonia a memorable one.

On our first evening at Explora, the atmosphere will be one of eager anticipation. After settling into our luxurious rooms, we will meet with the activities leader who will present an array of adventure options available during our stay.

Excursions: The hotel operates on an all-inclusive basis, providing you with a choice of over 30 full or half-day excursions. These range from leisurely walks to challenging treks and horseback rides, catering to various fitness levels. Each evening presents an opportunity for you to handpick their next day's adventure. Seasoned guides are on hand to offer insights on the optimal excursions based on prevailing weather conditions and your desired adventure intensity. While the activities highlighted below serve as recommendations, remember that an array of alternative experiences awaits you throughout your stay.

Today, we will cross Pehoé Lake by catamaran, arriving at the Paine Grande refuge to tackle one of the segments of the W trek. As we reach the midpoint of our hike, we'll catch sight of the awe-inspiring Grey Glacier and the expansive Southern Ice Fields. Our journey will continue as we make our way to the beach of Grey Lake, where we'll board a boat that will take us up close to the glacier before dropping us off on the other side of the lake. From there, we will walk along the beach and meander through a forest, eventually reaching the van for our return trip.

We will set out on an expedition to one of the most iconic sectors of the W, embarking on our journey by van to the Cerro Paine ranch. From there, we will begin our ascent to the base of the famed Torres del Paine. As we reach the summit, we will be awestruck by the towering granite peaks that rise majestically above us and the mesmerizing lagoon that stretches out at our feet. The sheer grandeur and beauty of the landscape will leave us breathless. We will then make our descent, retracing our steps along the same road, with memories that will last a lifetime.

This morning, we will set out from the stables on horseback, making our way across the expansive Serrano pampa. As we ride, we'll pass picturesque lagoons with the majestic Paine massif serving as a stunning backdrop. Our route will take us along the banks of the Serrano River and Lake Toro, which we will cross at various points to fully experience the landscape's natural beauty. On our return journey, we'll traverse the pampa once more, captivated by the panoramic vistas of the Paine massif that stretch out before us. The experience will leave us with a deep sense of connection to this breathtaking region.

As we bid farewell to the team at Explora, we will drive back to Puerto Natales Airport. The landscapes that once welcomed us will now offer a sentimental goodbye. The shimmering lakes and rolling hills will recede in the rearview mirror, replaced by the expansive steppes and open fields that define this region. The majestic outlines of the Andean mountains will gradually fade into the distance, serving as a poignant reminder of the adventures we've had. Though the journey will signify the end of our stay, the natural beauty surrounding us will offer one last moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences we've had. As we approach the airport, the reality of our departure will set in, but the memories of our time at Explora will remain vivid, accompanying us long after we've boarded our flight.

Flights: Flight should depart at least two hours after scheduled transfers arrival to Puerto Natales from Explora Hotel: 9 AM, 12 Noon and 2 PM. Private transfer available for an additional cost.