Tierra Patagonia

Backyard – a Tierra Patagonia Exclusive  (Difficulty: Easy) 

This walk is perfect for stretching your legs on arrival at Tierra Patagonia.

Head towards the lake shore and the boundary of the Torres del Paine National Park and pass through areas of low bush, all the time enjoying panoramic views of Lake Sarmiento. Viewed from the lake shore, the hotel melts into the surrounding pampa whilst the drama- tic skyline of the Sierra Baguales behind can be seen, separating Chile from Argentina. The element that most stands out during this walk are the thrombolytes on the shores of the lake.

These formations, which are several million years old, were created by some of the oldest living organisms on the earth. They form caves on the lake shore, some of which hide the most important predator in the park, the puma. This is the hotel’s “back yard” and it is common to see wildlife such as eagles, condors, guanaco, sheep, foxes and ñandú (a type of ostrich) with amazing views of the Torres del Paine mountain range.

Hunters Trail  (Difficulty: Medium) 

After a 30 minute drive to the Porteria Lago Sarmiento this trek starts gradually, winding its way northwards, with the Paine Massif as a constant companion. Half way through we will visit a rocky area where there are cave paintings from the Aonikenk, hunter-gatherer native Indians that occupied this area some 6,000 years ago.

It is also one of the best areas to see wildlife such as guanacos, foxes and condors. The hike ends a few meters away from Portería Laguna Amarga where the van is waiting to drive us back to the hotel.

Cornices  (Difficulty: Medium)

Leaving the Hotel we will drive 30 minutes towards the area of the estancias. This hike climbs progressively along a prominent rock buttress where we will be rewarded with stunning views of the Torres del Paine, Sierra Contreras, Sierra del Toro and also the hotel, from a 360° viewpoint.

Strong winds are frequent in this area. The descent is down a hill where there is no defined trail, so hikers must find their own way down. This hike is ideal for those who want to see dfferent places outside the park boundaries and away from the crowds.

At certain times of the year and depending on weather conditions this may also be a good place to spot condors and eagles. Medium

Origins of Life  (Difficulty: Medium)

Departing from the hotel, we drive towards the Sarmiento entrance to the Park and after 40 minutes approximately, we leave the vehicle to start the walk. The first section is mostly flat then we arrive at a steeper incline leading down to the shores of Lake Sarmiento.

Here we can view the incredible rocky formations of the thrombolytes, which take us back to an earlier geological era. With a different perspective of the Paine Massif, we walk along the shores of small lagoons in the glacial moraine spotting wildlife on the way. In springtime the area is full of flowers.

Mirador Ferrier  (Difficulty: High)

We head west into the park via the Sarmiento entrance and enjoy a scenic feast as we cross the park to the Grey entrance. Here we start our hike, climbing to the first viewpoint where we can see Grey beach, the ice floes and the Paine Massif from the western side.

We continue climbing to a second viewpoint then enter a wood. Our destination is the Ferrier Mirador, with impressive views of the Pingo and Grey glaciers, the Paine Massif and the valleys and lakes of the area, considered to be one of the most complete views of the National Park.

Pingo Valley  (Difficulty: High)

From the hotel we head west to enter the Park at the Sarmiento entrance (25 mins) We cross the National Park with views of the mountains and lakes until we reach the Grey entrance after about 11/2 hours. We start the hike here with a CONAF certified guide.

The trail follows the Pingo River and after about an hour we reach an old “puesto”, or gaucho base. We continue on the same path, surrounded by a beautiful lenga forest until we reach “Chorillo Los Salmones”, a small waterfall in the middle of the Pingo valley.

After a well deserved rest, we head back down the valley where our driver is waiting to take us back to the hotel. High

Condor Lookout  (Difficulty: High)

This excursion starts by heading west in a van and we enter the park at the Sarmiento entrance. We cross the park with great views of the lakes and mountains until we reach the Pehoé Campground (about 1 hour).

The hike starts by climbing a reasonably steep hill with views that become increasingly amazing as we climb. We reach the Condor Viewpoint after about 1.5 hours and enjoy views of Lake Pehoé, the Paine Massif and the valleys in the southwest of the park.

After a little break, we continue downwards on the north side of the slope, and finish the walk at the Pehoé Lookout point where our driver is waiting to take us back to the hotel. High

Grey Peninsula   (Difficulty: Easy) 

Heading west from the hotel we enter the park via the Sarmiento entrance.

We continue on the road through the park for about 1.5 hours with wonderful views of the lakes and mountains until we reach the Grey checkpoint. Here start the walk by crossing the Pingo river on a hanging bridge. We continue through a beautiful lenga forest. We descend down a short slope until we reach the black pebbles of Grey Beach.

In springtime there are many wildflowers and beautiful mountain views. In the autumn, the leaves on the trees are deep red and yellow. We walk for around 40 minutes on the beach until we reach the viewpoint where we can see the Grey Glacier in the distance.

We follow the peninsula round until we get back to the Grey checkpoint, where our driver is waiting to take us back to the hotel. Easy

Mirador Cuernos  (Difficulty: Medium) 

Heading west we enter the park at the Sarmiento entrance. We travel into the heart of the National Park, stopping at various viewpoints, including Laguna Los Cisnes, lago Sarmiento, lago Nordenskold) (1 hr) until we reach the Pudeto sector.

From here we start our walk, with amazing views of the mountains close up, as we skirt round the shores of Lake Nordenskold. We reach the viewpoint opposite the French Valley which has an unbeatable view of the Horns of Paine after about 2 hours. Then we make a small detour to see the largest waterfall in the park, Salto Grande.

We continue along the northern shore of Lake Pehoè and finish where our driver is waiting to take us back to the hotel. Medium

Paso de Agostini (Difficulty: Medium-High)

This hike starts from the Estancia Lazo and we enter the National Park at the Laguna Verde entrance, walking through a beautiful wood of lenga trees.

During the hike we can see the Paine Massif and the many lakes of the area which give wonderful photo opportunities. We share a box lunch surrounded by nature where a variety of different animals can be spotted, depending on the time of the year.

A short climb of about 10 minutes takes us to a viewpoint with vistas of Lago del Toro, the largest lake in the area, and the Paine River. The descent from here takes 35 minutes to the Weber Bridge where a vehicle is waiting to take us back to the hotel. Medium – High

French Valley  (Difficulty: Medium-High)

This excursion starts with a 30 minute boat ride across Pehoé Lake. We walk along a winding trail that passes the slopes of Paine Grande and the shores of Lago Skottsberg.

There are great views of the Cuernos del Paine on the way. Upon reaching the Italian Camp, we will cross a bridge over the French River and head up the French Valley to the view point that sits below the French Glacier.

We will return along the same trail and take the boat for the last 30 minutes to the point where the van will take us back to the hotel.

*Subject to operation of catamaran on Lake Pehoé (1 November – 31 March – doesn’t operate 25 December or 1 January). Medium – High

Base of the “Towers”

Requires high level of stamina although not technically difficult.

This world famous hike demands stamina, but the rewards are the impressive views of the three granite towers.

The first part is uphill for about an hour along the Rio Ascencio until we reach the “Paso de los Vientos” from where it takes 30 minutes to reach the Campamento Chileno where we can rest. The walk continues to ascend through the forest for 1,5 hours, gaining altitude very quickly and with amazing views of the geological formations in the area including folds, fractures and granite intrusions.

The last hour is the most challenging and difficult. The trail winds up thorough a moraine section of loose rock, there is exposure to the wind and the weather here is unpredictable. Arriving at the top we enjoy the classic view of the Torres del Paine and weather permitting, we can lunch with this fantastic landscape in front of us.

We will descend along the same trail and it takes about four hours to reach the starting point, so it is important to have good knees and to be in good physical shape generally. Make sure you dress properly, take rain pants and waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, fleece (or any warm jacket), synthetic and breathable top, light hiking pants, hiking boots.

Avoid wearing cotton, jeans and new boots. This excursion is hard and strenuous if you are not used to long distance hikes.

Estancia Lazo (Half Day – Easy)

From the hotel we head south towards Estancia Lazo. The road is scenic and with great views of Lake Sarmiento. The ride starts near the Hostería Lazo and winds through an ancient lenga forest. After about an hour, we reach a clearing with wonderful views of the Paine Massif. We head back through the wood to the Hostería, with a local gaucho always by our side.

Entre Lagos – Tierra Patagonia exclusive

Following a short 20 minute ride, we arrive at the Entre Lagos section of Estancia Cerro Guido (Cerro Guido ranch). Here we dress with chaps and hard hats before mounting our horses and setting off towards the Sierra del Toro, and down towards Lake Sarmiento with panoramic views of the Paine Massif, ending at the hotel. This ride requires previous riding experience, as it is not on a marked trail. Medium (requires some experience)

Laguna Azul (Difficulty: Easy) 

From the hotel we head north to the Laguna Azul area and enjoy spectacular views of the North, Central and South Towers, weather permitting. We enjoy a short walk along the north shore of the lake and in springtime and summer see many birds in the lenga woods. We drive on to see the Paine Waterfall and Laguna Amarga, with beautiful views of the local area.

Sierra Baguales / Estancia Cerro Guido  (Difficulty: Easy) 

From the hotel we head out towards the Sierra Baguales, the drive lasts about an hour.

The scenery here is completely different from the Paine Massif and the geology is impressive. We walk along the bed of the Baguales River, looking for fossils and enjoying the remoteness and views of this mostly unexplored valley.

When the walk is finished, we head back towards the hotel, stopping off to visit Cerro Guido, an estancia (ranch) which was born at the end of the XIX century as part of the “Sociedad Explotadora Tierra del Fuego” the largest and best known cattle ranch in Patagonia. Here there is a small village where the farm workers and their families live. They are totally independent and the settlement has an old dining room and kitchen, iron smith, carpenters workshop, Fire Station, a sheep shearing shed, stables, and a pen for the sheep dogs, among others.

Here we can enjoy the beautiful views and learn more about life in this remote area. Depending on the time of year, we may see sheep being sheared, horses being broken in, or young animals being born before we return to the hotel.

Paine Massif

This is a scenic trip which concentrates on the west side of the Torres del Paine National Park. It is the best option to see a large part of the park in just one day, with stops at various places for taking great photographs.

The journey finishes in the area of Grey Lake, where there are glaciers, ice floes and feathery nothofagus woods. If we are lucky, we may see a huemul, a native deer in danger of extinction. We walk for around 30 minutes on the shore of Grey Lake where ice floes from the glacier have become “beached”.

The return journey to the hotel is via the same route. Easy. *Walking at Grey Lake subject to weather conditions.

Macizo Paine + sailing to Grey Glacier (Full Day)

This is a scenic trip which concentrates on the west side of the Torres del Paine National Park. It is the best option to see a large part of the park in just one day, with stops at various places for taking great photographs.

The road ends at Lake Grey, where we embark on the Grey II, sailing towards the Grey Glacier. We will see glaciers, ice floes and feathery nothofagus woods. If we are lucky, we may see a huemul, a native deer in danger of extinction.

We return to the hotel by van. Easy * Sailing has an additional cost. Must be reserved at time of booking subject to availability of local supplier. ** Subject to seasonal operation of sailings and weather conditions on Grey Lake

Birdwatching (Difficulty: Easy) 

With ever-changing landscapes dominated by the Patagonian wind, the Torres del Paine National Park is a great place to see wildlife.

With several different ecosystems, it is possible to encounter more than 120 bird species, including flamingos, caiquenes, ducks, ñandú (a type of ostrich), Magellanic woodpeckers, caranchos, eagles and of course the majestic condor.

We depart at dawn when the bird life is more active and the light favors photography. We travel between lakes, woods and pampa searching for bird life in an experience which is enriching for both beginners and experts.

We discover more about the life cycles of different birds, while we take in the impressive Magellanic scenery. The best time for bird watching is from December to February and the main areas to be visited are Laguna de los Juncos, Laguna de los Cisnes and Estancia Cerro Paine, among others.

Fishing

This experience combines fishing the unpredictable waters of Patagonia with trekking to reach unexplored areas in a world class destination.

Together with a specialist guide, you will discover pristine rivers and test your fishing skills as you fight the Patagonian wind amidst beautiful scenery. Many rivers in the area are near to the sea and have a flow of species depending on the time of year.

Some of the places where fishing is available are Rio Baguales, Las Chinas, Serrano, Lago del Toro and Lago Maravilla. Here we can find salmon-trout, brown trout, Chinook, pacific salmon, Patagonian tooth fish, and rainbow trout, some of which reach up to 26 lbs. During the full day experience, the guide will move according to his “reading” of the river and evaluate the fishing depending on the activity in the different pools.

A Patagonian style lunch on the banks of the river is included. *Additional cost. Must be reserved at time of booking – subject to availability of local supplier. Requires previous experience, this is not a fishing class.

**Fishing permits must be obtained for each person fishing in compliance with the Regional legal requirements.The authorized fishing season runs from October 10th 2017 – April 10th 2018.

***Minimum 2 people. If there is only 1 person, a supplement is payable. For more information, please contact us.

Kayak on Grey Lake (Full day)

Following in the footsteps of the indigenous waterborne nomads, kayaking among the ice floes, we offer excursions on Lake Grey. The ice here can reach up to 15 meters in height and floats with forms and shapes which fire the imagination.

Specialist guides accompany guests on the journey as they paddle amidst the floes, from a different viewpoint of the local biodiversity. Medium

*Additional cost. Must be reserved at time of booking subject to availability of local supplier.

* Minimum 2 passengers.

La Porfiada   (Difficulty: Medium) 

We leave the hotel heading northeast and enter the park through the Laguna Azul checkpoint. (1 hour). We continue to the La Porfiada section which is a part of the Cerro Guido Estancia.

The ride is mainly downhill for the next 2 hours, through lenga and ñirre woodlands where native birds and animals can be spotted. At the end, we are rewarded with an incredible view towards the northeast side of the Paine massif, including the famous “Torres del Paine”.

We meet our driver at Laguna Azul and return to the hotel.

Las Chinas Valley   (Difficulty: Medium) 

We leave the hotel in an eastbound direction towards Cerro Guido. We pass through the Baguales area and continue north until we reach the Las Chinas valley (1 hour). From here we ride across the valley, which is one of the most rugged and hidden parts of Patagonia. There are two finishing points; Estancia Los Leones for a shorter ride, and Estancia Cerro Guido for more seasoned riders. Medium

Baguales

We leave the hotel heading northeast and enter the park through the Laguna Azul checkpoint. (1 hour).

From here we start biking, heading south through a series of rough downhill trails for an hour, approximately. When we reach the Cañadon Macho area we continue biking for another hour, coming across a wide variety of local birds and animals.

There are also impressive views of the Paine massif, Serra Masle and Sierra Contreras. The ride finishes at Cascada Paine, where our driver will be waiting to take us back to the hotel.

Cañadón Macho

We leave the hotel heading northeast and enter the park through the Laguna Azul checkpoint. (1 hour).

From here we start biking, heading south through a series of rough downhill trails for an hour, approximately. When we reach the Cañadon Macho area we continue biking for another hour, coming across a wide variety of local birds and animals.

There are also impressive views of the Paine massif, Serra Masle and Sierra Contreras. The ride finishes at Cascada Paine, where our driver will be waiting to take us back to the hotel.