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All
Explorations have been carefully created and are classified according
to duration and level of difficulty. Each day our guests can choose
from 5 to 10 different options, selected according to the weather conditions
and guests desire. Hiking, horseback riding, in a van or by motorboat;
in groups no larger than 10 guests accompanied by a bilingual guide,
explorations allow an in-depth contact with the wonders of Torres del
Paine National Park, year round.
Click
on the links below for details on each exploration available:
Half-day walking
Full-day walking
Horseback ride at the barbecue site
Horseback rides
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 excursions 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.
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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 bird watching. This walk may be taken before or
after the barbecue lunch.
Level: Easy.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 century old 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.
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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 bird watching. Picnic lunch
and return walking back until reaching the Grey Ranger Station.
Level: Difficult.
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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 (half
day).
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.
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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.
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20. HORSEBACK RIDE TO THE SANTAGEMITA 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.
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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 or 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.
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21. HORSEBACK RIDE TO THE DONOSO VISTA POINT
Duration: 6 hours (full day). Five hours riding. Itinerary:
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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