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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
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.
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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 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 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.
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.
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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 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.
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. 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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