Tierra Patagonia

Backyard:

This walk is perfect for stretching your legs on arrival at Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa. Head towards the lake shore and the boundary of the Torres del Paine National Park; pass through areas of low bush, with panoramic views of Lake Sarmiento. From the surrounds of the hotel, the architecture can be seen to melt into the surrounding pampa whilst the dramatic 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, geographic formations which are several million years old. They were created by some of the oldest living organisms on the face of the earth. The lake shore is full of them and the caves hide the most important predator in the park, the puma. This is the hotel’s garden and it is common to see wildlife such as eagles, condors, guanaco, sheep, foxes and ñandú (a type of ostrich) as well as the amazing view of the Torres del Paine mountain range.

Mirador Cuernos:

This is one of the classic hikes in the heart of the park. After a scenic drive, passing by the Sarmiento and Nordenskjöld viewpoints, we arrive at the starting point. The terrain is fairly flat with only one steeper part, and we can always see the “cuernos” or horns of Paine in front of us. We visit the “Salto Grande” or “Big Waterfall” and continue along the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld. On arrival at the viewpoint, you can appreciate from close up the geology that formed the massif. We return along the same path, with the “horns” at our back. There are frequent strong winds in this area.

Hunters Trail:

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 (Condoreras):

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° view point. 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 different 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.

Origins of Life:

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 by the edges of small lagoons in the glacial moraine spotting wildlife on the way. In springtime the area is full of flowers.

Pingo & Grey Valley Peninsula:

Departing from the hotel by van, we pass through the most beautiful viewpoints of the National Park until we reach the Grey Entrance. From here we walk in the Pingo valley on a gently sloping path which follows the bed of the Pingo River. This is one of the greenest areas of the park where it is also possible to see interesting geographical formations. We pass by an old “puesto” of the gauchos and reach the “Chorillo del Salmón” a small waterfall hidden in a Nothofagus wood. We return via the same path. Following lunch, we visit picturesque Grey Lake where icebergs float on the water from the Grey Glaciar, which can be seen in the distance.

Paso de Agostini:

This hike starts from the Estancia Lazo and we enter the National Park walking through the Laguna Verde entrance and entering a charming wood of lenga trees. During the hike we can see the Paine Massif and a wide variety of smaller lakes 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 in the area as well as 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.

Mirador Ferrier & Grey Peninsula:

This is a great option to see most of the national park combined in two hikes. First we will hike the challenging trail to the Ferrier Viewpoint. The terrain is very steep and we gain altitude very quickly (700 meters ascent). We will pass through a beautiful Lenga forest before reaching the windy lookout. At this point we will have spectacular views of Grey Glacier, Paine Massif, Paine river, Lago del Toro, among others. The descent is the same way, very steep!. After lunch we will visit the picturesque Lago Grey, where you can see ice floes near the shore and the Grey Glacier can be seen in the distance.

French Valley:

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 world famous 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.

Base of The Torres:

This world famous hike demands stamina, but the rewards are the impressive views of the three granite towers. This hike ascends strongly for one hour bordering the Rio Ascensio until reaching the Paso de los Vientos. From here it takes 30 minutes to reach Campamento Chileno where we can have a little 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 such as folds, fractures and granite intrusions. The last hour is the most challenging and difficult, where the trail winds up thorough a moraine section of loose rock, there is exposure to the wind and where the weather is unpredictable. Arriving at the lookout we will have 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 definitely requires good knees and you need to be in good shape. Make sure you dress properly, 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.

Half Day Horse Rides

Mirador Bosquecito

This excursion on horseback is ideal for those wanting a relaxing ride as well as those who do not have much experience with horses. Things start off with a general introduction for those who need extra help to feel comfortable on horseback. The ride begins at the Estancia Cerro Guido stables heading towards Sierra Contreras. Riders will head up a short path and then slowly wind through a small lenga forest. After an hour’s ride, the group will arrive at a plain that will provide views of Sierra del Toro, Lago Toro, Lago Sarmiento, Paine Massif and if the day is clear, you can even see part of the southern ice fields. The ride back to Cerro Guido can include a short gallop if guests desire.

Segunda Barranca

From Cerro Guido, head west with the Torres del Paine providing an amazing background. This ride includes passing through a lenga forest and a wide open space for galloping depending on if guests feel comfortable doing so. Guests can explore Segunda Barranca which is made up of a small house, corrals and a large warehouse where sheep shearing takes place a few times a year. The ride back allows guests another opportunity to gallop on their horses.

Full Day Horse Rides

Puesto Las Flores

The ride departs the stables heading east across large fields providing views of the Cerro Guido settlement. After crossing the pass La Guitarra and Puesto La Leona, continue towards the area called Las Flores crossing the Baguales River on the way. The way is easy and flat providing a great chance to gallop through open plains. Amazing views of Sierra Baguales are the reward for a long but exciting ride. On the return, guests will cross Vega Nash stopping by the charming Puesto Marcou.

Condoreras – Tierra Patagonia

From the stables at Cerro Guido, head west towards Condoreras. We will follow an ancient path originally forged by the first colonists. After a few hours ride, arrive at Condoreras where you will walk on foot to the edge and hopefully glimpse the condors on the face of the cliff. The excursion continues by crossing the Las Chinas River and concludes back at Tierra Patagonia.

Laguna Azul:

From the hotel we head north to the Laguna Azul area and enjoy spectacular views of the North, Central and South towers, weather permitting. 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 areas.

Salto Grande:

This journey offers a visit to some of the most classic areas of Torres Del Paine National Park. The Sarmiento viewpoint for magnificent views of the Parks largest lake, then on to Laguna Amarga who’s water is four times more salty than the sea. Continue to Nordenskjöld Lookout which is directly opposite the Paine Massif and finish with a short 10 minute walk to the Salto Grande. Return to the hotel by the same route.

Guided tour of Estancia Cerro Guido

At the end of the XIX century, Cerro Guido estancia became part of the Sociedad Explotadora Tierra del Fuego, the largest and most important cattle ranch and company in Patagonian history. Given the geographic and climatic conditions, the estancias had to develop a totally independent lifestyle which has had an eect on the Patagonia culture. Settlers and workers were given the opportunity to live with their families and work at the same time in a small community. Tierra Patagonia today oers guests a special opportunity to discover this lifestyle at close quarters. The small settlement, as well as housing the accommodation of the workers and their families, still has the old communal kitchen and dining room, a blacksmiths, carpenters, Fire Station, sheep shearing sheds, stables and dog kennels, amongst others. For the benefit of the community, there is also a kindergarten, a school, police station and a small health center. From Cerro Guido there is a wonderful view of the Torres del Paine and it is possible to walk through the estancia, get to meet the residents and witness the dierent activities depending on the time of the year.

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 Lake Grey, where there are glaciers, ice floes and feathery nothofagus woods. If we are lucky, we could see a huemul, native deer in danger of extinction. We will 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 on the south side of Lago del Toro.

Paine Massif and sailing on Grey Lake to Grey Glacier**

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 could see a huemul, native deer in danger of extinction. The return journey to the hotel is on the road to the south of Lago del Toro.

Milodon Cave + City Tour of Puerto Natales

The Milodon Cave was declared a Natural Monument in 1968 and is made up of 3 caverns. It is considered one of the most important paleontology sites in Patagonia. Scientific interest was aroused when the remains of a Milodon “Mylodon Darwin” including bones and skin were found here in 1896. We learn about the finds during our walk through the caverns before climbing above the top of the largest cave to view the surrounding countryside where the milodon lived. We then continue to the town of Puerto Natales, a living monument to mans capacity to live in an apparently adverse environment. We walk along the shores of the Señoret Canal and visit the main attractions of the town, learning about the people who settled the area. We can also get to know the local community, visit craftspeople and view their handiwork.

Sailing on the Serrano River**

The trip starts in the Serrano area on the western side of the Park, where we board zodiac boats to start the descent down the Serrano River. We will head into one of the least discovered parts of the area, near the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, view the Tyndall and Geike glaciers and part of the Great Southern Ice Field. On arrival at the Puerto Toro section, we will walk for approximately 20 minutes to the base of the Serrano Glacier, viewing coigue, canelo, lenga nirre, chilco murtillo, chaura and calafate bushes as well as other local flora. We return to the zodiacs to return via the same route and share a Patagonian Lamb Barbecue on the banks of the river.

Birdwatching**

With ever-changing landscapes dominated by the Patagonian wind, the Torres del is a meeting point for wildlife. With several dierent ecosystems, it is possible to encounter more than 120 bird species, including flamingos, caiquenes, ducks, ñandú (a type of ostrich), magallanic woodpeckers, caranchos, eagles and of course the majestic condor. We depart at dawn when the birdlife 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 lifecycles of different birds, while we view the impressive magellanic scenery.

Fishing**

This experience combines fishing the unpredictable waters of Patagonia, trekking to reach unexplored areas, the passion for fly fishing and a world class destination. Accompanied

by a local, specialist guide, you will discover pristine local rivers as well as local fishing culture. The adventure puts fishing skills to the test as you fight to dominate the Patagonian wind amidst beautiful scenery. Many rivers in the area are near to the sea, so there are several dierent species to fish. Some of the places where fishing is available include Rio Baguales, Las Chinas, Serrano, Lago del Toro and Lago Maravilla, amongst others. It is possible to find salmon-trout, brown trout, Chinook, pacific salmon, Patagonian tooth fish, and rainbow trout, some of which reach up to 12 kgs. During the full day experience, the guide will move according to his “reading” of the river and evaluate the fishing depending on what’s available in the different pools. A Patagonian style lunch on the banks of the river is included.

*Note: Fishing permits must be obtained for each person fishing in compliance with the official fishing ruling.