Overview
On this five-day photo safari your camera is the star. Come photograph Torres del Paine’s colors and wildlife, textures and contrasts: the blue-hues of Grey Glacier, pinks and whites of the Chilean Flamingo or carpets of wildflowers contrasted against granite peaks, moody skies, scrubby pampas and autumn leaves. Photograph the largest predator of Patagonia – the Puma – while admiring and capturing it´s breathtaking surroundings and endless landscapes. The days are long but the sights are endless and there will be plenty of time for restful relaxation in our Riverside Camp on the shores of the Serrano River.
Trip highlights
• Exclusive Puma Tracking Excursion • Daily Opportunities for Wildlife & Landscape Photography • Private Camping in Our Secluded Riverside Camp & Iconic Estancia • Splendid Sunrises & Sunsets Each Day • Chance to See Condors, Foxes, Guanacos, & Flamingos • Shoot Grey Glacier, Icebergs, Lakes, Waterfalls & the Three Towers Up Close • Visit & Experience Authentic Patagonia Ranches
Trip length
5 Days
Trip Level
1
From USD
$2.295 per person
Start / End
Puerto Natales
Spaces:
Min 2 Max 8 People
Season
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL
Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer to Torres del Paine — Puma Tracking Excursion
Full Guided Vehicle Support Throughout the Day
Night at Chile Nativo Riverside Camp (BL-D)
As you begin your journey from your hotel in Puerto Natales with your private chauffeur and guide, you’ll immediately find wonderful photo-taking opportunities in the lagoons dotted with Chilean flamingos and black-necked swans that we pass. As we enter the park, pay close attention to the condors circling the skies and guanacos (llama family) grazing silhouetted against the mountains and valleys. After we meet up with our professional puma tracker in particular sectors of the park, we begin the quiet and slow hike to encounter the wild predator that reigns these landscapes. Photos will be taken for only a short while to be sure not to alter or disturb the puma and it's daily life. Once we continue along our way, we’ll stop to capture Torres del Paine’s moody landscapes en route to our campsite on the shores of the Serrano River. After a deliciously prepared welcome dinner, end the day with a magnificent shoot of the sunset splashed across the twilight Patagonia skies.
Day 2
Up-Close Cruise to Grey Glacier’s Ice Wall
Full Guided Vehicle Support Throughout the Day
Night at Chile Nativo Riverside Camp (B-BL-D)
A sunrise photoshoot from our campsite begins our day, followed by breakfast and a transfer to Grey Lake. To reach the pier we’ll take a short walk through a beech forest. Keep your camera handy while walking: woodpeckers, Austral parakeets and huemuls, or Andean deer, call this forest home! We’ll cruise Grey Lake for about an hour, weaving through blue-hued icebergs and stopping right in front of Grey Glacier’s massive facade. Here, we’ll stay for a while to take pictures, observe the glacier’s intricate colors and icy textures - and maybe even see ice chunks calving. As you make your way back, take time to capture Paine Grande and its wind-sculpted “ice mushroom” peak. Ashore once again, we’ll have a picnic lunch and walk along the beach to observe once free-floating icebergs that have been marooned at the shores by the Park’s strong winds. We make our way back to our camp for a restful evening with fine food and company.
Day 3
Lake Sarmiento – Lake Nordenskjöld – Salto Grande Waterfall
Full Guided Vehicle Support Throughout the Day
Night at Chile Nativo Riverside Camp (B-BL-D)
The day begins with a sunrise shoot of the western face of the Torres Del Paine from our camp. Our first destination today is Sarmiento Lake, the largest in the Park. We’ll stop here to enjoy the view, have lunch and snap this glacial lake’s dark blue waters and the distinctive white calcium deposits that hug its shoreline. Later we’ll drive to Lake Nordenskjöld to the Salto Grande waterfall to photograph its waters and the wildflowers blooming nearby (orchids, calceolarias and neneos depending on the season). A picnic lunch and well-deserved siesta at our riverside campsite follow. Once rested, we’ll head east to another prime location for observing guanacos, to photograph their antics among the backdrop of Patagonia´s pristine beauty.
Day 4
Sunrise at Laguna Azul - Visit to Estancia Cerro Guido
Full Guided Vehicle Support Throughout the Day
Night at Estancia Cerro Guido (B-BL-D)
Today we’ll set off very early to the eastern side of the park to shoot the sunrise from Laguna Azul, an enchanting lake bordering the park; home to ducks, swans, coots, woodpeckers and blessed with an incredible view of the Three Towers. Our departure before sunrise means there is a chance of glimpsing a puma as they are active during the nocturnal hours! Our next destination will be Estancia Cerro Guido where each guest will have a unique opportunity to select a guided activity based on their preference such as horseback, hiking, or mountain biking. Whatever you choose - you will surely be left with an appreciation for the splendid sights and an unforgettable experience! As we turn in for the night, rest well in the luxury of the estancia's first class accommodations and exquisite dining experience.
Day 5
Iconic Ranches – Transfer back to Puerto Natales
Full Guided Vehicle Support Throughout the Day (B-BL)
Early in the morning after a freshly prepared breakfast we start our last day with several highlight visits to iconic Patagonia ranches. We will have many opportunities to observe the daily life of a working cattle ranch which dates to the last century, capture local gauchos as they care for their estancia and land, and visit natural wonders that are unknown to most travelers. During our visits we’ll be keen to search the woodlands and landscapes for sightings of native birds, including the Upland Goose, Pygmy Owl, Southern Lapwing and Magellanic Oystercatcher. We'll enjoy our final lunch together in the afternoon before we end our journey and return to Puerto Natales.
INCLUDED
All the private transportation indicated in the schedule
All meals indicated in the schedule (B: breakfast, BL: box lunch, D: dinner)
Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park
Three nights at Chile Nativo Riverside Camp in Torres del Paine (Double Deluxe Tents)
One night in Estancia Hotel Cerro Guido (Double Standard Room)
Boat navigation to Glacier Grey
Professional Puma Tracker
Professional Guide (English-Spanish) & Driver
NOT INCLUDED
Any international or domestic flights
Any additional nights
Medical expenses
Insurance of any kind
Personal expenses
Gratuities for Guide & Driver
Lodgings
RIVERSIDE CAMP
Perfect for families or groups, Chile Nativo´s Riverside Camp is a fully-equipped site located on the shores of the Serrano River, away from the crowded refugios and campsites. Equipped with men´s & women´s restrooms, hot showers, and electrical outlets for charging and operating electronic devices. Delicious meals are shared in a dedicated dining lodge with views of the Paine Massif. A spacious lounge offers the perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying with great company!
HOTEL ESTANCIA CERRO GUIDO
Part of the oldest estancia (ranch) of the region, Hotel Cerro Guido is located between the Torres Del Paine National Park, the pampas of Argentina, and Sierra Baguales. You will have a unique opportunity to experience the elegance of the English style accommodations of the pioneers who first came to the Patagonia region in the 20th century. Each accommodation has a private bathroom, hair dryer with eco friendly toiletries, central heat, WiFi, and a garden view. Rest quietly in this lovely and charming estancia with fresh meals with striking views.
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