Chile - Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine Kayaking in Patagonia   (3 days)
RIO SERRANO & RIO TYNDALL NAVIGATION,
 FROM TORRES DEL PAINE  TO THE PACIFIC AND PTO. NATALES

This is the perfect way to leave Torres del Paine after your trekking or horseback riding trip: paddling downriver the calm Serrano river in a sea kayak.
Declared Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO in 1978, the Torres del Paine National Park, (located in the Chilean Patagonia) in internationally renowned as one of the most beautiful, unspoiled and remote places of the planet. Their attractions reside on its spectacular mountain range, lakes, flora and fauna that make of this place an ideal destination for Eco-tourism and adventure.
 ZZ-CH-KAY-011
3 days/ 2 nights  $ 475  
2006/07 Dates: The trip starts every Sunday  from Nov to March
Level:  Moderate
Included:
-   Complete Kayak equipment consisting of: boat (single or double), safe vest, gloves, paddle, spry skirt, spray jacket and dry bag.
-    1 English/Spanish speaking guide;
-    Meals as indicated   B=breakfast,
-    L-=box lunch, -      D= dinner
-    Regular cruise boat Puerto Toro/ Puerto Natales;
-    Transfer of participants from La Administración to Camp Serrano;
-   Transport of equipment to the river put in point;
-   Tents and basic camping equipment that can be accommodated in the kayaks.
Not included:
-   Torres del Paine NP park fee;
-   Sleeping bag;
-   Transfer to “La Adminstración”.
Extras:
- Private transfer from EcoCamp or from Laguna Amarga to La Administración can be hired at $30 per person (minimum 2 pers.)

Important:
Sea kayaking in Patagonia can be very unpredictable due weather conditions. Some times the winds blows from the ocean with such force that makes waves break upstream making navigation almost impossible. If you book this trip please keep in mind that the whole trip is weather permitting and that a considerable physical effort is required.
Minimum: 2   Maximum: 16 

TRIP ITINERARY:

Day 1 Meet around 12:00 hrs at "La Administracion" and be transported to Camp Serrano where the Rio Serrano begins its winding path leaving the National Park Torres del Paine and drains the intricate Torres del Paine glacial hydrological network toward the Pacific Ocean. Here equipment and Instructions will be given. Start paddling at Camp Serrano with a portage at the Falls. Continue down river passing through beautiful Lenga forest covered mountains while leaving the Paine Massif behind. Near the mouth of the Rio Tyndall disembark at an ample campsite at the riverside where we pitch tents and enjoy dinner by the campfire. (L-, D-)

Day 2 Start paddling approx. 1.5hr upstream Rio Tyndall with some portages if too shallow. This stretch can be physically very challenging. Finally, the Sea Kayaks reach Lago Tyndall and reach deep waters towards the glacier walls. From the kayaks experience close up views of Glaciar Tyndall, a major arm of the enormous Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Camp independently by Lago Tyndall. (B-, L-, D-)

Day 3 Start paddling around 09:00 hrs downstream by way of Rio Serrano. Enjoy vistas of mountains, glaciers, and forested wilderness of this diverse area until reaching Puerto Toro (2hrs paddling approx.) Disembark and take the opportunity to walk to the foot of the Serrano Glacier, a major Serac or cascading glacier along the immense Monte Balmaceda Massif. After a snack, board the ship (approx. 1pm) that sails the Last Hope Fjord back to Puerto Natales arriving at 5:30pm approx. (B-, L-).

The climate
The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to the saturated winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, the strong marine influence makes the weather hard to predict. In spring (Oct-Nov) or early summer (Dec) fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and eventually snow. Even in summer (December to March) you should come prepared to find cold- strong winds (up to 80 km/hr) and rainfalls. In summer the average temperature is 11ºC/ 52ºF ( 24 ºC max, 2ºC min)

Moderate - difficulty 3
These active trips require you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and you may be traveling at high elevations. Includes more demanding sea kayaking trips and river rafting trips with Class III-IV rapids. Your lodging and camping accommodations may be primitive and in remote locations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.