Blue Ice Trail
- in Torres del Paine, Patagonia

Ride, hike, sea-kayak
This fabulous multi activity trip continues to appeal to those wanting something a bit different and who are keen to experience a number of different activities during their visit to the Park. Our Blue Icers love the wilderness and appreciate the remote areas they are able to reach on this unique itinerary. Starting out with some wild camping in the north eastern area of the park, where the only access is by horse or 4WD, we camp in a valley backed by ancient southern beech forests and with awesome views to the Towers. No other visitors except the resident estancia worker who makes this home through the summer. There is a small baqueano puesto (outpost) here for inside dining and cooking in case of inclement weather.
Our first riding day will be up to the very pretty Zamora Falls where we can enjoy a peaceful lunch before returning to our campsite via the very beautiful Laguna Azul. Our second riding day takes us through an area which is home to large grazing herds of guanaco. Plenty of opportunities for the now more confident riders to enjoy long canters across grassy valleys and open pampas. We continue riding on to Laguna Amarga and Camping Las Torres to start our hiking adventure.
The hiking, like the riding, is world class. Starting with the fabulous and challenging hike to the base of the Towers we then continue along past the turquoise waters of Lake Nordjenskold and on to Camping Pehoe. Then its up the stunning trail to Grey Glacier to witness this incredible marvel of nature. After spending some time here we once again meet our horses and enjoy a nice long canter to the Serrano River before the kayaking segment begins.
We paddle for 3 days on the beautiful Serrano River, camping riverside in remote areas. Great wildlife viewing opportunities and pristine scenery in this rarely visited area. After our kayak journey we join the boat trip back to Puerto Natales and our well deserved night at the contemporary and comfortable Hotel Weskar. Dinner will be in one of the town’s lovely restaurants while swapping tales of the previous days’ adventures.

IT-CHRT40
Rates include lodging (camping and hotels, most meals, activities
14 days/ 13 nights  $3,100  Single+ $350
.. based on total of 7+ riders on trip
Min/Max Participants:  7-12
4-6   only:   +$110 per person
3      only:   +$335 per person
2      only:   +$650 per person
Dates 2008:  
11/15-11/28    12/24-01/06
Dates 2009:  
01/17-01/30    02/07-02/20    03/09-03/22
11/24-12/07   12/24-01/06

  see availability

Meeting: Punta Arenas (hotel)
Gratuity: $50 to $100 recommended
Level:      Good Novice+ for the riding
Horses:    Chilean
Tack:       Chilean (similar to Western)
Pace:       Slow to intermediate
                - some canters
Maximum Weight: 210 lbs

Note: The hiking itself  is ‘moderate – challenging’ and clients should have the appropriate level of fitness. The kayaking part requires no previous experience although clients should be confident around water. The riding section covers some fairly long riding days so clients should be prepared for this and should be confident at walk, trot and canter.
Rates include: All riding/walking/kayaking; all equipment (except sleeping bags/mats); all transfers to and from Punta Arenas and whilst in park; thirteen nights accommodation (nine camping, three in hotels, one in refugio) all based on twin share and meals with wine whilst camping, English speaking and local guides; baqueanos who care for horses; waterproof stuff sacks for trip; use of saddle bags; river fees, camp fees, entrance fees to park and penguin colony, two nights in Punta Arenas at Hotel Terra Sur, one night at Hotel Weskar, Puerto Natales.
Price Excludes: Flights, airport taxes, airport transfers and meals in Punta Arenas; lunch on Day 2 and Day 13 in Natales, dinner on night 12 in Natales, local gratuities
 

ITINERARY
Day 1  Arrive in Punta Arenas.  Taxi from airport to Hotel Terra Sur - and meet the group leader in hotel lobby at 7.30 p.m. to be escorted to restaurant for dinner.
Day 2  Morning collection from Terra Sur to start the day’s drive across the wide open pampas and estancia lands that characterize this area before arriving at the waterside town of Puerto Natales (the capital of the Esperanza region of Chile).  We will stop for lunch here and can choose from a variety of restaurants and perhaps do some souvenir shopping.  After lunch we will continue our drive towards the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park.  Our route takes us along the eastern side of the Park where we will cross into the land belonging to a local estancia.  The last part of the drive will be bumpy and with no other traffic as we head towards our beautiful, remote camping spot in a valley with awesome views of the Torres del Paine.  There is a small puesto or gaucho post here so we will have some shelter for cooking, dining if the weather is bad.  Whilst dinner is being prepared we can put our tents up and enjoy the view.  No showers (showers are under construction, check back with us before season).  Transfer time:  approx. 5.5 hours.
Day 3  Today we will be meeting our horses and the character baqueanos who care for them for the first part of our adventure which will be on horseback.  After a short introduction to western riding and safety briefing, we will set off on our exciting and unique adventure into the hills and forests of the Sierra Contreras.  Our destination is the pretty waterfall known as Cascada Zamora.  It is normal for us to see no other visitors here enabling us to enjoy a peaceful lunch in this pretty wood.  After lunch we will ride out to the remote puesto ‘mercado’ riding up high over the pampas with views off to the Las Chinas Valley and the Sierra Baguales in the distance.  Return to our camp by a different route passing the beautiful Laguna Azul.  Night back at puesto Tercera.    No showers
Hours in the saddle: 5-6.
Day 4  Today, now more familiar with our horses, we will be setting off across some lovely open pampas towards the heart of the Park and Laguna Amarga.  This is a beautiful ride, not least because we get to ride towards the dramatically beautiful mountains of the Paine Massif.  We will also pass through the summer grazing grounds of large guanaco herds.  Plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the athletic antics of these fascinating and agile animals, or to pick some lovely ripe calafate berries from the many bushes that grow round here.  Our trail takes us across some rivers and finally along the dirt track which leads into the Laguna Amarga area of the Park.  Here we will meet our transfer vehicle for the short drive to camping Las Torres.  Hot showers available.    Hours in the saddle: 4-5.  Transfer time: 45 minutes.
Day 5  After our hearty camp breakfast, a challenging hike lay in store for us today as we climb up to the base of the towers themselves.  Starting with an uphill walk and then following wooded mountain trails this hike is beautiful.  The final section is a series of ‘hops’ over glacial moraine before finally reaching our lunch destination in the shadow of these fabulous granite peaks.  In the foreground waterfalls flow off the hanging glaciers into a basin of green water where icebergs float.  You will hear sounds like thunder as the ice breaks off the glaciers with crashing roars.  In the afternoon we will descend to our camping spot in the valley and enjoy a shower….and for those who have the energy to walk to the nearby hotel bar, pisco sours can be enjoyed while dinner is being prepared.   Hiking time: 7-9 hours depending on fitness.
Day 6  After an early breakfast, we will be starting our hike round the shores of Lake Nordjenskold.  Our hike skirts this lake whilst always keeping close to the huge granite mountains which form the centrepiece of this geographical wonder.  Tonight we will be eating and sleeping in the Refugio Los Cuernos which is beautifully situated beside a turquoise blue lake with the mountains standing watch behind.  Dinner and wine included.  Hiking time: 4-5 hours. 
Day 7  After breakfast in the convivial refugio we will continue our hike along the shores of Lake Nordjenskold towards the French Valley.  This is a beautiful and justly famous trail into a superb natural granite amphitheatre where we will also see the French Glacier.  After lunch in our awesome picnic spot we will hike to another beautiful lake, Lago Pehoe.  We will be setting up camp here on the shores of these pretty turquoise waters before relaxing a little while dinner is prepared.    Showers available, inside dining if weather bad.  Hiking time: 5 – 9 hours depending on how far the group hikes into the French Valley.
Day 8  Today we will be hiking up to the spectacular and immense Grey Glacier. The trail takes us through ancient beech forests and along a spectacular trail high above Grey Lake.  We will enjoy fantastic glacier views throughout.  Our destination is refugio Grey and Mirador where we can enjoy lunch on the shores of the iceberg choked lake before we start our descent back to our pretty campsite at Pehoe Lake.  Second night at Pehoe.  Showers available.  Hiking time: 6-7 hours.
Day 9  After breakfast and packing up camp, we will be reunited with our horses and the baqueanos who care for them with a brisk and exciting ride across wide open pampas to the Serrano River.    Our path first takes us along  flower-lined trails skirting Pehoe Lake before opening out onto flat pampas where we can enjoy an exhilarating canter to the emerald green waters of the Serrano River.  Camp riverside.  Showers available and inside dining in case of bad weather.  Hours in the saddle: 4-5 depending on pace traveled.
Day 10 Today, we will rise early to pack up camp and prepare for our river adventure.  We will start with a lecture on safety and technique before loading our luggage and associated equipment onto our kayaks.  Then we will board our two-man sea kayaks and start our downriver float into this virgin wilderness.  Cameras will need to be kept handy as we enjoy beautiful views of the distant snow capped mountains and the variety of birdlife that inhabits these shores  The afternoon we will paddle “up stream” to enter Tyndall lake. This is a short but fairly strenuous leg that gets us into what we feel to be one the most stunning sights/experiences in all of Patagonia, an up close view of a towering valley glacier that reaches 90 feet high in some spots. This remote spot is supremely beautiful and visitors are extremely rare here so we can enjoy the spectacle all to ourselves while dinner is prepared, a fire is lit on the beach and some local Chilean wine is poured.  Night camping in virgin wilderness (or under the stars if you prefer.  Hours kayaking: 5-6 but flexible depending on weather conditions.
Day 11  Today, we will once again board our sea kayaks to continue downriver to the start of our hike.  This wilderness walk takes us into virgin glacier country and we will be totally alone as we enjoy views of Tyndall and Geike Glaciers and the Patagonian ice sheet itself.  The stunning setting for lunch will be alongside a lake containing hundreds of icebergs.  Returning to the river and our kayaks for the last leg of our journey, we will spend the night in the shadow of Mount Balmaceda.  After dinner we will end this perfect day with the sounds of the Serrano Glacier and its tumbling ice lulling us to sleep for the night.  Hours kayaking: 4-5.  Hours hiking: 3-4.  Flexible itinerary based on weather.
Day 12 After this morning's breakfast, time and weather allowing,we will have an opportunity to take our kayaks into the melt water lake fed by the Serrano Glacier.  We will spend the morning paddling amongst the floating icebergs in a truly fantastic setting not soon forgotten.  After lunch we will be boarding a modern cutter for a comfy ride back across Last Hope Sound to the quayside at Puerto Natales.  On arrival in this interesting waterside town, we will take a taxi to the newly built family run Weskar Lodge.  Situated a short walk from Puerto Natales this wooden built hotel has lovely views of Last Hope Sound and the Serrano Glacier in the distance.  There is ar restaurant and laundry and internet are available.  Dinner not included.  Hours kayaking: 3-4 (weather reliant).  Hours on Cutter: 3-4. 
Day 13 Morning at leisure in this beautifully situated and pretty town.  After an early lunch, we will continue on to the Otway Sound Penguin Colony where we will have a chance to see and photograph these unique and fascinating burrowing penguins.  After we have had our fill of these cute creatures, we will continue on to Punta Arenas and our cozy accommodation at the Hostal Terra Sur.  Dinner tonight not included.  Transfer time: 4.5 hours with the penguins.
Day 14: Taxi to airport for onward travel.

Accommodation We use comfortable 3-man tents which are roomy, comfortable and able to withstand the sometimes high winds in the area. Accommodation is based on twin-share. If you require single accommodation, there is an extra charge. Some of the camping will be true ‘wilderness’ style camping with the only washing facilities being in a river or lake. Showers are available for four out of the nine nights on the Glacier Ride. Guests typically set up their own tents.
Meals   Meals are varied and wholesome and include fresh salmon and local fish, pasta, chicken, beef, lamb and some local Chilean meals. Fresh salad is served every night. Local wine is served with dinner and all meals are prepared. Packed lunches are prepared by the clients at breakfast and are carried with us in saddle bags. These consist of sandwiches (e.g. tuna, cheese, ham, peanut butter, salami), fresh fruit, trail mix, chocolate, biscuits, snacks etc. Clients are responsible for looking after their lunch boxes. Breakfast is normally hot and cold cereals, toast, jams, marmalade, coffee, tea and juice. At times a cooked breakfast is served. Vegetarians can be well catered for and clients should indicate their requirements at the time of booking. A dining tent is carried for eating meals and cooking although sometimes we choose to eat in a camp ‘shelter’ or around the campfire (weather obviously permitting)! Where possible, vehicle support is arranged. Supplies of bread, salad and fresh fruit are replenished. On arrival at the campsite, wine and canapes are served giving clients ample time to relax while the evening meal is being prepared. All meals are included. Wine is also included (generous though necessarily limited supplies!). Meals in Punta Arenas and lunches in Day 1 and Day 10 in Puerto Natales are not included. A dedicated, professional chef is provided on groups of 6 and over.

Suitability
This trip is a true once in a lifetime adventure for those wanting to experience the best of three exciting activities in one action packed trip.  It runs for 14 days and clients will enjoy some amazing riding;   spectacular hikes and a unique kayak journey through a pristine wilderness area.  This trip is camping throughout (except the Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales nights and one refugio night at Cuernos) and the hiking is supported by pack horses with hikers only carrying a daypack.  The riding section offers manageable riding for more novice riders but clients should be comfortable in the saddle at walk, trot and canter.  The hiking is ‘moderate – challenging’ and clients should have the appropriate level of fitness.  The kayaking part requires no previous experience although clients should be confident around water.  The trip is guided throughout and baqueanos will accompany us to care for the horses.  Clients joining this trip should love the outdoors, be comfortable travelling in remote areas, be prepared for weather changes and most of all have a sense of humor and a flexible attitude!
Horses: The horses are Criollo-cross and vary in size with the majority being between 14.0 and 15.2 hands. They are strong, fit, willing and sure-footed. We are able to provide good horses for both experienced riders and for riders who are more novice or a bit ‘rusty’. The pace of the ride will be adjusted to suit the majority of riders but as we always travel with more than one riding guide, there is great deal of flexibility and riders soon find their own pace for the trip. Riders are not responsible for grooming or tack.
Climate: Torres del Paine has a milder and drier microclimate than the surrounding areas of Patagonia because of some unique geological features. The weather however is famously unpredictable and it is possible to experience four seasons in the course of a few hours! Average daily temperatures vary but in summer one can expect 10 - 20 degrees Celsius with the occasional hot day of 25 degrees. Temperatures can drop to zero at night and high winds are common in this area. Although you can never be sure of how Paine will treat its guests, we ask that clients are prepared (both mentally and physically) for unpredictable and sometimes challenging weather conditions and that you pack accordingly. Good waterproofs (top to toe) are essential.
Pace of Ride: Moderate with some canters. The pace is largely dictated by the terrain and the distance we need to travel on a certain day but where possible there.
Riding Experience: As a multi-activity trip, clients should have a good level of stamina and be in good health. As it is not a dedicated riding trip, we are able to accept a lesser standard of riding than on our scheduled riding trips. Clients should however be fairly comfortable in the saddle and feel safe at walk, trot and canter.
Age Limit: We can accept clients between the ages of 12 and 70. Younger clients need to be experienced riders (and used to completing a trip of this nature) and be accompanied by an experienced and capable adult. Older clients are very welcome to join us on the completion of a medical suitability questionnaire.
Non-Riders: For non-riding partners, we can arrange a hiking trip which follows a similar route taken by the riders. This will be guided where necessary (with occasional vehicle assistance to enable him/her to make up the distance) and the hiker will meet the riding group at the end of each day (with one or two slight deviations). Price according to the number of non-riders in the group. Please ask for details and prices.
Tack: The tack is Chilean and comprises of metal framed saddles onto which is layered felt, sheepskin and leather. Rope, rawhide and leather form the bridles, girths, straps etc. The saddles provide adequate comfort for the long days riding and the stirrups consist of a leather cup through which the foot cannot pass. Most of the horses are ridden in simple snaffles. Halters are worn throughout the ride with rope tied around the horse’s neck to tie up at lunch stops/rest stops etc.
Water: During the trip we use local water supplies from rivers, streams and lakes. Clients should bring a water bottle to fill for their personal daily drinking supply. Water is always available at camp and there are further rivers and streams to replenish supplies en route. This water is clean and pure and is about as close to the source as is possible. We have never had any problems with any client drinking this water (there are no communities in the park to contaminate the water and there are no tropical water bourne diseases such as guiardia). If however a client does not feel confident in drinking this, we would recommend they bring iodine drops (and the taste inhibitors that are sold with them) for their personal supplies as it is impossible to carry any alternative source of water on the pack horses.
Equipment: On our Camping trips clients are required to bring a sleeping bag (on Estancia Ride these are provided for the two nights in refugios but clients might like to bring a sleeping sheet) and for our camping trips they should also bring a mat. The sleeping bag should be 3 or 4 season and should be carried in an effective stuff sack. We can rent sleeping bags and mats to guests and you should indicate this at the time of booking. For those clients renting a sleeping bag, we recommend you bring a sleeping bag inner (available in silk, cotton and fleece) for your comfort and hygiene.
Waterproof stuff sacks are supplied to each client for the duration of the trip (the size of an average 60 litre backpack/3,200 cubic inches and is sufficient for the demands of the trip). This enables clients’ belongings to be packed comfortable, safely and drily onto the pack horses. Excess luggage not required for the trip can be stored either at the client’s hotel in Punta Arenas or with us in Puerto Natales.
Tips/Gratuities: At the end of the trip it is customary for each client to contribute towards a tip for the baquianos who have traveled with us. The normal amount given by each client is between $50 and $100 for the trip although of course it is up to you to decide on how much they would like to give. This is presented by one of the group to the head baquiano at the end of the trip.
Single Supplements: For those clients who prefer not to share, we can offer single accommodation in tents (Glacier Ride) and in hotels. Please be aware that even on payment of a single supplement we cannot guarantee single accommodation in the refugios and some of the ‘homestay’ accommodation although we will do our best to secure it. The single supplement is charged to cover extra camping fees and cargo space on the packhorses.

Special Notes on Kayaking the Serrano River. 
This exciting sea kayak adventure covers 42 kilometers from the Serrano river in Torres del Paine National Park through some beautiful wilderness and into Bernardo O’Higgins National Park finishing at the river’s confluence with Last Hope sound and the beautiful Serrano Glacier.  Enroute we will visit one of the areas most spectacular and least visited sights, the Tyndall Glacier whose remote location sees very few visitors. A stop at one of Patagonia’s more remote estancias will also give us a chance to see local gauchos living off the land and maybe share some of their customs.
Camping is wild and remote.  There are no facilities but you are sure to witness some stunningly beautiful campsites.  Beach campfires, wholesome food, beautiful scenery and amazing tranquility are all found on this exciting river adventure. 
Weather in both the Torres del Paine National Park and Bernardo O’Higgins National Park is notorious and fast changing.   Conditions can change in an instant and it isn’t unusual to witness all four seasons in one day!  Clients should be prepared for these weather conditions and pack accordingly.
Clients should note that the itinerary is subject to weather conditions and may change accordingly.

Provided by us: 

• 60 kilometers of river travel

• paddling up close to the Tyndall Glacier (weather permitting)

• paddling amongst the icebergs of the Serrano Glacier (weather permitting)

• waterproof stuff sacks for personal clothing and cameras