Explora Connects: Patagonia

Over the course of your days spent at Explora Torres del Paine you will have from over 40 explorations to choose from. The hikes and horseback rides are the quintessential way to discover the landscapes, people and wildlife of this unique territory. Every evening your guides meet with you at the lodge bar or living room area to explain all of the next day’s available explorations and help you choose the best option according to your interests and abilities. The maximum group size is eight travelers, and a bilingual guide leads every exploration. These explorations are off the beaten path and completely unique, not only by accessing certain key sights from alternative routes but also by visiting completely unknown and isolated locations of remarkable beauty—you will not witness others experiencing the region this way. Below is a sample of how you might spend your days with some top recommended treks.

Featured Hiking Explorations

Laguna Larga
This easy, half-day, 3.1-mile hike takes about 2.5 hours with an ascent of 500 feet. Leave the lodge by van and begin your walk along a natural path made by the guanacos, then along the bank of the Larga Lagoon to see gigantic calcium rocks. On this excursion you will probably see the guanacos that move through the park and perhaps a guanaco skeleton or two, since you are now in puma hunting grounds. You will also see Nordenskjöld Lake and mount Almirante Nieto. Finally, return to the Explora lodge by van.

Grey Glacier
This moderate, full-day, 7.7-mile hike takes about 5.5 hours. Begin this exploration by crossing the turquoise waters of Lake Pehoé on board the Explora catamaran towards the Paine Grande lodge. From here, walk towards the Grey Refuge along the border of the massif. Halfway up the ascent you will be able to observe the Grey Glacier and the extraordinary extension of the Southern Ice Fields from above. Later, go down a steep path to the Lake Grey beach, from where a boat will take you closer to the towering walls of the glacier, navigating through the icebergs that float throughout the lake. This exploration is particularly interesting for geology and glaciology enthusiasts. Finally, cross a forest and the Pingo River hanging bridge to meet the van that will take you back to the lodge.

Cornisas
This advanced, full-day, 3.7-mile hike takes about 3 hours. Walk from the lodge toward the Paine River to arrive at the cliffs after which this exploration is named. Once you gain some altitude, you will see the river and Lake Pehoé’s shades of turquoise, deep blue and green depending on the light, and eventually the Paine ridge and its surrounding valleys. This exploration allows you to experience the park from different perspectives due to the many lookout spots.

Base Torres
This expert, full-day, 12.1-mile hike takes about 7 hours with an ascent of 2,413 feet. Head towards the Cerro Paine ranch by van. From here, you will climb towards the Ascencio River Valley and the Chilean Refugio Valley from where you’ll begin a steep ascent toward a lookout at the base of the Paine Towers. Once at the top, grasp the magnitude of the granite towers after which the park is named.

Featured Horseback Riding Explorations

Explora Torres del Paine is the only hotel in the area with its own horses, bred and trained especially for Explora’s horse expeditions.

Cañadón Macho
This easy, half-day, 3.2-mile horseback ride takes about 1.5 hours with an ascent of 502 feet. Ride from the Quincho toward a large beech forest spread over several hills. Upon leaving the forest, enjoy panoramic views of the waterfall below and the Las Chinas River. Continue riding along a more open path until you return to the Explora Quincho.

Donoso
This advanced, full-day, 15.5-mile horseback ride leaves from the stables to gallop over the Serrano Plain and across the Grey River. Climb a densely vegetated hill, crossing creeks, lagoons and plains. Depending on your horseriding expertise, you may be able to canter and trot. Continue riding across wetlands to arrive at the Donosito Lookout for views of the Serrano River, the Grey River, the plain and the Paine Massif behind. Go up a narrow, pronounced path, crossing beech forests until you reach the Los Choros Lagoon to canter along the shore. After lunch in a nearby forest, continue your ride back to the stables.

Leave Explora Torres del Paine Lodge by van and travel roughly 8-9 hours to reach the Explora El Chaltén Lodge, passing through the Cancha Carrera/Cerro Castillo border crossing into Argentina. Stop at a restaurant on the route for a meal. Upon arrival, settle into your room and meet your guide to plan the next day’s activities.

Each evening during your stay at the El Chaltén lodge, select from 30+ explorations for the next day, to get you out exploring in small groups with a bilingual guide. Activities range from easy to moderate, advanced and expert, and self-guided options also exist. Choose off-the-beaten-path adventures, from four different zones, including hiking, high mountain ascents, climbing, overland travel, overnight excursions, or a combination. Below is a sample of how you might spend your days.

Featured Hiking Explorations

Mirador Fitz Roy
This moderate, full-day, 5.9-mile hike in the Los Glaciares National Park zone takes about 5.5. hours. Take a van from the lodge to the Los Glaciares National Park. Cross the forests to get a great view of the Los Andes Mountain Range’s massifs. On clear days, watch Mount Fitz Roy and the Agujas Mermoz and Poincenot in all their glory. Finally, reach the viewpoint to Mount Fitz Roy, with a unique perspective of this rock formation and all the mountains around it.

Perito Moreno
This easy, full-day exploration to the Perito Moreno Glacier in the Los Glaciares National Park zone, involves hiking and ice, takes about 6 hours and is subject to availability. Drive to the Perito Moreno Glacier, learning more about its history, the Patagonian steppe, the area’s nature, the dynamics of glaciers and the features that make this one so special.

Lago del Desierto
This advanced, full-day, 8.1-mile hike in the Desert Lake zone takes about 7.5 hours. Take a van from the lodge to the south shore of the Desierto Lake. From there, cross this historical lake while enjoying the view of the Vespigniani Glacier. Land on the northernmost tip of the lake and take a rugged track through the forest, reaching some of the most unexplored parts of this area. Reach the southern edge of the lake and finalize the exploration taking a van back to the lodge.

Featured High Mountain Explorations

Paso del Cuadrado
This advanced, full-day, 13.7-mile high-mountain experience in the Los Glaciares National Park zone takes about 10.5 hours and is an ideal exploration for travelers wishing to have a different experience and perspective of the Patagonia. Surrounded by mountains, hike along the Eléctrico River through a Patagonia forest while enjoying a view to the Marconi Glacier. Then hike up a steep slope, leaving the forest behind and approaching the impressive mountains that seem to grow in height upon approach. The north side of Mount Fitz Roy is waiting from a lookout that is the highest point of this exploration.

Cerro Madsen
This expert, full-day, 13.5-mile high-mountain experience in the Los Glaciares National Park zone takes about 10.5 hours. The ascent to Cerro Madsen, in the Fitz Roy area, is a perfect challenge for beginners in the mountains or for those who want to make their first summit in Patagonia and treat themselves to one of the most wonderful views in the world.

Featured Climbing Explorations

Conexión vertical
This easy, half-day climbing tutorial experience in the Los Huemules Conservation Reserve zone takes about 2.5 hours and is subject to availability. El Chaltén is one of the best places in the world for rock climbing, so start by learning more about the sport and local hot spots. Take in a rock climbing briefing that covers the main places to climb in El Chaltén, history, how to control your body and the importance of trusting partners.

La Roca
This moderate, half-day climbing experience in the Los Huemules Conservation Reserve zone takes about 3 hours and is subject to availability. El Chaltén is known worldwide for rock climbing. Many of the world’s top climbers have gone up the Fitz Roy, Torre, and La Guilloumet mounts, among others. For those with the appropriate experience, take on beginner climbing routes and others that are more demanding, always being mindful of safety.

Featured Overland Explorations

Río Arriba
This easy, half-day overland exploration in the Desert Lake zone takes about 5.5. hours. Leave the lodge by van, going through the different curves and beautiful waterfalls that are formed thanks to the geography of the Río de las Vueltas valley, to go into the deepest and most humid forests of the Lago del Desierto Provincial Reserve. Stop for a panoramic vista and after reaching the lake, return along the route to the lodge, stopping at a small waterfall to enjoy lunch.

Colonos
This easy, half-day, 2.4-mile overland exploration in the Los Glaciares National Park zone takes about 1 hour. This exploration is a trip in time, including a guided visit to the house of pioneer Andreas Madsen, a Danish man who arrived in 1901 to work with Perito Pascasio Moreno and built the first houses in El Chaltén. Learn about their history, the challenges faced by Madsen and his family, and everyday life in an estancia over a century ago.

Featured Overnight Expeditions

Hielos Patagónicos
This expert, 3-day expedition in the Southern Ice Field (Campo de Hielo Sur) zone spends 2 nights away from Explora El Chaltén Lodge. Hike from the lodge, bordering the Diablo River valley. Spend the first day among Patagonian forests until we reach the edge of the Diablo Lagoon. We sleep at the Cagliero refuge. The next day will be spent hiking up rock cliffs towards the Southern Ice Fields. It will be a day of contrasts between the valley, the lagoons, and this huge ice expanse. We camp through the night. On the next day, we enjoy the splendor of this place, contemplating the mountains as we descend over ice and snow, until reaching the rock of the Eléctrico River valley. We cross the river in a zip line and hike to a forest, where a van will be waiting for us to return to the lodge.

Campos de Hielo Sur
This expert, 6-day, 56-mile expedition in the Southern Ice Field (Campo de Hielo Sur) zone spends 5 nights away from Explora El Chaltén Lodge. Campo de Hielo Sur is considered one of the most remote and inhospitable places in the world. Walking through this huge plateau of ice and snow is one of the most transformative experiences an explorer can have. If conditions permit, spend 6 days among forests, rocky slopes, lagoons and wide expanses of ice and snow, all bordered by imposing mountains. It is a demanding walk with a changing climate.

Your amazing time in Torres del Paine National Park and Argentinean Patagonia has come to an end, but you will take your Explora Connects experience with you for a lifetime. Enjoy a delicious breakfast before your included transfer takes you to the El Calafate Airport (roughly 3.5 hours’ drive), or to the next leg of your adventure.

During your days in Patagonia National Park, enjoy a menu of over 30 explorations to choose from. Every evening, sit down with your guide to select the next day’s explorations. Choose between hikes, bike rides, kayaking and overland travel to discover the landscapes and wildlife of this special conservation area. Be lead by a bilingual guide in small groups. And explore six different zones, including extensive forests connecting lakes and rivers, open plains with commanding views, icy glaciers and a fossil-heavy zone. Following is a sample of explorations; ask your Adventure Specialist for the full list.

Featured Hiking Explorations

Los Pumas
This moderate, half-day, 6.8-mile hike in the pioneers zone takes about 4.5 hours. Leave the lodge on foot and hike through a vast steppe region bordering the Chacabuco River. This is one of the areas most populated by pumas and guanacos. Learn more about these species and how to protect them.

Los Carpinteros
This easy, full-day, 6.1-mile hike in the water and forest zone takes about 4 hours. Hike along the southern slope of the Patagonia National Park. Cross areas with diverse vegetation: low shrubs, forest regrowth and dense coigüe forests. Different species of Patagonian bird life and fauna will accompany. Enjoy broad views of the mountains and hills in the sector and the crystalline Lake Cochrane, which is a great binational lake shared by Chile and Argentina.

La Leona
This advanced, full-day, 11.4-mile high mountain hike in the Andean and Patagonian steppe zone takes about 10 hours. Cross the natural corridors of the Valleys to experience its contrasts. Birds make their presence felt, as do the condors gliding above. Encounter different environments until arriving at an area with broad views of the valleys, some of them historic natural corridors in the area.

Featured Biking/E-Biking Explorations

Los Ríos
This easy, half-day, 8.6-mile bike ride in the Baker River zone takes about 2 hours. Leave by van with bikes in tow. After 40 minutes, reach the starting point: the outskirts of the town of Cochrane. Begin the ride in a sector of fields with crops and livestock, the main economic activities in the area. Ride beside the Cochrane River to appreciate its transparent waters and the trees introduced in the days of the pioneers. Continue on to rolling hills with stops to take in the views. End at the bridge over the El Salto River, whose waters come from the ice of Calluqueo.

La Tejuela
This advanced, full-day, 26-mile bike ride in the water and forest zone takes about 6.5 hours. Visit a rancher’s post to learn about part of the Chacabuco Valley’s history. View historic remains and learn about the lifestyle of past residents. Take a sloping path among ancient lenga forests, passing lagoons and diverse views. Pass through transit areas used by huemuls and other species in the Patagonia National Park.

Featured Combination Kayaking & Hiking Explorations

This kayak and hike in the water and forest zone is offered at two different levels of activity, both following the same route. Paddle to the Cochrane River rapids. Walk to the Lake Cochrane viewpoint and return via the Los Carpinteros trail in the Tamango area. Cross coigüe forests in the first half of the the exploration and then flank the riverbank with landscapes of pampa and Patagonian steppe.
-Los Correntadas version: easy, full-day, 2.6-mile, 4.5 hours
-Blugrin version: advanced, full-day, 7.5-mile, 8 hours

Featured Overland Explorations

Chelenko Sur
This easy, full-day, 102-mile overland exploration in the fossils zone takes about 8 hours. Leave the lodge by van and head northward, crossing areas with a strong tradition in livestock husbandry. Travel along the famous Baker River, know for its turquoise waters and heavy flows. Hike to the Baker-Neff confluence, the point where the two rivers meet. The Neff is a glacier-tongue-fed river that comes down from the northern ice fields. Next, walk to the San Martin Fossils sector. Enjoy a tour by the owner to observe and analyze samples of fossilized rocks with different species of molluscs that inhabited the territory more than 175 million years ago.

Viaje Glaciar
This easy, half-day, 96-mile overland exploration in the Patagonian Andean ice zone takes about 7 hours. Depart by van and travel along the Carretera Austral until taking back roads amid forests, rivers and lagoons to reach the Calluqueo Glacier. This impressive tongue of ice hangs from the western slope of the solemn Mount San Lorenzo. It then flows into a murky glacial lagoon surrounded by walls of ice thousands of years old. The wind causes the clouds surrounding Mount San Lorenzo to put on a shifting and dynamic show. Sit down and contemplate, walk around, or go down to get your wet feet in the lagoon.

Leave Explora Patagonia National Park Lodge by van and travel roughly 40 minutes to the Cochrane Airport. Take a 1.5-hour flight to Puerto Natales in a 6-passenger/2-crew private jet (added cost, booked through operator). Once in Puerto Natales, travel by van for roughly 1.5 hours to reach the Explora Torres del Paine Lodge. Upon arrival, settle into your room and meet your guide to plan the next day’s activities.

Over the course of your days spent at Explora Torres del Paine you will have from over 50 explorations to choose from. The hikes and horseback rides are the quintessential way to discover the landscapes, people and wildlife of this unique territory. Every evening your guides meet with you at the lodge bar or living room area to explain all of the next day’s available explorations and help you choose the best option according to your interests and abilities. The maximum group size is eight travelers, and a bilingual guide leads every exploration. These explorations are off the beaten path and completely unique, not only by accessing certain key sights from alternative routes but also by visiting completely unknown and isolated locations of remarkable beauty—you will not witness others experiencing the region this way. Below is a sample of how you might spend your days with some top recommended treks.

Featured Hiking Explorations

Laguna Larga
This easy, half-day, 3-mile hike takes about 1.5 hours with an ascent of 182 feet. Leave the lodge by van and begin your walk along a natural path made by the guanacos, then along the bank of the Larga Lagoon to see gigantic calcium rocks. On this excursion you will probably see the guanacos that move through the park and perhaps a guanaco skeleton or two, since you are now in puma hunting grounds. You will also see Nordenskjöld Lake and mount Almirante Nieto. Finally, return to the Explora lodge by van.

Grey Glacier
This moderate, full-day, 7.7-mile hike takes about 5.5 hours. Begin this exploration by crossing the turquoise waters of Lake Pehoé on board the Explora catamaran towards the Paine Grande lodge. From here, walk towards the Grey Refuge along the border of the massif. Halfway up the ascent you will be able to observe the Grey Glacier and the extraordinary extension of the Southern Ice Fields from above. Later, go down a steep path to the Lake Grey beach, from where a boat will take you closer to the towering walls of the glacier, navigating through the icebergs that float throughout the lake. This exploration is particularly interesting for geology and glaciology enthusiasts. Finally, cross a forest and the Pingo River hanging bridge to meet the van that will take you back to the lodge.

Cornisas
This advanced, full-day, 3.7-mile hike takes about 3 hours. Walk from the lodge toward the Paine River to arrive at the cliffs after which this exploration is named. Once you gain some altitude, you will see the river and Lake Pehoé’s shades of turquoise, deep blue and green depending on the light, and eventually the Paine ridge and its surrounding valleys. This exploration allows you to experience the park from different perspectives due to the many lookout spots.

Base Torres
This expert, full-day, 14.7-mile hike takes about 7 hours with an ascent of 3,783 feet. Head towards the Cerro Paine ranch by van. From here, you will climb towards the Ascencio River Valley and the Chilean Refugio Valley from where you’ll begin a steep ascent toward a lookout at the base of the Paine Towers. Once at the top, grasp the magnitude of the granite towers after which the park is named.

Featured Horseback Riding Explorations

Explora Torres del Paine is the only hotel in the area with its own horses, bred and trained especially for Explora’s horse expeditions.

Cañadón Macho
This easy, half-day, 3.2-mile horseback ride takes about 1.5 hours with an ascent of 502 feet. Ride from the Quincho toward a large beech forest spread over several hills. Upon leaving the forest, enjoy panoramic views of the waterfall below and the Las Chinas River. Continue riding along a more open path until you return to the Explora Quincho.

Donoso
This advanced, full-day, 15.5-mile horseback ride leaves from the stables to gallop over the Serrano Plain and across the Grey River. Climb a densely vegetated hill, crossing creeks, lagoons and plains. Depending on your horseriding expertise, you may be able to canter and trot. Continue riding across wetlands to arrive at the Donosito Lookout for views of the Serrano River, the Grey River, the plain and the Paine Massif behind. Go up a narrow, pronounced path, crossing beech forests until you reach the Los Choros Lagoon to canter along the shore. After lunch in a nearby forest, continue your ride back to the stables.

Leave Explora Torres del Paine Lodge by van and travel roughly 8-9 hours to reach the Explora El Chaltén Lodge, passing through the Cancha Carrera/Cerro Castillo border crossing into Argentina. Stop at a restaurant on the route for a meal. Upon arrival, settle into your room and meet your guide to plan the next day’s activities.

Each evening during your stay at the El Chaltén lodge, select from 30+ explorations for the next day, to get you out exploring in small groups with a bilingual guide. Activities range from easy to moderate, advanced and expert, and self-guided options also exist. Choose off-the-beaten-path adventures, from four different zones, including hiking, high mountain ascents, climbing, overland travel, overnight excursions, or a combination. Below is a sample of how you might spend your days.

Featured Hiking Explorations

Mirador Fitz Roy
This moderate, full-day, 5.2-mile hike in the Los Glaciares National Park zone takes about 5.5. hours. Take a van from the lodge to the Los Glaciares National Park. Cross the forests to get a great view of the Los Andes Mountain Range’s massifs. On clear days, watch Mount Fitz Roy and the Agujas Mermoz and Poincenot in all their glory. Finally, reach the viewpoint to Mount Fitz Roy, with a unique perspective of this rock formation and all the mountains around it.

Lago del Desierto
This advanced, full-day, 8.1-mile hike in the Desert Lake zone takes about 7.5 hours. Take a van from the lodge to the south shore of the Desierto Lake. From there, cross this historical lake while enjoying the view of the Vespigniani Glacier. Land on the northernmost tip of the lake and take a rugged track through the forest, reaching some of the most unexplored parts of this area. Reach the southern edge of the lake and finalize the exploration taking a van back to the lodge.

Featured High Mountain Explorations

Paso del Cuadrado
This advanced, full-day, 13.7-mile high-mountain experience in the Los Glaciares National Park zone takes about 12 hours, is subject to availability, and is an ideal exploration for travelers wishing to have a different experience and perspective of the Patagonia. Surrounded by mountains, hike along the Eléctrico River through a Patagonia forest while enjoying a view to the Marconi Glacier. Then hike up a steep slope, leaving the forest behind and approaching the impressive mountains that seem to grow in height upon approach. The north side of Mount Fitz Roy is waiting from a lookout that is the highest point of this exploration.

Cerro Madsen
This expert, full-day, 13.5-mile high-mountain experience in the Los Glaciares National Park zone takes about 11 hours and is subject to availability. The ascent to Cerro Madsen, in the Fitz Roy area, is a perfect challenge for beginners in the mountains or for those who want to make their first summit in Patagonia and treat themselves to one of the most wonderful views in the world.

Featured Climbing Explorations

Conexión vertical
This easy, half-day climbing tutorial experience in the Los Huemules Conservation Reserve zone takes about 2.5 hours and is subject to availability. El Chaltén is one of the best places in the world for rock climbing, so start by learning more about the sport and local hot spots. Take in a rock climbing briefing that covers the main places to climb in El Chaltén, history, how to control your body and the importance of trusting partners.

La Roca
This moderate, half-day climbing experience in the Los Huemules Conservation Reserve zone takes about 3 hours and is subject to availability. El Chaltén is known worldwide for rock climbing. Many of the world’s top climbers have gone up the Fitz Roy, Torre, and La Guilloumet mounts, among others. For those with the appropriate experience, take on beginner climbing routes and others that are more demanding, always being mindful of safety.

Featured Overland Explorations

Río Arriba
This easy, half-day overland exploration in the Desert Lake zone takes about 4 hours. Leave the lodge by van, going through the different curves and beautiful waterfalls that are formed thanks to the geography of the Río de las Vueltas valley, to go into the deepest and most humid forests of the Lago del Desierto Provincial Reserve. Stop for a panoramic vista and after reaching the lake, return along the route to the lodge, stopping at a small waterfall to enjoy lunch.

Colonos
This easy, half-day, 2.4-mile overland exploration in the Los Glaciares National Park zone takes about 4 hours. This exploration is a trip in time, including a guided visit to the house of pioneer Andreas Madsen, a Danish man who arrived in 1901 to work with Perito Pascasio Moreno and built the first houses in El Chaltén. Learn about their history, the challenges faced by Madsen and his family, and everyday life in an estancia over a century ago.

Your amazing time in Patagonia National Park. Torres del Paine National Park and Argentinean Patagonia has come to an end, but you will take your Explora Connects experience with you for a lifetime. Enjoy a delicious breakfast before your included transfer takes you to the El Calafate Airport (roughly 3.5 hours’ drive), or to the next leg of your adventure.