GLACIERS OF BALMACEDA

“Bernardo O’Higgins National Park”

PROFILE

Adventure

DURATION

2 Days

SEASON

October – April

ACCOMM

1 Night

Day 1

Pick you up from your hotel in Puerto Natales at 07h15 and driving to local pier to board the “Orca” catamaran that will take us to Mount Balmaceda with our kayaks, where the glaciers of Balmaceda and Serrano come from. During the 3 hour trip across the Ultima Esperanza Fjord you will be able to observe historical sites, fauna and geography that form the unique character of Patagonia. On our arrival at Puerto Toro, at the Bernard O ́Higgins National Park (the largest in the country) we will prepare camp and have lunch. Once our camp has been set up your guide will provide you with safety and paddling instructions. This prepares you for our kayak journey to the Balmaceda Glacier through the Ultima Esperanza Fjord, with its waterfalls and cliffs (3 hrs approx.). On returning to camp we ́ll enjoy the sunset over the fjord whilst your guide will prepare dinner for you.

Day 2

Early start with a nutritious breakfast, after which we will carry the kayaks 100m to the water. On entering the lagoon we will be able to paddle in between ice- bergs whilst enjoying the morning light in front of the Serrano Glacier until 11:00hrs. After this we will leave the lagoon and pack away the camp ready to board the boat once again and return to Puerto Natales. During the journey we ́ll stop off at the “Estancia Consuelo” where you will be served a BBQ “Patagonian style.” Arrival at Puerto Natales 17:00hrs approx.

MAP
INCLUSIONS
INCLUSIONS:

  • All ground transportation with professional driver.
  • Lodging as noted in program.
  • Expert guiding.
  • Meals noted on program (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
  • All entrance fees where applicable.
  • Local excursions as indicated.
EXCLUSIONS:

  • Domestic airfare.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
  • Gratuities for guide, driver, porters.
  • Alcohol unless otherwise noted.
IMPORTANT:

Our guides reserve the right to cancel any trip due to the wind velocity being too strong for the paddling level of the group. Antares Patagonia supports our guides decision.

Gardner Peavy

“Well organized. Fantastic experience. Great guide. Highly recommend.”

Michael & Jastinder Westley

“Thanks for the great experience in one of a kind national park in a beautiful country. We had so much fun with our very hard working guide, and food was just great.”

Laurin Würdig

“We have returned to Natales and I am little bit sad that our adventure is over. I have to get used to stand on my one two feed again 🙂 Thanks a lot for everything again, you and Andrea are great!!!”

Greg DeVor

“I traveled to Chile and Argentina Patagonia in February 2019 with Antares Patagonia Adventure for an epic 2 week adventure. I was traveling alone which is always an adventure by itself. No amount of praise would be enough to describe the service and guide support that I received while traveling with A.P.A! Philippe and David were the guides that I had while I was there. Both were friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful in making this my best hike ever. The logistical end of things was incredible! I was always met with smile and right on time by the driver at my next location after transferring from one location to another. There were 2 times that I had a question while there (my own idiocy, of course). I sent an email to Fernando and was responded to extremely promptly. On a scale of 1-10 … I would rate A.P.A. at 743. If your trip is only half as good as mine, you’ll have the time of your life. Happy hiking!”

Steve Diggle

“We had a very good time, the guide especially was really excellent and added to our enjoyment and appreciation of the full circuit. I was disappointed by how many people were on the W part of the trail, I certainly wasn’t expecting the density of people on the trail and I’d advise anyone wanting or expecting seclusion to avoid the W. But the northern part of the trail was a great joy.”

Paine Circuit

Carolyne

“In March 2019 we did the 6 day Amazing Paine hike in Torres del Plaine National Park.
I went with my two adult children and had a great time. Our guide, Sergio, was fantastic and was with us the whole time (from our arrival at Punta Arenas airport to our departure). Everything was pre-arranged and went according to plan. The hiking was unbelievable and Sergio was very good at matching our pace and providing information on the geography and history along the hikes. Accommodations in the park were in refugios (Nash Serrano and Grey) which were comfortable and the food was good. We also went ice hiking and kayaking and very much enjoyed it. Everyone that was part of our trip was very friendly and helpful from Sergio, our drivers and the people who guided us on our kayak and hiking trips. We had a great experience and the fact that there was no Internet connection in the park was a plus as we talked a lot more than usual! I would recommend Antares and would also book another trip with them.”

Montreal, Canada

Michelle Jorgensen

“We had a fabulous trip and our guide was so helpful.  He really took personal interest in our family of six, with teenage kids that needed some encouragement at times.  We came in the winter and loved it!  It was cold but we dressed for the weather and were fine.  Coming without the crowds was worth it.  We would use Antares again in a heartbeat.”

Elen Ace

“Antares and Fernando did an excellent job arranging our unforgettable trip Valleys of W in Jan 2019. Topnotch organizational and communication skills, everything was smooth, on time, starting from pick up at the bus station to seeing us off at the airport. Everything was taken care of, transfers, transportation during the trip with very well maintained vehicle and excellent drivers, lunches, hikes, accommodation, etc. We had an excellent guide with us all the time, Rosalie,  she took good care of every member of our 6ppl group, very intelligent and knowledgeable young lady. Accommodation was fabulous,  hotel Natalino is probably the best one in Puerto Natales and Nash lodge in Serrano area is a gem, very patagonian with a character and awesome views. I’d highly recommend Antares in arranging any trips in Patagonia. Dont hesitate to contact me personally for more info. Fernando can provide my email address.”

Canada