Excursions from Explora Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve

The Reserve - Guided Hikes
1. El Pasado 
2. Renacer 
3. Exploradores 
4. Mirador del Obelisco 
5. Huella de las Chinas 
6. Santa Gemita 
7. Into the Wild 

High Mountain & Horseback
8. Sierra Contreras 
9. Fronteras Horse Ride
10. Cañadón Las Torres Horse Ride
11. Puente Malo Horse Ride
12. Tough Life Horse Ride
13. Florence Horse Ride

Self-Guided Hikes
14. Río Zamora 
15. Los Bosques
16. La Pampa

Following historic routes traced by gauchos and ranchers of the province, you walk while observing the Zamora River from above. In the distance, the Torres del Paine stand out on the horizon from a wide and striking perspective. 

Half-Day | Easy | 3.1 miles (4.9 km)

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Setting out from the lodge, the trail crosses a nothofagus forest to reach the heart of the reserve, where Laguna Jara awaits: an ecosystem that shelters both resident and migratory birds, including the Chilean flamingo. 

Half-Day | Easy | 3.5 miles (5.6 km) 

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A walk that allows you to explore the former grounds of an estancia that today forms part of the Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve. Its vast landscapes offer views of the Torres del Paine and the Sierra Baguales in the distance, along with traces of guanacos, condors, and pumas that have returned to inhabit this area. 

Half-Day | Easy | 4.2 miles (6.8 km) 

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This walk ascends Cerro Obelisco through steppe, shrubland, and lenga beech forest, revealing views of the Paine massif and the Torres. To the north, the sheer walls of the Obelisco rise up, their rocky layers traced by soaring condors. After taking in the landscape, the descent brings you back on foot to the lodge. 

Half-Day | Moderate | 4.5 miles (7.3 km)

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This exploration follows the course of the Las Chinas River, a natural corridor that has guided guanacos, hunters, and explorers for centuries. The trail crosses the Patagonian steppe, traces the riverbank, and reaches the waterfall that precedes its confluence with the Zamora River. From here, the Torres del Paine are also visible on the horizon, part of a landscape steeped in history. 

Half-Day | Moderate | 4.8 miles (7.7 km)

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This exploration leads into one of the former estancias that today form part of the Conservation Reserve. After crossing the Las Chinas River twice, the route advances through wide stretches of steppe to reach the old outpost of Santa Gemita, a shelter tied to Patagonian tradition. At these isolated outposts, it was customary to leave firewood, water, and food for the travellers who would come after. Along the walk, views also open toward Laguna Azul and the Torres del Paine. 

Full-Day | Hard | 8.6 miles (13.8 km)

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This exploration offers a closer look at the conservation and research work carried out within the Reserve. Through trails that cross steppe, wetlands, and meadows, you discover how camera traps are used to study wildlife: from small mammals and birds to guanacos and pumas. A way of reading and understanding the land through science. 

Full-Day | Hard | 10.7 miles (17.2 km)

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A mountain exploration that ascends toward one of the summits marking the boundary of the Reserve in the Sierra Contreras. The sierra formerly belonged to the estancias Santa Gemita and El Mercado, whose traces still form part of the ranching history of the area. The ascent crosses open slopes and ledges frequented by condors. From the summit, panoramic views of the reserve and the national park unfold. 

Full-Day | Challenging | 7.3 miles (11.8 km)

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A horseback exploration, at a walking pace, through the Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve. Accompanied by a guide and a gaucho, you ride toward Laguna Jara, and from the highest point you can take in the vega wetland below, an area that shelters guanacos and a variety of Patagonian birds. 

Half-Day | Moderate | 4.0 miles (6.4 km) 

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A wide open valley that draws the eye toward the Torres, setting the direction of the journey. Ancient grazing grounds are slowly giving way to the regeneration of native forest, a quiet process that reveals itself with every stretch of the trail. At an unhurried pace, you move through meadows, small lagoons, and natural viewpoints. The Torres appear and disappear among the hills. 

Half-Day | Moderate | 6.6 miles (10.7 km) 

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A ride at trot and gallop through the heart of the Reserve, circling a wetland known as La Vega. This area concentrates much of the reserve's wildlife thanks to the permanent presence of water. During the ride it is possible to spot local wildlife and cross the remains of an old bridge, which gives this exploration its name. 

Half-Day | Moderate | 4.4 miles (7.1 km)

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A horseback exploration at trot and gallop. Alongside the guide and the gaucho, you ride through the Conservation Reserve, crossing the grounds of the former estancias 2 de Enero and El Mercado. Along the way, you discover traces of the gaucho life that left its mark on these lands. 

Half-Day | Moderate | 7.7 miles (12.4 km) 

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A horseback exploration at trot and gallop. Alongside the guide and the gaucho, you ride through the three former estancias that gave rise to the current Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve. You cross rivers, open pampa, hills, and patches of forest. After fording the Las Chinas River, a steep ascent is followed by an equally demanding descent. 

Full-Day | Hard | 14.8 miles (23.8 km) 

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You follow ancient tracks that cross the reserve and allow you to delve into the history of the territory. From the heights, the Zamora River runs along the valley floor, while the Sierra Contreras stretches across the horizon, vast and distant. 

Half-Day | Easy | 6.0 miles (9.6 km)

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You traverse the former grounds of an estancia, today part of the Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve. In the distance the Torres del Paine rise; closer at hand, the tracks of guanacos, condors, and pumas that have returned to inhabit this territory. 

Half-Day | Easy | 6.1 miles (9.8 km)

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You set out from the lodge toward the heart of the reserve, reaching Laguna Jara, a natural refuge for resident and migratory birds, including the Chilean flamingo. A route that allows you to immerse yourself in the wildlife of the territory and observe how water, steppe, and fauna converge within a single landscape. 

Half-Day | Easy | 7.6 miles (12.2 km) 

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