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Pre-departure Information
Getting to and from your trip
Private transportation will be provided to/from your hotel in Puerto Natales to the shores of Lake Grey, located in Torres del Paine National Park (2hrs approximately). Please try to arrange arrival the day or evening before your trip in order to attend a briefing.
How you get to Puerto Natales largely depends on where you are travelling from. Crossing the border from Argentina is either time-consuming or very expensive, so travelling from Chile is by far the better option.
From Santiago - Flights from Santiago operate twice a week during the peak season (December - February), offering easier access to Torres del Paine during the summer months. You'll save about three hours on the road, but it's important to be aware that the flights are somewhat unreliable.
From Punta Arenas - There are more regular flights than Puerto Natales, so is often a better bet to fly into. From the airport, you can then take the bus to Puerto Natales, a journey of approximately 3 hours which departs regularly and costs around USD $7.
From the airport we recommend Buses Pacheco and from the town centre Bus-Sur or Buses Fernandez. We suggest you ask your tour operator to book the bus in advance for you, we'd be happy to help.
From El Calafate - You can catch a bus that will take you over the Chilean border, the bus takes around 6/7 hours (depending on how long it takes to cross the border) and costs approximately USD $55. You could also take a private transfer. Some of our luxury lodges in El Calafate include a transfer to Puerto Natales.
Packing List
Please read all our tips about what to pack and the kayaking-specific kit list from our partner:
While Paddling
- Sunglasses (with real UVA protection)
- Water bottle (we bring water to refill)
- Hat
- Sunblock 45 SPF minimum
- Photo camera
While at Camp
- Headlamp
- Synthetic quick-drying long sleeve shirt & pants
- Smartwool or synthetic socks
- Fleece or synthetic warm jacket
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Trail shoes (please avoid bringing big Trekking boots)
- Gloves
- Insect repellent
Your Accommodation
You will be staying at different campsites or wild camping depending on your specific kayaking route.
Your guide will direct you but be prepared for basic facilities - toilets/showers/eating on picnic benches etc.
- Rio Serrano Campsite: Electricity, running toilets, hot showers, cellphone coverage with 3G
- Balmaceda Campsite: Running toilet
- Tyndall Wild Camp: No facilities
WIFI or phone coverage cannot be expected on this adventure!
A campsite on your kayaking trip
Kayaking in Patagonia FAQs
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What equipment will be provided?
Full paddling equipment will be provided. Dry suits, life Jackets, Helmets, Neoprene Gloves, boots and socks, Neorepno Deck, Dry bags, Compact waterproof bag for smart phone. Tandem Sea Kayak with rudder and paddles.
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Do I need to carry a sleeping bag and mat, or will these be ready for me at the campsites?
Full camping equipment (Four Season Tents, Down Sleeping Bags with Liners, Inflate Mattress & Pillow) will be provided by our partner.
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What do I need to use under the dry suit?
Our partner provides a one-piece polartec suit specially designed for paddling, that is warm and cosy. This can be used to sleep during the night as well because it's very warm.
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Is there any preparation I can do to get ready for the kayaking?
Yes. Upper body exercises, arms workout, flexibility and paddle a kayak if possible before the trip.
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What will I eat and drink during this trip?
Your guides will cook for you amazing local dishes with the best local ingredients. Local Lamb and Guanaco are part of the menu, but also king crab is one of our most famous foods, plus salads, desserts. Breakfast is great too! Good press coffee every morning, hot cakes with fruit, Quesadillas with vegetables, eggs with vegetables and the best bread in town. We also can provide began and celiac options.
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What facilities will I find at the campsites? Any toilets or showers? WIFI etc.
There are 3 campsites used in the overnight trips:
- Rio Serrano Campsite: Electricity, running toilets, hot showers, cellphone coverage with 3G
- Balmaceda Campsite: Running Toilet
- Tyndall Wild Camp: None
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I am travelling solo will I need to share a tent?
No, for solo travellers a single tent is provided.
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Is there a briefing the day or night before my trip?
Yes, please ask for details about this and we will put you in contact with your trip leader.
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Will the kayaking be affected by the weather?
You will paddle with the wind; this is a normal factor here in Patagonia. You'll also paddle in the rain. If the wind is too strong, the order of the trip may change to avoid the wind on the longest day of the trip.
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Are the National Park tickets included?
You'll be paddling in two National Parks. The Bernardo O’Higgins one is included. The Torres del Paine fee is not included—to avoid.making the trip more expensive when most guests already have a ticket from having done the W Trek or similar circuits before they paddle.
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Am I expected to tip and if so how much?
It is customary to leave a tip/gratuity for guides, drivers and staff that help make your trip an unforgettable experience in Patagonia. These are usually paid in USD cash, at your discretion, at the end of your services, and will vary depending on the logistics and level of service of your trip. Please see our tipping guidelines for more precise information.