Serrano River Kayaking

Day 1:  Serrano River, waterfall and Glacier; Balmaceda camp

Early in the morning, you'll be picked up at your hotel in Puerto Natales and drive to the Serrano river's shore (1.5hrs approximately), at the border of Torres del Paine National Park. You'll help load the kayaks and make the last preparations for the day at the put-in site, and take some time to admire the amazing views of the incredible mountain view. Your guide will give you a safety briefing and instructions for the day's paddle, details about the route, weather and river conditions. You'll next start paddling the Serrano River, downstream, until reaching the Serrano waterfall after approximately 1.5hrs. The route down is gentle, with the star of the show undoubtedly the unbeatable views of the Torres del Paine mountains. 

At the falls you'll haul the kayaks for about 100m, and put-in once more to continue paddling down stream. You'll eventually be afforded amazing views of the Tyndall Glacier, Geike Range and probably several icebergs in the water. Keep going downstream, surrounded by beautiful Coigue and Cypress forests that grow on the river shores, as you kayak into the lesser traveled reaches of the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park.

Getting closer to Mount Balmaceda, you'll join the waters of Ultima Esperanza Fjord, in which the Spanish Sailor Juan Ladrilleros sought an outlet to the Atlantic in 1558. From this point you will discover the beautiful view of the Serrano Glacier as you kayak as close as is safely advisable, in and out of its floating icebergs which have recently calved from it's impressive face. Pull out at the Balmaceda campsite and soak up the wild atmosphere of the magical spot as you and your guide prepare a great dinner together. 

We use the finest local ingredients to prepare a first class camp dinner, washed down with a few pisco sours (with glacial ice-cubes) and plenty of Chilean wine. 

Paddling distance: 22km, 14 mile; Paddling time: 6-7hrs

Meals: Picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Balmaceda camp (Facilities: Toilets)

Day 2: Serrano Lagoon & Glacier; Lamb BBQ; Boat to Puerto Natales

Breakfast this morning with freshly ground coffee and great food, and jump into the kayaks early as you paddle to the Serrano Glacier, once more, for the best morning rays. Witness the face of the glacier illuminated by the first light of the day - the best time to visit the ice! You'll have until around 11am to paddle the area, which is specially protected from strong winds during this time of day. Paddle back to camp and here you'll pack the gear and take a small motor boat towards Puerto Natales. 

Along the way, there will be a stop at a Patagonian Ranch, where you'll enjoy a traditional lamb BBQ with other travellers who are visiting the area for the day. After lunch, you will get to Puerto Bories, where private transportation will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Puerto Natales, arriving in the early evening to celebrate a magnificent 2 days on the water. 

Paddling distance: 3km, 2 miles; Paddling time: 2-3hrs 

Meals: Breakfast, BBQ lunch

Note: Sometimes the lagoon can be blocked with too many pieces of ice. If this is the case, it won't be possible to paddle in the lake and an alternative kayaking route will be proposed.