Serrano River Kayaking

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

This amazing overnight trip starts in Puerto Natales. We’ll pick you up at your hotel in private transport. The drive to the shore of the Serrano River is about 1.5hrs. The river is on the boundary of Torres del Paine National Park.

After loading the kayaks, our guide will give you a briefing about safety and instructions for paddling efficiently. Also, details about the route, weather and river conditions.

We’ll run down the Serrano River with amazing views of Paine massif till we get to the Serrano waterfall (1.5hrs). Here, there’s a portage of about 100m, after which we’ll keep paddling down river on our journey to the Serrano Glacier.

There are amazing views of Tyndall Glacier and the Geike range along the way. The remote area makes this a unique experience.

At this point, the river is surrounded by beautiful native coigue and cypress forests. After a couple of hours, Balmaceda Mountain will appear on the shores of Ultima Esperanza Fjord.

Finally, the amazing Serrano Glacier will welcome us with a spectacular view. It was here that the Spanish Sailor Juan Ladrilleros sought an outlet to the Atlantic in 1558.

We'll pull out at the Balmaceda campsite and soak up the wild atmosphere of this 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: 42km, 26 miles; Paddling time: 6-7hrs

Meals: Snacks, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Balmaceda camp (Facilities: Toilets)

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

The day starts with a delicious breakfast including freshly ground coffee. After gearing up, we’ll get ready to portage of the kayaks for 50m from the camp to Serrano Lagoon. Paddling among icebergs in front of the magnificent Serrano Glacier is an unforgettable experience! The first sun rays will give us unique views of this beautiful place. This icy scenery is especially sheltered. A small stop on a secret lookout will give us a different perspective for awesome views of the Glacier.

Back at camp, after packing all the gear, our group will get on the '21 de Mayo' catamaran to return to Puerto Natales. There is a stop at Perales Ranch, where we’ll be treated to a traditional Magellan lamb BBQ.

Finally, the catamaran stops in Puerto Bories, where our private transport will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Puerto Natales, arriving in the early evening to celebrate some magnificent paddling.

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

Meals: Breakfast, snacks, 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.