Torres del Paine National Park
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Port
Punta Arenas, Chile
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Air,Local Sightseeing,14,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$1320.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 11 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
This excursion starts with a 30-minute bus ride to the airport, where you'll board a plane for an approximately 60-minute flight from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales.
Upon landing at Puerto Natales, you will travel two hours by motorcoach over the pampas -- an enormous expanse of flat grassland that is home to vast numbers of sheep. Only low vegetation grows in this area due to the harsh Patagonian winds.
It is a very scenic drive to the famous Torres del Paine National Park, where you will catch your first glimpse of the distinct peaks (torres) from which the area takes its name. Torres del Paine National Park was established in 1959 and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The park centers around an alpine massif of three imposing granite towers (torres) reaching more than 10,000 feet, together with several lesser horns, or cuernos, formed of black shale, and a variety of glaciers, lakes, and wild rivers.
The drive within the park offers incredible vistas, including Lake Sarmiento and the intensely blue Amarga Lagoon. Across Nordenskjold Lake, you will have a view of the famous jagged spires whose image is synonymous with Chile -- a fabulous photo opportunity.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant.
Head back to Puerto Natales for the flight back to Punta Arenas. A transfer will return you to the ship in the late evening.
Notes:
It is essential that you wear warm, layered clothing to fully enjoy and participate in this excursion; outer layer should be waterproof and windproof. Bring gloves, a warm hat and a scarf. Tour operates weather permitting, and there is a chance of poor visibility. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair; the transportation and lunch venue are not wheelchair accessible. The tour is guided; an escort from the ship's staff may or may not also accompany the group. Cancellation penalties apply:
Cancellation outside of 90 days before the date of the call: No Penalty;
Cancellation between 90 and 30 days before the call: 50% refundable;
Cancellation within 30 days before the call: 100% penalty.