Port
Punta Arenas, Chile
Activity Level
Moderate
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At
$1499.95
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 11 Hours
Meals Included
Meals included
Transfer to the airport for an approximately 60-minute flight 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:
The flight between Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales is approximately 40 minutes each way. The drive to Paine National Park from Puerto Natales is approximately 2.5 hours each way. Dress warmly in layers with a windproof and waterproof outer layer; bring a warm hat, gloves and a scarf. Tour operates weather permitting. Weather and atmospheric conditions vary; no guarantee is offered with regard to visibility or views on any particular day. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair; the transportation and lunch venue are not wheelchair-accessible. Patagonia is a remote region; resources are limited. Local transportation is non-air conditioned. Some roads are unpaved and can be bumpy and dusty. Roads in the Paine National Park are gravel; not advisable for guests who are pregnant or have a back or neck condition. The tour is guided; an escort from the ship’s staff may or may not also accompany the group.
Cancellation Policy: This excursion is within 90 days prior to arrival into Punta Arenas. Any cancellations made after this deadline will be subject to full payment of the tour cost, including if you cancel your cruise voyage within 90 days prior to arrival into Punta Arenas.This excursion is non-refundable within 90 days prior to arrival into Punta Arenas. Any cancellations made after this deadline will be subject to full payment of the tour cost, including if you cancel your cruise voyage within 90 days prior to arrival into Punta Arenas.