The Serrano River flows southwest out of Torres del Paine National Park. This river drains most of the park, but with the exception of one large Class VI rapid that must be portaged, the river is flat and relatively calm – ideal for a multi-day float from the west edge of the national park all the way to Last Hope Fjord. We begin paddling the first leg of the Serrano River, an ideal place for you to familiarize yourselves with the equipment and paddling techniques. After about 1.5 hours, we reach Salto Serrano (a geologic depression that makes for strong water rapids), which requires us to carry the kayaks about 100 meters. we continue down river another 2.5 hours, until we reach the camp site for the night. Click on thumbnail to view images
Day 1
Day 2
Early in the morning, after a good farewell breakfast, we continue to paddle the second leg of the Serrano River. The river picks up waters of other rivers flowing down from the mountains, slightly increasing our speed. After about two hours, we leave the calm waters of the river and enter the open waters of Última Esperanza Fjord. Within a few minutes we reach our camp site for the night, located in Puerto Toro, the gateweay to Bernardo O’Higgins National Park and Glacier Serrano. In the afternoon we set out to paddle among icebergs in the Serrano Lagoon, until we reach the front of Glacier Serrano’s vertical wall—paddling only as close as is safe. Click on thumbnail to view images
Day 3
At the end of the morning, a ferry arrived to take us the full length of the Last Hope Fjord, all the way back to Puerto Natales, where a warm bed and a great meal awaited. In the morning we will paddled in the waters of the fjord until we reach Glacier Balmaceda. We will visit great waterfalls within the thick vegetation, synonimous with the Chilean fjords. We then paddled back to camp and get ready to load the kayaks onto the boat 21 de Mayo. We then sail back through Última Esperanza Fjord to Puerto Natales. During the voyage we will see Glacier Balmaceda again, as it tumbles from the summit of Mount Balmaceda into the sea. We stop for 1.5 hours to enjoy a typical Patagonia lamb barbecue at Estancia Perales. After lunch, we continue navigating through Última Esperanza Fjord, reaching Puerto Natales. Click on thumbnail to view images
