Kayak Paine's Grey & Serrano Rivers: 3 Days

Day 1: Lake Grey and River; Serrano River camp

Private transportation will be provided from your hotel to the shores of Lake Grey, located in Torres del Paine National Park (2hrs approximately). While enjoying wonderful views of Paine Grande and Glacier Grey, the guide will give a brief explanation of safety and instructions for paddling efficiently.

You will navigate the lake for approximately 1.5hrs, all the while paddling through floes of ice that have descended from Glacier Grey. These icebergs are scattered throughout the lake and are sculpted into incredible shapes by the wind and sun, before being pushed to the shores of the lake.

After paddling in Lake Grey, you will begin the descent of Grey River through a wild and unspoiled area. The river winds through some deep, narrow canyons with steep rock faces, creating sections of rapids that are a lot of fun. You will continue to paddle next to the Paine Massif for 15 miles, the length of River Grey, until it joins with the clear water of the Serrano River and could see condors overhead on this stretch.

After paddling for 3-4hrs, you'll arrive at Serrano River camp, where you'll take-out and enjoy the magnificent views of Paine and the atmosphere at this comfortable campsite. 

Paddling distance: 30km, 18 miles; Paddling time: 4-5hrs

Meals: Picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Serrano River camp (Facilities: toilets, hot showers, electricity)

Note: If the wind is too strong, it will not be possible to enter to the Iceberg Zone. If this is the case, you will go for a hike and then only paddle the river ,which is more sheltered from wind.

Day 2:  Serrano River, waterfall and Glacier; Balmaceda camp

After a hearty breakfast with freshly brewed coffee, you'll help load the kayaks and make the last preparations for the day. Your guide will give you a briefing about safety and instructions for paddling efficiently and details about the route, weather and river conditions.

You’ll run down the Serrano River with amazing views of Paine massif until you get to the Serrano waterfall (1.5hrs). Here, there’s a portage of about 100m involving the whole group. You’ll then keep paddling down river, on your journey to Serrano Glacier. There are amazing views of Tyndall Glacier and the Geike range along the way.

The remote area makes this a unique experience. The river is surrounded by beautiful native coigue and cypress forests and there's some exciting paddling to avoid currents, trees and gusty winds.

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.

A first-class camp dinner will be prepared at Balmaceda campsite, washed down with a few pisco sours (with glacial ice-cubes) and plenty of Chilean wine.

Paddling distance: 42km, 16 miles; Paddling time: 6-8hrs

Meals: Breakfast, snacks, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Balmaceda camp (Facilities: Toilets)

Day 3: Serrano Lagoon and Glacier; lamb BBQ; boat to Puerto Natales

The day starts with a delicious breakfast including freshly ground coffee. After gearing up, you’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 and the first rays of the sun will give you unique views of this beautiful place. This icy scenery is especially sheltered. A stop at a secret lookout will give you a different perspective on the awesome views of the glacier. This is a shorter and easier day of paddling that the previous two.

Back at camp, after packing all the gear, your group will help load everything onto the '21 de Mayo' catamaran, then embark for the return to Puerto Natales. There is a stop at Perales Ranch, where you’ll be treated to a traditional Magellan lamb BBQ with other travellers who are visiting the area for the day.

Finally, the catamaran stops in Puerto Bories, where your private transport will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Puerto Natales, arriving in the early evening to celebrate a magnificent three days on the water.

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.