Kayak Paine's Ice Route: 4 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 and waterfall; Tyndall River; Wild camp

After a hearty breakfast with freshly brewed coffee, you'll help load the kayaks and make the last preparations for the day. You'll have time to take in the incredible mountain views. Your guides will give you a brief talk about safety and instructions for the Serrano and Tyndall Rivers.

You'll start paddling the Serrano River, downstream, until reaching the Serrano waterfall after approximately 1.5hrs. The route down is gentle, with the star of the show undoubtedly the unbeatable views of the Torres del Paine mountains.

At the falls you'll haul the kayaks for about 100m and put-in once more to continue paddling downstream from where you'll eventually be afforded amazing views. Here you'll divert from our shorter kayaking itineraries and paddle upstream for about 4km. In some shallow areas you will have to line (kayak and tow) upstream, until reaching your wild campsite on the quiet Tyndall River. The day ends with an incredible view of Geike Range and Tyndall Glacier which are part of the Patagonian Ice Fields.

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

Paddling distance: 22km, 14 miles; Paddling time: 5-6hrs

Meals: Breakfast, snacks, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Tyndall wild camp (No facilities)

Day 3: Kayak Lake Tyndall; Hike to glacier; Serrano River; Balmaceda camp

In the morning you will paddle on Lake Tyndall, crossing it in the early morning with magnificent dawn light, for approximately 5km. You’ll have the possibility to get close to the ice from the immense Southern Patagonian Ice Field, or might choose to get out of your kayak at a small bay, to see the glacier from another perspective – on foot. On the way back you’ll go down the Tyndall River, and rejoin the Serrano River that you kayaked yesterday. This is a unique experience in a truly remote and wild area where you'll not see any other people.

You'll paddle surrounded by beautiful coigue and cypress forests that grow along the river shores. After a couple of hours, you’ll get closer to Mount Balmaceda, on the shores of Ultima Esperanza Fjord. The amazing Serrano Glacier will welcome you with a spectacular view. These are the same waters in which Juan Ladrilleros sought an outlet to the Atlantic in 1558. From Balmaceda camp we will have views of the beautiful Serrano Glacier that hangs from the top of the mountain.

Paddling distance: 40km, 25 miles; Paddling time: 6-7hrs

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, snacks, dinner

Accommodation: Balmaceda camp (Facilities: Toilets)

Day 4: Serrano Lagoon & Glacier; Lamb BBQ; Boat to Puerto Natales

Breakfast this morning with freshly ground coffee and great food, and jump into the kayaks early as you paddle to the Serrano Glacier, once more, for the best morning rays. Witness the face of the glacier illuminated by the first light of the day – the best time to visit the ice! You'll have until around 11am to paddle the area, which is especially protected from strong winds during this time of day. Then paddle back to camp, help pack the gear and take a small motor boat towards Puerto Natales. 

Along the way, there will be a stop at a Patagonian ranch, where you'll enjoy a traditional lamb BBQ with other travellers who are visiting the area for the day. After lunch, you will continue to Puerto Bories, where private transport will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Puerto Natales, arriving in the early evening to celebrate a magnificent two days on the water. 

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

Meals: Breakfast, 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.