Chile · GLACIER NAVIGATION TRIPS
Grey, Balmaceda and Serrano are all reached by hull rather than by trail. These 15 are priced by sailing length, with a note on which serve a proper lunch and which one puts a whisky on the rocks it just fished out of the water.
Cruise Grey Lake to the towering Grey Glacier, with blue ice, mountain views, a pisco sour, and a useful guide to the beach walk.
“The best part is how close you get to floating icebergs.”
Review of Punta Arenas’ Magdalena and Marta Islands tour, with penguins, sea lions, boat tips, timing, price, and practical advice.
“Everything was perfect. The check in process was efficient and we were on the road by 6:40 AM. They don't serve a formal meal during the tour, so try to eat before or bring some food. They do serve some coffee/tea and a snack around 9 AM. We were back at around 11:20 AM. The boats were very clean and comfortable. I was worried because I often get seasick, but I had no problems on this boat.”
Explore Ultima Esperanza Fjord, Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, lunch at Estancia Perales, and whiskey served with ancient ice.
“El recorrido por el fiordo, los paisajes, la atención a bordo y, por supuesto, el almuerzo. Todo espectacular.”
Review of the 16-hour Perito Moreno Glacier day trip from Puerto Natales, with border tips, costs, guides, food advice, and boat ride details.
“Very punctual and orderly, good information, and the Glacier is stunning! The boat ride option is a must! The views are amazing. Our driver José was excellent and our guide Silvia very nice.”
Sail from Puerto Natales through Ultima Esperanza Fjord to Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, with wildlife, a forest walk, and Patagonian lunch.
“We appreciated the crew alerting us to waterfalls and wildlife as we cruised through the Sound. They pulled in close and lingered so everyone could see / photograph. The hike to the glacier was very well organized. The trek itself passes interesting flora and fauna. The lunch was filling and served in a very picturesque setting.”
Walk among Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island, with a bilingual boat tour from Punta Arenas and chances to spot dolphins and whales.
“The island and the penguins were great but the trip was terrible. First off since it was advertised as shore excursion we assumed that we would have transportation. Nope After having their information translated by a taxi man we found out that we needed to take a taxi to the car ferry port We did get there on time but no one was there to help us. Someone else told us what to do. The car ferry cost $50 the taxi costs $10 and we paid $230 for what????? Don't waste your money.”
Review of the 14-hour Perito Moreno Glacier tour from Puerto Natales, with border tips, costs, guides, transport, and practical advice.
“Wonderful place... We traveled with Francisco by the transprint which was very attentive and friendly, we also had the local guide Paloma who was super kind and helpful with the group.... I would definitely recommend this tour..Auto-translated”
Review of the El Morado Glacier hike from Santiago, with trail difficulty, transport, lunch, guide quality, weather limits, and booking advice.
“It was a lot of fun. The only thing we did not like was that the first part of the hike was close to a mining operation and you could hear the machinery in the distance. That kind of spoiled the first part of the hike”
See Humboldt penguins from Cachagua, eat Chilean empanadas, and explore Viña del Mar and Valparaiso on a private day trip from Santiago.
“Our guide was terrific. Very knowledgeable and accommodating. Seeing the penguins was amazing but the long drive to see them was a splendid ride and opportunity to see the Andes. Our lunch was good and the captain of the little boat strive to get us a smooth ride and good views. We also really enjoyed our hike along the ocean. Our guide Terry endeavored to please us an$ he succeeded beyond all expectations.”
Review the Puerto Varas to Peulla day trip, with Petrohué Falls, a Todos los Santos Lake cruise, volcano views, costs, and practical tips.
“The boat was comfortable and calm. Short hike to waterfalls was pleasant. The only stop on the lake was to a hotel with a $30 lunch and $20 visit to a sort of petting zoo. I would have preferred more stops on the lake and more lunch options.”
Review of the Balmaceda and Serrano Glacier cruise from Puerto Natales, with fjord views, wildlife, forest hiking, lunch, costs, and practical tips.
“The tour itself to the glaciers is quite amazing (4* at least). You will have a nice view and if you are lucky you will see seelions too. Nevertheless as the cattle farm is not included in that price(comments are not up to date anymore), the tour it self can be booked for roughly 120€ p.P directly at any travel agency in Puerto Natales. it is also not a full day trip as you will be back at the harbor arround 2 pm So 157 p.P which is 30€ + for an adder for a travel agency way to much!”
Cruise Patagonia’s Última Esperanza Fjord to Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers, hike to Serrano, toast with ancient ice, and eat lamb at an estancia.
Cruise to Grey Glacier from Puerto Natales, sip a sour with ancient ice, and walk Lake Grey’s windy shore in Torres del Paine.
“Everything was great, they arrived on time, the driver drove well, the tour guides were very professional, and the place was beautiful.”
Sail across Grey Lake to the towering Grey Glacier from Puerto Natales, with icebergs, mountain views, a forest walk, and hotel transfers.
“Lo que uds ofrecen no es lo que publicitan, no hay almuerzo y tampoco guía, nos agendaron para la primera salida de acuerdo a nuestros boletos y al hacer el check-in en el hotel para salir en el bote, estábamos para el segundo turno, no llegaron tres personas y pudimos realizar la navegación, de otra forma perdíamos la travesía. Por tanto realizaré un reclamo al Sernac por publicidad engañosa cuando regrese a mi lugar de origen. El lugar es maravilloso el servicio de uds malo, nadie se hizo responsable por el almuerzo ofrecido. En Puerto Natales ofrecen el mismo tour más económico en el mismo Grey III, hay operadores que…”
Spend 18 hours from Punta Arenas exploring Torres del Paine, sailing to Grey Glacier, and seeing Pehoé, Nordenskjöld, and Sarmiento Lakes.
“Tuvimos un tour extraordinario, realmente fue de lujo el servicio. Con mucha propiedad (después de muchos tours por Chile y el mundo) es que el guia Jona ganó aplausos. Realmente tiene pasión por lo que hace, además de amable, atento y dedicarse al 1000% a su trabajo. Definitivamente valió todas las horas de viaje para visitar el glaciar grey con el catamarán (el que se acerca bastante al glaciar y a los icebergs) y recorrer dentro del parque de las torres del paine. Pudimos ver diferentes tipos de paisajes y lo mismo con los animales de la zona. Mi unico "pero" fue la ineficiencia al principio para poder agendar el…”
Pick a desert, a vineyard or a glacier.
