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. (Ultima Esperanza)
Most folks do this trip in three days. But on the day we were set to begin, the wind was whipping at 80 kilometers per hour. Our guides arranged an additional night of accommodations for us, and set our departure for early the next morning – with the plan to cover two days’ worth of river in one long day of paddling.
With calmer winds the next morning - and clear, sunny skies – we donned dry suits, packed up our gear, and set out in a two-person sea kayak. We spend a lot of time on the rivers here in Montana, and enjoy some fabulous views. But the combination of the Paine Massif in the distance, multiple sinewy glaciers pouring off the Southern Ice Fields along the way, and the colorful trees along the shore were a sight to behold!
Where the Rio Grey joined the Rio Serrano, we enjoyed the drastic color differences between the waters of the two rivers. And as we entered the upper stretch of Last Hope Fjord, we again began to notice the difference in the color of the water, as the silt from the glacial rivers begins to slowly settle out.
Having spent the night at a flat bit of land at the base of the Serrano Glacier, we portaged the boats up to Laguna Serrano for a tour of the glacial lake. The Serrano Glacier could easily be seen at the far end of this small lake, and we embarked in our boats just a few meters away from several dozen icebergs that had fallen off the side of the glacier and wandered their way in the breeze to this end of the lake.
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.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
