“HIKING PORTERIA SARMIENTO” Tour

“HIKING PORTERIA SARMIENTO” Tour

PORTERIA SARMIENTO – TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK, CHILE. Portería Sarmiento is one of the most scenic and distinctive entrances to Torres del Paine National Park, offering visitors an authentic and immersive introduction to the wild landscapes of Chilean Patagonia. Located on the eastern side of the park, this gateway is renowned for its wide-open views, tranquil atmosphere, and exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation, making it an ideal starting point for nature lovers and photographers seeking a more serene experience away from the main crowds. From Portería Sarmiento, visitors are greeted by the vast expanse of Lago Sarmiento, whose striking turquoise waters contrast beautifully with the Patagonian steppe and the dramatic silhouette of the Paine Massif. On clear days, the reflections of the mountains on the lake create unforgettable panoramic scenes, offering some of the most photogenic viewpoints in the park. This area is also famous for its unique stromatolites, ancient living formations that provide valuable insight into the planet’s early biological history.

The surroundings of Portería Sarmiento are ideal for gentle hikes and interpretive walks, allowing travelers to explore open landscapes shaped by wind, glaciers, and time. This sector is particularly known for its rich wildlife, with frequent sightings of guanacos, ñandúes (rheas), foxes, condors, and eagles, and it is also part of the natural habitat of the elusive Patagonian puma, the park’s top predator. The quiet environment enhances the chances of observing animals in their natural setting. Portería Sarmiento serves as a connecting point to other areas of the park, including Laguna Amarga and several lesser-known trails that reveal the raw and untamed essence of Torres del Paine. Its landscapes, characterized by open plains, rocky formations, and expansive skies, showcase a different yet equally captivating side of the park compared to the iconic granite towers.

Visiting Portería Sarmiento is an invitation to experience Torres del Paine from a unique perspective—one that emphasizes tranquility, natural beauty, and a deep connection with Patagonia’s wilderness. It is a perfect destination for travelers seeking an authentic encounter with nature, rich biodiversity, and unforgettable panoramic views in one of the world’s most extraordinary national parks.

Itinerary

• This experience allows us to link two access points of Torres del Paine National Park, exploring a quieter and lesser-visited sector that is ideal for observing native wildlife in its natural habitat.
• The excursion begins at the Lago Sarmiento entrance, where we set out on a gentle hike through open Patagonian landscapes. This area is known as prime territory for the puma, the region’s top predator, offering an exciting possibility of sightings.
• Along the trail, we will encounter ancient rock art dating back more than 6,000 years, while enjoying expansive panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and steppe.
• After approximately two hours of walking, we will arrive at the Laguna Amarga entrance, the park’s main gateway, where the meandering Paine River adds a striking natural highlight to the scenery.
• The itinerary continues with a stop at the Paine Waterfall and a visit to Cañadón Macho, an area well known for frequent sightings of guanacos, rheas, condors, and other native species.
• At the end of this enriching journey, we will return to Puerto Natales, concluding a genuine Patagonian adventure immersed in remote landscapes, wildlife, and the untamed beauty of southern Chile.

Includes

• Guide service in Spanish and English.
• Share transportation.
• Hiking equipment.
• Box lunch.

Does not include

• Tips and gratuities.
• Professional guide in French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. If you would like a guide in these languages, please request one in advance and pay an extra fee, subject to availability.
• Other services not described in the program.

Notes:

• Level of difficulty: Moderate difficulty.
• Minimum age required for the tour: 7 years old.
• Operates from May to September, departures on TUE, THU, SAT. From October to April, daily departures.
• Subject to weather conditions.