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Hotel Salto Chico in Patagonia Chile

Our lodge is located right at the heart of the extraordinary Torres del Paine National Park in central Patagonia. It is the only lodge at the center of the Park.The varied and untouched landscapes of this area led UNESCO to declare it a biosphere reserve. Our Patagonia hotel lodge opened in 1993 on the banks of the Salto Chico waterfall. It affords an excellent view of the unique Paine Massif and two of the three impressive torres, or towers, which give the park its name. Situated on a 3-hectare (7.4-acre) site, the design borrows certain organic forms from the landscape itself, adapting to it with simple elegance. It was designed to create a dialogue with its environment, putting human beings in touch with the sublimity of their surroundings. For travelers, the lodge provides the welcome surprise of comfort in a remote area; nonetheless, you are not isolated from nature, but placed “within” it.

Our lodge has 50 comfortable rooms, all with captivating views, silence and privacy. The sophisticated design incorporates native lenga wood (nothofagus pumilio) and cypress brought from the Guaitecas Archipelago, while the floor is made of almond wood. Each room has a small living area, hydromassage bath and beds designed for deep, pleasurable sleep after a day of exploration. Finally, we provide you with a unique treat: the rooms are television-free.

Located 100 meters (109 yards) from the lodge and reached by a sloping wooden walkway, this bath house has a heated indoor swimming pool, a sauna and four open-air jacuzzis, all with views of Lago Pehoé and Macizo del Paine. Here you can also enjoy different types of massage with essential oils, such as therapeutic, relaxing or energizing massage.

Patagonia is more than just pristine landscapes; it is home to the unique and legendary gaucho culture. You can drink “mate” tea with gauchos and watch them shear sheep, drive livestock, break in horses and carry out other typical ranching tasks on this 6,000-hectare (14,826-acre) estancia, which belongs to explora and is located 53 kilometers (33 miles) from the lodge. Hotel Salto Chico is the only lodge in the area with its own horses, which have been bred and trained especially for our travelers to ride.

Our cuisine offers authentic flavors based on the best-quality ingredients, many of which are produced locally. The food is healthy and well-balanced, ideal for people going trekking, horseback riding or on other explorations while staying with us at our Patagonia luxury hotel.
Our menus include some of the best local dishes, such as Magellanic lamb, southern king crab and delicious fish and vegetables.
To accompany your meal, you may choose from a wide variety of wines from the Gracia, Porta, Agustinos and Veranda wineries. We have different varietals from Chile's main wine-producing areas. If you would like to explore Chilean wine in greater depth, you may wish to consult our premium list; these wines are available at additional charge.

Transfer dates for all-inclusive packages:
2011- Oct. 2,6,10,14,18,22,26,30, Nov. 3,7,11,15,19,23,27, Dec. 1,5,9,,13,17,21,22,27,28,
2012 - Jan. 2,3,6,10,14,18,22,26,30, Feb. 3,7,11,15,19,23,27, March 2,6,10,14,18,22,26,30, April 3,7,11,15,19,23,27, Oct. 6,10,14,18,22,26,30, Nov. 3,7,11,15,19,23,27, Dec. 1,5,9,13,17,21,22,27,28,
2013 - Jan. 2,3,6,10,14,18,22,26,30

Travel solo from May 15 to October 15, 2011 and enjoy the same rate charged per person in a double-occupancy guest room,
instead of having to pay the more expensive single rate!

Rates per person in US$ for travel Jan. 1, 2011 - March 31, 2012

Child rates are not applicable in single rooms. Rates for those up to 18 are subject to availability.
Extra bed for those up to 12 is for sharing in parents room. Max. of 1 extra bed per room. Extra beds are not allowed in Rio Paine rooms. Children under 3 = complimentary when sharing a room with their parents

Programs of 5,6 and 7 nights are available between April and October and subject to availability

Services included in our rate:
In addition to lodging and the various guided explorations on foot or horseback, our rate includes:
Three meals a day, chosen from a varied menu
Open bar with spirits and an extensive wine list
Transfers to and from the airport at Punta Arenas and other locations, as scheduled (view here)
Use of the heated indoor swimming pool
Use of the sauna and open-air jacuzzis
Talks on various subjects
Use of computers with internet connections
Access to wi-fi internet in the living room and bar

Not included in our rate:
Massage
Premium wine list
Transfers outside of the established schedule
Laundry services
National and international telephone calls

2011 arrival and departure days: Sometimes slowing to a stop is the only way to get ahead. In that vein, we are delighted to inform you that Hotel Salto Chico will be closed from June 12 to August 10, 2011 in order to implement a host of new improvement projects that will heighten the guest experience that has earned us renown throughout the adventure travel industry. The upcoming projects are a continuation of work done in 2010, which included the addition of a biomass heating system, the replacement of doors and windows, and other improvements to our Patagonian outpost.. The works include:

1. Improvements to the pool area of Hotel Salto Chico, including locker rooms, massage area, outdoor Jacuzzi and deck. A steam bath will also be added for the pleasure of our guests.
2. Improvements to the hotel bar area, incorporating a new “Explorer´s Bar”.
3. Transformation of the downstairs dining room into a lush lounge, wine bar and wine cellar.
4. Transformation of the Rio Paine room into a massage room. As such, the lodge will only have 49 rooms moving forward.
5. New furniture in all common areas.

Honeymoon in the Remote

VALID FROM MAY 1st - SEPTEMBER 30th. 2010 – 2011

Program Includes:

• 4+1 Program (stay 4 nights and we invite you to a 5th night).
For this benefit to apply, a minimum of 4 night stay is required.
For stays of less than 4 nights, we will only offer the Welcome & Farewell amenity.
• Welcome: One bottle of Champagne and Cheese or Fruit Tray.
• During the stay: 1 Private excursion. 1 Private Dinner.
1 (One) 30-minute massage for each one, coordinated by the reception of the Hotel.
• Farewell: One (1) bubble bath prepared with various natural essences such as Lavender, Mocha, Citrus and Cinnamon.

Subject to availability.

VALID FROM OCTOBER 1st - APRIL 30th. 2010 – 2011

Program Includes:

• Welcome: One bottle of Champagne and Cheese or Fruit Tray.
• During the stay: 1 Private Aperitif. 1 (One) 30-minute massage for each one, coordinated by the reception of the Hotel.
• Farewell: One (1) bubble bath prepared with various natural essences such as Lavender, Mocha, Citrus and Cinnamon.

Subject to availability.

The Hotel Salto Chico and the Torres del Paine Park are even better than the description on your web site. The hotel rates may be high, but they
are all inclusive and worth every penny. From the time we were picked up at the Dreams hotel in Punta Arenas to the moment we were let off are the airport for the return flight to Santiago, everything was taken care of at no additional cost:
* It’s a five hour drive from Punta Arenas to hotel Salto Chico, half of the time on dirt roads, but it includes a free lunch stop at a resort hotel with a choice of meals and drinks included. The drive also allowed time for us to get acquainted with 4 other guests, who became good friends during our stay in the park.
* Always get a room with a view of the Torres del Paine Massif, as we did. The view from our room window was stunning and worth the hotel price alone.
* A free bar, great food, and entertainment every evening at the hotel, made for an excellent day’s end after hiking.
* The staff were unfailing helpful, and the guides limit each hiking group to 8 people or less. They also quietly assess your hiking capabilities, and make suggestions each evening for the next day’s excursions based on what they think you can do and enjoy. Apparently they also organize each group so that everyone in the group has about the same capabilities.
Alan Baxter

EXPLORATION OPTIONS

1.LAGO GREY PENÍNSULA WALK
Length: Half-day. Itinerary: Depart hotel. By vehicle: Río Paine, Guardería Lago Grey. By foot: Río Pingo hanging bridge. Lago Grey peninsula. Return. Attractions: Mature lenga forest. View of Glaciar Grey. Icebergs along the beach. Level: Easy.

2. GLACIER GREY WALK
Length: Full day. Picnic. Itinerary: Depart hotel. By boat: Lago Pehoé, Refugio Pehoé. By foot: Refugio Pehoé, lookout point over Glacier Grey and Southern Ice Field. Return. Attractions: Views of Glacier Grey and the Macizo Paine. Icebergs. Rivers, gorges and forests, with lookout points. NOTE: The boat crossing is dependent on weather conditions. Level: Difficult.

3. ALTURAS DEL TORO WALK
Length: Full day. Picnic. Itinerary: Depart hotel. By vehicle: Quebrada La Feria, Alturas del Lago del Toro, Puente Weber. Return. Attractions: Mature beech, forests, lakes, views of the enormous, deep blue Lago Toro, the emerald waters of Río Paine and the golden prairie of the Valle Río Serrano. Condors. Level: Medium.

4. JOURNEY NORTH OF THE PARK; LAGUNA AZUL
AND A TRADITIONAL QUINCHO BARBECUE
Length: Full day. Lunch: Traditional lamb and vegetable barbecue. Itinerary: Depart hotel. By vehicle: Cascada Río Paine. Guardería Laguna Amarga ranger station, Laguna Azul, Río de Las Chinas, Quincho explora. Short walks around the area. Attractions: Easy exploration, followed by a festive barbecue. View wildlife such as guanacos, Darwin's rhea, condors, foxes, ducks, geese, and more. Río Paine Cascades. Level: Easy.

5. MIRADOR NORDENSKJÖLD WALK
Length: Half-day. Trail snacks. Itinerary: Depart hotel. By vehicle: Refugio Pudeto. By foot: Shore of Lago Pehoé, Salto Grande, Lago Nordenskjöld, Mirador Nordenskjöld. Return. Attractions: The cascade and roar of Salto Grande waterfall. Views of Valle Francés, Macizo Paine Grande, Cuernos del Paine. NOTE: Strong wind. Level: Easy.

6. MIRADOR DEL TORO WALK
Length: Half-day. Trail snacks. Itinerary: Depart hotel. By vehicle: Río Paine Shore. By foot: Climb to Mirador del Toro, descending to the Posada Río Serrano and Park Administration. Scientific presentation by Conaf park rangers on the area's geography, geology, fauna and flora. Observe birds, local fauna and learn characteristics of regional flora. Views of Lago Toro and Río Serrano, flanked by large mountains such as Cerro Ferrier, Cerro Donoso and more. Level: Easy.

7. LAS CORNISAS WALK
Length: Half-day. Trail snacks. Itinerary: Depart hotel by foot: Cerros del Sureste, Mirador de los Cóndores, Cornisas, Mirador Alto Conaf, Quebrada La Feria. Return. Attractions: Winter -- groups of guanacos are usually seen along the trail. Views of the park's southeast side, including Lago Pehoé, Lago Nordenskjöld, Cuernos del Paine, Valle del Francés and several other lakes. Pass through condor habitat and walk along a cornice to the Mirador Alto, descending the Quebrada La Feria, where there are small lakes and forest. Level: Medium.

8. GLACIER DEL VALLE DEL FRANCÉS WALK
Length: Full day. Picnic. Itinerary: Depart hotel. By boat: Lago Pehoé, Refugio Pehoé. By foot: Lago Skottsberg, Valle del Francés, Campamento Italiano, Mirador del Glaciar. Return. Attractions: Valle del Francés -- one of the park's most exceptional sectors, and the Cordillera del Paine. View of the Cuernos del Paine, the Macizo Paine Grande (3,050m/ 10,000ft), the Cerro Paine Grande, the Glaciar del Francés, the Lago Nordenskjöld and numerous other lakes and lagoons. NOTE: The boat crossing always depends on weather conditions. Level: Medium.

9. BASE OF THE TORRES DEL PAINE WALK
Length: Full day. Picnic. Itinerary: Depart hotel. By vehicle: Río Paine, Guardería Laguna Amarga, Estancia Cerro Paine, Cerro Almirante Nieto. By foot: Valle del Río Ascencio, Campamento Chileno, lenga forests, Campamento Torres, lookout point with views of the Torres del Paine and the lake below them. Return. Attractions: This is one of the most challenging explorations in the park. Habitat for numerous birds. Multiple-colored lakes. View of the imposing Almirante Nieto (2,640m/ 8,661ft). View of Lago Nordenskjöld, Laguna Amarga and Río Paine. Forests of century-old beech and impressive views of the Torres del Paine. NOTE: This exploration requires that guests be in good physical shape. Level: Difficult.

10. ARCHEOLOGICAL WALK FROM GUARDERIA SARMIENTO
TO GUARDERIA LAGUNA AMARGA
Length: Half-day. Itinerary: Depart hotel. By vehicle: Guardería Lago Sarmiento. By foot: Head north along the park's perimeter. Petroglyphs. Guardería Laguna Amarga. Return. Attractions: W alk through open land with panoramic views. Rock outcroppings with ancient paintings by Tehuelche Indians, the first inhabitants of the region. Abundant guanacos and possibility of viewing a puma. NOTE: This walk is generally taken before the barbecue at the Quincho. Level: Easy.

11. LAGO SARMIENTO WALK
Length: Half-day. Trail snacks. Itinerary: Depart hotel. By vehicle: Lago Pehoé, Lago Nordenskjöld. By foot: Shore of Lago Sarmiento. Return. Attractions: Calcium carbonate formations along the lake shore and, during the winter, groups of guanacos along the trail. Level: Easy.

12. REFUGIO PEHOÉ HORSEBACK RIDE
Length: Full day. Picnic. Itinerary: Depart hotel. By vehicle: Corral (near Park Administration). By horse: Campamento Las Carretas, Río Grey, Refugio Pehoé. Return. By boat: Cross Lago Pehoé. Attractions: View of the Macizo del Paine and Lago Grey with its icebergs. NOTE: This exploration requires previous horseback riding experience. The boat crossing depends on weather conditions. Level: Medium.

13. THE QUINCHO HORSEBACK RIDE
Length: Half-day. Itinerary: Depart hotel. By vehicle: Guardería Laguna Amarga, Cascada Paine, Laguna Azul, Quincho explora. By horse: Río de las Chinas, Antarctic and deciduous beech forests. Return to Quincho. Attractions: View of the Sierra Baguales, Torres del Paine, Río de las Chinas. NOTE: Ride takes place before or after the barbecue at the Quincho. Level: Easy.

14. LAGUNA AZUL WALK
Length: Half-day. Trail snacks. Itinerary: Depart hotel. By vehicle: Guardería Laguna Amarga, Cascada Paine, Laguna Azul. By foot: Shore of Laguna Azul, Mirador Torres del Paine. Attractions: Antarctic and deciduous beech forests, views of the Torres del Paine and Laguna Azul. NOTE: Can be taken before or after the barbecue at the Quincho. Level: Easy.

15. MIRADOR DONOSO HORSEBACK RIDE
Length: Full day. Picnic. Itinerary: Depart hotel. By vehicle: Corral (near Park Administration). By horse: Puente Río Grey, pampa Esmeralda, Laguna los Choros, Cerro Donoso. Attractions: Pass through flower-filled meadows. Narrow trails through forest, lakes and pampa. View of Cerro Donoso, one of the most unexplored sections of the park. Level: Medium.

16. RÍO SERRANO HORSEBACK RIDE
Length: Half-day. Trail snacks. Itinerary: Depart hotel. By vehicle: Corral (near Park Administration). By horse: Río Serrano, the Patagonian steppe of the Pampa Serrano. Attractions: Ride along the deep blue water of Río Serrano, with views of snowcapped Monte Balmaceda. Return along the golden prairie of the Pampa Serrano, with views of the Cuernos del Paine. Level: Easy.

17. LAGUNA LINDA HORSEBACK RIDE
Length: Half-day. Trail snacks. Itinerary: Depart hotel. By vehicle: Corral (near Park Administration). By horse: Laguna Negra, Laguna Linda, pampa surrounding Park Administration. Attractions: Stark hills with burnt trees. Views of Río Paine, Lago Toro, Cordillera Paine and the Andean mountain chain. Level: Easy.

18. 2 DE ENERO ESTANCIA HORSEBACK RIDE
Length: Half-day. Trail snacks. Itinerary: Depart hotel. By vehicle: Guardería Laguna Amarga, Cascada Paine, Laguna Azul, Quincho explora. By horse: Río Zamora, sections of pampa, Laguna Jara, Estancia 2 de Enero at the base of the Cerro Obelisco, Río Zamora. Attractions: Possibility of viewing condors and eagles. View of the Sierra Baguales and the Torres del Paine. NOTE: Requires previous horseback riding experience. Ride may be taken before or after the Quincho barbecue. Level: Easy.

19. LAGUNA LA CAL / SARMIENTO WALK
Length: Full day. Picnic. Itinerary: Depart hotel by foot: Laguna La Cal, Paso Las Buitreras (condor nesting site), Lago Sarmiento and Sarmiento Chico. Attractions: The first portion of the trail passes through forests of native beech. Laguna La Cal is in a unique windy area. During the spring, the area is home to abundant fauna. Impressive view of the Cuernos del Paine en route to Lago Sarmiento, with its formations of calcium carbonate. Level: Medium.

20. RIO PINGO WALK
Length: Half-day or full day. Trail snacks or picnic. Itinerary: Depart hotel. By vehicle: Río Paine, Guardería Lago Grey. By foot: Río Pingo, Refugio Pingo, Chorrillo de los Salmones. Attractions: Follow a rushing river of glacier water, across open prairies and through stunning vegetation that is home to a large variety of birds. Cascada del Río de los Salmones. The full-day walk arrives at Cascada del Río Pingo, passing through a forest of mature beech, with views of Cerro Paine Grande. Level: Easy.

21. MIRADOR CONDOR WALK
Length: Half-day. Trail snacks. Itinerary: Depart hotel by foot, climbing to the Mirador de los Cóndores, descending toward Lago Pehoé. Return. Attractions: Introduction to the park, observe different species of plants and birds. This walk is generally taken on the afternoon of guests' arrival. Level: Medium.