Description
The cutting-edge Explora Salto Chico is set in a 600,000 acre breathtaking wilderness of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, beautiful lakes and forested valleys. This unique landscape is also a UNESCO biosphere reserve. There are 37 luxury guest rooms and 7 suites, all with fabulous views over the park. Beech floors, pale wicker furniture and the subtle use of natural and artificial light combine to provide a sense of intimacy with, rather than seclusion from, the elements. The Explora Salto Chico also offers mouth watering local cuisine such as Magellanic lamb, southern king crab and delicious fish and vegetables.
The Explora concept mixes luxury with adventure. A range of excursions are available to suit every ability and include sailing to the magnificent Grey Glacier, horse riding to the Laguna Verde and hiking alongside the towering Cuernos del Paine and the southern shore of Lago Sarmiento with its bizarre lime formations. The lodge is the only one in the area with its own stables bred and trained especially for its guests. At the end of an epic day of adventure, one can relax in one of the four open-air jacuzzis, all with views of Lago Pehoe and the Macizo del Paine peaks.
Accommodation
Accommodation at Explora Salto Chico comprises 6 Exploradores Suites measuring 42m2, all with views of the Macizo del Paine, 36 Cordillera del Paine Rooms measuring 28m2 also with views of Macizo del Paine, 6 Salto Chico Rooms measuring 28m2 all with views of the waterfall and 2 Rio Paine Rooms overlooking the river. Each room has a small living area, hydromassage bath and incredibly comfortable beds, designed for a deep, relaxing sleep after a day's exploring.
Childcare
Children are welcomed at the Explora Salto Chico although there are no specific facilities. Explorations are recommended for children aged 12 and above.
Facilities
Facilities at the Explora Salto Chico include a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, 2 open-air Jacuzzis, gym, massage service, restaurant.
Activities
Daily guided treks, horse rides and road excursions are offered to guests staying at the Explora Salto Chico, to explore the beautiful Torres del Paine national park, with its stunning lakes, peaks and glaciers and an abundance of Andean wildlife. Boat trips to the Grey glacier can also be arranged. There are explorations suitable for all different levels of ability and each afternoon the lodge's expert bilingual guides meet with guests to explain the different options on offer for the following day. Longer full day excursions typically include an outdoor picnic lunch.
When to travel
Early summer (November) can be lovely, and in late summer and autumn (March) the colours are stunning. But if you’re planning to go riding in the open steppes, midsummer is wonderful. Avoid the peak summer months of January and February, since the trails in the park are particularly crowded at this time. At any time of year, Torres del Paine has its own microclimate: unpredictable. People will often tell you to expect all seasons in a single day.
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Torres Del Paine NP, Chile
Explora Patagonia Hotel Salto Chico is located right at the heart of the extraordinary Torres del Paine National Park in central Patagonia. The varied and untouched landscapes of this area led UNESCO to declare it a biosphere reserve. Located 113 kilometers to the north of Puerto Natales, between the Andes and the plateau.
How to get there
4-hour domestic flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas and 5-hour road transfer. It is also possible to transfer to Torres del Paine by road from El Calafate in Argentina, which is approx 5-hours depending on the border crossing.
