1. What is the best time of the year to visit Patagonia?

There isn't one time of the year that is recommended over another, as each season has its own allure and individual attraction. All of our excursions take place year round. For this reason, our rates are the same throughout the year.

2. Where can I stay in Punta Arenas?

We recommend the following hotels: Hotel Jose Nogueira, Hotel Cabo de Hornos, Finis Térra, and Hotel Isla Rey Jorge.

3. What times do transfer vans run between Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales and Cerro Castillo to explora en Patagonia and vice versa?

Transfers to explora:
From a hotel in Punta Arenas, 8:00am
From a hotel in Puerto Natales, 11:30am
From the airport, coordinated with flights that arrive between 12:00pm to 4:30pm
From the Chilean border at Cerro Castillo at 12:00pm (Chilean time)

Transfers from explora:
To the Punta Arenas airport, between 6:00am to 9:00am
To a hotel in Punta Arenas for overnight, departure at 3:30pm
To the Argentinean border, Cancha Carrera, at 10:00 am, arriving at 12:00 pm
4. How do I get to explora en Patagonia? (distances, cities, flights)

• Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales: 3 ¼ hrs. - 250 km .(Two-lane, paved)
• Puerto Natales - explora Lodge: 2 ½ hrs. - 140 km (Two-lane, unpaved)
• Cerro Castillo - explora Lodge: 1 ½ hrs. - 78 km
• Cerro Castillo - Cancha Carrera: 10 min. - 7 km (Paso Don Guillermo)
• Cancha Carrera - explora Lodge: 1 ½ hrs. - 87 km
• Calafate - Cerro Castillo: 4 hrs. - 296 km
• Calafate - explora Lodge - 5 hrs. - 376 km
• Hosteria Los Notros in El Calafate - explora Lodge 4 ½ hrs.
• explora Lodge- El Chaltén - 6 to 8 hrs. - 400 Kms.

5. Is it possible to get to Torres del Paine by plane from Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales?

No. The closest commercial airport is in Punta Arenas. However there are charter flights from Punta Arenas, and other towns in the Argentine side of Patagonia, to Puerto Natales (126 km or 2 hours from explora) or to Cerro Castillo (77 km or 1 ¼ hours from explora). explora can coordinate transportation from both of these airports to our hotel. Also, NanduAir (www.nanduair.com) has regular flights between November 4 and April 30 in small planes.

6. Is there transfer service from El Calafate or Cerro Castillo to explora?

There are a variety of companies that offer transfer service from El Calafate
(Argentina) to the Cerro Castillo border with Chile. When making your reservation with explora, we can provide you approximate prices and give you some contacts so you can make a reservation. Once in Cerro Castillo, an explora van will be waiting to transfer you to explora en Patagonia.

7. How can I get to Patagonia from Buenos Aires?

We recommend that travelers fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate, Argentina.
The flight is 4 to 5 hours, and the carrier is Aerolíneas Argentinas. From El Calafate to the Cerro Castillo border, our guests must take a commercial bus or private transfer with an Argentine agency. This trip is 296 Km (184 miles) and lasts about 4 hours. From Cerro Castillo to Hotel Salto Chico, the trip is 77 km (48 miles) and lasts 1 ½ hours.

8. What are the special rates for 6 nights on Christmas and New Year's?

06 night program:

• Suite exploradores: 39m2 (420 sq.ft.) With view of the Macizo del Paine,
US$ 5.040.- per person in Double occupancy 6 nights.
US$ 8.046.- per person in Single occupancy 6 nights.

• Cordillera Paine: 26m2 (280 sq.ft.) With view of the Macizo del Paine,
US$ 3.846.- per person in Double occupancy 6 nights.
US$ 5.670.- per person in Single occupancy 6 nights.

• Salto Chico: 26m2 (280 sq.ft.) With view of the Salto Chico Waterfall,
US$ 3.480.- per person in Double occupancy 6 nights.
US$ 4.938.- per person in Single occupancy 6 nights.

9. Can I visit the penguin colonies?

explora's programs include activities within Torres del Paine National Park only. You or your travel agent can arrange this tour in Punta Arenas.

10. Does the hotel have a swimming pool?

Yes, explora lodge has an annex, called the Casa de Baños del Ona, with an indoor heated pool, sauna, and open-air Jacuzzi. Our massage facilities are located here, too.

11. How can friends and family contact me in the event of an emergency?

For emergencies, friends and family can call the hotel directly at (562) 395-2580, or 395-2581, or by email at recpatagonia@explora.com

12. What medical services are available?

At the national park administration office there is an emergency clinic during the summer. The closest hospital is in Puerto Natales, 2 ½ from the park. Additionaly, our guides are trained in first aid.

13. Which are the exact GPS latitude/longitude coordinates of Hotel Salto Chico – explora EN PATAGONIA?

S 51º 06’ 96’’
W 072º 59’47’’