Difficulty
Moderate. 6.5km loop
Duración
About 7 hours
Where You’ll Go
Private estancia near Laguna Sofía
Season
Year-round
mode
Private from
Walk through native Patagonian forest, reach cliff-top viewpoints over Laguna Sofía, and discover ancient rock paintings with an expert local guide
After picking you up from your hotel, a short drive takes us to a private estancia near Laguna Sofía, just outside Puerto Natales.
From there we set out on a 6.5 km trail of moderate difficulty, walking at a relaxed pace through native Patagonian forest of ñirre, lenga and Magellanic coihue.
Inside the forest, your guide will help you spot and understand the wildlife, Magellanic woodpeckers, austral pygmy owls, lesser horned owls and other resident birds, along with the mosses, lichens and fungi that keep this ecosystem healthy.
The trail then opens onto cliff-top viewpoints over Laguna Sofía, where Andean condors often glide along the rock walls where they nest.
Mid-morning we stop for coffee and a snack while enjoying the view.
Along the way we also visit ancient rock paintings left by the first inhabitants of the area, as your guide shares the history, geology and culture of the territory.
We’re back in Puerto Natales by around 2:00 PM, with the rest of the day free to explore town or rest before Torres del Paine.
A complete Patagonian morning, forest, wildlife, views and history — without giving up your afternoon.
Further down, you’ll find pricing, inclusions, and everything you need to plan your tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
7:00 AM
Pick-up at your hotel in Puerto Natales
Arrival at a private estancia near Laguna Sofía. Start of the 6.5 km trail through native Patagonian forest
Mid morning
Cliff-top viewpoints over Laguna Sofía and coffee break with a snack
Late morning
Visit to ancient rock paintings and return along the trail
2:00 PM
Return to your hotel in Puerto Natales
Customizable
This is a sample itinerary. As this is a private experience, the pace, stops and focus of the hike can be adjusted to your interests.
Everything you need to know
What's included and pricing
Included
- Private bilingual naturalist guide (English, Spanish)
- Private transport from Puerto Natales (4WD)
- Binoculars and spotting scope
- Trekking poles
- Mid-morning coffee break and snack
- Private property entrance fees
- Photos and videos shared after the tour
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Price – Private Tour (total per group)
- 1 guest – USD 450
- 2 guests – USD 600
- 3 guests – USD 750
A protected native forest
This trail runs through a private estancia where the native forest is protected: its trees, wildlife, fungi and the smaller plants that grow among them.
We work with small private groups and stay on the established trail, keeping our impact on the forest and the condor nesting areas to a minimum.
Visits like this one help make conservation on private land viable over time.
And as members of 1% for the Planet, 1% of every Ecordua booking goes to environmental organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear or bring? Comfortable outdoor clothing and hiking shoes. Patagonian weather changes quickly, so bring a light jacket, a windproof layer and extra warm layers depending on the season. We also suggest sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and water (1 to 1.5 liters, ideally in a reusable bottle). Before your experience, we’ll send you a pre-tour preparation guide with more details.
How difficult is the hike? Moderate. It’s 6.5 km with some uphill sections and uneven ground. You don’t need hiking experience, but you should be comfortable walking for a few hours. Trekking poles are included.
Will we see condors? Andean condors are frequently seen from the viewpoints over Laguna Sofía, but as with any wildlife, sightings can’t be guaranteed.
Is this a good option for an arrival or departure day? Yes. You’re back in Puerto Natales by around 2:00 PM, with time to explore town, rest before Torres del Paine or catch a later flight or bus.
Can children participate? [DEFINIR]
What happens if the weather is bad? [CONFIRMAR] Wind and rain are part of Patagonia, and the tour runs in most conditions. If conditions are unsafe, we’ll adjust the route, reschedule, or offer a full refund.
What is the cancellation policy? [CONFIRMAR] You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
If you have any other questions, please contact us, we’ll be happy to help.
Map
Documentation for national tourism service
We would love to be everywhere in Chile, but for now our direct operations are based in Santiago.
To take you further, we work with carefully selected local operators who share our standards of quality, safety, and authenticity. These operators comply with all current regulations required by Chile’s National Tourism Service (SERNATUR), and for technical activities (such as climbing and high-mountain expeditions) we also rely on certified professional guides specialized in their discipline.
While the on-the-ground operation may be in their hands, we remain your main point of contact, coordinating every detail and overseeing the entire process. This way, we ensure you enjoy the personal dedication and quality that define us at Ecordua.
Do you still have doubts?
Don’t worry, we are here to help you.
Write to us and we will respond to you as soon as possible.
Download our brochure with all the details about this tour, including itineraries, recommendations and what you need to know to fully enjoy this experience.
