Price per person:
CLP$ 49.000 per person.
Recommended
Cerro Benitez Trek
5 / 55 reviews
All year round
If you cancel your reservation up to 48 hours before the start of the activity, we will refund you 100% of the reservation payment. No refunds will be issued on cancellation requests received after the indicated anticipation.
You can reschedule your booking without any additional cost until 48 hours before the beginning of the activiity.
Medium intensity Cerro Benitez Trek. Travel to the pre-historic Patagonia, with views of the surrounding landscapes. Transport and guide included.
Times:
Minimum of passengers
Departure from 4 passengers.
Included:
pick up at your accommodation (urban area), shared transport, hiking poles, guide and headlamp.
What to bring:
trekking clothing, trekking shoes, snack and water.
Not included:
food and entrance fee Estancia Ernesto Helmer Park (CLP$10.000 per person, payment in the place, in cash the day of the tour).
Restrictions:
not allowed for pregnant women, minimum age required of 10 years old and good physical condition.
Cancellation and rescheduling policy:
48 hours.
If you cancel your reservation up to 48 hours before the start of the activity, we will refund you 100% of the reservation payment. No refunds will be issued on cancellation requests received after the indicated anticipation.
We will pick you up at your accommodations to travel around 15.5 miles to the north of Puerto Natales. The Cerro Benitez Trek is a trip to the past in the heart of the Chilean Patagonia. You will visit the archaeological park inside the Estancia Ernesto Helmer, where there are vestiges that indicate that the place was once immersed in the sea. There you will be able to make a medium difficulty hike to go through the valley, with its ravines and views of the surrounding mountains. In addition, it will be possible to have access to the condor’s nests on the way to the summit of the Cerro Benitez, from where you will be able to see the Eberhard Fjord and the Señoret Channel. In total, we are talking about a 6.2 miles trek that you will complete in about 3 hours.
During the same tour, you will visit the Ventana Cave and also the Escondida Cave, where you will have to use a headlamp and crawl, not more than 2.5 feet, to pass through the narrowest part. This cave has a 13 feet height and there you will be able to see stalactites formed because of the minerals’ accumulation and water. After that, you will go through a forest to Dos Herraduras, place where you will watch cave paintings in the rock walls. After a moment there, you will return to Puerto Natales to end the activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is Cerro Benítez Trek for beginners?
Cerro Benitez Trek from Puerto Natales is a medium difficulty trek, ideal for people with a medium fitness level. The total walk is 10 kilometers in 3 hours, with moderate gradients. Although no prior trekking experience is required, it is recommended to have a good physical condition.
What is the best time of the day to see condors in Cerro Benítez?
Condors on Cerro Benítez are most active during the early morning and late evening hours, when they take advantage of thermal currents to fly. During the trek, which includes a visit to the condor roosts, the chances of sighting them are high, especially on the route to the summit. The privileged location of the hill, with views of the Eberhard Fjord and the Señoret Canal, creates ideal conditions for observing these majestic birds in their natural habitat.
How old are the cave paintings at Cerro Benítez?
The cave paintings in the Dos Herraduras sector of Cerro Benítez are vestiges of the indigenous peoples of Patagonia, mainly Aonikenk (Tehuelche), who inhabited the area approximately 4,000 years ago. These cave paintings are well preserved thanks to their protected location on the rock walls of Chilean Patagonia. The archaeological sites within Estancia Ernesto Helmer, including the paintings and caves, are crucial evidence of prehistoric human presence in the region, offering a unique view into the history of Patagonia.
Is it recommended to do the Cerro Benítez Trek before or after Torres del Paine?
Cerro Benítez Trek is an excellent activity to do before visiting Torres del Paine, as it serves as acclimatization for the more demanding treks in the national park. Located just 25 km from Puerto Natales, this 3-hour medium-intensity trek is ideal for the first or last day of your itinerary in Chilean Patagonia.
How to book Cerro Benitez Trek?
To book Cerro Benitez Trek, you must choose the date and follow the steps on the website. You can add more tours to your cart before confirming your booking.How far in advance should I book Cerro Benitez Trek?
We accept bookings up to 1 days in advance, subject to availability. Therefore, we recommend booking as early as possible to secure your spot.Is there a minimum number of people required?
A minimum of 4 people is required to confirm the service. If this number is not met, we will offer you the closest available dates or a full refund. The earlier you book, the more time we have to add passengers and confirm the departure.
CLP$ 49.000