Trekking in Torres del Paine

Unique day hikes in Chile's most beautiful park

This trekking trip takes you to the southernmost part of Chile to Patagonia. Here lies one of the world’s most beautiful national parks bar none: Torres del Paine, pronounced "tow-race del pie-nay". On this trip you will discover some of the most spectacular parts of the park over 6 days walking: the steep granite "Torres del Paine", the enormous glaciers, lonely lakes, lagoons, vast plateaus, ancient forests, and lots and lots of wildlife. You will be accompanied throughout by an English speaking trekking guide who is expert in the flora and fauna of this part of the world and has an in-depth knowledge of Patagonia. This trip has been designed to allow travellers to get to some of the less visited treasures of the park. We stay in cozy "hosterias", comfortable lodges and two nights in a mountain hut in the heart of the Park.

After this trip you can continue with our Trekking Tour "Highlights of Patagonia". On day 6 we fly from Puerto Natales to Argentina and shall explore all the trekking highlights of the Argentinian Patagonia.

ITINERARY:

(subject to change without prior notice)

Charms of the Pampa

Day 1:  Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales

Reception at Punta Arenas airport. Scenic bus ride to Puerto Natales, a charming southern port set on the "Fiord of Last Hope". Visit the penguin colony on Otway Sound. Overnight: a comfortable cozy family style hotel.

Day 2: Torres del Paine NP 

Early departure for Torres del Paine National Park. We shall pass across the southern reaches of the park to reach the Pudeto Cabins where we cross lake Pehoe by boat. Hike along the "Camino de los Vientos" or: the Road of the Wind. Return to the lodge "Paine Grande" in the afternoon. Staying here, we are in the heart of the park and the surrounding scenery is truly spectacular. The cabins at "Paine Grande" are simple cabins offering clean dormitories with bunk-beds and a shared bathroom. B/BL/D

Hike to the first lookout: 3 - 4 hours, moderate, strong winds could make the hike more strenuous. Distance approx 8 km. About 200 m altitude variation. After 1,5 hours great view point to the glacier.

Day 3: Torres del Paine - Valle Frances

Day hike into the French Valley. Depending upon the group we shall hike as far as Campamento Italiano. During this hike we shall have tremendous views of the Cuernos (or Horns) of Paine. In the afternoon we return to the lodge "Paine Grande", where hikers from all over the world sit together and tell their stories. B/BL/D

Hike to the first look out: 4 hours approx., 8 hours return. Altitude variation approx. 530 m.

Moderate to strenuous, after two hours easy hiking great views of the valley and the Glacier. The hike can be shortened at any point.

Day 4: Lake Pehoe - Refugio Las Torres

We recross the Lake Pehoe to the Pudeto pier. Transfer towards the Grey Lake where your guide will offer a hike suitable to the group fitness and climatic conditions. Transfer to Laguna Amarga. Overnight: cozy "Refugio Las Torres", right at the base of the Torres Towers. B/BL/D

Hike: Hiking options vary between 2 to 5 hours.

Day 5:  Torres del Paine - Puerto Natales

Highlight: the foot of the Torres del Paine. An awe-inspiring close-up look at one of the toughest climbs on earth. Alas we shan't climb in, but rather return to the Las Torres in the late afternoon. Transfer by bus to Puerto Natales. Overnight: cozy family run hotel. B/BL

Hike: Relatively long day with approximately 7-8 hours of strenuous hiking, in the upper part for approx. 1 hour steep and rocky terrain. 12 km approx., with altitude variation of up to 700 m.

Day 6:  Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas

Transfer by public bus from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas airport for connecting flight to Santiago or choose extension program "Trekking Highlights of Patagonia". B

Trekking Highlights of Patagonia