Please note: We have regular group departures and this tour can also be arranged for small private groups.
Introduction
Our days at Torres del Paine National Park are filled with breathtaking views of rock spires, snow covered peaks, shimmering glaciers, jewel coloured lakes and sun scorched grasslands dotted with wildflowers. Wildlife also abounds here and we share the trail with guanacos, Darwin’s rhea, condors, Chilean flamingos, fox, buff-necked ibis, swans, geese, woodpeckers and even once in a great while the elusive South American puma.
A fully porter-supported but still fairly strenuous hike, the circuit takes in the very best scenery in Patagonia including a birds’ eye view of Southern Patagonian Ice cap with its endless sea of ice, snow, and glaciers. We also get a chance to see the highlights of the National Park including the Grey glacier, the fabulous French Valley with its spectacular granite amphitheatre, and of course the Towers.
Minimum 2, Maximum 12
Group departures November to March – please contact the office for more information.
Itinerary
Pre-tour
Arrive Punta Arenas airport and transfer in to hotel.
Day 1
Collection from airport or hotel and drive to see the burrowing Magellanic Penguins at their colony in Otway Sound. There will be plenty of time to observe and photograph these fascinating creatures before continuing on across the Patagonian Steppe where you have your first opportunity to see some of the unusual plant and animal life that exists in this area.
After a short stop in Puerto Natales, the capital of the Ultimo Esperanza region of southern Chile, we transfer to Cerro Castillo and the comfortable Hosteria El Pionero. Converted from a villa built by settlers to Tierra del Fuego at the beginning of the century, this was once home to one of the most important and influential estancieros (or local farmers) in the region. It offers comfortable accommodation and an excellent restaurant offering a variety of typical local foods and international cuisine. The fireside bar is an excellent place to enjoy a fireside pisco sour whilst your guide gives a briefing and answers any questions about the days ahead.
Comfortable ensuite accommodation. (D)
Day 2
After breakfast, we continue on towards the towering peaks of the Torres del Paine National Park. Our route takes us through summer grazing grounds of giant herds of guanacos as we enter the western sector of the Torres del Paine.
After loading our daypacks we begin our introductory trek along the shores of Laguna Azul through ancient southern beech forests towards the Towers that give the Torres del Paine its name. We continue on to Lago Paine where we camp lakeside in this very remote and pretty site. Wild camping, no facilities. (B,L,D)
Day 3
After a camp breakfast, we continue on across this very open valley crossing lakes and riverbeds. After a few hours hiking we enter an ancient southern beech forest which takes us into the beautiful Dickson Valley where we see the Paine River and lake and the towering mountains that surround this remote valley.
Lunch will be taken in the valley with a nice view of the mountains and camp set up at the pretty Dickson campsite. Chance to relax and enjoy some Chilean wine and snacks whilst the evening meal is prepared. Organized camp with facilities, hot water not reliable. (B,L,D)
Day 4
A shorter but steeper walk today takes us along the Los Perros River and a lovely old growth forest under the shadows of the Indian Head mountain. A spectacular vantage point gives us views of the immense Dickson Glacier and lake and at days end we set up camp just below the Los Perros glacier. Eat in Refugio. Organized camp with some facilities. (B,L,D)
Day 5
Our most challenging trek today.
We climb John Gardner pass and with luck see the southern Patagonia Ice Cap laid out in front of us with endless glaciers, mountains and waterfalls in every direction. A truly special place in Patagonia that sees very few visitors.
In the afternoon we descend down and camp near the face of Grey Glacier. Organized camp with facilities. Eat in Refugio. (B,L,D)
Day 6
Continuing along the lake fed by Grey glacier today we enjoy an easier day walking out of this beautiful valley. Today, we view the huge glacier on our right for most of the morning from high atop a ridgeline. This is one of Torres del Paine's classic treks. Our destination is the crystal blue waters of Lago Pehoe and the busy but organized camp along its shores.
Organized camp with full facilities. (B,L,D)
Day 7
Today we head out towards the French Valley walking along the foothills of the Horns of Paine with the tranquil shores of Lake Nordenskjold on our right. A full day's hike, we enjoy fantastic views of the amphitheatre of granite peaks that make up this enclosed valley as well as the waterscapes below including lakes Pehoe, Skottsberg, Toro and Nordenskjold.
Our destination is the lively refugio Cuernos set below the imposing horns of Paine. Night in bunk bed accommodation with shared facilities. (B,L,D)
Day 8
After breakfast we set off once again along the shores of Lake Nordenskjold and for the brave a chance to swim in the frigid waters of this spectacular lake. Another one of the Torres del Paine's classic treks, today's hike passes just below the towering Horns of Paine all day until we cross the Ascending Valley and arriving at our camp at Las Torres. (B,L,D)
Day 9
Our final days trek and a fitting end to this adventure today we climb up to the base of the Towers themselves. A steep climb crossing mountain trails, rivers and valleys and finally a clamber up glacial moraine, the rewards today are truly spectacular.
Lunch (for those who make it to the top) can be enjoyed in the shadow of these enormous granite peaks whilst watching the icebergs drift across a glacial pool of water. A memorable lunch spot and a highlight of every visitor's itinerary.
After lunch we head back down to our camp where our vehicle awaits for the short drive back to Hosteria Pionero (1 hour) and a well-deserved celebration pisco sour and dinner by the roaring log fire. Hot showers, some rooms with baths. All rooms ensuite. (B,L,D)
Day 10
After breakfast transfer back to Punta Arenas airport to arrive late morning. Time permitting we once again make a short stop in Puerto Natales and this give you an opportunity to purchase any souvenirs/books/postcards etc. You are dropped off at the airport for onward flights. (B)
To reach the really remote areas, try our Paine W trek and kayak trip.
Check our group and tailor made options. And you can always contact the office with questions or for advice.
See our Books and Maps section where you will find a range of literature to help you get the most out of your South American adventure.
Included
All accommodation as stated on the itinerary, transfers to and from airport/hotel in Punta Arenas and whilst in Park, guide throughout, pack horses or vehicle support for luggage, all meals with wine whilst camping, camping equipment (except sleeping bags/mats), park and penguin entrance fees.
Not included
Flights, airport taxes, airport transfers, accommodation and meals in Punta Arenas, lunch in Natales on Day 1 and Day 10, local gratuities ($60 recommended).
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