Day 1 Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales
The trip begins with a pickup from the Punta Arenas airport and transfer to the hotel in Puerto Natales, a lively town on the shores of “Seno de Ultima Esperanza.” Take some time to relax, have lunch, and prepare for the adventure! The winter journey brings the short, intense days of Patagonia’s colder months – a contrast to its longer, lighter summer days. The South is known for its extremes!
Day 2 Puerto Natales/Torres del Paine
Today, depart early in the morning for Torres del Paine National Park and the day’s goal: reaching the base of the Towers!
After leaving the luggage in the Refugio Central, walk towards Hostería Las Torres and ascend to Ascencio Valley on the Tower’s eastern face. Mountain ridges, beech forests, and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. The big challenge comes in the form of the steep moraine, a huge mass of boulders that leads to the iconic base view of the Towers – three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After a tough uphill climb, the Towers come into full view, rising majestically, with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After enjoying the view and a picnic, backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley to the Refugio for a well-deserved dinner and rest for the next day’s adventure.
Day 3 Torres del Paine
Start the day with a pleasant walk along the Cuernos Trail, which leads alongside the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this walk, admire the park’s exquisite flora and fauna while enjoying magnificent views of the park’s central lakes and the Paine’s Horns – majestic black horn-like peaks of slate atop gray granite that crown the center of the Massif. The trek ends at Refugio Domo Francés, a small, cozy mountain refuge. The evening is free to relax and enjoy dinner.
Day 4 Torres del Paine
After breakfast at Refugio Los Cuernos, begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley) along a steep trail that leads to the very heart of the Paine Massif. The distance covered depends on the group’s trekking rhythm. A swifter walk will lead to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the southeast face of the Massif, offering fantastic views of the valley. Continue ascending towards the upper section of the valley to marvel at the extensive mass of the valley’s geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin), and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). After the upward trek, pause for a picnic and relaxation. The day’s trek ends as you descend through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest, leading to Refugio Paine Grande.
N.B. An optional trek to Mirador Britanico may be available, weather and time permitting.
Day 5 Torres del Paine
Today, hike from Paine Grande Refugio along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern end of glacial Lake Grey. Along the trek, there are different views of this breathtaking glacier, offering perspectives of the Southern Ice Fields.
Once you arrive, those who still want to walk can approach the glacier from different lookouts.
Day 6 Torres del Paine/Puerto Natales
After breakfast, board the boat* that sails right up to the huge, crystalline facade of Grey Glacier, where you will have plenty of time to marvel at the calving glacier. From the southern end of Grey Glacier, transfer to Puerto Natales to enjoy a free afternoon.
*Please Note: The navigation to Grey Glacier is subject to a minimum number of passengers and weather conditions. If the navigation cancels, a 7-hour hike through Las Carretas Trails will be done.
Day 7 Puerto Natales/Punta Arenas
Board the transfer that will take you to Punta Arenas Airport. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas in time to catch the evening flight.
