Torres del Paine W Hike

After arriving at the Hotel in Puerto Natales, you will have time to explore this little town on your own. In good weather, the first impressive panorama of the Paine Massif and Monte Balmaceda can be seen from here. In the late afternoon you meet your trekking guide for a short briefing about the next days. You spend the first night in a guesthouse in Puerto Natales in double room with private bathroom. (-/-/-)

In the morning you take a regular bus to the Torres del Paine National Park and will see some of the native wildlife of this fantastic region like Guanacos and Ñandus. Upon arrival in the park your first hike leads you to the famous 'Torres' granite needles. At first you hike up to the Ascencio-Valley where you take a break at the Refugio Chileno next to the Ascencio river. After 2+ hours and a tough ascent your efforts will be rewarded: You will stand in front of the impressive needles with a green lagoon lying at your feet. Altitude Las Torres Lookout: 900m (2,950 ft). Appr. walking time: 8 hours, walking distance: 19 km (11,8 miles), elevation gain of approx. 950 m (3,116 ft) ascent and descent. Overnight: in the “Refugio Torre Central” in shared bedrooms with shared bathrooms. Note: If the lodges (refugios) are fully booked, you will spend the night in fully equipped 2-person-tents.(B/-/D)

Today, you hike along Nordenskjöld Lake to the wonderful Refugio Los Cuernos, close to the lake and the montes “Cuernos”. Passing Monte Almirante Nieto (2,640 m / 8,660 ft), you can probably watch condors circling in the sky. Appr. walking time: 4-5 hours, walking distance: 11,5 km (7,1 miles), elevation gain of approx. 350 m (1,150 ft) ascent and descent. Overnight: in the “Refugio Los Cuernos” or “Refugio Frances” in shared bedrooms with shared bathrooms.  If the refugios are fully booked, you will spend the night in fully equipped 2-person-tents. (B/BL/D). 

Alternativ itinerary (if the refugios / campsites Cuernos and Frances are fully booked):

Today you go on a half day hike along Nordenskjöld Lake with its colorful waters. Passing Monte Almirante Nieto (2,640 m), you can probably watch condors circling in the sky. Appr. walking time: 4 hours, walking distance: 10 km (6 miles). In the afternoon you continue your journey in a public transfer to “Pudeto sector” (approx. one hour panoramic trip). Afterwards, you cross the beautiful Pehoe Lake with a catamaran (approx. 30 min). The Lodge / Camp Paine Grande will be your "base camp" for the next two days. Overnight: in the “Lodge Paine Grande” in shared bedrooms with shared bathrooms. Note: If the lodge is fully booked, you will spend the night in fully equipped 2-person-tents. (B/BL/D)

In the morning you head towards the French valley and its viewpoint “Mirador” where you gain deep insight into the mountains. With a bit of luck you may witness ice cracking off the Paine Grande (3,050 m / 10,000 ft) sounding like a roaring thunder. Subsequently you walk along the splendid Lago Skottsberg to the emerald green Lago Pehoe. Appr. walking time: 6-7 hours, walking distance: 17 km (10,5 miles), elevation gain of approx. 600 m (1,970 ft) ascent and descent. Overnight: in the “Lodge Paine Grande” in shared bedrooms with shared bathrooms. Note: If the lodge is fully booked, you will spend the night in fully equipped 2-person-tents. (B/BL/D)

Today you walk along the Black Lagoon (Laguna Negra) and the Path of Winds (Camino del Viento) to your viewpoint on the Grey Glacier. Depending on the weather and season you will come across various birds and plants. You hike back to the Lodge Paine Grande, cross the beautiful Pehoe-Lake with a catamaran (approx. 30 min) and take the regular bus back to Puerto Natales. Appr. walking time: 4-5 hours, walking distance:  12 km (7,5 miles), elevation gain of approx. 350 m (1,150 ft) ascent and descent. Overnight: Guesthouse in Puerto Natales in double room with private bathroom. (B/BL/-)

After breakfast, you will continue your individual journey. (B/-/-)