Self-guided tour of Chile's Torres del Paine
Embark on an unforgettable trek through the dramatic landscapes of Torres del Paine. Beginning with a challenging ascent past Lake Nordenskjöld and an ancient Lenga forest, you'll reach the iconic Base of the Towers viewpoint before crossing Lake Pehoé by boat to explore the breathtaking French Valley, framed by hanging glaciers and the sheer walls of the Paine Range.
The journey culminates at Grey Refuge where you'll board the Grey III for a spectacular voyage to the face of the immense Grey Glacier, its overwhelming colors and forms leaving a lasting impression.
A definitive Patagonian adventure, this self-guided expedition takes you from high-altitude vistas to deep glacial valleys and back to Puerto Natales.
Services
Included:
- 3 nights accommodation in Torres Del Paine
- 1 nights accommodation in Puerto Natales
- 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Transfers as per the itinerary
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- Bilingual guides (English/Spanish) on excursions
- 24/7 local support phone line in case of emergencies
Excluded:
- Hotels, transfers
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any extra expenses not mentioned in the itinerary
- Fees & mandatory documentation
- International & domestic flights (available upon request)
- Travel & medical insurance
- Tips & gratuities
Optional:
- Speak to your local expert if there's an experience that you'd really love to include in your trip
Itinerary at a Glance
Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales
Start of your Journey in Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales - Torres Del Paine
Hike to the Francés Sector
Central Sector - French Valley Sector
Hike to the Francés Valley
French Valley Sector - Paine Grande
Hike to Grey lookout, Lake Pehoé Navigation & return to Puerto Natales
Torres Del Paine - Puerto Natales
Half-day city tour in Puerto Natales
Detailed Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales
Day 1: Start of your Journey in Puerto Natales
Your first day begins with an early start. To begin your adventure, board the bus that will take you to Torres del Paine National Park (approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, you will visit the Visitor Center and begin your first trek through the Ascencio Valley, reaching the Paso de Los Vientos.
Pass through the Chileno Sector and a native lenga forest before reaching the final stretch of your adventure. This part of the hike lasts about an hour and takes you over rocky terrain. At the end of this section, you will be rewarded with the most breathtaking view of the three iconic granite towers and their glacial lagoon.
After the ascent, you will return to the Central Sector for dinner and an overnight stay.
Puerto Natales - Torres Del Paine
Day 2: Hike to the Francés Sector
Walk along the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld and at the base of Mount Almirante Nieto with its hanging glaciers. The lake is surrounded by striking geographic contrasts and is home to many bird species, so keep an eye out for condors soaring in the area.
Continue along the Arriero River, which offers excellent opportunities for a long and pleasant break to refill your water bottle and enjoy the present moment.
Once you reach the highest viewpoint, you have a full view of the lake and the French Glacier on Cerro Paine Grande.
Spend the night in the French Sector.
Central Sector - French Valley Sector
Day 3: Hike to the Francés Valley
Start your morning with a light trek to Camping Italiano, enjoying views of Lake Nordenskjöld along the way. We recommend leaving your large backpack at the refuge and continuing the next part of the hike with a small daypack (box lunch, water, and warm clothing).
The ascent takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach the French Glacier viewpoint. The trail then continues to the British Camp, and after about 20 minutes, you will arrive at the viewpoint of the same name.
The return follows the same path, heading back to Camping Italiano and then to the French Sector where you will spend the night again.
French Valley Sector - Paine Grande
Day 4: Hike to Grey lookout, Lake Pehoé Navigation & return to Puerto Natales
Today, you will reach the third landmark of the circuit, a place that offers an unforgettable postcard view of the park: Grey Glacier. The trail begins by skirting Cerro Paine Grande, the highest point of the massif (3,050 m), with incredible views of its hanging glaciers.
Walking through Ñirre, Coigüe, and Notro trees, you will arrive at the first viewpoint of Grey Lake where you can see numerous pieces of the glacier floating in the water.
You will then return to the Paine Grande Sector where you will take the catamaran across Lake Pehoé to Pudeto. There, the bus will be waiting to take you back to Puerto Natales.
Torres Del Paine - Puerto Natales
Day 5: Half-day city tour in Puerto Natales
Today, your transfers will pick you up from your hotel for an excursion through the capital of the Ultima Esperanza Province, visiting its main square, which is located in the heart of the city, in front of the Catholic Parish, administrative buildings, Municipality and Government.
We will go to its beautiful waterfront, from which you can see the Ultima Esperanza Sound, the Patagonian Andes and in the distance the majestic Balmaceda Glacier. We will be able to appreciate the typical architecture of their houses, and the modern hotel infrastructure. Aside from the Santiago Bueras Avenue Viewpoint, the Fisherman's Pier and its picturesque boats, the main thing you will discover is the warmth of the people in the Artisan Village.
A walk through Puerto Natales, a city forged on the basis of sacrifice and love for the southern land, adorned by the beauty of its landscapes and the charm of its history. At the end of your trip, a transfer will return you to your hotel.
