Torres del Paine Circuit

Join Puerto Natales* and make your way to Hotel Vendaval or similar. This evening, attend a welcome briefing at the hotel. Dinner is not included. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the local area.
Overnight: Hotel Vendaval or similar.
* Puerto Natales has an airport with flights from Santiago. Alternatively, there are flights to Punta Arenas and El Calafate and a bus can be taken from there to Puerto Natales (additional cost applies). Please ask us for more details.

A spectacular day cruising to the head of the Fiord to see glaciers tumbling down from the mountains, seals and abundant bird life. We continue on to the National Park by Zodiac. We skirt glacial blue lakes and pass herds of guanaco and rhea as we approach the towering peaks. The Horns of Paine are right before us, as is Paine Grande, the largest of this range. On arrival we transfer to our campsite for this evening. The experience of trekking in Patagonia will spoil you for most other trekking areas the scenery is truly awe-inspiring. Blue glacial and ice-berg strewn lakes combine with dramatic granite peaks and snow covered mountains which lead to the Patagonian ice-cap.
Overnight: Camp.
What you carry: Day pack
PLEASE NOTE: The boat trip is on a shared service basis and is weather dependent. If boats are not able to operate due to weather conditions, we will organise alternative transportation into Torres del Paine National Park.

Transfer to the beginning of the Trek from Las Torres Refuge area to Camp Seron. Trek with your main pack – assisted with porters. Today’s walk is a great introduction to Torres del Paine as we follow the Rio Paine. The trails are well defined and not overly undulating. The mountain views, the nice perspective of the Towers and the surrounding mountains, coupled with meadows of daisies, clear running streams and woods that smell of fresh beech, make it a great day.
Overnight: Camp Seron.
What you carry: Trek with main pack – assisted with porters (7.5 kg/client). 1 Porter every 2 passengers will accompany us as far as Refuge Pehoe (Porters split our luggage. They are not private personal porters).

We continue around Paine by heading north and then west towards Lago Dickson. Each stage of the trek provides a different perspective of the Towers as we head out into the most isolated section of the circuit. Nestled on the shores of the pristine Lago Dickson, the campsite and refugio offer breathtaking views of the surrounding Patagonian peaks. Waking up to the serene views of Lago Dickson is an unforgettable experience, making this site a highlight for trekkers exploring the Torres del Paine National Park.
Overnight: Camp Dickson.
What you carry: Porters will carry a portion of your gear (maximum 7.5 kg per person). You will need to carry your main pack, with the reduced weight. You may wish to put your day pack into the main pack or consider a pack with a zip off day pack.

A short ascent brings us to a natural viewing platform where we obtain more comprehensive views of the mountains and glacier beyond Lago Dickson, and towards our evening campsite near Glacier Los Perros. We walk through dense forests for most of the day, over fallen trees. The Magellanic Woodpecker can be heard although it is sometimes difficult to spot the actual bird. The key is to keep still when you hear them and look for the male which is black with a striking red head. The trail meanders through the forest, over many streams and past waterfalls on the Rio de los Perros. We cross the river again and come to the base of the Glacier Los Perros, where a crater surrounds the lake. Here we will be out of the forest and again exposed to the wind. Fortunately our camp nearby is sheltered by the elements, surrounded by beech forest.
Overnight: Camp Los Perros.
What you carry: Porters will carry a portion of your gear (maximum 7.5 kg per person). You will need to carry your main pack, with the reduced weight. You may wish to put your day pack into the main pack or consider a pack with a zip off day pack.

Today's trek is the most challenging part of the circuit. Starting with a gradual uphill walk through dense forest, you’ll soon face muddy sections and a large stream, which requires crossing with the aid of a rope. The trail continues uphill over rocks and snow drifts, clearly marked by fluorescent orange markers, leading to the pass. Here, the famous view unfolds, featuring the forest, a glacial lake dotted with icebergs, and the stunning Grey Glacier against the backdrop of the Patagonian ice cap. Strong westerly winds at the saddle of the pass may shorten your stay, but the sight is breathtaking. The descent to Campamento Paso is steep and requires careful navigation, descending over 700m. The path is cluttered with fallen trees and varies in elevation, eventually leading to a natural rock viewing platform overlooking the glacier—perfect for a break. Although it might seem the toughest part is over, the journey to Camp Grey continues to be strenuous with larger obstacles and more frequent elevation changes. Reaching Camp Grey offers a scenic respite, reminiscent of a tropical beach but with icebergs floating in the water. Here, you can unwind with cold drinks and a hot meal, making all the effort worthwhile.
Overnight: Camp Grey.
What you carry: Porters will carry a portion of your gear (maximum 7.5 kg per person). You will need to carry your main pack, with the reduced weight. You may wish to put your day pack into the main pack or consider a pack with a zip off day pack.

Today is our last day with porter support. We begin at 9 AM with a 2.5-hour kayaking excursion on Lake Grey, where we will paddle close to large icebergs and approach the eastern side of the glacier. Upon returning to Camp Grey for lunch, we commence our trek to Paine Grande. The initial part of the trek involves a gradual ascent with some steep intervals, providing magnificent views of the glacier and a path lined with wildflowers beside mountain lakes, creating a picturesque route. The second half of the trek is a gradual descent, leading us to our campsite beside the vibrant Lake Pehoe. This location rivals the beauty of Camp Dickson, encapsulating the quintessential elements of Patagonia—wind, snow-covered mountains, dramatic skies, emerald lakes, and rich biodiversity. We will spend the night here, immersed in the stunning Patagonian environment.
Overnight: Camp Paine Grande.
What you carry: Porters will carry a portion of your gear (maximum 7.5 kg per person). You will need to carry your main pack, with the reduced weight. You may wish to put your day pack into the main pack or consider a pack with a zip off day pack.

Today’s hike starts with the serene beauty of a nearby lake and increasingly stunning views of Cerro Paine Grande. After crossing a suspension bridge, we arrive at Italiano Camp, nestled beside the roaring Rio del Francés, where a well-deserved break awaits. The trek continues up the French Valley towards the Paine Grande lookout. The path flanks the Cuernos del Paine on one side and the Frances Glacier on the other, with the Rio del Francés winding its way from the glacier. This area, shaped by glacial forces, features challenging and steep sections.
As we ascend, the occasional ice falls from the Frances Glacier crash onto the rocks below, echoing dramatically across the valley. The climb to the Paine Grande viewpoint takes about an hour from Italian Camp. We then retrace our steps down the valley, pausing to admire waterfalls and the river-sculpted landscape stretching out towards Italian Camp. The journey continues along the trail to Camp Cuernos, where we'll rest for the night.
Overnight: Camp Cuernos or at busy times camp Frances
What you carry: No porters. You will need to carry your main pack and day pack.
Note: If you would like to trek without your full packs for days 8 & 9, your main luggage can be stored at Refugio Pehoe and will be transferred to Torres on day 9. Please request this with your guide (no additional cost). You will still need to carry enough personal equipment for the next two days and one night. We will provide a sleeping bag free of charge on day 8 only, so that you don't need to carry it for two days.

Today, our trek takes us along the picturesque Lake Nordenskjöld towards Torres Ranch. En route to the Torres Refuge, we'll leave behind the Cordillera Paine, home to a cluster of granite peaks, as we head towards the Ascencio Valley, preparing for tomorrow’s walk to the base of the towers. This section features flat terrain, making for a pleasant hike.
Overnight: Camp Torres or similar.
What you carry: No porters. You will need to carry your main pack and day pack.

Today involves a challenging 8-10 hour round trip hike to the base of the Torres del Paine, though we'll be free of our main packs. An early start is advisable to catch the sunrise illuminating the towers, casting them in vibrant shades of red and pink. For those with energy to spare, an additional hour's trek can take you to the Japanese Camp further up the valley. On our descent, we might face the strong winds typical of this region. After returning to Camp Torres, we'll transfer to Hotel Tres Pasos or similar hotel, a traditional Magellan-style house. This is the perfect place to end the trek with a traditional farewell dinner and reflect on mountains you have just trekked around.
Overnight: Hotel 3 Pasos or similar.
What you carry: Day pack

After breakfast transfer to Puerto Natales where the trip concludes. If you are planning to visit Los Glaciares, Perito Moreno and/or El Calafate, then please ask our staff for details of tourist buses that cross the border directly from Torres del Paine Park or from Puerto Natales.
PLEASE NOTE: All trekking times and distances are approximate.