Torres del Paine Explorer

This morning after breakfast, we drive across the pampas to Puerto Natales. Set on the shores of Seno Última Esperanza Sound, this city is the gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park. The afternoon is at your leisure and this evening you may like to sample king crab in one of the local seafood restaurants.

Overnight Puerto Natales. (B)

We leave Puerto Natales in the morning and journey towards Torres Del Paine National Park and its fabulous scenery. We board a shared boat and travel down the Last Hope fjord, stopping at the Balmaceda Glacier en-route. We then change onto Zodiacs and continue along the Serrano River before reaching the southern part of Torres del Paine National Park.

Overnight in Villa Serrano. (B,L,D)

We plan to enjoy daily treks and experience the best of the southern part of the park. We spend time exploring the spectacular trek along the Lazo-Weber trail. We’ll enjoy private transfer by bus at the start and end of our trek and spend the night unwinding in our comfortable lodges.

KEY TREKKING HIGHLIGHTS:

LAZO – WEBER TREK

Difficulty: Medium

Duration: 6 hours

Distance to cover: Approx 13 km (8 miles)

Elevation gain: Approx 290 metres (952 feet)

Description: We will start our hike near the Laguna Verde area and wind our way up through Lenga forests towards the Paine Massif, hiking through the valleys and canyons where you will have many opportunities to observe local wildlife. Along the trek, you will pass Onda lagoon with stunning views over Baguales mountain range and the ever-imposing Cuernos del Paine. After stopping for lunch at a scenic spot amidst the amazing landscape, continue on through the Ciervos Lagoon and reach the Toro lookout where you’ll have an incredible view of Lake Toro, the Paine river, Serrano Valley, Mount Balmaceda, the Geike and Tyndall glaciers and the southern Patagonian ice field.

Overnight Torres del Paine National Park. (B,L,D)

Over the next few days we plan to take on some of the highlights of the national park’s parts, including treks along the ‘W’ trail to base of the impressive Torres del Paine and the French Valley. We’ll also enjoy spectacular walks to Mirador Cuernos, Paine River, Lago Nordenskjöld, Sarmiento Lake and more. To reach some of the trails we’ll enjoy again private transfer by bus or shared boat cruise. There will also be plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching, offering a good opportunity for close encounters with condors, as well as keeping our eyes peeled for guanacos, rheas, flamingos and perhaps even the elusive Patagonian puma!

KEY TREKKING HIGHLIGHTS:

LAS TORRES BASE

Difficulty: Medium/High

Duration: 7 hours

Distance to cover: Approx 20 km (12.5 miles)

Elevation gain: Approx 900 metres (2,953 feet)

Description: You will explore the Ascencio Valley, walking through a beautiful Lenga forest and getting up close to the astounding Torres del Paine viewpoint. Throughout the trek you will walk through forests, streams and glacier moraines.

VALLE FRANCES

Difficulty: Medium

Duration: 8 hours

Distance to cover: Approx 16 km (10 miles)

Elevation gain: Approx 230 metres (755 feet)

Description: Sail across Pehoé Lake to reach the start of your next trek. The French Valley trail is a beautiful trail, with some open areas and some others surrounded by dense forest and native bushes that will take us to the Italian camp. From within the valley, you will be able to observe the Glacier del Francés and the amphitheatre of granite peaks that frame the area.

Nights 5-7 Torres del Paine National Park. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Overnight Puerto Natales. (B,L,D)

Today we drive along the Patagonian steppes, with spectacular views of the Andes, to arrive in Punta Arenas. Tonight, we share a final group dinner together.

Overnight Punta Arenas – Hotel Cabo de Hornos or similar (B,D)

Today your trek will end in Punta Arenas, where you can continue your adventure at your own arrangement. (B)