INDEPENDENT W TREK

At 6:45 AM, you must be at the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal to board the 7:00 AM public bus that will take you directly to Torres del Paine National Park.

From there, you’ll cross through estancias and Patagonian plains, enjoying the region’s most iconic landscapes, flora, and fauna. Be sure to have your camera ready! Upon arrival at Refugio Central, you can leave your luggage before beginning the hike to the Base of the Towers.

You’ll start the hike by entering the Ascencio Valley, gradually ascending until reaching the Windy Pass. This section is as stunning as it is exposed, often with strong gusts of wind, so it’s essential to follow the instructions on your navigation app to cross safely.

A few meters further ahead, you’ll reach Refugio Chileno, the last stop on the trail with bathrooms, food for sale, and internet access. Remember to bring cash if you plan to purchase anything.

From there, you’ll continue into a lenga forest, crossing small streams until you reach a scenic lookout that reveals the most demanding section of the day. The trail then climbs steeply up a massive terminal moraine, where you’ll be rewarded with the breathtaking view of the iconic Towers.

Depending on the weather, you’ll start your day under the orange and pink hues of a Patagonian sunrise. You’ll hike toward the base of the Cuernos del Paine, where massive twin peaks of black granite rise dramatically into the sky, shaped like horns.

Along the way, you’ll pass Laguna Inge, and if you’re lucky, you might spot condors and other birds of prey circling overhead as you walk along the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld.

The well-marked trail climbs about 200 meters from the base of Cerro Almirante Nieto and crosses the Bader River, leading you to your accommodation at Refugio Los Cuernos, or Refugio Francés if you’re traveling in April or October. The entire route will be available in your offline navigation app, so you can feel supported and safe every step of the way.

Today, a challenging hike into the heart of the Paine Massif awaits you. After breakfast, you’ll begin along a winding trail that leads to the French River.

At the entrance to the French Valley, you’ll gradually ascend for about an hour, where you’ll get your first glimpse of the hanging glacier perched high above the valley, continuing until you reach the French Valley viewpoint: Le Plateau.

Take your time to enjoy lunch there, surrounded by the towering peaks of Cerro Catedral and Cerro Fortaleza, with a vast open sky above you. Afterward, you’ll descend along the same trail back to your accommodation at Paine Grande.

You’ll start the morning by hiking up a winding trail that leads to Laguna de los Patos, where you’ll enjoy views of sections of the vast Southern Patagonian Ice Field, a geological wonder that still hides unexplored peaks.

From there, you’ll continue toward the Grey Glacier viewpoint, crossing forests and rivers, with the chance to spot steamer ducks along the way. You’ll have lunch with the impressive Grey Glacier at your feet, and if you’re lucky, you might witness chunks of ice calving from its towering walls.

For those seeking an extra adventure, today you have the option to add a half-day kayaking excursion, paddling among floating icebergs that have broken off from the glacier. Be sure to book this activity in advance.

This morning is entirely yours to enjoy as you wish. You can choose to go ice hiking on the Grey Glacier, take a kayaking excursion among the floating icebergs on Lake Grey, or hike to the hanging bridges for a unique aerial view of the glacier. If you choose the latter, please note that unguided hikers are only allowed to reach the second hanging bridge.

Whatever you decide, make sure to coordinate your timing with the staff at the mountain lodge to ensure you return in time to catch the last catamaran across Lake Pehoé back to Paine Grande.

On the way back, take in the wide-open views of Paine Grande and the dramatic granite walls of the Olguín Range. Once across the lake, a bus will be waiting to take you back to Puerto Natales, where we’ll conclude our journey.