CLASSIC W TREK

We’ll depart from Puerto Natales at 6:30 AM heading toward Torres del Paine National Park. Along the way, we’ll pass by estancias and open pampas—get ready to be amazed by the stunning landscapes, flora, and fauna of Patagonia. Don’t forget your camera! Upon arrival at the refugio, you’ll be able to leave your luggage before starting the hike to the Base of the Towers.

We’ll begin the hike by entering the Ascencio Valley, gradually ascending until we reach the Windy Pass. This section is as breathtaking as it is exposed, with strong wind gusts, so it’s essential to follow your guide’s instructions to cross safely.

Just a few minutes ahead, we’ll arrive at Refugio Chileno, the last point on the trail with bathrooms, food for purchase, and internet access. Be sure to bring cash if you plan to buy anything.

From there, we’ll continue into a lenga forest, crossing small streams until we reach a scenic viewpoint that reveals the next, and most challenging, stretch of the day. The trail then climbs steeply over a massive terminal moraine, where we’ll be rewarded with the awe-inspiring view of the iconic Towers.

Depending on the weather, our morning may be lit by the soft oranges and pinks of a Patagonian sunrise. We’ll hike toward the base of the Paine Horns, where monumental twin black granite peaks rise dramatically into the sky.

Along the way, we’ll pass by Inge Lagoon and may spot condors and other birds of prey soaring overhead as we walk below. The well-marked trail ascends about 200 meters from the base of Cerro Almirante Nieto and crosses the Bader River, leading us to either Refugio Los Cuernos or Refugio Francés.

Today we’ll face a challenging hike into the heart of the Paine Massif. After breakfast, a winding trail awaits us, leading to the French River.

At the entrance of the French Valley, we’ll gradually ascend for about an hour, where you’ll catch your first glimpse of the hanging glacier at the top of the valley, until we reach the French Valley viewpoint: La Plateau.

We’ll take our time to enjoy lunch at the viewpoint, surrounded by the imposing Cerro Catedral and Cerro Fortaleza, under a vast open sky. Afterwards, we’ll descend back down the same trail to Paine Grande.

We’ll start the morning hiking up the winding trail to Laguna de los Patos. There, we’ll see sections of the vast Southern Patagonian Ice Field, a geological phenomenon that still holds unexplored peaks.

We’ll continue to the Grey Glacier viewpoint, passing through forests and rivers, with the chance to spot southern crested ducks. Lunch will be served with the monumental Grey Glacier at our feet, where we’ll likely witness ice calving from its massive walls.

In the afternoon, there’s an optional half-day kayaking excursion where you can paddle around floating icebergs detached from the glacier’s face.

The last day begins with a free morning to stretch, relax, and breathe in the scenery. You’ll have the option to visit the Hanging Bridges, take a kayak ride, or go ice hiking on Grey Glacier.

After lunch, we’ll set off by boat across Lake Grey to the enormous wall of Grey Glacier. We’ll spend time admiring its textures, lines, and colors.

On the return journey, as you move away, the perspective will allow you to appreciate the ‘ice mushrooms’ sculpted by the wind atop the imposing peaks of Paine Grande, as we sail past blue-hued icebergs.

Back on solid ground, we’ll hike about 20 minutes along Grey Beach to meet our private transport that will take us back to Puerto Natales, where our journey ends.

Due to the region’s unpredictable weather, the Grey Navigation may be canceled. If this happens, your guide will instruct you to hike to Paine Grande and take the catamaran across Lake Pehoé.