Overview
Explore Torres del Paine’s lesser-known side during winter! Spot chilean flamingos, guanacos, and hike to lakes and mountains far from summer’s crowds on this Torres del Paine winter experience. Perfect for hikers, photographers, birdwatchers and outdoorsy folk of all types, this 3-day program takes you to Laguna Azul, Grey Lake, Salto Grande Waterfall, Pingo Valley plus prime spots for wildlife watching. A quiet and pristine time to visit the 8th wonder of the world, winter offers an extraordinary experience without the busy crowds during peak season months.
Trip Highlights
• Three days hiking in Torres del Paine
• Wander in crisp, snowy landscapes
• Observe Andean Condors and various birdlife
• A chance to spot Andean deer (huemul) and other native fauna
• Hike to Grey Lake and Pingo Valley
• See icebergs up close
• Stay in a Cozy Mountain Refugio or Private Hotel
DOWNLOAD YOUR MAPS:
• TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
• MAGALLANES AND ANTÁRTICA CHILENA REGION (ENGLISH)
• REGIÓN DE MAGALLANES Y ANTÁRTICA CHILENA (ESPAÑOL)
Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer to Torres del Paine – Round Trip Hike to Las Torres Lookout Point
- 2 Hour Private Transfer
- 8-10 Hour Round-Trip Hike, 22 km / 13.6 mi
- 1.5 Hour Transfer
- Night at Refugio Torre Central (BL-D)
Starting from Puerto Natales at 7:00 AM, we drive to Torres del Paine National Park, passing estancias (ranches) and flat pampas taken straight from Patagonian folklore.
Have your camera ready en route: ñandu (Patagonian ostrich), Chilean flamingos and black-necked swans are likely to be out in the pampas and lagoons.
After arriving at the Refugio you’ll have time to leave your backpack before we begin the W Trek’s first highlight: the hike to the three Towers lookout.
The trek begins with an ascent, following the Ascencio River into the Ascencio Valley.
After about an hour, we’ll stop to observe how the valley’s beauty unfolds with rich beech forests, glaciers and waterfalls.
Past this lookout point, we continue uphill and through lush beech forests before ascending a gigantic terminal moraine (the ridge formed at a glacier’s end point) where we’ll be rewarded by the arresting sight of the three Towers themselves.
At this lookout point 900 m above sea level, we’ll rest, take photos and have lunch. Our descent is along the same path, taking us back to the Refugio where we’ll have dinner, stretch and rest for the evening.
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Day 2
Half Day Hike to Grey Lake- Half Day Hike to Pingo Valley
- 30 Minute Private Transfer Each Way
- 2 Hour Hike in the Morning
- 3 Hour Hike in the Afternoon
- Night at Mountain Refugio or Hotel (B-BL-D)
After a freshly prepared breakfast, we begin with our second day’s adventure. Our destination today is Grey Lake whose enormous glacier of the same name forms part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, a geological phenomenon that still guards many unexplored sections.
The trail is short and flat, winding through beech forests where we may see Chilean flickers, torrent ducks and cachañas (Austral parakeets).
We’ll cross a pebble beach and reach our viewpoint overlooking the lake and its blue floating icebergs and surrounding forests. Here, we’ll have lunch before setting off on our afternoon hike to Pingo Valley.
This trail takes us to “Cascada los Salmones”, a waterfall where salmon are sometimes seen. Be alert as we return – you may see a huemul (Andean deer) hiding nearby.
A transfer will take us back to our accommodation for the evening where we will have a delicious dinner and warm night’s rest.
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Day 3
Half Day Hike to Los Cuernos Lookout – Half Day Hike to Cerro Condor
- 1 hour transfer
- 2 hour hike in the morning, 2 hour hike in the afternoon
- 2 hour return transfer (B-BL)
A morning transfer will take us to Salto Grande Waterfall where we’ll begin our hike. Our first destination is the Paine Grande and Lake Nordensjköld lookout point.
Here, we’ll have lunch before setting off for Cerro Condor along a path offering changing panoramic views of the Park and views of Pehoe Lake and twin granite peaks Los Cuernos from the summit.
Have your cameras ready at the condor viewpoint: this is a prime spot for observing condors and black-chested buzzard eagles as they glide and soar above.
You’ll later return along the same path and board your transfer to Puerto Natales.
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INCLUDED
- All private transportation indicated in the schedule
- Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park
- All meals indicated in the schedule (B: breakfast, BL: box lunch, D: menu dinner)
- Guide/driver (English-Spanish) for groups of up to 5 guests, Guide + Driver for groups of 6 guests or more
- 2 Nights Lodging in Mountain Refugio: Dorm with 6 bunk beds with bedding, shared bathrooms, central heating and hot water)
- 2 Nights Lodging in Hotel Lago Grey: Superior rooms with views of the lake and its icebergs
NOT INCLUDED
- Any additional nights
- Medical expenses
- Insurance of any kind
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for Guide/ Driver
Lodgings
Mountain Lodge (Refugio) Vista Paine
A small rustic refugio located in the Serrano Village featuring incredible views of the Paine Massif and surrounding Patagonia landscapes. With a large & open common area and kitchen, guests can enjoy the warmth from the wood burning stove with plenty of natural light. Step outside and enjoy the quiet landscape and fresh air from the attached patio.
This refugio offers 2 quadruple bedrooms with a private external bathroom and a 1 matrimonial queen room with a private external bathroom. Outlets and electricity are available during the daytime hours.
Hotel Lago Grey
Located on the shore of Lago Grey, this ideally located and beautifully designed hotel is surrounded by forests of Lenga, Coihue and ñirres. From the dining room and sitting areas you will be astonished with breathtaking views of the deep blue icebergs floating on the lake´s quiet surface and the immense Glacier Grey in the distance. Each room offers a unique view and has modern amenities that make your stay a refreshing and a special treat during your Patagonia adventure.
Dates & Prices
PRICES FOR SEASON 2022/2023: (valid until August 2023)
Lodging in Mountain Refugio Vista Paine: 6, Bunk-Bed & Shared Rooms, Shared Bathrooms, Central Heating:
2 Guests Total in Group: New Season Pricing to Come!
3-4 Guests Total in Group: New Season Pricing to Come!
5-8 Guests Total in Group: New Season Pricing to Come!
Lodging in Hotel Lago Grey: Superior Rooms, Private Bathrooms with Lake Views:
2 Guests Total in Group: New Season Pricing to Come!
3 Guests Total in Group: New Season Pricing to Come!
4-8 Guests Total in Group: New Season Pricing to Come!
Single supplement: New Season Pricing to Come!
Dates Available Upon Request (May – August)
FAQ's
Add-Ons & Upgrades
Reviews
Enjoyed the whole thing – super beautiful area – hope to return one day. I felt as though our guide Rodrigo really made the experience amazing, he knew so much about everything and was really mindful and helpful.
Mila Markovic, Australia
Outstanding experience to discover new horizons. Everything was perfect: the organisation, our guide Pelin and the Lago Grey hotel. We appreciated the diversity of the hikes and the professionalism and enthusiastic mood of Pelin at every single moment. The group was a good mix of people and the location of the hotel was awesome. We had a great time and we definitely recommend it!
Joanna Cheres, UK
This was one of the most memorable, challenging, and amazing experiences of my life. Rodrigo, our tour guide, was extremely knowledgeable, kind, and helpful. This was the most amazing experience ever.I am thankful we found Chile Nativo to tour with.
