Hiking in Chile: Torres del Paine Tour

The first stop on your Torres del Paine Tour is the port city of Puerto Natales. The city rises opposite the mountain range of the Patagonian Andes. The Museo Histórico Municipal offers an insight into the history of southern Chile at the time of industrialization. In the city of Puerto Natales, you will find shops that offer typical products for the area. There are also some outdoor shops in the city, but many hostels and agencies also lend various items of equipment.

Today, you’ll start making your way through the Torres del Paine National Park, which is home to an enormous variety of wildlife. Expect to see guanacos, nandus and hundreds of bird species. Your refugio (accomodation) is at the base of the Torres Trail, and is the ideal starting point for the popular W-Trek. 

Your next stop is the Refugio Chileno, located in the Ascencio Valley, about an hour and a half from the foot of the eponymous Las Torres in the Torres del Paine National Park. The following morning, you’ll start your climb to the foot of the towers at dawn. From there, you will enjoy the impressive play of colors of the sunrise over the unique granite towers. This is an extraordinary natural spectacle that will stay with you long after your trip.

Next, you will hike towards the wonderful Lake Nordenskjöld and the hanging glaciers of Almirante Nieto. Numerous native plants, such as “Ciruelo” or “Nostro” (the so-called firebush) develop their characteristic red flowers in December. Spend the night in Los Cuernos Refugio, as it’s the ideal starting point for trips to the French Valley. Marvel at the amphitheater made of granite rocks, and hike to Lake Pehoé. From this refugio, the most famous glaciers in the national park are also reachable: the Gray Glaciers.

The Refugio and Camping Paine Grande are idyllically situated on the shores of Lake Pehoé. From here, enjoy the fantastic view of the Cuernos del Paine and the Cerro Paine Grande. From here, it is roughly seven miles to the Gray Glacier viewpoint. After just 90 minutes of hiking, you will have a glimpse of the Lago Gray, and the floating icebergs and glaciers. These remarkable natural formations are some of the most noteworthy features of the national park. 

Spend some time staying at the Refugio Gray accommodation, as it is in a prime position for hikes to the Gray Glacier. Book a kayak tour in the Gray Lake, and explore the suspension bridges with their unbeatable panoramic views. The spectacular exploration tour over the Gray Glacier is certainly one of the highlights that Patagonia has to offer. To reach the Gray Lake, either hike or consider taking a boat transfer.