Torres del Paine Circuit

Arrive into Puerto Natales* and make your own way to our group Hotel Vendaval (or similar). This evening you’ll meet your fellow trekkers for a detailed trip briefing. This is an opportunity to ask any final questions and prepare for the adventure ahead. Dinner is not included tonight, so you’re free to explore one of the town’s excellent restaurants. Overnight: Hotel Vendaval or similar *Please note: Puerto Natales has an airport with flights from Santiago. Alternatively, there are flights to Punta Arenas and El Calafate and a bus can be taken from there to Puerto Natales (additional cost applies). Please ask us for more details.

Meals: Nil

Today we cruise to the head of the fjord to see glaciers tumbling down from the mountains, with the chance to spot seals and abundant birdlife along the way. We continue by Zodiac into Torres del Paine National Park, skirting glacial blue lakes and passing herds of guanaco and rhea as the towering peaks come into view. The Horns of Paine rise directly before us, with Paine Grande – the largest in the range – dominating the skyline. On arrival, we transfer to our campsite for the night. The scenery here is truly awe-inspiring: ice-strewn lakes, dramatic granite towers, snow-clad peaks and the vast Patagonian Ice Cap combine to create one of the world’s most remarkable trekking landscapes. Overnight: Camp (Torres del Paine National Park) What you carry: Day pack Activity approx: Full day transfer by boat and vehicle, minimal walking Please note: The boat trip is on a shared service basis and is weather dependent. If boats are unable to operate due to weather conditions, alternative transportation into Torres del Paine National Park will be arranged.

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we transfer to the starting point of the full circuit trek from the Las Torres refuge area. From here, we begin our walk to Camp Serón. Today you’ll trek with your main backpack, with support from porters. Today’s walk is a gentle introduction to the Paine Circuit, following the Rio Paine through open meadows, clear-running streams and forest scented with fresh beech. The trail is well defined and not overly undulating, offering excellent views of the Towers and the surrounding massif. Overnight: Camp Serón What you carry: Trek with Main backpack – assisted by porters Activity approx: 10km (6.2mi) | Ascent: +300m (985ft) | Descent: -150m (490ft) Please note: One porter is provided for every two travellers. Porters are not personal and may rotate during the trek. Each porter carries up to 7.5kg (16.5lb) of your personal gear, as well as shared group equipment. Porter support is available until the end of Day 7 (Paine Grande Camp)

Meals: B,L,D

We continue around the Paine massif by heading north and then west towards Lago Dickson. Each stage of the circuit offers a fresh perspective of the Towers as we enter the most isolated section of the park. The trail follows the Paine River through open country, before leading into forest and eventually reaching Lago Dickson. Nestled on its pristine shores, our campsite offers breathtaking views of surrounding Patagonian peaks and hanging glaciers. Waking up beside this remote lake is an unforgettable highlight of the circuit. Overnight: Camp Dickson What you carry: Trek with Main backpack – assisted by porters Activity approx: 18km (11.2mi) | Ascent: +400m (1310ft) | Descent: -200m (655ft)

Meals: B,L,D

A short ascent brings us to a natural viewing platform with expansive views of Lago Dickson, its glacier, and the surrounding peaks. From here the trail leads into dense southern beech forest, where we spend much of the day walking beneath the canopy, stepping over fallen trees and crossing streams. The forest is alive with bird calls, you may hear the rhythmic drumming of the Magellanic woodpecker, the male easily recognised by his vivid red head. The trail meanders along the Río de los Perros, passing waterfalls and winding through thick woodland before emerging near the snout of Glacier Los Perros. Here, a glacial lake lies in a natural amphitheatre of rock, exposed to the wind but dramatic in its setting. Our camp for the evening is close by, sheltered once more by the beech forest. Overnight: Camp Los Perros What you carry: Trek with Main backpack – assisted by porters Activity approx: 15km (9.3mi) | Ascent: +700m (2295ft) | Descent: -300m (985ft)

Meals: B,L,D

Today we tackle the most challenging section of the circuit. The day begins with a steady climb through dense forest, where the trail can be muddy and includes a large stream crossing with the aid of a fixed rope. As we ascend, the trees thin and the trail becomes steeper, crossing rocky ground and occasional snow drifts, guided by bright orange trail markers. Reaching the John Garner Pass (1200m / 3935ft), the highest point of the trek, we are rewarded with one of Patagonia’s most spectacular views: the Grey Glacier stretching out below, dotted with icebergs, framed by peaks and the vast Southern Patagonian Ice Cap. Westerly winds at the pass can be fierce, often limiting time spent at the saddle, but the sight is unforgettable. From the pass, a steep descent of more than -700m (2295ft) requires careful footing, weaving through fallen trees and uneven terrain. The trail continues past dramatic viewpoints overlooking Grey Glacier before leveling out slightly as we approach Camp Grey. Here, the scene shifts as icebergs drift in Lago Grey, creating a striking contrast to the day’s rugged climb and descent. The idyllic bay setting will remind you of a tropical beach, except for the icebergs floating in the water! Overnight: Camp Grey What you carry: Trek with Main backpack – assisted by porters Activity approx: 22km (13.7mi) | Ascent: +800m (2625ft) | Descent: -1200m (3935ft)

Meals: B,L,D

Today is our final day with porter support. We depart at 9am for a 2.5-hour kayaking excursion on Lago Grey. After suiting up, spend the morning paddling among large floating icebergs and approaching the eastern face of Grey Glacier. After returning to Camp Grey for lunch, we commence our trek to Paine Grande. The first half of the walk follows a gradual ascent with some steeper intervals, offering magnificent views back to Grey Glacier. Along the way, the trail is lined with wildflowers and passes small mountain lakes, creating a scenic and varied route. The second half descends gradually towards our campsite beside the turquoise waters of Lago Pehoe. Camp Paine Grande is one of the most beautiful locations in the park, with sweeping views of snow-clad peaks, emerald lakes, dramatic skies, and abundant birdlife. Tonight we camp here for one night, immersed in the heart of Patagonia. Overnight: Camp Paine Grande What you carry: Trek with Main backpack – assisted by porters (last day of porter support) Activity approx: 11km (6.8mi) | Ascent: +300m (985ft) | Descent: -350m (1150ft)

Meals: B,L,D

Today’s hike starts with the serene beauty of a nearby lake and increasingly stunning views of Cerro Paine Grande. After crossing a suspension bridge, we arrive at Italiano Camp, nestled beside the roaring Rio del Francés, where a well-deserved break awaits. The ascent into the valley is one of the most spectacular sections of the circuit. With the Cuernos del Paine towering on one side and the Frances Glacier on the other, the trail climbs steeply towards the Paine Grande lookout, with the Rio del Francés winding its way from the glacier. This area, shaped by glacial forces, can be quite unstable featuring some challenging and steep sections. As we ascend, the occasional ice falls from the Frances Glacier causes thunderous crashes onto the rocks below, echoing dramatically across the valley. The climb to the Paine Grande viewpoint takes about an hour from Italian Camp. We then retrace our steps down the valley, pausing to admire waterfalls and the river-sculpted landscape stretching out towards Italian Camp. The journey continues along the trail to Camp Cuernos, where we'll rest for the night. Overnight: Camp Cuernos or at busy times, Camp Frances What you carry: No porters. You will need to carry your main pack and all gear. Activity approx: 20km (12.4mi) | Ascent: +600m (1970ft) | Descent: -600m (1970ft) Note: For Days 8 & 9, if you would prefer to trek without your full pack, it is possible to store your main luggage at a refugio and have it transferred to Torres on Day 9. You will still need to carry enough personal gear for two days. This service must be requested in advance, is subject to availability, and carries an additional charge.

Meals: B,L,D

Today, our trek takes us along the picturesque Lake Nordenskjöld towards Torres Ranch. En route to the Torres Refuge, we'll leave behind the Cordillera Paine, home to a cluster of granite peaks, as we head towards the Ascencio Valley, preparing for tomorrow’s walk to the base of the towers. This section features flat terrain, making for a pleasant hike. Overnight: Camp Torres or similar What you carry: No porters. You will need to carry your main pack and all gear Activity approx: 11km (6.8mi) | Ascent: +300m (985ft) | Descent: -200m (655ft)

Meals: B,L,D

Today an early start is advisable to catch the sunrise illuminating the towers, casting them in vibrant shades of red and pink. The trek involves a challenging 8-10 hour round trip hike to the base of the Torres del Paine, though we'll only have our day packs and be free of our main packs. To begin we follow a steep trail through beech forest before climbing onto moraine slopes. The final approach is demanding, but the reward is unforgettable – the three iconic Towers rising sheer above a turquoise glacial lake. One of Patagonia’s most celebrated sights. After time to soak in the view, we retrace our steps down the valley to Camp Torres. In the afternoon, we transfer to a traditional Magellanic estancia (Hacienda Dorotea), where a farewell dinner provides the perfect setting to celebrate our circuit around the Paine massif. Overnight: Hacienda Dorotea or similar What you carry: Day pack Activity approx: 19km (11.8mi) | Ascent: +900m (2950ft) | Descent: -900m (2950ft)

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, we take a transfer back to Puerto Natales where the trip concludes. For those wishing to extend their journey to Los Glaciares National Park, including Perito Moreno Glacier and/or El Calafate, tourist buses operate directly from Torres del Paine or from Puerto Natales. Please ask us for more details if you’d like to continue exploring Patagonia. Please note: All trekking times and distances in this itinerary are approximate

Meals: B