Compare Torres del Paine Circuit by World Expeditions vs Patagonia Short Break - Torres Del Paine by Intrepid Travel

Day 1 Join Puerto Natales

Join Puerto Natales* by your own means and make your way to Hotel Vendaval or similar. An arrival briefing will be held in the hotel this evening. Dinner not included. The rest of the day is for rest and personal exploration of this town. Overnight: Hotel Vendaval or similar. * Puerto Natales has an airport with direct flights from Santiago four times per week during high season. Alternatively, flights to Punta Arenas and El Calafate operate daily and a bus can be taken from there to Puerto Natales (additional cost applies). Please ask us for more details.

meals : Array

Day 2 Boat to Torres del Paine National Park via the Balmaceda Glacier

A spectacular day cruising to the head of the Fiord to see glaciers tumbling down from the mountains, seals and abundant bird life. We continue on to the National Park by Zodiac. We skirt glacial blue lakes and pass herds of guanaco and rhea as we approach the towering peaks. The Horns of Paine are right before us, as is Paine Grande, the largest of this range. On arrival we transfer to our campsite for this evening. The experience of trekking in Patagonia will spoil you for most other trekking areas the scenery is truly awe-inspiring. Blue glacial and ice-berg strewn lakes combine with dramatic granite peaks and snow covered mountains which lead to the Patagonian ice-cap. Overnight: Camp. What you carry: Day pack PLEASE NOTE: The boat trip is on a shared service basis and is weather dependent. If boats are not able to operate due to weather conditions, we will organise alternative transportation into Torres del Paine National Park.

meals : B,L,D

Day 3 Commence Torres del Paine Circuit Trek (5hrs – 10kms)

Transfer to the beginning of the Trek from Las Torres Refuge area to Camp Seron. Trek with your main pack – assisted with porters. Today’s walk is a great introduction to Torres del Paine as we follow the Rio Paine. The trails are well defined and not overly undulating. The mountain views, the nice perspective of the Towers and the surrounding mountains, coupled with meadows of daisies, clear running streams and woods that smell of fresh beech, make it a great day. Overnight: Camp Seron. What you carry: Trek with main pack – assisted with porters (7.5 kg/client). 1 Porter every 2 passengers will accompany us as far as Refuge Pehoe (Porters are to split our charge. They are not private personal porters).

meals : B,L,D

Day 4 Trek to Lago Dickson (6hrs – 19kms)

We continue around Paine by heading north and then west towards Lago Dickson. Each stage of the trek provides a different perspective of the Towers as we head out into the most isolated section of the circuit. Photographers should be ready for the dramatic sunsets and sunrises at Lago Dickson. It is possible to buy cold drinks at reasonable prices on your arrival at the campsite; there are flushing toilets and showers available. Overnight: Camp Dickson. What you carry: Porters will carry a portion of your gear (maximum 7.5 kg per person). You will need to carry your main pack, with the reduced weight. You may wish to put your day pack into the main pack or consider a pack with a zip off day pack.

meals : B,L,D

Day 5 Trek to Los Perros (5hrs – 9.5kms)

A short ascent brings us to a natural viewing platform where we obtain more comprehensive views of the mountains and glacier beyond Lago Dickson, and towards our evening campsite near Glacier Los Perros. We walk through dense forests for most of the day, over fallen trees. The Magellanic Woodpecker can be heard although it is sometimes difficult to spot the actual bird. The key is to keep still when you hear them and look for the male which is black with a striking red head. The trail meanders through the forest, over many streams and past waterfalls on the Rio de los Perros. We cross the river again and come to the base of the Glacier Los Perros, where a crater surrounds the lake in which it spills. Here we will be out of the forest and again exposed to the wind. Fortunately our camp nearby is sheltered by the elements, surrounded by beech forest. Overnight: Camp Los Perros. What you carry: Porters will carry a portion of your gear (maximum 7.5 kg per person). You will need to carry your main pack, with the reduced weight. You may wish to put your day pack into the main pack or consider a pack with a zip off day pack.

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 Trek over John Garner Pass to Camp Grey (10hrs – 22kms)

Today is the hardest day on the circuit. The first hour is a gradual uphill trek through the forest. Then we hit the mud, and in some places it will be hard to avoid getting your foot stuck in it. This section lasts about an hour, before we come to a large stream which we cross using a rope as a support. Another hour is spent ascending to the pass, over rocks and over snow drifts. The route is marked clearly by fluorescent orange markers on rocks and posts. On reaching the saddle of the pass we come to the view for which this circuit is famous, and more often than not the strong westerly winds will prevent you from lingering too long on the pass. Looking behind us the view is mainly of forest and in the distance the glacial lake we passed earlier is strewn with ice-bergs. However, ahead the view is of the Grey Glacier and it is truly stupendous. The Patagonian ice cap is visible in the distance and the mountains and glaciers below are even more spectacular. In good weather conditions, we can stay on the pass enjoying the view for up to one hour. Our descent is almost as spectacular as the view from the pass. It is precarious due to its steep gradient and concentration is required. We descend more than 700m in about one hour to Campamento Paso. This camp site is not popular due to little level land and water being available. We continue on down, and the terrain is difficult to negotiate with many fallen trees blocking our path which we need to climb over or walk around. The track ascends and descends the contours of the valley leading out to a natural rock viewing platform, from which a stream cuts through cascading to the Glacier below. This is a great place to have a well-earned rest and perhaps a picnic lunch (if we haven’t succumbed to our stomachs before this). Whilst we may believe that the hardest part of the day is over, we are soon enlightened by the most exhausting section. Here the trees we must climb over seem larger and the ascents and descents more frequent. We may be tempted to stop for the night at Campamentos Guardas, however it is just one hour (mostly downhill) further to Camp Grey, where the idyllic bay setting will remind you of a tropical beach, except there are icebergs floating in the water! Cold drinks and a hot meal will never have tasted so good. Overnight: Camp Grey. What you carry: Porters will carry a portion of your gear (maximum 7.5 kg per person). You will need to carry your main pack, with the reduced weight. You may wish to put your day pack into the main pack or consider a pack with a zip off day pack.

meals : B,L,D

Day 7 Trek to Refugio Lago Pehoe (5hrs – 13kms)

Today is the last day we will count on porters to help us with our gear. Early in the morning (9 AM), we will depart for a 2.5 hour kayaking excursion on Lake Grey. We will get suited up and start our excursion which will involve paddling around the large floating icebergs until we are close to the east side of the glacier. Return to Camp Grey in time for lunch and then trek down to Paine Grande. The first part of the trek is gradual uphill with some steep sections. The views down to the glacier are spectacular and the flowers along the trail interspersed with mountain lakes make this a scenic walk. The second half of today's trek is gradual downhill and we soon reach the campsite by the iridescent waters of Lake Pehoe. The camp site rivals camp Dickson in its beauty, incorporating all that Patagonia is - wind, snow covered mountains, dramatic skies, emerald lakes, flowers and birdlife. This will be our base for one night. Overnight: Camp Paine Grande. What you carry: Porters will carry a portion of your gear (maximum 7.5 kg per person). You will need to carry your main pack, with the reduced weight. You may wish to put your day pack into the main pack or consider a pack with a zip off day pack.

meals : B,L,D

Day 8 Walk via French Valley to Refuge Cuernos (8-10hrs - 30kms)

The highlight of the first two hours of todays walk is the lovely lake we pass and the improving views of Cerro Paine Grande. We cross a new suspension bridge to reach Italiano Camp where we can rest by the thundering river of Rio del Francés. Continuing up the French Valley towards British camp, the scenery becomes even more dramatic. On one side of the valley is Cuernos del Paine and on the other side the aptly named Frances Glacier with Rio del Francés flowing from it. The whole area is quite unstable, being a glacial valley and certain sections of the path are quite treacherous and steep. The occasional ice falls from the French Glacier cause thunderous crashes onto the rocks below which reverberates off the valley walls. Within an hour the trail brings us to a wide valley from where we have excellent views of the Torres and down to the emerald lakes below. The path ascends more gradually to British camp over waterlogged terrain and through alpine lenga forest to the view of the ice-formed horns of Cuernos del Paine. The Paine Grande reaches 3,248m and is a point of interest for climbers from around the world. As an option, you may continue up to two mountain lakes close to the tree line at the head of the valley, an hour and a half return journey. We return down the valley the same way we ascended, then continue on to Refuge Cuernos (2 hours), pausing to appreciate the waterfalls and to witness the river sculptured valley before us. Overnight: Refugio Cuernos or at busy times we will be camping in the grounds of this refugio or nearby refugios. What you carry: No porters. You will need to carry your main pack and day pack. Note: If you would like to trek without your full packs for days 8 & 9, your main luggage can be stored at Refugio Pehoe and will be transferred to Torres on day 9. Please request this with your guide (no additional cost). You will still need to carry enough personal equipment for the next two days and one night. We will provide a sleeping bag free of charge on day 8 only, so that you don't need to carry it for two days.

meals : B,L,D

Day 9 Trekking along Lake Nordenskjold, to Camp Torres (4hrs - 11kms)

Today we are trekking along the beautiful Lake Nordenskjoeld to reach Torres ranch. Before reaching the Torres refuge and along the trail we’ll be leaving behind the Cordillera Paine (where the mass of granite peaks are centred) towards the Ascencio Valley for the next day walk to the base of the towers. This will be fairly easy walking, in a flat terrain and short distance. Overnight: Camp Torres or similar. What you carry: No porters. You will need to carry your main pack and day pack.

meals : B,L,D

Day 10 Ascend to base of Towers of Paine (8-10hrs - 19kms)

Today is a big walk, although free from the weight of our packs. We plan to hike to the base of the Torres del Paine (or towers). An early start is recommended in order to view the towers with the sun directly on them, transforming the granite all shades of red and pink. Those with some puff left may forge on to the Japanese camp, about an hour further up the valley. On our descent we may encounter the strong winds for which this area is renown. We return to Camp Torres and transfer to Tercera Barranca, a typical Magellan Estancia. This is the perfect place to end the trek with a traditional farewell dinner and reflect on mountains you have just trekked around. Overnight: Hotel 3 Pasos or similar. What you carry: Day pack

meals : B,L,D

Day 11 Trip concludes Puerto Natales

After breakfast transfer to Puerto Natales where the trip concludes. If you are planning to visit Los Glaciares, Perito Moreno and/or El Calafate, then please ask our staff for details of tourist buses that cross the border directly from Torres del Paine Park or from Puerto Natales. PLEASE NOTE: All trekking times and distances are approximate.

meals : B

Day 1 Puerto Natales

Welcome to Patagonia! Few places on earth offer up such dramatic and breathtaking landscapes, the most iconic of which are contained within Torres del Paine National Park and Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, which you’ll be exploring over the next days. Your adventure begins at Puerto Natales airport, or at Puerto Natales bus station where you’ll be collected by a local representative and transferred to your hotel in the little city of Puerto Natales, sitting on the "Seno de Ultima Esperanza" (Bay of the Last Hope). Our adventure begins at 6 pm with the welcome meeting where you will meet our local representative. It is important that you try and arrive in Puerto Natales before this time. If you get here early enough we suggest taking a walk along the Costanera, leading to the historic remains of the Braun & Blanchard wharf (it’s especially beautiful at sunset). If you want to wet your whistle, the city is dotted with establishments serving up excellent Chilean wine and locally produced craft beer. Note: Confirmation of your arrival information is needed in advance. If you arrive from Puerto Natales Airport, or Puerto Natales Bus Station please inform your Intrepid agent and your transfer from there to your hotel will be arranged accordingly. Should you choose to arrive in Puerto Natales from El Calafate via public bus, the bus ticket will be sent to you in advance by email. Please inform your Intrepid agent to arrange for the bus ticket.

Day 2 Torres del Paine National Park

Today, after breakfast you’ll be joined by a local guide to explore the remarkable and diverse landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978. Stop off on the way at the Milodon Cave, an enormous cavern where remains of prehistoric mammals like the mylodon, an extinct ground sloth, have been found. Continue on to Cuernos de Paine, the towering granite spikes of Torres del Paine National Park. From here, walk to Salto Grande – at 15 metres high, this is the park’s largest waterfall. Take some time to admire the powerful cascade tumbling into the beautiful turquoise lake below. Next up is a visit to Lago Gray, a picturesque lake fringed by the icy blue Grey Glacier. Hike through a coigue Forest, crossing suspension bridge over the Pingo River and eventually ending up at the beach. Here you can observe icebergs of different shapes and colours floating in the lake, caused by the melting of the Grey Glacier. After an exciting day, return to Puerto Natales for an evening at leisure. Note: All entry tickets to National Parks are included, your local guide will have them and present them in the parks for you.

Day 3 Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier Navigation

Today begins at 7.30am at Puerto Bories pier, from where you’ll sail through the Senoret Channel and the Ultima Esperanza fjord. Cross into the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, the largest park in Chile and home to giant glaciers, lush vegetation, soaring waterfalls and loads of wildlife, including Andean condors, marine otters and cormorants. Sail past the seriously impressive Balmaceda glacier, hanging from the mountain of the same name. Dock at Puerto Toro and walk about a kilometer through a native forest filled with coigues, murtilla de magallanes, chaura and lichens. Walk towards the foot of the Serrano Glacier, following the edge of an iceberg-filled lake formed by its melt. Finally, enjoy an aperitif with glacial ice and have lunch at a typical Patagonian estancia before returning to Puerto Natales for the evening.

Day 4 Trek to Torres del Paine National Park

If you’re up for a serious challenge, an 8-hour serious trek to Base Torres is included today, serving up the most impressive views of Torres del Paine’s granite towers and glacial lagoon. You will contemplate the imposing towers, a wonder of nature. Be sure to have your camera ready as these are scenes you won’t want to forget! Enjoy an included dinner this evening to celebrate your adventure. If, on the other hand, feel that the long trek would be too strenuous for you and would like to take things easier then you can opt for our complimentary panoramic half-day tour of Puerto Natales. This beautiful half-day excursion will help you understand the origin of this centenary city. You will learn about the toponymy of its surroundings, its history and little known details. Admire and contemplate the coast of the Señoret channel with the mountains that surround it. Your tour will start at the old Puerto Bories Cold Storage Plant, an important manufacturing industry that marked the emergence of the city in the early twentieth century, now a National Historic Monument. Next will also visit the remodeled waterfront, the main square, the fishermen's dock and the artisanal village. And on the way be sure to take some time and admire the the coast of Señoret channel with its encircling mountains. Your tour will finish with a Pisco Sour at Rooftop in Puerto Natales.

Day 5 Puerto Natales

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you'll be dropped off at the Puerto Natales bus station, from where you'll have the option to take the local bus to El Calafate on the Argentinean side of Patagonia (bus ticket included). If you are flying out today, from El Calafate, please make sure you choose a flight in late afternoon, after 3 pm. If you would prefer to begin your trip in El Calafate and end in Puerto Natales, please get in touch ahead of time so your bus ticket can be arranged.