Upon reaching the charming city of Puerto Natales, you'll find yourself enveloped in its inviting and distinctive ambiance. At the designated time, you'll participate in a detailed briefing to gain important insights about your adventure, including the schedule and crucial advice. You'll stay overnight at Factoría Hostel, a cozy place that blends comfort with local design, ideal for rejuvenating before starting your journey.
Optional: Transfer to Factoría Hostel (bus terminal or airport in Puerto Natales) at an additional cost.
Overnight at La Factoría Boutique Hostel or similar, Puerto Natales.
Meals: None.
After breakfast at Factoría Hostel, you'll start your journey to the Base of Torres del Paine. The hike begins at Reserva Cerro Paine, with the guide providing instructions and gear. The initial climb offers views of the Ascencio Valley, followed by a trek through a lenga forest with sights of Cerro Almirante Nieto. After a break at Refugio Chileno, you'll tackle a challenging trail to the Torres del Paine viewpoint, where you'll see stunning peaks. The day ends with a descent back to Puerto Natales, enriched by the experience.
Overnight at La Factoría Boutique Hostel or similar, Puerto Natales.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch.
You will begin your day early, leaving your hotel in Puerto Natales, where a transfer will bring you to the stunning Torres del Paine National Park. Your journey kicks off at the CONAF administration center, where you will embark on a hike along the Las Carretas Trail. This picturesque path provides breathtaking views of the park’s iconic scenery, culminating in the tranquil beauty of Lake Pehoé as you near the final stretch. Upon reaching Refugio Paine Grande, you will check in and have the opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate. The day wraps up with a satisfying dinner at the lodge, allowing you to soak in the peaceful surroundings and gear up for the next day’s adventure.
Overnight at Refugio Paine Grande (Shared dormitories).
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.
After breakfast at Refugio Paine Grande, we'll embark on a challenging trek to the French Valley, navigating a steep trail deep into the Paine Massif. The trek's extent hinges on our pace. A faster pace takes us to the French River's hanging bridge at the Massif's south-east base, offering stunning valley views. We'll ascend further, admiring the valley's geological grandeur, before pausing for a picnic. Our journey concludes with a descent back to Refugio Paine Grande.
Overnight at Refugio Paine Grande (Shared dormitories).
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.
Today, you will determine how long your hike will be. You will set out from Refugio Paine Grande and make your way to Refugio Grey, located 11 km away (taking roughly 4 to 4.5 hours). The hike starts in a narrow, winding valley that initially leads you to Laguna Los Patos. As you move forward, the scenery will transform, revealing your first views of the Southern Ice Field. At the first Grey viewpoint, you will catch sight of a portion of the glacier. In collaboration with your guide and considering the available daylight, you will decide whether to proceed further or head back to Refugio Paine Grande, where you will spend your last night in Torres del Paine National Park.
Overnight at Refugio Paine Grande (Shared dormitories).
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.
Savor a delightful breakfast in the dining area of Refugio Paine Grande and be sure to request your box lunch for the day. Take a moment to explore the surroundings and soak in the tranquility of the area before beginning your return journey. You will head back along the same Las Carretas trail, and once you arrive at the administrative area, a transfer will take you back to Puerto Natales, where this experience concludes.
Please have in mind that there are flights departing from Puerto Natales but with fewer frequency than Punta Arenas (SKY Airlines has flights departing from PNT/Puerto Natales to Santiago each Tuesday during winter season).
If you need to arrange transportation to Punta Arenas, please ask for advice to your Travel Experience Designer.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch.
Factoría Patagonia is a welcoming hostel in Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, offering a cozy base for exploring the area's natural beauty and culture.
Located on the shores of Pehoé Lake, with beautiful views of the Paine Horns and the Paine Grande Hill. It is the starting point of the route to the French Valley and the path to the Grey Glacier.
Accommodation in Paine Grande will be in bunk beds and mixed shared rooms, including a mattress cover, pillow, sheets and comforter.
This trip starts at Puerto Natales and ends in Puerto Natales.
Please have in mind transportation to/from the Puerto Natales airport is not included but can be added for an extra fee.
Important Note: This trip departs ONLY on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays due to operational considerations.
Departures
Fixed Departures are available on Sundays, Tuesdays & Thursdays from May to late September.
Do you want a private departure for this trip? We can do it, just send us an email.
Departing from Grey:
Once we are all set, the excursion begins with a short drive from Grey Lake to the Serrano entrance point of the park, allowing some time to enjoy the beautiful winter views. Once we arrive at the Serrano entrance point, we’ll set off on a 7 hour (17 Km. / 10.5 Mi.) hike into the Park with the Paine Horns on the horizon until we reach our destination for the night, the Refugio Paine Grande which lies on the shores of Lake Pehoe at the base of the mighty Paine Massif.
Departing from Paine Grande:
We will start walking from Refugio Paine Grande into the Las Carretas Trail, which is located close to the facilities of this Refugio, in direction to the south and into the Serrano Sector. We will leave the horns behind to make our return to the Serrano area. Once we reach the Serrano area, our transport will be waiting for us to take us to Puerto Natales.
Total hiking distance: 17 Km. / 10.5 Mi.
In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia, transport is in minivans.
The Patagonian Andes is very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. In addition, the strong marine influence and the effect of the Southern Patagonia Icefield make the weather hard to predict.
Winter’s temperature range is between -2ºC/28ºF and 6ºC/43ºF. June, July, and August are the wettest months in Torres del Paine and sub-zero temperatures are common. Nevertheless, the winds are relatively mild in winter.
Essential equipment includes:
Please Note: This list is just to give you an idea of what you will need. We will send you a more detailed list prior to the departure date of the program.
The weather in Patagonia can be difficult to plan around at times. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary as well as modify, change, or eliminate parts of the itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide based upon operational considerations.
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Updated October 4th, 2022
Dear Traveler,
We are very happy to announce that there are currently no travel restrictions in Chile.
Together with the above mentioned, it is mandatory to comply with the following requirements:
In case you have any questions, we will be happy to help you!
Best,
The Team at Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia
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