Day 1: Arrival in Punta Arenas – Transfer to Puerto Natales
Begin your journey with a scenic transfer from Punta Arenas to your hotel in Puerto Natales, a charming gateway to Patagonia's wonders.
Day 2: Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park (Regular Bus)
Travel time: ~2.5 hours
Board a regular bus from Puerto Natales at 2:30 PM (arrive by 2:15 PM). Enjoy the ride through Patagonian landscapes, with a brief stop at Cerro Castillo, before entering the park via Laguna Amarga Gate. Guests must purchase entry tickets here and transfer to shuttles leading to Las Torres and your accommodation.
Overnight: Refugio Torre Central
Day 3: Trek to Mirador Base Torres (13 km, 7–8 hours)
Recommended Start Time: 9:00 AM
Begin your trek with a 1.5-hour ascent, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes and the hanging glacier of Monte Almirante Nieto (2,670 m.a.s.l.). Arrive at Refugio El Chileno, where you can rest, recharge, and leave your belongings.
From here, the trail continues for about 1 hour through a pristine lenga forest, leading to the base of the “Morrena”. This final section requires a 45-minute climb, culminating at one of the most iconic spots in Torres del Paine National Park: “Mirador Base Torres”. Here, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Torre Sur (2,850 m.a.s.l.), Torre Central (2,800 m.a.s.l.), Torre Norte (2,600 m.a.s.l.), Nido de Cóndor, and the Glaciar Torre.
Overnight: Refugio El Chileno. If unavailable, the alternative is to return to Refugio Torre Central (adding approximately 2 hours to your trek).
Difficulty Level: High.
This section of the circuit is challenging but offers some of the park's most awe-inspiring vistas, making the effort worthwhile!
Day 4: Trekking Refugio El Chileno – Refugio Los Cuernos (4 – 5 hours, 11 Km)
Recommended Start Time: 9:00 AM
This moderate trek circles the Macizo Paine, skirting the base of Cerro Almirante Nieto. From Refugio El Chileno, after approximately 30 minutes of walking, you'll reach the “Atajo” trail, which branches to the right and leads toward Refugio Los Cuernos.
The route offers magnificent views of Lago Nordenskjöld, hanging glaciers, and local flora such as the Ciruelillo or Notro, which blooms with vibrant red flowers starting in December.
After 4 to 5 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Los Cuernos, one of the most welcoming stops on the entire circuit.
Overnight: Refugio Los Cuernos.
Difficulty Level: Medium.
* Optional Upgrade: Depending on availability, consider staying in Cabañas Los Cuernos, perfect for two people. These cabins offer stunning views and exclusive access to a shared HOT TUB. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit! (Check for additional charges.)
* Alternative Starting Point: If you stayed the previous night at Refugio Torre Central, the trail is well-marked and has a similar duration to reach Los Cuernos.
This trek balances effort and reward, offering incredible scenery and a cozy refuge to unwind after the day’s journey.
Day 5: Valle del Francés & Pehoé Trek (25.3 km, 10–12 hours)
Recommended Start Time: 8:00 AM
The first two hours of trekking are gentle, offering breathtaking views of Lago Nordenskjöld, until you reach the Campamento Italiano. Here, it’s recommended to check in with the CONAF staff to safely leave your large backpack and continue the hike with a smaller daypack containing essentials like water, food, and warm clothing.
From Campamento Italiano, the ascent begins through the Valle del Río Francés, leading to the Mirador del Glaciar Francés after approximately 1.5 hours. The trek then continues upward, reaching the Campamento Británico and the Mirador Británico, which provides one of the most stunning panoramas in the entire park. From this viewpoint, you can marvel at the dramatic peaks of Paine Grande, Catedral, Hoja, Máscara, Espada, Aleta de Tiburón, and Cuerno Norte.
The return follows the same path back to Campamento Italiano, then continues toward the Lago Pehoé area, where the Refugio Paine Grande is located.
Overnight: Refugio Paine Grande.
This day offers an exhilarating combination of varied landscapes, from tranquil lake views to the awe-inspiring jagged peaks and glaciers of the Mirador Británico.
Day 6: Grey Glacier Trek & Return to Puerto Natales (22 km, 8–9 hours)
Recommended Start Time: 9:00 AM
This trekking route offers a rewarding round-trip hike to the Mirador del Glaciar Grey, combining breathtaking views with moderate physical activity.
The trail begins with an approximately 1.5-hour trek leading to the first viewpoint, where you can admire distant vistas of the Glaciar Grey. Continuing along the path that runs along the western shore of Lago Grey, hikers will reach the Main Lookout in 1.5 to 2 hours. This spot provides awe-inspiring views of the Glaciar Grey, Cordón Olguín, and the floating icebergs (témpanos) on the lake's surface.
The return follows the same trail back to the Pehoé sector, where you will head to the dock to board the catamaran crossing Lago Pehoé. This scenic boat ride will take you to the Pudeto sector, where transportation will be waiting to bring you back to Puerto Natales.
Difficulty Level: Medium.
This final trek combines diverse landscapes and incredible views, concluding with a relaxing boat ride to close your adventure in Torres del Paine National Park.
Catamaran Schedule for Lago Pehoé Crossing
Departure Time: 6:30 PM
Check-in Time: 6:00 PM (at the dock).
Approximate Arrival in Puerto Natales Bus Station: 10:00 PM
Important Considerations:
Plan your trekking to ensure timely arrival at the dock for the catamaran's departure.
During the trek to Glaciar Grey, backpacks can be safely stored at Refugio Paine Grande. This is a complimentary service provided for guests staying at the refuge.
This schedule allows travelers to complete their final hike in Torres del Paine and return to Puerto Natales seamlessly while enjoying the scenic boat ride across Lago Pehoé.
Day 7: Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas
After breakfast, transfer to Punta Arenas Airport for your return flight, concluding this unforgettable Patagonian adventure.