Patagonia Hiking Adventure

Welcome to Chilean Patagonia! The windswept plains of this southern region stretch on for miles, joining Chile’s rugged coastline and majestic mountain peaks into one of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain environments, perched on the edges of the icy isthmus and fiords of the southern Pacific Ocean. If you plan on arriving early today, chat to us about for suggestions for your first day in Patagonia! This evening you’ll meet your trip leader and head out to a local restaurant for your first taste of Patagonian cuisine.Hotel Almasur, Punta Arenas (Dinner)

This morning we’ll take a cruise, weather permitting, across the Magellan Strait to Magdalena Island. The Island is protected, and uninhabited by humans, and is home to the largest penguin colony in Southern Chile, with around 60,000 breeding pairs of Magellanic penguins. Alternatively, if the Magellan Strait, which is subject to high swells, is uncrossable, we’ll head instead to Cueva del Milodón (Cave of the Mylodon). In this case, after breakfast, we’ll take a scenic drive through the fertile Patagonian lowlands to Puerto Natales, and on to the cave system. Alongside a local guide, we’ll explore all three caves, spread across an area of a few square kilometres, culminating in the lair of the mystical mylodon – a gigantic, and now extinct member of the sloth family, which survived in the region up until around 5,000 years ago. You’ll want to get your photo taken next to the life-size replica of this ancient beast at the cave entrance! Afterwards we’ll explore the nearby interpretation centre, then head back to Puerto Natales for dinner together.Hotel Natalino, Puerto Natales (All meals)Penguin Colony Hiking Distance: 1.6 kilometres (1 mile), 1-2 hoursElevation Gain: 20 metres (60 feet)Elevation Loss: 20 metres (60 feet)Cueva del Milodon Hiking Distance: 3 kilometres (1.8 miles), 2 hours, flat

Day 3: Option A - Start ‘W’ hike, Torres del Paine National ParkToday we’ll begin the legendary four-day ‘W’ hike, an amazing trek among sheer granite peaks, snow-clad mountains, glacial lakes and the thick Magellanic forest. We’ll follow the Rio Ascensio Valley as it winds its way up to the park’s namesake. As we reach the top of the boulder field near the end of our hike, we’ll come face to face with one of the most famous mountain landscapes in the world – above you, three mammoth granite peaks rise like tombstones from the rugged hills and snow-coated mountains of Patagonia to pierce the sky – Torres del Paine (‘Towers of Blue’). At a height of about 900 metres (3000 feet), they are believed to be the highest natural cliff faces in the world. Tonight you’ll sleep well at a cosy refugio (mountain lodge), a welcome sight after a full day’s hike. Only a light day pack is required as it's a return hike. There are shorter options available.Refugio, Torres del Paine (All meals)Hiking Distance: 22 kilometres (13.7 miles), 7-9 hoursElevation Gain: 770 metres (2,524 feet)Elevation Loss: 770 metres (2,524 feet)Day 4: Option A - Hike to Los Cuernos, Torres del Paine National ParkIt’s an easier hike today, as we contour around the northern shore of Lake Nordenskjold, a glacial lake in the heart of the national park. As we head around the lake, we’ll start to see glimpses of Los Cuernos – Spanish for ‘The Horns’ – three fantastically sculpted grey and white sedimentary and granite peaks rising 244 metres (800 feet). The intense turquoise hue of the lake and starkness of the mountains make for spectacular photo opportunities. This evening, we’ll stay in the shadow of the mountains at Refugio Los Cuernos.Refugio Los Cuernos, Torres del Paine (All meals)Hiking Distance: 13 kilometres (8 miles), 4-6 hoursElevation Gain: 60 metres (196 feet)Elevation Loss: 410 metres (1,345 feet)Day 5: Option A - Hike French Valley, Torres del Paine National ParkWe’ll rise with the sun this morning to begin our hike up French Valley for a closer look at Los Cuernos. This ravine is probably one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see, with multiple glaciers cascading down its steep sides, creating a patchwork of ice and rock. The track steepens as we ascend a ridge line to the upper French Valley past waterfalls and mountain tarns. At the top, we’ll have incredible views of a massive natural amphitheatre, filled with the awesome French Glacier, the Paine Massif and Cuernos granite towers. This afternoon, we’ll hike to Refugio Paine Grande.Refugio Paine Grande, Torres del Paine (All meals)Refugio Paine Hiking Distance: 13 kilometres (8 miles), 4-6 hoursElevation Gain: 80 metres (262 feet)Elevation Loss: 80 metres (262 feet)French Valley Lookout Hiking Distance: 6 kilometres (3.7 miles), 2-3 hours (optional)Elevation Gain: 660 metres (2,165 feet)Elevation Loss: 660 metres (2,165 feet)Day 6: Option A - Hike to Refugio Grey, kayak Lake GreyGrey Glacier is a 200 metre (650 feet) high wall of ice that marks the northern end of Lake Grey. This is one of the largest calving glaciers in the world, with giant ice cliffs that plummet into the depths of the lake. Our hike finishes at the lake, where we’ll meet our specialist kayak guides. They’ll match you with a kayak and provide all the necessary equipment for a unique way to explore Lake Grey and enjoy amazing views of the glacier and icebergs. When we return to shore, we’ll head to Refugio Grey, where we spend our last night in Torres del Paine National Park.Refugio Grey, Torres del Paine (All meals)Hiking Distance: 11 kilometres (7 miles), 3-5 hoursElevation Gain: 250 metres (820 feet)Elevation Loss: 210 metres (688 feet)Kayaking Time: 3 hoursDay 7: Option A - Hike to Grey Glacier, scenic cruise across Lake GreyThis morning we’ll hike a bit further up the valley to a magnificent lookout over the Grey Glacier.Optional 'Touching the Ice' Experience (extra fee applies)A 3 hour package including return boat transfers to Grey Glacier, where you'll explore along Nunatuk Island and see the face of the Grey Glacier.This option is available nearly all the time, though if the weather is too unpleasant and this trip is cancelled, you'll do the normal itinerary and we'll provide a full refund after your trip has finished.After we’ve finished our morning’s activities catch the boat across Lake Grey, taking in views of the surrounding mountains. When we complete our boat trip, we’ll head back to Puerto Natales, where we started our hike four days ago, to re-group with the W Trek day hikers, and enjoy a well-earned rest and another tasty meal together.Hotel Natalino, Puerto Natales (All meals)Hiking Distance: 4.8 kilometres (3 miles), 1-3 hoursElevation Gain: 100 metres (328 feet)Elevation Loss: 100 metres (328 feet) Day 3: Option B - Explore Azul LagoonToday we’ll begin the four-day exploration of Torres Del Paine, with amazing day treks among sheer granite peaks, snow-clad mountains, glacial lakes and the thick Magellanic forest. Our first hike will take us to Azul Lagoon, where we’ll circumnavigate the lagoon with views of the Torres del Paine towers just south of us. After lunch we’ll head back south and journey further into the park, stopping off along the way for views of Lake Nordenskjold and Lake Pehoe before arriving at Kau Rio Serrano Refugio, our accommodation for the next 4 nights.Kau Rio Serrano, Torres del Paine (All meals)Hiking Distance: 5 kilometres (3.1 miles), 2-3 hoursElevation Gain: 50 metres (164 feet)Elevation Loss: 50 metres (164 feet)Day 4: Option B - Hike French ValleyAfter a scrumptious breakfast, we’ll head back to Lake Pehoe where we’ll hop on a catamaran across to Refugio Paine Grande. Our hike today takes us toward the French Valley for a closer look at Los Cuernos, and at the base of the French Valley, we’ll have incredible views of ravines. It is probably one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see, with multiple glaciers cascading down its steep sides, creating a patchwork of ice and rock. We may catch a glimpse of the impressive French Glacier, the Paine Massif and Cuernos granite towers in the background. We’ll enjoy lunch along the way before hiking back down on the same trail, making our way back to the refugio and onward on the catamaran to the refugio with time to relax before dinner.Kau Rio Serrano, Torres del Paine (All meals)Hiking Distance: 16 kilometres (10 miles), 4-5 hoursElevation Gain: 146 metres (477 feet)Elevation Loss: 146 metres (477 feet)Day 5: Option B - Hike near Grey & Tyndall GlaciersYou’re in one of the most beautiful locations on the planet, so take your time today and take it all in – enjoying breakfast at your leisure. There’s an opportunity to go for a hike this morning or you can simply relax at the refugio and enjoy the views from the river’s edge. Lunch will be at Kau Rio Serrano Refugio before the afternoon’s activity.Optional: Kayak Lake Grey (extra fee applies)We’ll meet our specialist kayak guides at the inlet of Serrano River, and they’ll match you with a kayak and provide all the necessary equipment for a unique way to explore Lake Grey. We’ll enjoy the magic of paddling around the icebergs that have broken away from the glacier and you’ll be in awe of the unique views of the Paine mountains and their impressive granite walls. After we return to shore, we’ll head back to the refugio for lunch before our afternoon hike.Kayaking Time: 2-3 hoursAfter we regroup, we’ll walk from our refugio down to the Serrano River’s edge where we’ll hike east along the winding riverside. The trail will take us to a lookout point where we’ll have views of the Grey and Tyndall glaciers. Tyndall Glacier, also known as Geike Glacier, is one of the largest in southern Patagonia, named after the Irish glaciologist John Tyndall. The hike will take most of the afternoon, then we’ll return by vehicle to the lodge in time for dinner.Kau Rio Serrano, Torres del Paine (All meals)Hiking Distance: 12 kilometres (7.5 miles), 2-3 hoursElevation Gain: 436 metres (1,430 feet)Elevation Loss: 436 metres (1,430 feet)Day 6: Option B - Hike Los Condores & Los CuernosAfter breakfast we’ll make our way to Weber Bridge, which crosses the confluence of Lake Pehoe and Lake Del Toro, where we’ll start our hike up to Mirador Condor. We’ll hike through a small valley on the Lazo-Weber trail, crossing an ancient Lenga Forest on our way up to a lookout point. The Lenga tree, nothofagus pumilio, is a member of the beech family and has staked amidst fierce winds and a tough climate. Along the exposed subalpine slopes that mark the upper reaches of its habitable range, the Lenga tree sometimes grows into wild, twisted, wind-blown shapes. At the top, we’ll have incredible views of the entire Torres del Paine mountain range as well as Lakes Honda, Sarmiento & Verde. We’ll head back down, enjoying lunch along the way and once we reach the end of the trail, we’ll travel north toward Lake Nordenskjold. Our afternoon hike will take us to Mirador Cuernos, lying in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, which is the best spot to view Los Cuernos, ‘The Horns’. We’ll stop off at Salto Grande along the way, a very picturesque waterfall that flows out from Lake Icefield, it is part of the world’s third largest reserve of fresh water and forms a natural dam connecting Lakes Nordenskjold and Pahoe through the Paine river. The water level on the southern side of the lake can rise up to 30 metres (90 feet) above the level of the main lake. We’ll make our way back down the trail and on to Nash Refugio for our last night’s dinner on the W trek.Kau Rio Serrano, Torres del Paine (All meals)Los Condores Lookout Hiking Distance: 6 kilometres (3.7 miles), 2-3 hoursElevation Gain: 305 metres (1,000 feet)Elevation Loss: 305 metres (1,000 feet)Los Cuernos Hiking Distance: 4 kilometres (2.5 miles), 1-2 hoursElevation Gain: 68 metres (222 feet)Elevation Loss: 68 metres (222 feet)Day 7: Option B - Hike to Ferrier, scenic cruise across Lake GreyWe’ll depart Nash Refugio for the last time this morning, making our way north toward Lake Grey. We’ll stop off at Rio Pingo where we’ll begin our morning hike, Mirador Ferriera! The hike is challenging with a short, steep climb up though you’ll be rewarded with a tremendous view of the Grey glacier and the small icebergs you may have paddled amongst a few days prior. After we’re back down from the hike, we’ll catch the boat across Lake Grey, taking in views of the surrounding mountains before docking at Grey Hotel to pick-up the W-trek hikers! Once we’ve re-grouped, we’ll return across the lake and head back to Puerto Natales, where we started our journey four days ago, for a well-earned rest and another tasty meal together.Hotel Natalino, Puerto Natales (All meals)Hiking Distance: 9 kilometres (5.6 miles), 3-5 hoursElevation Gain: 650 metres (2,148 feet)Elevation Loss: 650 metres (2,148 feet)