Organizing Treks Around Torres del Paine National Park

Southern Patagonia, Chile
By Kate Cypcar

Only in the region of Southern Patagonia can such a place as Torres del Paine National Park exist, providing ample playing ground for adventure seekers, world travelers, ecologists and environmentalists alike. In 1978, the park was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, and to this day remains internationally acknowledged as one of the most stunning, unique and uncontaminated places on the planet.

Located in the Magallanes region in Chile, the most direct way to get to Torres del Paine National Park is to fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas, and then to navigate by rental car or bus from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales. Torres del Paine National Park is roughly 150 km from Puerto Natales.

Finally, a destination that epitomizes the 4-season adventure sport junkie! Torres del Paine National Park is an all-season destination and is open year round for your oohing and aahing pleasure; however winter visitors must be prepared for severe weather. Spring and summer (October to March) weather conditions are considered the most favorable for visiting the park, but flexibility in your trekking itinerary is still suggested. Be prepared for wind, as it is always prevalent. Rain, sleet and snow have been known to follow a sun-filled day, catching visitors off guard. The average temperature in summer is 11°C/52°F (24 °C max, 2°C min). If traveling in summer, prepare for 18 hours of daylight – you think jet lag confuses your body! Although, the bright side (every pun intended!) is that you will have plenty of time for trekking and enjoying the views.

Fishing, trekking, mountain climbing, and rafting are among the numerous activities at the tip of an adventurer’s fingertips. In fact, such an array of activities could create a problem when it comes time to pack the equipment for your little jaunt to Chile; but don’t let that dampen your spirits! Many equipment rental suppliers are located in Puerto Natales. It is also a good idea to stock your food supply in Puerto Natales because only dried foods are sold at the park. Trekking is one activity that attracts its fair share of adventurers. Without a doubt, the popularity of trekking Torres del Paine National Park is due to the park’s extensive network of well-maintained and traveled trails.

Below are a couple of the main circuits through Torres del Paine National Park (you know, just to wet your appetite):

W Circuit (4-5 days)
It makes visits to the three most famous features of the park: the towers, the Torres, the Cuernos del Paine and Grey Lago and Glacier.
Day 1: Take the bus from Guardería Lago Amarga to Guardería Lago Pudeto. See Salto Grande while waiting for the Tzonka ferry across Lago Pehoé to Refugio Pehoé. Walk to Lago Grey and set up camp at Refugio Grey. The beach there is inviting with its white sand, although the water’s temperature is anything but.
Day 2: Sightsee at the glacier. Return to the refugio at Lago Pehoé, walk to Campamento Italiano and set up camp for two nights. The upper campsite is usually less crowded.
Day 3: Backpack to Campamento Británico. You can climb to a viewpoint from there and see the Torres from the southeast. The usual view is from the southwest.
Day 4: Walk along the northern bank of Nordenskljöld to the Hostería Las Torres. Veer north to visit Refugio El Chileno along the Rio Ascensio and a small Lago just below the Torres del Paine and the three fantastic granite towers. Stay overnight at the refugio.
Day 5: Walk to the Hostería Las Torres for your last night in the park.

Torres del Paine Grand Circuit (9-11 days)
Day 1: From Hostería Las Torres, near Laguna Amarga entrance, cross the Rio over the bridge and continue to Campamento Serón for an overnight stay. Laguna Azul is visible to the east.
Day 2: Walk to Lago Dickson via Campamento Coirón. Noteworthy views include: Lago Paine, the towers, and Paine mountain range. Tent-camp at Campamento Dickson.
Day 3: Trek through the forest and along the Rio Los Perros to Campamento Los Perros, viewing Lago and Glacier Dickson and the north face of the Paine Massif. Tent-camp with a view of Los Perros Glacier.
Day 4: Expect a slightly tougher trek from Los Perros to Campamento Grey via Garner Pass, through a swampy area, across the Rio Paso, and up to the pass. The descent is through a forest of Lenga trees, and has views of the Southern Ice Cap and Grey Glacier. Tent-camp at Campamento Grey.
Day 5: Spend the morning at Grey Glacier. Then hike to Campamento Pehoé over easy terrain.
Day 6: Day hike, via Campamento Británico, into French Valley. Witness hanging glaciers, granite cliffs and the peaks of Espada, Hoja, Mascara, Paine Grande, Aleta de Tiburón, Catedral and more. The views of the Cuernos del Paine are also incredible. Return to Camp Pehoé.
Day 7: Trek along Lago Nordenskljöld. Dine and stay overnight at Refugio Los Cuernos.
Day 8: Continue along Lago Nordenskljöld to Refugio el Chileno in Valley Ascencio. Views include the hanging glaciers of Mount Admiral Nieto. Stay overnight.
Day 9: From Refugio el Chileno, hike to the base of the three towers: Torre D´Agostini (2850 m), a.k.a. Torre Sur; Torre Central (2800 m); and Torre Norte (2600 m), a.k.a. Torre Monzino. Return to the refugio and to the Hostería Las Torres to exit the park.

Of course, this article only covers a minuscule amount of the information that is currently published about Torres del Paine National Park. I encourage you to continue researching the many adventure opportunities the park has to offer. With any luck, I’ll see you there myself someday. Happy traveling!