One of most popular activities in Patagonia. A route through forests, rivers, bushes, and rocks to achieve one of the most popular views in a demanding hike of approximately 9 hours, covering a total of 24 km.
Our trip will begin from Puerto Natales. We will travel by vehicle to the northern sector of the park arriving at the access called Laguna Amarga. At this place, we will check in with our entrance tickets and then continue to the starting point of the activity located in Cerro Paine Reserve. At this point, we will prepare our equipment and receive previous instructions from the guide in charge of the group. Our guide will explain the proper use of trekking poles as well as the installation of crampons and gaiters if necessary. These last elements are considered for winter season in case of snow and ice on the trail.
The first section will be of a constant ascent, with some areas of minor inclination and low vegetation to reach the "Paso de los Vientos", from here we will begin a descent of approximately 30 minutes towards the Refugio Chileno for a brief rest. The route continues for 1 hour between lenga forests parallel to the Ascensio River, river that we will cross at various points and that will accompany us for much of the journey.
The last section has a slope of 300 meters and a challenging terrain with rocks and some forest in the first 25 minutes. The final part is an exposed trail without vegetation, in a looser ground and with a view towards the final section of the valley, gaining altitude quickly.
Once with the goal accomplished,in front of the imposing towers, we will take the necessary time to eat, take pictures and admire the stunning views. The descent and return to the vehicle is done by the same trail.
Important information
-In order to make a reservation, it is MANDATORY to BUY your ticket to Torres del Paine National Park in advance and the only option is ONLINE. Please visithttps://www.aspticket.cl/index.xhtml
-The minimum age for this activity is 12 years in the company and under the exclusive responsibility of one of the parents or guardian.
-Participants must be able to walk on trails of high difficulty. The excursion is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or who are dependent on other elements for their movement.
-The approximate duration of this excursion is 14 hours, of which 5 hours correspond to the round trip transfers between Puerto Natales and the point where the activity begins inside the Park and 9 hours are considered in the walk to reach the Base de las Torres viewpoint.
-Times and duration of the itinerary are estimates and could be modified without prior notice. It will depend on the conditions and physical capacity of the participants as well as the weather conditions and the state of the trail during the development of the activity.
-It is recommended to have previous experience in hiking or trekking activities. You should consider comfortable clothing and be prepared for always variable weather conditions.
-The excursion is subject to weather conditions, for this reason in a scenario of strong winds, abundant presence of snow or ice that make a safe route impossible, we will choose for canceling the activity in accordance with the protection and safety of all participants. This cancellation could be made effective the day before or before the start of the excursion in such case of abrupt changes in climatic condition. Under this context, the activity subject to availability, or refund 100% of the amount paid.
Explore Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers, sailing through the Ultima esperanza fjord, then enjoy a typical Magellanic lunch at our ranch before heading back to Puerto Natales.
Weigh anchor to visit the Serrano and Balmaceda glaciers from the wharf in Puerto Natales in the morning, sailing next to the coast to go into in the sine surrounded by hills and forests, where if the conditions of the climate allows it, the sea elephants can be seen resting on the rocks and hundreds of cormorants ventilating their extended wings.
After 3 hours of navigation you arrive at Balmaceda hill (2,035 ms), with its summit covered with ice that falls in colossal snow drifts to the sea.
The boat comes near the Balmaceda snowdrift and stops in the Serrano snowdrift, where you land for a walk in the forest until the border of the lagoon full of icebergs and with a wonderful view of the hills and the Ultima Esperanza sine. Then we'll make a stop at Perales Ranch, for a traditional Patagonian Lamb. The return to the wharf is made bordering the opposite shore of the sine.
It is one of the excursions you cannot miss if you visit Torres del Paine National Park. This voyage takes place aboard the catamaran "Grey III"and allows us to enjoy a unique landscape of floating icebergs, lush vegetation and towering mountains.
To get to the catamaran area we will need to walk for 35 to 40 minutes (1.5 km) from the parking area located on the shores of the Pingo River. We will cross a bridge over the river of the same name, walk through an old lenga forestand then continue along the "Grey Beach" to board the catamaran.
The Grey Glacier is part of the southern ice fields and is located in the western sector of Torres del Paine National Park (entrance fee is not included). It is a mass of ice approximately 6 km wide and a height that fluctuates between 20 and 30 meters. Its lake reaches a depth of more than 500 meters in some areas.
During the navigation, we approach the different sides of the glacier allowing us to observe the beauty and magnitude of this ice giant.
At the end of the activity, we will have to make the same return trip.
Important information
In order to make a reservation, it is mandatory to buy your ticket to Torres del Paine National Park in advance and the only option is online.
1- Please visit the link https://www.aspticket.cl/index.xhtml
2- Click where it says "buy/reserve".
3- Search in the search engine for "Torres del Paine National Park".
4- Enter the dates of the day of the excursion. If you have more than one excursion, it is ideal to put the complete range of your stay.
5- Number of entries and continue.
6- You must fill in all the information that appears on the page.
We will depart from your accommodation in Puerto Natales and head toward Villa Cerro Castillo, the capital of the Torres del Payne commune, located 59 kilometers to the north. The journey to this point takes approximately 45 minutes--an ideal time to talk and take in the variety of landscapes, with an abundant presence of Magellanic forest, glacier-carved valleys, mountain ranges, and lakes along the way. If the weather allows, we may be able to spot condors in one of the many nesting areas found along the route.
The itinerary continues toward the Sarmiento Lake Viewpoint, the first photo stop with views of the Paine Range. From here, and with good weather conditions, it will be possible to enjoy the first panoramic view of the entire Torres del Paine mountain range, the southern extension of the Andes, and the impressive Lake Sarmiento. After this stop, we will head to a place of great relevance, offering one of the most breathtaking views of the granite towers. This spot is the Laguna Amarga Viewpoint, a favorite habitat of flamingos, who frequently find ideal feeding conditions here.
The route continues to the main entrance of Torres del Paine National Park, where we will check in with our entry tickets before continuing the itinerary. The next viewpoints to visit will be Nordenskjold Lake, Salto Grande Viewpoint, Pehoe Viewpoint, Weber Bridge, Paine River, and Grey Lake. At this last stop, we will take time for lunch and to walk around the area, weather permitting.
We then return to the vehicle to continue the journey, exiting Torres del Paine National Park through the southern sector.
Our last stop in front of Torres del Paine will be at the most impressive point on Route Y-290, known as the Grey Viewpoint. From here, it will be possible to observe the group of mountains dominating the western area of the province, the immense Lake Toro, and, if the weather allows, a section of the Grey Glacier.
After one hour of travel, we will reach the highlight of the day: a visit to the Mylodon Cave Natural Monument. This protected area is the second most visited site in the Magallanes region, after Torres del Paine National Park. Our guide will provide all the information related to this site, which is of great historical importance due to the ongoing archaeological and paleontological research conducted there.
At the end of the visit, we begin the return to Puerto Natales, concluding the day with the satisfaction of having enjoyed a unique experience in this corner of the world.
