Description
Day 1:
Transfer by regular bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park. The journey covers 70 miles (112 km) and takes approximately 2 hours, passing through Cerro Castillo—a small border town located along the route, about 34 miles (54 km) from Puerto Natales. Upon arrival at Laguna Amarga, travelers complete the required park entry procedures. A transfer then takes them to the area near Cerro Paine Ranch and on to the Welcome Centre at Refugio Torre Central.
Day 2:
Trek to Base Torres Lookout — 8 miles (13 km), 7–8 hours.
Recommended start: 9 a.m.
The trek begins with a 1.5-hour ascent offering views of surrounding lakes and the hanging glacier of Mount Almirante Nieto (8,760 ft / 2,670 m), reaching Refugio El Chileno. Here, hikers check in, rest, and leave their main luggage before continuing with a daypack. The next stretch crosses a lenga forest and leads to the base of the moraine. From there, a final 45-minute climb reaches the iconic Base Torres Lookout, with panoramic views of Torre Sur (9,350 ft / 2,850 m), Torre Central (9,186 ft / 2,800 m), Torre Norte (8,530 ft / 2,600 m), Nido de Cóndor, and Glacier Torre.
Difficulty: High.
Overnight: Refugio Torre Central.
Day 3:
Trek to Refugio Los Cuernos — 6.8 miles (11 km), 5–6 hours.
Recommended start: 9 a.m.
A moderate hike along the base of Mount Almirante Nieto and the edge of the Paine Massif. From Refugio El Chileno, a half-hour walk leads to “El Atajo,” a trail branching right toward Refugio Los Cuernos. Along the way, hikers enjoy views of Lake Nordenskjöld, hanging glaciers, and native flora such as the bright red-flowered notro (ciruelillo). Arrival to Los Cuernos, often considered one of the most scenic and welcoming spots on the circuit.
Difficulty: Medium.
Overnight: Refugio Los Cuernos.
Day 4:
Trek through the French Valley to Paine Grande — 15.7 miles (25.3 km), 11–12 hours.
Recommended start: 8 a.m.
A gentle 2-hour walk along Lake Nordenskjöld leads to Camp Italiano. Here, hikers can arrange with CONAF staff to leave their backpacks before ascending into the French Valley with a daypack. The trail follows the Francés River to a lookout over the Francés Glacier (1.5 hours), then continues toward the Británico sector and the Británico Lookout, offering views of peaks such as Paine Grande, Catedral, Hoja, Máscara, Espada, Shark Fin, and Cuerno Norte. The return follows the same path to Camp Italiano and continues to Pehoé and Paine Grande Lodge.
Difficulty: High.
Overnight: Paine Grande Lodge.
Day 5:
Trek to Grey Glacier and return to Puerto Natales — 13.7 miles (22 km), 8–9 hours.
Recommended start: 9 a.m.
Roundtrip hike to the Grey Glacier Lookout. After 1.5 hours, the first viewpoint offers a distant view of the glacier. The trail then follows the western shore of Lake Grey, reaching the main lookout after another 1.5 to 2 hours. Here, hikers see the glacier, the Olguín Range, and floating icebergs. The return follows the same path to Pehoé, where a ferry crosses the lake to Pudeto. From there, a transfer returns travelers to Puerto Natales.
Difficulty: Medium.
