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Active Chile: Trek in Torres Del Paine

Trips to Tailor

13 days from £4,070

per person
Based on two people sharing & excluding flights
Hike for six days in Torres del Paine National Park, one of the best wilderness trekking areas in Chile, and climb to the summit of Osorno, a snow-draped volcano dominating the Lake District.
What to expect
Itinerary

Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.

Day 1 - Santiago
Arrive in Santiago. Transfer to your hotel in the Providencia district.

Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Santiago, in the pleasant residential and commercial quarter of Providencia.  Santiago is set in a broad valley between ranges of the Andes, with lofty snow-capped peaks, and a smaller coastal range with a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Santiago is a huge metropolis, a mix of the old and the contemporary, with quarters of tree-lined avenues and affluent tranquillity and others full of commercial bustle. Poorer districts sprawl on the outskirts.  The historic core, although small, has some notable buildings of cultural significance.

Offering the leisure traveller an informal and convenient base during a short visit to Santiago, Almasur is positioned in the residential and commercial neighbourhood of Providencia, around 5km from the Plaza de Armas. From the hotel there’s easy access to the Metro system as well as a range of services including restaurants, shops and banks.

Guest rooms are pleasantly stylish with large picture windows, and designed to feel bright, comfy and welcoming after a day’s sightseeing and on site you’ll also find an outdoor terrace and small pool.

Day 2 - Puerto Varas
Fly to Puerto Montt, transfer to Puerto Varas.

Fly to Puerto Montt in the southern end of the lake district. This is a picturesque region of ancient forests straddling hills lorded over by snow-capped volcanoes, with hot springs and crystalline streams, interspersed by flowery meadows and cattle pasture.  It’s just a 30min drive to Puerto Varas.

The attractive town is set amid verdant pasture and meadows on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. It was colonised by Germans at the turn of the 20th century and its architecture and sedate style reflects this, but it is now a fast-growing tourist resort. The town’s main attraction is a jade alpine lake framed by tree-clad hills and beyond, one of the most perfectly shaped snow-capped volcanoes in the world – Osorno.

Perched on the edge of Lake Llanquihue in Chile’s lake district, the Cabaña del Lago is comfortable and well-equipped with a friendly, relaxed feel.

The hotel makes the most of its breathtaking views, where the skyline is dominated by the towering cone of Osorno volcano. The restaurants, outdoor terrace, two heated pools, hot tub and sauna all share a privileged vantage point over the lake from the hillside, while the huge 25m infinity pool has been designed to blend with the exquisite scenery beyond.

There are bright, spacious rooms, as well as individual cottages which come with fully-equipped kitchens. The décor is warm and neutral, with subdued tones and cosy blankets. In the main areas of the hotel, wood predominates in typical Patagonian style.

Day 3
Transfer to Refugio Teski.

Set within the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park and on the shores of Lago Llanquihue Osorno volcano  (2,656m) offers a spectacular climb along its volcanic rock and year-round glaciers. The hike to the summit is challenging and although previous mountaineering experience is not required, you have up to 10 rs of physical activity. All technical equipment needed to undertake the climb will be provided

The minimum age to take part is 12. Participants are subject to a local fitness assessment by the guides. The hike is not recommended for those who are pregnant or have a serious medical condition.

The adventure begins with an afternoon drive (approx. 1.5 hours) from Puerto Varas to the ‘El Refugio Teski’ mountain shelter situated at the foot of the volcano at 1,200m. Here you prepare your equipment, register with the mountain’s CONAF ranger and enjoy a hearty dinner and early night before the climb the following day.

Day 4
Climb Volcán Osorno.

Begin the ascent towards the 2,656m summit. Dependent on the time of year, the hike will begin over a floor of volcanic rock and sand before the route continues over snow and ice, when you will need to wear crampons.

The 4-6hrs ascent reveals increasingly spectacular views of the surroundings the higher you climb. You will observe Reloncavi estuary and Puerto Montt and the mountains of Cochamo and Puelo to the south.

The final stretch is steep and requires the help of crampons and ropes, but with the assistance and guidance of the experienced (English-speaking) professional guides accompanying you, you will be in safe hands.

At the summit are stunning panoramic vistas of the picture-book-perfect lakes region including views of Lago Todos los Santos, the Petrohue river valley, Lago Llanquihue, Lago Rupanco and a whole range of snow-tipped volcanoes. On a day of good visibility you can even see the Llaima volcano in the distant Araucania region.

Lake District Osorn Volcano

Perched on the edge of Lake Llanquihue in Chile’s lake district, the Cabaña del Lago is comfortable and well-equipped with a friendly, relaxed feel.

The hotel makes the most of its breathtaking views, where the skyline is dominated by the towering cone of Osorno volcano. The restaurants, outdoor terrace, two heated pools, hot tub and sauna all share a privileged vantage point over the lake from the hillside, while the huge 25m infinity pool has been designed to blend with the exquisite scenery beyond.

There are bright, spacious rooms, as well as individual cottages which come with fully-equipped kitchens. The décor is warm and neutral, with subdued tones and cosy blankets. In the main areas of the hotel, wood predominates in typical Patagonian style.

Day 5
At leisure in Puerto Varas.

At leisure in Puerto Varas. The town is a centre for outdoor activities and you can choose from locally available excursions including kayaking, rafting, hiking and cycling along the lake shore.

Perched on the edge of Lake Llanquihue in Chile’s lake district, the Cabaña del Lago is comfortable and well-equipped with a friendly, relaxed feel.

The hotel makes the most of its breathtaking views, where the skyline is dominated by the towering cone of Osorno volcano. The restaurants, outdoor terrace, two heated pools, hot tub and sauna all share a privileged vantage point over the lake from the hillside, while the huge 25m infinity pool has been designed to blend with the exquisite scenery beyond.

There are bright, spacious rooms, as well as individual cottages which come with fully-equipped kitchens. The décor is warm and neutral, with subdued tones and cosy blankets. In the main areas of the hotel, wood predominates in typical Patagonian style.

Day 6 - Torres del Paine
Fly to southern Patagonia, transfer to Eco Camp in Torres del Paine National Park.

Fly to Punta Arenas (or Puerto Natales) in southern Patagonia (2hrs).  On a clear day you have other-worldly views of the swirling meringue of the southern icecap, its fjords, volcanoes and glaciers. Before touchdown you see the rust-brown stain of the Patagonian steppes, pitted with small lagoons stretching out towards the Straits of Magellan.

The region’s fortunes were only briefly revived during a gold rush, and the sheep-rearing business has never really recovered from the collapse of the price of meat and wool.  Drive on into Torres del Paine National Park.

This superb wilderness is dominated by a monumental granite massif of smooth rock towers and icy pinnacles. Milky blue and gem-sharp emerald lakes, sinuous rivers, glaciers and wind-scoured steppes have created a remarkable and unique environment.  The area is a natural habitat of over 150 species of birds (flamingos, condors, eagles and ostriches) and 25 species of mammal (including guanacos, armadillos, silver foxes and pumas). Guanacos (camelids) graze peacefully while ostriches scamper across the plains and condors soar above.

Ecocamp Patagonia

In a magnificent Patagonian setting, accommodation at the EcoCamp is in tented domes, inspired by native Kaweskar dwellings with minimal environmental impact in an efficient thermal and wind resistant unit.

The snug standard domes are heated and offer value for money for guests who don’t mind a walk to the communal bathrooms with hot showers. For  more comfort we particularly recommend the superior and suite domes which have private facilities. Composting devices are used to process waste and a solar panel to provide energy. Décor makes use of fallen trees or branches, collected leaves and feathers, bringing the surrounding nature indoors.

The superior domes are located in a beech forest, close to the main camp while allowing enough distance to create a separate and independent atmosphere. There are two communal domes that house a dining area, kitchen and lounge.

Using the site as a base, there are a number of guided excursions and treks to undertake in the surrounding landscape, carved by sinuous rivers and glaciers and overlooked by thrusting granite peaks.

EcoCamp Patagonia is completely carbon neutral. About 95% of the energy for its domes comes from micro-hydro turbines and photovoltaic panels, while any remaining carbon emissions are offset. Skylights provide much of the heating and solar panels provide hot water for showers. There are composting toilets, biofiltration to replenish soil and biodegradable bathroom products.

Day 7
Hike the Los Cuernos Trail – part of the W Trek.

Head off on your guided hiking adventure, the complete “W” trek, so named after the shape of the route.  Start off with a pleasant walk through the sinuous Cuernos trail running alongside Lake Nordenskjold.

During this introduction walk you’ll see some of the park’s exquisite flora and fauna, experience its capricious, blustery wind and other aspects of the rapidly-changing weather which will accompany you on the upcoming days.

As you walk along the trail you enjoy magnificent views of the park’s central lakes and the Paine’s cuernos majestic black horn-like peaks of slate atop the battleship grey granite which crown the centre of the Massif. You will camp in tents tonight at the Los Cuernos or El Frances campgrounds, with access to warm showers and a hot meal.

Torres Del Paine W Trek
Day 8
Trek along the Valle del Francés – part of W Trek.

You’ll set off on a beautiful trek to Valle Francés (French Valley) along a steep trail which infiltrates the very heart of the Paine Massif. How deep you go depends on the groups’ rhythm. An active walk leads you to the hanging bridge over the Rio Francés at the foot of the south-eastern face of the massif, where there is a truly stupendous view. Then you continue up the trail until reaching the upper section of the valley Here you’ll picnic and rest for a while.

An optional trek to the remote, bleaker Mirador Britanico is possible if members of the group don’t want to rest. After lunch you descend through a rippling terrain of mixed grassland and light forest until reaching the Paine Grande campground on the peaceful shores of turquoise Lake Pehoe, with access to warm showers and a hot meal.

Blue skies over mountains in Torres Del Paine.
Torres del Paine National Park is an amazing place in the extreme south of South Ice Field, the third bigger Ice Field after Antarctica and Greenland. Great glaciers, sharp mountains like knifes rising from the Earth and an amazing fauna and flora
Day 9
Hike towards the Grey Glacier – part of W Trek.

Today you hike from the refuge along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern end of glacial Lago Grey. The lake’s chilly waters are dotted with icebergs which have broken off from the wall of Glacier Grey which plugs the lake.

Enjoy a picnic lunch before boarding the boat that sails to the forbidding blue face of the glacier. There’s plenty of time to marvel at this calving ice monster during the boat ride across the lake. From Lago Grey’s southern end you transfer to your Camp.

In poor weather, you’ll trek up to the sightseeing point offering a spectacular view of the glacier. Then you’ll return on foot to Paine Grande and take a catamaran to Pudeto’s dock, from where you’re driven back to your accommodation.

Glacier in Torres Del Paine National Park
Ecocamp Patagonia

In a magnificent Patagonian setting, accommodation at the EcoCamp is in tented domes, inspired by native Kaweskar dwellings with minimal environmental impact in an efficient thermal and wind resistant unit.

The snug standard domes are heated and offer value for money for guests who don’t mind a walk to the communal bathrooms with hot showers. For  more comfort we particularly recommend the superior and suite domes which have private facilities. Composting devices are used to process waste and a solar panel to provide energy. Décor makes use of fallen trees or branches, collected leaves and feathers, bringing the surrounding nature indoors.

The superior domes are located in a beech forest, close to the main camp while allowing enough distance to create a separate and independent atmosphere. There are two communal domes that house a dining area, kitchen and lounge.

Using the site as a base, there are a number of guided excursions and treks to undertake in the surrounding landscape, carved by sinuous rivers and glaciers and overlooked by thrusting granite peaks.

EcoCamp Patagonia is completely carbon neutral. About 95% of the energy for its domes comes from micro-hydro turbines and photovoltaic panels, while any remaining carbon emissions are offset. Skylights provide much of the heating and solar panels provide hot water for showers. There are composting toilets, biofiltration to replenish soil and biodegradable bathroom products.

Day 10
Hike to the foot of the towers, the “Torres” del Paine.

Today you walk from the camp site towards Hostería Las Torres and join the uphill path to Ascencio valley on the towers’ eastern face. Emerald green southern beech forests and rustling streams border the trail towards the valley.

The big challenge comes as you climb the steep moraine, a mass of boulders leading towards one of the world’s most famous views overlooking the towers, gigantic vertical slabs of rocks rising like an open hand towards the sky.

These are the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After an uphill slog, the towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before you, with the glacial lake visible below. After feasting on the view and your picnic, you backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio valley and return to your Camp.

Torres Del Paine W Trek
Ecocamp Patagonia

In a magnificent Patagonian setting, accommodation at the EcoCamp is in tented domes, inspired by native Kaweskar dwellings with minimal environmental impact in an efficient thermal and wind resistant unit.

The snug standard domes are heated and offer value for money for guests who don’t mind a walk to the communal bathrooms with hot showers. For  more comfort we particularly recommend the superior and suite domes which have private facilities. Composting devices are used to process waste and a solar panel to provide energy. Décor makes use of fallen trees or branches, collected leaves and feathers, bringing the surrounding nature indoors.

The superior domes are located in a beech forest, close to the main camp while allowing enough distance to create a separate and independent atmosphere. There are two communal domes that house a dining area, kitchen and lounge.

Using the site as a base, there are a number of guided excursions and treks to undertake in the surrounding landscape, carved by sinuous rivers and glaciers and overlooked by thrusting granite peaks.

EcoCamp Patagonia is completely carbon neutral. About 95% of the energy for its domes comes from micro-hydro turbines and photovoltaic panels, while any remaining carbon emissions are offset. Skylights provide much of the heating and solar panels provide hot water for showers. There are composting toilets, biofiltration to replenish soil and biodegradable bathroom products.

Day 11
Trek to the eastern lakes.

Drive to Laguna Azul passing by Cañadón Macho, home to a rich fauna including guanacos and ñandús. Stop en route to enjoy sight of the Patagonian steppe and the towers from a different angle. At Laguna Azul you’ll hike to the viewpoint where you have a gorgeous view of both the lagoon and granite towers. After lunch drive to the northern shore of Lago Sarmiento where the Fauna Trail begins.

As you walk northwards along the path you’ll see wildlife on the Patagonian plain: guanacos, ostrich-like ñandús and maybe a puma footprint! You pass by Goic lagoon and after an approximate 5 km relaxed walk you reach Laguna Amarga ranger station where you’re collected and driven back to the Camp for a farewell dinner in the park.

Torres del Paine
Ecocamp Patagonia

In a magnificent Patagonian setting, accommodation at the EcoCamp is in tented domes, inspired by native Kaweskar dwellings with minimal environmental impact in an efficient thermal and wind resistant unit.

The snug standard domes are heated and offer value for money for guests who don’t mind a walk to the communal bathrooms with hot showers. For  more comfort we particularly recommend the superior and suite domes which have private facilities. Composting devices are used to process waste and a solar panel to provide energy. Décor makes use of fallen trees or branches, collected leaves and feathers, bringing the surrounding nature indoors.

The superior domes are located in a beech forest, close to the main camp while allowing enough distance to create a separate and independent atmosphere. There are two communal domes that house a dining area, kitchen and lounge.

Using the site as a base, there are a number of guided excursions and treks to undertake in the surrounding landscape, carved by sinuous rivers and glaciers and overlooked by thrusting granite peaks.

EcoCamp Patagonia is completely carbon neutral. About 95% of the energy for its domes comes from micro-hydro turbines and photovoltaic panels, while any remaining carbon emissions are offset. Skylights provide much of the heating and solar panels provide hot water for showers. There are composting toilets, biofiltration to replenish soil and biodegradable bathroom products.

Day 12
Fly back to Santiago.

Return to the airport in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales and fly on to Santiago for a final night in the Chilean capital.

Offering the leisure traveller an informal and convenient base during a short visit to Santiago, Almasur is positioned in the residential and commercial neighbourhood of Providencia, around 5km from the Plaza de Armas. From the hotel there’s easy access to the Metro system as well as a range of services including restaurants, shops and banks.

Guest rooms are pleasantly stylish with large picture windows, and designed to feel bright, comfy and welcoming after a day’s sightseeing and on site you’ll also find an outdoor terrace and small pool.

Day 13
Transfer to airport for international flight home.
Active Chile: Trek in Torres Del Paine full itinerary
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Overview
Places Visited

The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.

Snow-capped Andean peaks overlook cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, historic plazas and sun-drenched vineyards in Santiago Chile – the country’s sophisticated capital and its surrounding wine country. Combining urban culture with world-class wineries, Santiago and vineyards nearby give you the perfect introduction to Chile.

Santiago and the vineyards

Snow-capped volcanoes, blue lakes, ancient forests and lakeside towns with a distinct Bavarian streak: the southern Chilean Lake District is one of the country’s most beautiful regions, and one of the most rewarding to explore. Chilean Lake District holidays combine spectacular scenery with outdoor adventure, and local culture.

Chilean Lake District (south)

Spiralling granite towers, serrated massifs and turquoise lakes define one of the most spectacular national parks, where grasslands give way to glacial valleys, rivers and glassy lagoons. Torres del Paine is Chile’s flagship natural destination, and Torres del Paine holidays remain one of South America’s finest options for hiking, wildlife watching and immersive wilderness experiences.

Torres del Paine National Park
Overview
Highlights

This Chile trekking holiday includes one of Chile’s iconic multi-day adventures in Torres del Paine, the W-Trek, and an ascent of its most photogenic volcano, Osorno.

Chile, with its long Pacific coastline extending from the northern desert through the lush pastures of the volcano-studded Lake District to the glaciers of Patagonia, is one of Latin America’s most rewarding countries for trekking with good infrastructure to cater for demand. Chile offers a range of well-supported and guided activities including hikes, volcano climbing, river-rafting, horse-riding and mountain biking through exquisite natural landscapes.

A good level of fitness is needed since you’ll be walking for long periods over tricky, sometimes steep, terrain.  However, there is nothing overly technical, although you will be wearing crampons and using other provided equipment on the climb above the snow line on Osorno. In the southern summer – November to March – you have a good chance of some clear, sunny days, promising a magical experience.

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Chris Rendell-Dunn

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What you need to know
Essentials

The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.

Chile information
What's included in the price
Services of our team of experts in our London office
Services of Journey Latin America local representatives and guides
All land and air transport within Latin America
Accommodation as specified
Meals as specified
Excursions as specified, including entrance fees
Taxes and compulsory charges
Included Excursions
Osorno volcano summit hike with night at mountain refuge
6-day W-Trek in Torres del Paine National Park
What's not included in the price
Tips and gratuities
Meals other than specified
International flights to Latin America
Optional excursions
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What to do

Things to do

We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.

Torres Del Paine W Trek

An iconic trek in Torres del Paine National Park, taking in the best of the scenery and exploring the Paine massif from a variety of angles.

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Where to stay

Accommodation

Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort

This unique award-winning camp of private tented domes offers a comfortable haven in the stunning wilderness of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park.

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Large, modern hotel with magnificent views from its hillside location overlooking Lake Llanquihue and Osorno volcano.

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Level definitions

Essential
What it means

Stay in comfortable, well-located hotels chosen to keep you close to the action. These are reliable, practical places with everything you need for a good night’s sleep, sometimes a smaller or family-run find, sometimes a larger, more functional hotel. It’s a straightforward style of stay that keeps costs down and leaves more of your budget for the experiences themselves.

Premium
What it means

Return each evening to well-appointed hotels chosen for their comfort and setting. Rooms are spacious and properly equipped, with all the mod cons you’d expect, and facilities to include a restaurant, a bar or lounge, and often a pool or spa to unwind in. It’s an easy, comfortable style of travel, with somewhere relaxed to look forward to each day.

Essential
What it means

Settle into stylish hotels picked for their character, setting and service. That might be a luxurious city hotel like the Loi Suites in Buenos Aires, or somewhere with a setting you won’t forget, a former estancia on the Patagonian steppe or a lodge at the foot of Machu Picchu. This is our most memorable style, where the hotel becomes part of the journey itself.

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