Trekking the Torres del Paine Circuit

Backpacking Torres de Paine Circuit Chile Patagonia
Hiking Trips Chile Patagonia
Trekking the Torres del Paine Circuit
Duration:
9
Days
Priced from:
3499.00
USD

Trekking the Torres del Paine Circuit

Trip Overview

This Patagonia adventure, hiking through famous Torres del Paine National Park along the Paine Circuit, is an unmatched Patagonia hiking adventure. On this 9-day trek, you will experience raw, unspoiled beauty and nature. At night, you'll refuel at camps located near the big eco-camp or other mountain huts enjoying most of our morning and evening meals within their comforts, the stunning park as our backyard. This Patagonia hike is truly an unparalleled outdoor experience.

WOW FACTORS

  • Trekking across John Gardner Pass  
  • Witnessing the magnificent Torres del Paine Towers
  • Camping in one of the world's most beautiful national parks

Activities

Difficulty Level

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Itinerary & Map

Day 1

Punta Arenas - Torres del Paine
Arrival
All travellers must arrive into the Punta Arenas airport by 11:00am. We'll be there to greet you and transfer you to the famous Torres del Paine National Park, 345 km/216 miles away. The drive is approximately 5 hours, but a very scenic one and in the summer months (December to March) the sun sets around 11pm, so we have plenty of light to admire the landscape en route while entering the park. If we’re lucky we’ll see guanacos, rheas and huge rabbits grazing on the plains. On the way, we will stop for lunch in Puerto Natales, a village on the shores of "Seno de Ultima Esperanza." The entire journey into Torres del Paine is scenic and invigorating, as we'll quickly start seeing the area's wildlife, including many birds. The first night's campsite is just outside the luxury EcoCamp, nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park and with a prime view of the majestic Torres. We'll enjoy dinner at the EcoCamp, an easy 600m / 1900 ft walk up from our campsite. 

Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

EcoCamp to Dickson Lake
Trekking
The day begins with breakfast at the Eco-camp before we prepare for our hike to Dickson Lake. The trail will lead us northwards along the eastern bank of the Rio Paine. We will stop at a natural lookout point which will afford us a stunning panoramic view of the Lago Paine below, before we descend and continue west across open grasslands towards Refugio Dickson. Tonight's campsite is situated in the Dickson Valley, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and the crystalline waters of Lake Dickson. From the campsite, we'll be able to spot stunning Dickson Glacier and parts of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the distance. We'll refuel with a nutritious dinner at the campsite, in a comfortable dining tent. Tonight, we will also have the luxury of accessing hot showers.

Hiking Duration: 11 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Dickson Lake to Los Perros
Trekking
After breakfast at our campsite, we will continue our hike along the Los Perros River and cover the trek's most remote stretches. We will pass under Los Perros Glacier and cross a virgin forest before reaching Laguna Los Perros. Here, we will set up camp for the night at Los Perros Camp and feast on dinner in a comfortable dining tent. We will have the remainder of the evening to enjoy these tranquil surroundings. 

Hiking Duration: 5 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Los Perros to Camp Grey, through Gardner Pass
Trekking
Today, after a hearty breakfast at the refugio, we will ascend to the highest point in the circuit, reaching altitudes of around 1300 m (4000 ft) via John Gardner Pass. From here, we will have an awe-inspiring view of Grey Glacier. John Gardner Pass is a must-do for any serious trekker. We will then continue south along forested slopes and enjoy expansive views of the enormous Grey Glacier along the way. Grey Glacier is more than 28 km / 17 miles in length. We will spend the night camping at Grey Campground on the shores of Lake Grey. Dinner is at the refugio. 

Hiking Duration: 12 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Camp Grey to Pehoe Lake
Trekking
We will have a relaxing morning around Lake Grey after enjoying breakfast at the refugio. We will then begin our hike along the eastern side of the lake. As we hike, we'll witness giant icebergs drifting across the waters, a scenic highlight of the trek. Next, the trail will flatten out as we descend through a valley headed towards Lake Pehoe and its pristine turquoise waters. Here we will set-up camp and rest for the night, after enjoying dinner at the refugio. 

Hiking Duration: 5 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Valle Frances
Trekking
After breakfast at Lake Pehoe's refugio, we will begin the challenging trek along a steep trail that leads to Valle Frances. The trek's depth depends on the group's speed and rhythm. If walking swiftly, we will reach the hanging bridge over the French River. Then, we will continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley where we will witness some of the valley's magnificent geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and Fortaleza (Fortress). We will take a break to picnic and relax before continuing our descent through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest, before arriving at today's end point and overnight campsite, Camp Cuernos. Dinner is at the campsite's refugio. 

Hiking Duration: 8 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Los Cuernos Trail
Trekking
After breakfast at the refugio, we will begin our day's trek to the Eco-Camp, via the Cuernos trail along Lake Nordenskjold. Today's walk is far less strenuous but the terrain is more diverse. Today is the perfect opportunity to take in all of the park’s charming flora and fauna. We'll learn about the vast variety of species from our guide along the way before taking a relaxing pause for a boxed lunch. Today's trek ends when we arrive back at the EcoCamp where we will enjoy a hearty meal before retiring to our campsite to prepare for tomorrow's big challenge. 

Hiking Duration: 7 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

The Towers, Ascencio Valley
Trekking
Today is the penultimate day of the Paine Circuit. After breakfast at the Eco-Camp, we will start out from our campsite towards Hostería Las Torres and ascend to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. Mountain ridges, beech forests and small rivers line today's scenic walk. Our greatest challenge will be hiking along a mass of boulders that will lead us to that iconic view of the Towers. The full view of these three gigantic granite monoliths, shaped by the incredible forces of glacial ice, will suddenly reward us after our challenging ascent. With the view of the Towers, and the glacial lake visible below. this may be the best place on earth for a picnic lunch. After feasting on this view, we will backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley, returning to EcoCamp for a well-deserved dinner. 

Hiking Duration: 10 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Torres del Paine - Punta Arenas
Departure
Early in the morning we board the vehicle back to Punta Arenas in time to catch the flight back to Santiago. Please make sure you book a flight that leaves Punta Arenas after 3:00pm. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

NOTE about Ascent/Descent numbers: 

The ascent/descent numbers are usually generated using Ride with GPS. The numbers are TOTAL ascent/descent for the day and these numbers do not suggest altitude. There are usually multiple small ascents and descents added up throughout the day to reach this total ascent/descent for the day. (While our numbers are generally consistent with Ride with GPS, depending on the mapping technology used, numbers may vary).

 

What's Included

TRIP INCLUSIONS:
Meals as indicated, all accommodation (twin shared in tents), all internal transportation (excluding domestic flights), most equipment, airport transfers and English-speaking guides.

TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
International and domestic flights, airport departure taxes, gratuities, some equipment (such as sleeping bags and sleeping mat), meals not indicated and items of a personal nature.

MEALS:
8 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 8 Dinners

ACCOMMODATION:
Tent: 8 Nights

Trip Facts

Weather in Chile & Patagonia

Santiago
October to March:
 Summer. Dry. Average temperature is 29°C (85°F).
April to September: Winter. Average temperature is 15 to 20°C (59 to 69°F). Evenings are cool.

Patagonia
The weather in Patagonia, though extremely variable, can often be wet, cold and windy. Throughout the country, the proximity of the Pacific and the Andes creates numerous pockets of localized weather patterns known as microclimates. The average temperature during the day is 11°C (51°F). At night, the temperature drops to 3°C (38°F).

October to April: Cool, cloudy and dry.
May to September: Cold. Although there are no snowfalls, the influence of the ocean reduces the severity of winter.

Travel Documents

A valid passport is required for Canadian and American citizens to travel into Chile. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival into Chile. Citizens of other nations should contact the embassy or consulate for entry requirements.

Food and Water

Some of the must tries in Chile are empanadas de pino (pastry-style turnovers stuffed with olives, meat, raisins and onions), parilla (a mixed grill of assorted meats cooked over charcoal) and pastal de choclo (traditional dish of beef, vegetables and chicken baked in a casserole). Exercise caution when eating food from street stalls. Tap water is treated in Buenos Aires & Santiago, although to be on the safe side it is advisable to drink only bottled water, which is available widely. Fruit drinks, soft drinks, coffee and tea are all widely available and safe to drink.

FAQ

How big are BikeHike's groups?

Our adventures are built for small groups, with a maximum of 14 travellers on each guided tour. Each group is diverse, comprised of men and women of many different nationalities and ages. By travelling in small groups we leave minimal ecological impact, cause less disruption to the native life and are able to gain a better appreciation for our surroundings. 

How fit do I need to be to join this trip?

We understand that people come in many fitness levels, so we've graded our trips accordingly. There are four difficulty levels on our trips: Easy, Moderate, Challenging, and Strenuous. 

This is a “challenging” trip.

Although the hikes themselves are not particularly strenuous, their length and challenging terrain will be more taxing than expected. Days are full, average 6-9 hours per day. The terrain is along trails of rolling hills, through forests, along coastlines and partly scrambling over rocks and boulders (sometimes in the snow). The winds can be extremely strong and the temperatures change from one moment to the next. For the most part, you are only expected to carry your daypack on the trail while hiking. The rest of your gear will be carried by the included porter service. Your daypack should be large enough to include your lunch, water, camera, sunscreen and any layer clothing you may need to adapt to the changing weather on the trail.

We strongly recommend that you begin a regular fitness program - that is if you are not already doing so. Four times a week, 60 minutes per session should be a minimum to prepare you for this adventure. The optimal workout would include weight training and cardiovascular activities such as walking, cycling and aerobics.

Does this trek include porter service?

The porter service for this trip is included in the trip’s price. During the trek, your belongings will be carried in three portions.

One portion you carry yourself in your daypack - this will be comprised of your lunch, water, camera, sunscreen, etc. and the clothing you will layer on and off as the weather changes during the day.

The second portion is your sleeping bag and sleeping pad (you need to bring these with you to Torres del Paine), which will be carried for you throughout the trip.

The third portion is a change of clean clothes and items you will need at night in the campsites - they will be carried for you in waterproof duffel bags (that will be supplied) as follows: On day 1 at EcoCamp we will provide you with two small 15 litre duffel bags and in the first bag you will put clothes needed for night 2 (Dickson), day 3 (Los Perros), day 4 (Grey) and the morning day 5 (Pehoe). Upon arrival at Pehoe you will be given the second bag in which you will have put clothes and any items needed for night 5 (Pehoe) and day 6 (Cuernos), before returning to EcoCamp on day 7 where the rest of your luggage will be waiting for you.

You are allowed to pack up to 5 kg (11 lbs.) in each duffel bag.

We have also prepared a packing list that you can download by clicking the link to the right on this page. 

How much can I pack on this trip?

You are allowed to pack up to 5 kgs (11 lbs) in each duffel bag.

Packing for this trip must be very organized. During the trek, your belongings will be carried in three portions. See our FAQ about porter service above for more details. 

We have also prepared a packing list that you can download by clicking the link to the right on this page. 

What should I pack for this hiking trip?

We have prepared a packing list that you can download by clicking the link to the right on this page.

Can you tell me about your typical BikeHike travellers on this trip?

Our travellers share a common love for outdoor adventure. Most are looking for a physical adventure in an unfamiliar destination. This trip attracts one of our most diverse groups. A typical trip is comprised of men and women in good physical condition, who exercise regularly and are invigorated by a personal challenge. The age range on this trip is typically from 30-55, although we occasionally get younger and older travellers as well. 

What airport do we fly in and out of for this trip?

Punta Arenas, Chile. You need to arrive into Punta Arenas no later than 11:00am on day 1 of the trip. On day 9 of the trip, please make sure you book a flight from Punta Arenas that departs after 3:00pm.

Has this trip been run before?

BikeHike Adventures has been operating since 1994.

The logistics of organizing tours to remote corners of the world can be very complex. Our trip development department spends long hours researching destinations, routes, ground operations and equipment. All itineraries are screened without clients before they are added to our growing repertoire of adventures. Nothing is untested.

Can I take this trip if...

I am a solo traveller? How does solo accommodation and costing work?

This trip is quite popular with singles. Unlike many adventure travel companies, we don't charge single supplement fees to solo travellers. Instead, we pair you with another traveller of the same gender. If we can't find you a roommate, you get your own room at no additional charge. 

I have special dietary requirements?

We will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests (e.g. vegetarian, gluten free, etc.), but ask that you please discuss your request with us when signing up for a trip.

I am travelling with children? Is this trip child friendly?

This trip is generally not a family focused trip for young children. However, this trip could be suitable for strong and active older teenagers.

We do offer many other Family Focused trips, some of which are able to accommodate children as young as six.

More about this trip...

Is there wifi on this trip?

During this trip, there is no wifi connection. 

What is the best time of year for this trip?

The season for this trip runs from October to April. In Patagonia the weather is always unpredictable, and it’s possible to experience all four seasons in one day, even in the summer months of December to March. Patagonia is also renowned for its intense winds. It is best to come prepared for all types of weather from cold and snowy to hot and sunny. The summer’s average temperature is 11’C / 52’F.

What is the accommodation like on this trip?

All nights of accommodation are in tents. Camping on this trip involves rustic camping. You will not have to set up the tents as the team will set up the tents for you at the camping site. These mountain tents are twin share and have enough room to comfortably sleep 2 people. Camping gear is provided, though sleeping bags and mats are not. The tent sites along the hike have mountain bathroom facilities in good condition with toilets and warm showers. On mornings and evenings when the tent site is next to a permanent camping site, meals will be served at the permanent camping sites (refugios).

Accommodation

This trip is tenting as that is what the Torres del Paine experience is all about. 

Specifically, this trip includes the following types of CAMPING accommodation along the way. 

CAMPING

Camping on this trip involves rustic camping. You will not have to set up the tents as the team will set up the tents for you at the camping site. These mountain tents are twin share and have enough room to comfortably sleep 2 people. Camping gear is provided, though sleeping bags and mats are not. The tent sites along the hike have mountain bathroom facilities in good condition. On mornings and evenings when the tent site is next to a permanent camping site, meals will be served at the permanent camping sites (refugios).

Night 1: The first night's campsite is just outside the luxury Eco-camp, nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park and with a prime view of the majestic Torres. We'll enjoy dinner at the Eco-camp, an easy 600m / 1900 ft walk up from our campsite. 

Night 2: Tonight's campsite is situated in the Dickson Valley. From the campsite, we'll be able to spot stunning Dickson Glacier and parts of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the distance. We'll refuel with a nutritious dinner at the campsite, in a comfortable dining tent. Tonight, we will also have the luxury of accessing hot showers.

Night 3: We will set up camp for the night at Los Perros Camp and feast on dinner in a comfortable dining tent. 

Night 4: We will spend the night camping at Grey Campground on the shores of Lake Grey. Dinner is at the refugio.

Night 5: We will set-up camp at Lake Pehoe, after enjoying dinner at the refugio.

Night 6: We will set-up camp at Camp Cuernos. Dinner is at the campsite's refugio.

Night 7: We arrive back at the Eco-camp where we will enjoy a hearty meal before retiring to our campsite. 

Night 8: Our last night, we return to our campsite next to Eco-Camp again and we'll enjoy our final and well-deserved dinner at the Eco-camp. 

Adventure Dates

  • Nov 06 - Nov 14, 2024
  • Nov 20 - Nov 28, 2024
  • Dec 04 - Dec 12, 2024
  • Dec 18 - Dec 26, 2024
  • Jan 01 - Jan 09, 2025
  • Jan 15 - Jan 23, 2025
  • Jan 29 - Feb 06, 2025
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Price

(Land only, based on twin/shared room)
3499.00
USD
per person
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Add-Ons

  • It's easy to add days before and after your tour.  Just ask! 
Day Destination Activity
Duration
Lodging Meals
1
Punta Arenas - Torres del Paine
Arrival
Tent
l,
d
2
EcoCamp to Dickson Lake
Trekking
11 hours
Tent
b,
l,
d
3
Dickson Lake to Los Perros
Trekking
5 hours
Tent
b,
l,
d
4
Los Perros to Camp Grey, through Gardner Pass
Trekking
12 hours
Tent
b,
l,
d
5
Camp Grey to Pehoe Lake
Trekking
5 hours
Tent
b,
l,
d
6
Valle Frances
Trekking
8 hours
Tent
b,
l,
d
7
Los Cuernos Trail
Trekking
7 hours
Tent
b,
l,
d
8
The Towers, Ascencio Valley
Trekking
10 hours
Tent
b,
l,
d
9
Torres del Paine - Punta Arenas
Departure
b,
l

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