Paine Traverse Hike

Highlights

• Experience a kaleidoscope of blues and greens; from Laguna Verde to Laguna Azul and everything in between
• Join this short, well planned guided itinerary with a wealth of diverse landscapes, moderate trails and exotic wildlife
• Board two exceptionally scenic boat trips across Lakes Pehoe and Grey, each with world class views
• Camp in the very pretty and generally uncrowded site close to the turquoise waters of Lake Pehoe
• Maximise time spent in the Park by starting this trip in Cerro Castillo, where the Calafate bus arrives
• Trek some of the lesser known trails in the Park including the hike into the Park from Laguna Verde
• Witness some of the Park’s resident wildlife as you enjoy a private guided safari, at your own pace
• Walk up to the suspension bridges north of Refugio Grey, an engineering marvel well worth the effort

Day by Day

1. This trip starts with collection from either Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine or the bus stop in Cerro Castillo (the arrival point for buses from el Calafate). On arrival you will be collected by your guide and driver for a private transfer to Laguna Verde located in the south of Torres del Paine. Prior to packing day packs there will be a chance to admire the dramatic views from this pristine, rarely visited sector of the Park.

   We will then start our hiking along the shores of Laguna Verde through some ancient southern beech forests and grassy valleys towards the Sierra del Toro. This is a great introductory hike with moderate terrain, and incredible mountain and lake views at every turn. After a few hours hiking we will reach the Mirador del Toro where we will ascend to a dramatic lookout for views across the Park; snow capped granite peaks, iceberg-choked lakes and fast flowing rivers. After some time spent here enjoying the views, we will start the steep descent of this scree slope to the pampas below. Meeting our driver at the much photographed Puente Weber we will continue by vehicle slightly east to our campsite close to Lake Pehoe with its turquoise waters framing the Paine Horns or Cuernos, a special campsite which offers some of the best views in the Park.

   Night Camping with meals in the dining cabin, hot showers/bathrooms and all gear provided.
   Packed lunch and dinner included.
   *See option to upgrade to a nearby hotel if you prefer not to camp.

2. After breakast we will be driving the short distance to Pudeto on the southern shores of the Lake where we will be boarding the catamaran that crosses the lake. This is a short but spectacular journey so have your cameras ready. On arrival at the boat dock north of the lake we will disembark and have a coffee or drink while admiring the incredible views of the Cuernos de Paine. This area is a stopover on both the Paine W and Circuit trails so there will be lots of hikers in the area, many of whom will be starting or finishing their treks.  We will be packing our day packs and hiking north on one of the Park’s classic and much loved trails towards Grey Glacier. The trail starts out as moderate as you walk through the woods on fairly flat trails. You will then encounter a more rocky terrain with some steep sections as you head towards the pristine lake fed by the magnificent Grey Glacier before the magnificent glacier itself comes into view. This is a classic Patagonian trail, with the majestic glacier beside you for much of the day.On arrival at Refugio Grey you can explore the area and relax while the guide gets you checked in to the nearby wooded campsite.

   Time permitting you can enjoy some of the shorter trails in this area which forms the more mountainous central part of the Park close to the southern ice sheet, an area usually accessed by hiking the W or Circuit trails. With dramatic views of Grey Glacier from above and the mountains that surround the lake the location is memorable. You will have the afternoon to take a walk northwards towards the famous El Paso; with stunning views this rocky path takes you towards one of the jaw dropping suspension bridges that swings high above the glacier joining one side of the cavern to the other reminiscent of an Indiana Jones film.
   

   After an afternoon exploring or relaxing you will return to the campsite located in the forest before heading to the nearby Refugio Grey for dinner. 

   Night Camping with meals in the refugio, hot showers/bathrooms and all gear provided.
   All meals included.
   *See option to upgrade to Refugio Grey if you prefer not to camp.

   Distance: 7 mi/11 km, one way hike with around 1,000 ft elevation gain. Some rocky sections at the end but trail starts off moderate. Approximately 3-4 hours walking.
   

3. After breakfast you will be heading to the nearby boat dock and boarding the Grey boat for a morning departure on your journey south across the lake passing a number of floating icebergs as you head to Grey Beach. This is another highly scenic boat journey where you will witness huge icebergs that have calved off the nearby glacier. The boat will pass in front of the immense Grey Glacier before slowly making its way across the lake giving everybody plenty of time to soak up the views in this memorable location.

   On arrival at Grey Beach we will disembark the boat and walk across the sandy lakeshore to meet our driver for a spectacular private safari through the heart of Torres del Paine, travelling from west to east and taking in some of the park’s most iconic landscapes. Accompanied by your BlueGreen guide and driver, the day offers plenty of opportunities to stop and explore, with options including short walks to waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints, wildlife spotting, and a stroll through the summer grazing grounds of the guanaco. Along the way, you’ll visit the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld, admire the impressive Salto Grande waterfall and perhaps even sample wild calafate berries growing amongst the Patagonian scrub.

   As the day unfolds, the scenery becomes ever more dramatic, with towering granite peaks, vivid turquoise lakes, sweeping valleys and cascading waterfalls providing an unforgettable backdrop. Keep your camera close at hand, as the park’s rich wildlife and ever-changing light create exceptional photographic opportunities throughout the journey. The journey will culminate at Laguna Azul, a hidden jewel in the north eastern corner of the Park, one of the area’s finest viewpoings which, on a calm day, will give a final perspective of the iconic Towers reflected in the lake. From here we will continue in our comfortable transfer vehicle to Puerto Natales.

   Drop off at your hotel (we can make recommendations/reservations on request).

Accommodation

The base trip includes two nights camping in a site with hot showers, bathrooms and indoor dining. All gear is provided including mountain tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags and liners. Meals are prepared for you. If you prefer more comfort at night we can arrange an upgrade to a nearby hotel; options to suit your particular preference and budget.

Is this trip for me?

This trip punches far above its weight for a 3-day trip covering a surprising amount of Torres del Paine’s most iconic sights. In addition to hiking from Lake Pehoe to Grey Glacier, a classic Paine trail normally only accessed by hiking the W or Circuit trails, it visits some lesser trodden areas on the Park’s periphery such as Laguna Verde on the southern perimeter and Laguna Azul in its north eastern corner. You will get the full Paine experience in a short time with no scrimping on service; you will travel with an expert local guide, take private transfers with an experienced driver, sleep in quality tents with quality equipment, eat great food and rest assured that all the details will be taken care of.  If you want to combine this with some other activities or experiences, check out our new Custom Travel page for ideas and inspiration.