Hike this shorter version of the world class Torres del Paine Circuit that gives you access to the area’s more dramatic northern section in less time. Challenging hiking and beautifully located lodgings with all the arrangements taken care of. For those wanting to continue with the southern section of the full Circuit (known as the W) we can make the arrangements for you as an unguided or guided extension
Highlights
- Experience the best of Torres of Paine as you hike the more rugged northern section of the famous Circuit trail
- Hike to the wild and remote Dickson Glacier in a magical and inaccessible location.
- Trek over the isolated and challenging El Paso, the renowned John Gardener Pass
- Unzip your tent on some spectacularly empty and epic Patagonian landscapes
- Sleep in remote mountain refuges or camp under the stars
- Enjoy meals in the convivial and sociable refuges and meet fellow travellers
- Get a birds eye view of Grey Glacier as you approach it from the north
- Cross the dramatic suspension bridges that link the canyons high above Grey Glacier that forms one of the branches of the southern ice field.
Day by Day
- Day 1: Arrive into Puerto Natales. Night Hotel. Guide’s briefing
- Day 2: Private transfer to Torres del Paine and the trailhead at Las Torres, Hike to Seron. Camp.
- Day 3: Hike to Dickson Valley. Camp Dickson or upgrade to a bed in the Refugio.
- Day 4: Hike to Los Perros. Camp.
- Day 5: Hike over the John Gardener pass to Grey Glacier. Camp at Grey or upgrade to Refugio.
- Day 6: Leisurely morning (optional Ice Hike or Kayak). Take Grey III Boat to Grey Beach. Transfer to Puerto Natales or continue with the full W or a W Highlights with nights outside of the trail where there are a a better choice of lodgings. The W can be completed as either a guided or unguided trip.
Extras
- Continue with the W extension (the southern section of the full O trek) either guided or independently with all reservations made by us and the support of our local logistics team.
- Add on a short stay in one of the Park’s comfortable hotels or talk to us about adding horse riding or an exclusive home-stay in one of the area’s ranch houses.
- Choose from a choice of sumptuous hotel upgrades in Puerto Natales.
- Ask about including an ice hike on Grey Glacier, or a paddle out in front of the glacier in kayaks.
- Upgrade to a fully guided Circuit trek that runs for 8 or 9 days, ask us for the trip dossier.
- Ask about combining the Northern section of the Circuit with a W Highlights extension.
Is this trip for me?
- This is a perfect hike for a couple or small group who like to hike independently but who do not feel happy hiking the most challenging parts of the Circuit trail without a guide. Enjoy the security and knowledge of your guide for the northerly more remote part of the trail and then continue on the southern part of the trail (the W) without a guide but with all the arrangements made by us for peace of mind and support. This gives you best of both worlds and enables seasoned fit hikers to complete the full Circuit at a lower cost than booking a fully guided tour.
- This is a strenuous hike through some of the best scenery in Patagonia with its endless sea of ice, snow and granite. Hikers should be in good physical condition and be fit enough for full days on varied terrain which can be rocky, steep and/or boggy. The weather is unpredictable and the section on the Pass in particular can be made more challenging if the weather is bad. Hiking distances are detailed on the trip dossier which is available on request
- The trip is a mix of camping and refugios and you should be comfortable travelling in remote areas.The refugio nights will involve sleeping in mixed dorm-style rooms with shared facilities
- The trip is fully supported by porters for the guided portion. Your experienced Torres del Paine certified guide will be assisted by a cook at Los Perros, they will take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy the jaw dropping scenery.
- Complete this guided trail and acclimatise yourself to the area before completing the W part of the trail without a guide.
- The trip is available on request for 2+ people. Solo travellers should contact us about joining suitable confirmed departures.