Granite Towers, Huge Glaciers, Iceberg-Dotted Lakes
Paine National Park Extension
Overview
The mighty spires of the Torres del Paine are among the most spectacular mountains on the planet, a magnet for hikers and climbers from all around the world. Enjoy incredible day hikes to the base of these magnificent granite towers and wonderful overnights at a beautifully located hotel.
Arrive: Calafate, Argentina
Depart: Punta Arenas, Chile
Highlights
- Enjoy fantastic day hikes to incredible viewpoints of Chile's iconic Paine Towers
Itinerary
Transfer from Calafate by private vehicle to the sublime world of Paine National Park, one of the scenic masterpieces of the planet, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The park's centerpiece is the Cordillera Paine Massif, a wonderland of eye-popping scenery that emerges in a breathtakingly sheer rise from the plains of the Patagonian steppes. Once in Paine National Park, the first stop includes the cascading waterfall of Salto Grande, meaning “big jump”, which connects Lake Nordenskjöld to Lake Pehoe, and enjoy a easy hike to Mirador Cuernos, where sweeping views of Paine massif's famous cuernos (horns)—incredible twisting monoliths of granite with knife-edged ridges, dominate the skyline. This view is famously photogenic when they are mirrored in the emerald waters of Lake Nordenskjöld. Later, transfer to Hotel Rio Serrano, set near the river and situated in a way that maximizes those glorious mountain views you'll be exploring in the days to come...L
Paine's famed peaks are known for their vertical spires. Paine Grande, the highest, tops 10,000 feet. The east face of the Central Tower ends in a sheer 4,000-foot-high rock wall that challenges the world's mountaineers. One of the best hiking options today is to set out with your guide for a full-day trek through beautiful old-growth beech forests to an iconic viewpoint at the base of the Paine Towers. Another option is a half-day, moderate hike to Lake Nordenskjöld, with its stunning turquoise waters and fantastic views. Overnight at hotel...BL
This morning, enjoy a boat excursion across iceberg-dotted Lago Grey to the edge of the huge Grey Glacier (weather depending). After the excursion, you have multiple hiking options available (you and your guide can discuss which trail would suit you best). If you would prefer a more relaxing afternoon, you can always choose to enjoy the indoor pool and spa at the hotel. Overnight at hotel...BL
Set out on a full-day or half-day hike in the dramatic French Valley, with majestic vistas of the French Glacier. This day begins with a boat navigation across the beautiful Lake Pehoe. Once you reach the beginning of the valley trail, you have the option of hiking the entire trail, or just a section of it. Overnight at hotel...BL
Transfer to Punta Arenas and depart on homeward-bound flights via Santiago...BL
A visa is not required for U.S. citizens visiting Chile.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.