Torres del Paine
French Valley
Torres del Paine National Park
- Difficulty
Demanding. - Equipment
Recommend equipment for low tempetures. - Important
Recommend travel insurance. - Schedule
May change according to weather conditions and physical conditions of travelers. - Minimum age
15 years old. - Extra
Navigation Lake Pehoé $70 dollars round trip. - Season
November to March.
Overview
From 05:45 we start the Pick Up in Puerto Natales and then headed to Pudeto area to cross Pehoé Lake on a catamaran (not included in the price)*, to the Paine Grande refuge. From there, we start our trek to the Valle del Francés by a clear path, which runs along the north shore of Lake Pehoé. In a few minutes there is a light ascent that allows us to leave the lake behind us and appreciate the Cuernos del Paine ahead (2,600 meters above sea level).
After 30 minutes Lake Skottsberg is reached, known for the occasional whirlwinds that the wind forms in its waters. The trail continues along the western shore of the lake, overlooking the Paine Grande (3,050 m). During the walk, several watersheds come from the slopes of the hills and cross the path. We continue towards the Italiano Camp with a spectacular setting, facing the Paine Grande and the French Glacier. From here you can continue towards the interior of the valley, one of the most beautiful corners of the whole park.
The route into Valle del Frances (the intermediate vertical line of the "W") starts at the Italiano Camp. After an hour and a half, we will arrive at an open and windy place, called Frances Lookout (680 masl).
After concluding with the view of this wonderful landscape we will start the return to the Paine Grande area to board the boat that brings us back to Pudeto, and go back to Puerto Natales, arriving at the end of the day.
*Navigation Lake Pehoé $70 dollars round trip.
Itinerary
06:15 - 06:45 hrs: Departure from your accommodation in Puerto Natales heading to Torres del Paine National Park.
08:30: Pudeto Dock. Departure at 9:00 am heading to Paine Grande through Lake Pehoé.
09:30: Arrival at Paine Grande refuge. We will begin our 11-kilometer hike to Valle del Francés with a brief stop at Camping Italiano, where we will have a snack and rest. We continue our ascent through the valley until we reach the first viewpoint, which will allow us to appreciate the southwest face of Paine Grande and the French Glacier. Next, we will reach a second viewpoint located at 490 meters above sea level, with views of the French Glacier. The return journey is along the same trail.
18:30: Catamaran back to our vehicle to return to Puerto Natales.
20:00 (approx.): Drop-off at your accommodation.
Included
- Shared transportation.
- Seat insurance.
- Trekking poles.
- Bilingual guide (english - spanish).
Not included
- Entrance ticket Torres del Paine.
- Lunch.
- Trekking equipment.
- Catamaran Navigation ticket.
Starting place
After the purchase is made, the operator will contact you to pick you up at your hotel in Puerto Natales. Pick-up time from: 06:00 am.
Policies
Read our Terms and Conditions where our cancellation policies and changes are defined. Always remember to plan your trips in advance.