After breakfast, we start hiking one of the most beautiful trails in the National Park.
Today will bring us to the ¨Ascencio Valley. We will cross the Patagonian steppe, cover steep inclines and descents with views overlooking Lago Nordenskjold and up against the impressive walls of the Cuernos formation and the Almirante Nieto Mountain. Around every corner, you will find a different perspective of the Patagonian landscape. After a few hours of hiking, we get to the ¨shortcut¨, a trail that will take us up to the Ascencio Valley where we will find Refugio Chileno next to the river, our campsite for the night. This short cut is the steepest part of the day which can take us some time. However, it is very much worth it getting into the valley which is explained in the next day. It should take approximately 6 – 7 hours and the total elevation gain is approximately 480 m/1.574 feet.

This is the day we will have an early start to hike up to the three ‘Torres’. Depending on the weather we have two possible departure times this morning. A very early option to see the famous golden glow while sunrise. An absolute stunning moment so let’s keep our fingers crossed for some great weather. And a second early option to avoid all day trip people and enjoy the three towers with very few people early on. From Refugio Chileno we start walking in the through the Magellanic forests for an hour until getting to Ranger station Torres. Here we will have to start climbing our way up for 45 min to get to the ‘Mirador’ where we will be able to see the three towers standing in front of the glacial lake. These 45 min are challenging and steep up where we will take our time. After having enjoyed the spectacle at the towers, we will make our way back down to the base of the Valley where we will stay for the following night. Today will be a tough trek as we have a lot of elevation and descent. A total of 18km/ 11 miles of distance and it should take approximately 6 – 7 hours. The total elevation gain today is 480m/ 1,574 feet and 880 m / 2,887 feet descent.

After breakfast, we will head into the backside of the mountain, continuing what is known as the “Full circuit” trail. This area has a one-way trail, so there are less people around, giving the sensation of being in real wilderness. This day will bring us over forest hills, open grasslands and the view of the mountains that once were explored by the natives of the region. It is a 4–5-hour hike, so there is enough time to go slow and enjoy the day. The next lodging, “Domos Serón” is in the complete openness of this enchanted valley, giving us the opportunity to see wildlife, especially birds. Today we will cover 12km/ 7.5 miles, in approximately 4 – 5 hours. The total elevation gain is approximately 380m/ 1,246 feet.

We leave Seron in the morning, walking over small hills and streams. The hike to Refugio Dickson is a long day with a challenging uphill known as the “Paso del Viento” (pass of the wind). The view on “Paso del Viento” is unforgettable and literally breath-taking. We can see the mountains that are shared with Argentina on the southern Patagonian Icefield. From this mountain pass, we descend into the wetlands, passing close to the river Paine until we arrive at Campsite Dickson. This is one of the most remote and beautiful areas in the National Park, with the view of Lake Dickson, and the whole mountain range. Today will be a tough day with 19km/ 12 miles of distance to cover in approximately 7-8 hours. The total elevation gain is approximately 300m/ 984 feet.

Today, we hike through one of the oldest native forests of the national park. This forest is home of the Magellanic Woodpecker – the largest woodpecker living in South America. Walking through this area of trees really gives a peaceful and relaxing example of Patagonian pristine nature. After 4 to 5 hours hiking, we find the view of Glacier Perros, one of the hanging glaciers in the mountain range Paine. We arrive at Camping los Perros, located in the middle of the forest, and next to the river. Total distance today is approximately 11km/ 6.8 miles, and it should take approximately 4-5 hours. The total elevation gain is 180m/ 590 feet to 680m/ 2,230 feet.

Today is one of our toughest days on the trail. This is the day that we will complete the famous John Garner Pass. A mountain pass next to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Weather changes often in this area and the Patagonian winds can make this an unforgettable day. Together with the breath-taking views of the mountains and Glacier Grey, we also get views of the outskirt of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. This is one of the most spectacular views in the park. Once over the pass, we will head to “Campsite Paso”. After a break to recover some energy, we start the second part of our day trekking next to Glacier Grey. We cross three beautiful hanging bridges while passing view after view of the glacier beside us. Today will be a long and challenging day as it will take us approximately 9-10 hours before reaching “Campsite Grey” for our last night in the park. The total distance today is 22km/ 13.7 miles.

Today is the last day we are in the national park, finishing off with an amazing boat trip, that goes through Lake Grey. After our breakfast, we will board the 9.30am catamaran that will take us to the beach at the southern end of the lake Grey. This boat is a large catamaran that takes us to all three of the glacial walls that drop into the lake. It is the perfect way to end our 9- day trek. With a well-deserved Pisco Sour in your hand, we look back on the John Garner Pass while we navigate south. After we dock, we will have our last march over a windy pebble beach before reaching the parking lot, where our transport will be waiting for us.
On the way back to Puerto Natales we stop at the spectacular natural monument, Milodon Cave. This location is the site of three natural caves, where the remains of the very large Patagonian Land Sloth was found. This site has now been turned into a very important scientific and paleontological site, with a visitor center. The museum shows how the caves were formed, thousands of years ago, and why this place is so important for the history of the region. We will walk for 45 min through the main cave while the guide explains all the details of the caves and the area.

After the museum, we will then get back in the vehicle for another half an hour drive to Puerto Natales where we will arrive around 5pm, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

This morning, you may enjoy a relaxed breakfast in your hotel and have time to explore Puerto Natales afterwards. You will want to arrange with the hotel a taxi back to the airport, allowing at least two hours before your flight departs. This will be the end of your Patagonian Adventure!