[ GUIDED TRIPS ]

Alpine Rock Climbing

Dreaming of a multi-pitch rock climb on one of
Patagonias famed granite spires? This is for you.

[ ITINERARY ONE ]

North Tower

An ascent of The North Tower of Paine, the most accessible of the three striking Torres del Paine.

After hiking up the Ascensio and Silencio Valleys to high camp at the mythical ‘Whillans Box’, this climb takes scrambly terrain on golden granite up the south ridge and west face of this incredible monolith.

This four day round trip is the perfect entry level ascent for any aspiring alpine rock climber, looking to live the full Patagonian experience in one of the wildest places in the world.

Experience Details

September through March

Season

Trip Duration

4 days 3 nights

500 metres / 5.10 or 6a

Route length / Difficulty

  • Day 1 - On day one you’ll be picked up from you accommodation in Puerto Natales, to begin our drive into Torres del Paine. After entering via Laguna Amarga, we’ll start our hike up the famous ‘Base of the Towers’ trail, deviating off the regular tourists trail at Campamento Torres, to continue to ‘Campamento Torres’ a climbers camp nestled in the last stand of ancient Lenga forest, at the head of the Ascensio valley, on the Ascensio river.

    Day 2 - On day two we’ll leave Campamento Japones, and head into the mythical Silencio Valley, continuing to gain elevation, surrounded by big walls and spires, we will make camp at the ‘Whillans Box’. This camp was home to the 1962 English expedition to climb the Central Tower, and is the perfect place to spend a night under the stars, within striking distance of the North Tower.

    Day 3 - We’ll be up early on day three, starting under headlamps we’ll approach the north tower, via the Monzino or Homenaje routes, depending on conditions and guest experience. This tower provides an incredible alpine climbing experience, flakes, cracks, jugs, on high quality granite, will lead us to the incredible summit block (pictured below) where we will pull on perfect edges to straddle this knife edge summit. From the top we’ll descend one of either routes, back to camp at the Whillans box.

    Day 4 - On day four we will begin the hike out, stopping again at Campamento Japones, before continuing to the vehicle, and driving back to Puerto Natales for a well deserved celebratory meal after a mind-blowing adventure. 

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A person standing inside a large natural rock arch on a mountain summit, with snow-covered peaks in the distance under a clear blue sky.
Tall, jagged rocky mountain peaks with snow and ice at the base under a cloudy sky.
Climber in blue gear ascending a rocky cliffside with steep, jagged gray rocks.
Two climbers in helmets and outdoor gear standing on rocky terrain with a mountain range in the background, indicating they are mountain climbers in a rugged, snowy environment at sunset.
A climber in red jacket and helmet ascending a steep granite cliff with mountains and partly cloudy sky in the background.
A person climbing a steep granite rock face in a mountainous area with snow and jagged peaks in the background.
Group of hikers walking on rocky trail in mountainous area with tall cliffs and snow patches, under blue sky. 
[ ITINERARY TWO ]

The Sharks Fin

In the heart of Torres del Paine, the striking Sharks Fin divides the unbelieveable cirque of mountains that surround the Frenchman’s Valley. This alpine rock classic takes the west face for a cool ten pitches of stunning crack climbing up to 5.9. The panoramic views of Paine Grande, Los Cuernos, and Cerro Catedral from this summit, are the things we dream of.

September through March

Season

Trip Duration

3 days 2 nights

600 metres / 5.9

Route length / Difficulty

  • Day 1 - On Day one we will enter the national park, headed for Lake Pekoe, where we will take a catamaran to the base of Mount Paine Grande, arriving at the trailhead to the Frenchman’s Valley. We will spend the day hiking up the valley, beyond the end of the tourist trail, to our base camp below the sharks fin, a perfect cave created by the huge boulders that rest in this lush green meadow, surrounded by breathtaking big walls and glaciated peaks. 

    Day 2 - On day two we’ll leave our bivy before sunrise, hiking the last hour or two to the base of the sharks fin, before roping up and starting up this 600 metre classic 5.9. The route takes flakes, splitter cracks, and climbs close to the sharp edge of the south ridge, to summit this razor edge peak, with views to the west of the Cathedral, Cota 2000, Castillo, Paine Grande. As well as views east to the Towers, Fortress, Escudo, Cuernos  and more. This has to be one of the most impressive lookouts within the park, centred in a two headed cirque, surrounded by glaciers, lakes, and Paine’s most impressive peaks.

    After repelling the route, we’ll descend back to our camp in the boulders.

    Day 3 - On day three we’ll begin our descent to the trailhead, back through the lush forest of the Frenchman’s valley trail, bordering lakes skottsberg and Pehoe, before returning to the Catamaran and back to our vehicle, and arriving in Puerto Natales by evening to celebrate.

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A climber wearing a helmet and harness ascending a rocky and snowy mountain slope with a blue sky background.
Mountain peaks with snow and rugged rocky terrain under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Snow-capped mountain peaks with rugged rocky surfaces under a partly cloudy blue sky.
A rugged mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks, rocky slopes, and patches of ice, under a partly cloudy sky.
Two climbers sitting on a narrow rocky ledge at a mountain summit with snow-capped peaks around them.
Snow-capped mountains over a lush green forest and rocky trail. 
[ ITINERARY THREE ]

The Cathedral

The Cathedral divides the Olguin and French valleys. A perfectly sculpted tower of granite, that surprisingly provides passage on its west ridge at only 5.9. Climbers must earn their climb, approaching for two days to reach the base of this route, however the reward is stunning, Amazing crack climbing above the Olguin Glacier, as jagged towers and glacial lakes roll out around you.

Experience Details

September through March

Season

Trip Duration

5 days 4 nights

  • Day 1 - On Day one we will enter the national park, headed for Lake Pehoe, where we will take a catamaran to the base of Mount Paine Grande, arriving at the trailhead to the Frenchman’s Valley. We will spend the day hiking up the valley, beyond the end of the tourist trail, to our base camp below the sharks fin, a perfect cave created by the huge boulders that rest in this lush green meadow, surrounded by breathtaking big walls and glaciated peaks. 

    Day 2 - On day two we will continue up the western arm of the Frenchman’s valley, before heading up a couloir between the Gemelo and Quirqincho, to drop down on to the Olguin Glacier. We will circumnavigate the west face of Catedral before setting up camp below its South west ridge.

    Day 3 - On day three we will begin our climb, enjoying airy climbing on this incredibly sharp Ridgeline. Perfect rock will see us surf up the crest before tackling a short crux pitch, and continuing to the summit. After taking in the views of Paine grande, and the Cuernos, Fortress and Towers to the east, we will rappel the route back to our camp for the night.

    Day 4 - On day four we will descend the Olguin Glacier, dropping back into the French valley, and returning to our camp below the sharks fin. 

    Day 5 - On day five we will finish descending the Frenchman’s valley, back to the tourist trailhead, and the Catamaran, before driving back to Puerto Natales to celebrate an incredible five day alpine climbing adventure to one of Paine’s lesser visited alpine towers.

600 metres / 5.10b or 6a+

Route length / Difficulty

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Snowy mountain slope at sunset with colorful sky and rugged peaks in the distance.
Climber with helmet and harness ascending a steep, cracked granite rock face toward a jagged peak, with an overcast sky in the background.
Snow-covered mountain range silhouette at sunset or sunrise with a gradient sky
A person dressed in winter gear, wearing a helmet and sunglasses, standing on snow with arms raised, holding ski poles, in a mountainous snowy landscape with rocky peaks and a clear blue sky.
Snow-capped mountain peaks with rocky foreground and clear blue sky, reflected in a calm body of water.
A person in climbing gear and a helmet ascending a steep, narrow mountain gorge filled with snow and rocks, with towering snow-capped mountain peaks in the background against a blue sky with scattered clouds. 
[ FAQ ]

Common Questions

  • Every itinerary includes:

    • IFMGA Mountain Guide Service

    • All shared climbing equipment

    • Climbing and Camping permits

    • Entrance tickets to Torres del Paine National Park

    • Private transport from your accommodation in Puerto Natales, to Torres del Paine

  • Our guides specialize in making mountain experiences safe and enjoyable for all guests, no matter what their skill level.

    If you have any doubts about your ability to partake in any particular itinerary, don’t hesitate to shoot us. a message and we can discuss. it further.

  • Hit the Contact tab at the top of this page, click the ‘book now’ button. on the itinerary you’re interested in, or email us at painemtnguides@gmail.com

  • Gear lists vary depending on which itinerary you choose, and what time of year you visit, shoot us a message with your idea and we can send you a comprehensive gear list

  • Absolutely! combining a climb with your W or O trek is a great way to experience Torres del Paine in its entirety. We can handle the mountain logistics, and you can handle the rest!

  • Absolutely! We often organize personalized itineraries combining a climb or traverse with other treks, fly fishing, puma spotting, photography, kayak, mountain bike and other activities, even including transport, meals and accommodation.

    This is a great way to ensure a smooth and stress free trip, leaving the complex logistics and reservations to us.