[ GUIDED TRIPS ]Mountaineering
Glacier Travel, low angled scrambles, snow couloirs, scenic ridges and the best views of Patagonia, we have a range of incredible classical mountaineering itineraries.
[ ITINERARY ONE ]Mount Almirante Nieto
Mount Almirante Nieto was the first mountain to be climbed in the Paine Massif in 1937, and its first ascent route has become an uber-classic mountaineering objective for climbers from far and wide.
This peak lies in the heart of Torres del Paine, flanked by the gorgeous Towers of Paine on one side, and the amazing Cuernos formations on the other, providing a breathtaking vantage point from which you can observe the entirety of the national park. After arriving at base camp below the Towers on day one, we will make an alpine start on the route, which is mostly snow and glacier travel, aside from one pitch of low angle rock climbing, to reach the summit.
Some guests prefer to descend to Puerto Natales after summiting, however an extra night at base camp below the Towers of Paine and the gorgeous Patagonian night sky is always an option.
Experience Details
August through May
Season
Trip Duration
2 or 3 days 1 or 2 nights
1200 metres gain / 50 degree snow / 4th class scramble / Glacier Travel
Route Length / Difficulty
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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, which leads to the turquoise lagoon below these iconic formations. Instead of turning around here at the end of the tourist trail, we will continue around the glacial moraine, setting up base camp to enjoy a night under the stars below the stunning Towers of Paine.
Day 2 - On day two we’ll get up nice and early to start making progress up the North Face of Almirante Nieto, first beginning up a long snow couloir, to gain the ridge, where a short pitch of easy scrambling gains us access to the stunning summit ridge. This summit is likely the most incredible viewpoint in the park, this mountain is surrounded by almost all of the parks most iconic peaks, as well as the network of sky blue lakes that surround the park, the southern ice cap, and pampas to the east.
From the summit we’ll descend back down the route to base camp, from where we will rest and recover, before we decide to continue to the vehicle, or spend another night here below the towers, before descending to Puerto natales on day three.
Day 3 - Opcional day to finish descending if necessary.
[ ITINERARY TWO ]Mount Tenerife
Mount Tenerife lies on the border of Torres del Paine National Park, and is the most accessible classic mountaineering objective in the region. This gorgeous conical peak that can be observed on the skyline from Puerto Natales, provides breathtaking views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap, and the entire Paine Massif, with no technical difficulties whatsoever. Mount Tenerife can be climbed in a day, as its only a 45 minute drive from Puerto Natales, and is usually completed in a 10-12 hour round trip, making for an amazing one day alpine objective.
Difficulty: Beginning on a stunning trekking trail, climbers will slowly ascend the upper snowfields and traverse the stunning ridge to this unique summit.
Experience Details
Trip Duration
Day trip
All year
Season
1500 metres elevation gain / 40 degree snow
Route length / Difficulty
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To climb Mount Tenerife, you’ll be picked up by your guide early in the morning from you accommodation in Puerto Natales, to take the alternative route towards Torres del Paine, driving 45 minutes to an hour, to reach the base of the peak. An ascent usually takes 2 hours of forest hiking, before continuing up snow for another 3-4 hours to the summit. The top of this mountain gains us a unique view of the Paine Massif from the South, as well as incredible vantage point of the glaciers that surround Tenerife, and the Southern ice field to the west.
Descent is made by the same route, and from the vehicle we will drive the hour back to town to celebrate an incredible day of climbing on one of Paine’s classic peaks.
[ ITINERARY THREE ]Mount Ferrier
Mount Ferrier lies on the western flank of Torres del Paine National Park, diving the infinite Southern Patagonian Ice Cap from the rest of the Paine Massif. This peak is accessed via one of the parks greatest trekking trails, however instead of turning around at the lookout point, we will continue and set up camp at the base of the glacier on the south-east face. From our stunning base camp vantage point, we will get an alpine start and ascend the low angle glacier to gain the south ridge to the true summit. The panoramic view from this summit is truly unbelievable as the Tyndall, Zapata, Pingo and Grey glaciers sprawl away around you to the west, and the glorious jagged peaks of Torres del Paine arise to the east. After a second night at basecamp, climbers descend back down the trail to the vehicle and Puerto Natales. One of Torres del Paine’s best non technical alpine mountaineering adventures.
Experience Details
Trip Duration
2 or 3 days, 1 or 2 nights
All year
Season
1800 metres vertical gain / 45 degree snow / Glacier Travel
Route length / Difficulty
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Day 1 - On day one we will enter Torres del Paine from the West, after being picked up early from your accommodation in Puerto Natales, it will take us 2.5 hours to reach Guarderia Grey, where we will leave our vehicle, and begin up the ‘Ferrier lookout trail’. From the end of the trail, we will continue circumnavigating the peak to the south, making camp below the glacier on the south-east face.
Day 2 - On day two we will head up the glacier, navigating between crevasses, to gain the summit ridge from the south, accessing this seldom visited cumbre. The views of the Ice cap here are unmatched, surrounded by the Tyndall, Geike, Pingo and Grey Glaciers, it literally feels like being on a island in an ocean of ice, with incredible views of the Paine Massif to the east, and Mount Balmaceda to the south.
From the summit we will descend the route back to base camp below the glacier.
Day 3 - On day three we will begin our march out of the park, headed back down to the trailhead, before continuing to the vehicle, before driving to Puerto Natales to enjoy a hard earned meal, and celebrate another incredible mountain adventure in Torres del Paine.
[ FAQ ]Common Questions
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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
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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. inany particular itinerary, don’t hesitate to shoot us. a message and we can discuss. it further.
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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
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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
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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!
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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.