[ GUIDED TRIPS ]Sick of confusing reservation systems and crowds? So are we. Here we have four itineraries that don’t rely on faulty reservation systems, and will take you far beyond the regular tourist trails, into the mountainous valleys, glaciers and high passes, in the heart of the Paine Massif.
Off-trail Trekking & Traverses
[ ITINERARY ONE ]Roller Coaster Traverse
The Roller Coaster Traverse is one of Torres del Paine’s most breathtaking experiences. This traverse allows us to visit four of the National Park’s amazing Valleys; Bader Valley, Agostini Valley, Silencio Valley, and Ascencio Valley, essentially entering the heart of the Paine Massif, a long way from the standard network of hiking trails, as we hike up and over glaciers, rappel into wild valleys hidden deep within the mountains, and camp below glorious formations like the Fortaleza and in between the South and Central Towers of Paine.
Experience Details
Trip Duration
3 days 2 nights
August through April
Season
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Day 1 - On day one we will ascend to the upper reaches of the Bader Valley, to camp high in the valley surrounded by a cirque of gorgeous granite monoliths like the Cuernos, La Hoja, La Espada and La Mascara, as well as the monstrous east face of the South Tower.
Day 2 - On day two we ascend the last section of the Bader Valley up the Bader Glacier, and rappel into the Agostini valley, below the South Face of the Fortaleza. From here we will traverse the Agostini Valley before descending another line of rappels into the Silencio Valley, where we will camp between the South and Central Towers of Paine, also known as the ‘Condor Couloir”
Day 3 - On day 3 we will ascend what remains of the ‘Condor Couloir’ in between the Central and South Towers, hiking across the ‘Towers Glacier’ and alongside the famous lake at the base of the towers, before descending to the welcome centre and back to our vehicle.
[ ITINERARY TWO ]Paso Oggioni
The famous ‘Paso Oggioni’ is an excellent way to add some real backcountry adventure to your stay in Torres del Paine.
This two day addition to a ‘W’ or ‘O’ circuit, gives visitors a priveleged visit to the famous climbers ranch known as ‘Japanese Camp’ before ascending Mount Oggioni to the famous ‘Torres del Paine’ at the head of the Silencio Valley. This area as well as the Japanese camp are not part of the typical trail network that tourists access, and are therefore pristine and wild places that are seldom visited. This trek addition can be added to your ‘W’ or ‘O’ campsite reservations, adding some true mountain adventure to your trek.
Experience Details
August through May
Season
2 days 1 night (plus your ‘O’ Circuit)
Trip Duration
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Day 1 - Trek to the Base of the towers via the normal hikers trail, however on the descent we will deviate at Campamento Torres, and head to the famous climbers refuge “Japanese Camp’ where expeditions have sheltered for decades while ascending the monstrous peaks in the surrounding valleys. It is at Japanese Camp that we will spend the night.
Day 2 - On day two we will ascend from Japanese camp up the Ascensio Valley, gaining the summit ridge of Mount Oggioni, and a spectacular view of the Silencio and Ascensio Valleys, as well as a unique view of the West faces of the Towers, as well as the huge east faces of the Escudo and Fortaleza.
Day 3 - On day 3, clients can either continue their ‘O Circuit’ or return to the vehicle at the Welcome centre, depending on the logistics of their trek.
[ ITINERARY ONE ]Los Portales Traverse
After a regular guest approached us looking for a new adventure, our founder Seba pioneered this traverse, connecting high mountain passes, ice caps, forests, morraines and valleys, the ‘Portales’ traverse was born.
Although highly adventurous, this traverse requires almost no technical skills, and takes you completely off trail, to areas that even local guides usually haven’t visited.
Experience Details
August through May
Season
Trip Duration
4 days 3 nights
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Day 1 - Entering the Park, we take a catamaran across Lake Pehoe, to begin our hike up the Frenchman’s valley. From the end of the regular trail, we cross the French river, and head for our first campsite, at the foot of the Sharks Fin, in the centre of this magnificent cirque of towers and big walls.
Day 2 - From deep in the French Valley, we flank the east faces of some of Paine’s biggest walls, the Cathedral, Cota 2000 and Castillo, before taking a narrow couloir between these peaks, and dropping on to the Olguin Glacier. Our second night will be spent under the stars on the glacier, with views of the incredible Blanco Sur and Olguin Ranges.
Day 3 - On our third day we’ll cross the glaciated ice cap, to gain a notch between Ostrava and Olguin, with a truly mindblowing view of the entire southern ice cap, and some of Paine’s proudest giants. We’ll spend the night in the forest above Grey Glacier, contemplating the infinite ice capped peaks and fjords to the west.
Day 4 - On day four, we will reconnect with the classic ‘O circuit’ trail, bordering the Grey Lake, and back to Lake Pehoe, to take the Catamaran back to our vehicle and exit the park.
Day 2 - On day two we will ascend from Japanese camp up the Ascensio Valley, gaining the summit ridge of Mount Oggioni, and a spectacular view of the Silencio and Ascensio Valleys, as well as a unique view of the West faces of the Towers, as well as the huge east faces of the Escudo and Fortaleza.
Day 3 - On day 3, clients can either continue their ‘O Circuit’ or return to the vehicle at the Welcome centre, depending on the logistics of their trek.
[ ITINERARY THREE ]Circumnavigate the Towers
Our trademark Towers Circumnavigation is a great way to taste the Paine backcountry, and cover some of the most mind-blowing terrain that this national park has to offer.
This three day itinerary requires almost no technical skill, and will have you touching the famous Towers of Paine, and exploring the glaciers that spill from their flanks.
Experience Details
Trip Duration
3 days 2 nights
August through May
Season
[ 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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The only traverse with some technical difficulty is the ‘Roller Coaster Traverse’ which requires a few rappels.
The rest of our off trail treks and traverses are virtually non-technical, however do involve adventuring in totally wild terrain, including forests, morraines, glaciers and snow.
We recommend guests looking to do a traverse arrive with solid cardio fitness, that way they can leave the rest to our expert IFMGA mountain guides, who will ensure a fun, dynamic and safe adventure for all.
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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 traverse you choose, and what time of year you visit, shoot us a message with your preference 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.