A stunning journey into the heart of Torres del Paine, the French Valley blends forests, lakes, and soaring granite peaks, ending in a natural amphitheater of hanging glaciers and shifting light. One of the park’s most rewarding day hikes.
Highlights
Venture into the glacial-carved core of the W Circuit
Witness avalanches tumbling from the French Glacier
See the jagged peaks of Los Cuernos and Paine Grande from unique angles
Refill your bottle with fresh glacier stream water along the trail
Begin and end the day with a 40-minute catamaran ride across Lake Pehoé
Details
Hike time: Full Day (approx. 8–9 hours hiking + ferry time 40 min each way)
Driving time: 2.5hours each way from puerto natales.
Distance hike: Approx. 23 km (14.3 miles) round-trip
Elevation Gain: Approx. 600–700 m (2,000–2,300 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (due to distance, steep only in the very end)
Start Time: Coordinated with first ferry departure (typically between 7:00–8:00 AM)
Return Time: Around 20:00–21:00 hrs
Pick-up: From accommodations in Puerto Natales downtown or nearby hotels.
What can be Included
Private driver
Licensed bilingual guide
Torres del Paine entrance ticket
Round-trip catamaran ticket across Lake Pehoé (approx. 40 min each way)
Trekking poles
Box lunch
Notes
The ferry is not optional, it’s a scenic and essential part of the experience, crossing one of the park’s most iconic lakes.
Conditions may vary, guides adjust plans as needed for safety or logistics.
Proper hiking gear is highly recommended, even for the easy ones. Weather in Patagonia is unpredictable; even on short hikes, inadequate gear can lead to discomfort or safety risks. Dress in layers. Always bring your water bottle, windbreaker, and a small snack in your daypack.
Bring a refillable bottle, there are multiple spots to drink pure glacial water directly from the stream.
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