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Lake Nordenskjold Trek Torres Del Paine in Patagonia
4.8
| 5 reviews

Trek the Torres Del Paine in Patagonia

Go off-grid in Chile's most spectacular national park, discovering hiking tracks and viewpoints that few trekkers ever see

Duration

8 nights

Annual Leave

7 days off work

Group Size

Up to 6 people

Season

Nov-Apr

Location

Chile

Meeting Point

Puerto Natales

Classic Accommodation

Hotel · Wild camping · Campsite

Customer Reviews

(5)

4.8

Difficulty

Challenging

From

From

What's it like?

4.8
| 5 reviews
I've been home for just over a week and I'm...
February 2023
Catriona
I've been home for just over a week and I'm...
February 2023
Catriona
I've been home for just over a week and I'm...
February 2023
Catriona
I've been home for just over a week and I'm...
February 2023
Catriona
I've been home for just over a week and I'm...
February 2023
Catriona
Lago Brush was great!...
December 2022
George
Lago Brush was great!...
December 2022
George
Lake Nordenskjold Trek Torres Del Paine in Patagonia
Grey Glacier, View, Torres del Paine, Chile, Patagonia, Canva
Trekkers, Torres del Paine, Chile, MeganD
Valle Asencio Trek Torres Del Paine in Patagonia
Torres del Paine Massif, Patagonia, Chile, Canva
Torres Del Paine Trek Torres Del Paine in Patagonia

Beyond the trails of the classic W Trek lies the hidden Valle Bader – tackle its remote paths to discover astonishing vistas

Marvel at the beauty of Serrano Glacier and the immense ice wall of Glacier Grey in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field

Tread lightly in small groups to reach the iconic Torres del Paine viewpoint, wild camping in remote spots along the way

Day 1

Welcome to Puerto Natales!

Puerto Natales

Make your way to Puerto Natales and settle into your hotel before heading off to meet your guide and the rest of your team. Get to know each other over dinner, then get some rest before the adventure really starts.

Day 2

Voyage to Torres del Paine National Park

Serrano Glacier, Chile, Canva

Hiking

8 hrs · 14km · 200m up · 180m down

Take a spectacular back route approach to Torres del Paine National Park by embarking on a boat journey on the Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope) Fjord with views of Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, arriving at the small jetty at Puerto Toro where the hiking begins. Trek along an off-the-beaten-track trail to Lago Bruch, where there is a wonderfully remote campsite.

Day 3

Trek to Río Serrano

Rio Serrano, Torres del Paine, Chile, Canva

Hiking

9hrs · 14km · 270m up · 240m down

Embark on a long and rewarding trek through this quiet and rarely-seen area of the National Park, which involves some river crossings and is accompanied by views of the iconic Torres del Paine massif in the distance. You'll arrive at Río Serrano sector, where you'll find your next overnight camp backed by vistas of majestic peaks.

Day 4

Glacier Grey

Grey Glacier, Torres del Paine, Chile, Canva

Jump in a vehicle this morning and drive north from Río Serrano up to Lago Grey, where you'll take to the turquoise waters once more on a boat journey that takes you up close to the towering ice walls and magnificent blue icebergs of Glacier Grey - a unique experience! Disembark at Refugio Grey, where you'll camp for the night. There will be an optional walk through the forest and across multiple suspension bridges to look out over the expansive glacier.

Day 5

Hit the W Trek to Lake Pehoe

Lake Pehoe Trek Torres Del Paine in Patagonia

Hiking

4hrs · 11km · 210m up · 210m down

Today you'll tackle part of the famous W Trek route, hikng towards Paine Grande and camping on the shore of crystalline Lake Pehoe. There is another optional walk this afternoon around the lakeside, where you can look back at the spectacular massif. If you'd rather rest up, you can just relax and sample some delicious Chilean wine at the bar.

Day 6

The stunning Bader Valley

Bader Valley, Torres del Paine, Chile, MeganD

Hiking

8 hrs · 18km · 400m up

Today you'll head towards the Bader Valley, passing Lake Nordenskjold along the way, and veering off the main trail to where few travellers venture. The Bader Valley is the hidden valley of Torres del Paine, only accessible with a qualified guide, located between Almirante Nieto and the monstrous peaks of the Cuernos ('horns'). Trekking here is a bit more challenging during the ascent and descent of this valley, especially if there are strong winds, but you are rewarded with astonishing views. There will be a few rivers that you'll need to cross by hopping over rocks. Catch glimpses of glaciers and mountaintops before you finally reach your camping spot in this remote and beautiful place – tonight you'll be wild camping next to the very basic climbers basecamp.

Day 7

Trek along Lago Nordenskjold to Torre Central

Bader Descent, Torres del Paine, Chile, MeganD

Hiking

6 hrs · 12km

Explore some more of the remote Bader Valley today, before descending back along the trail to rejoin the W Trek route. Follow the shoreline of Lago Nordenskjold, with its beautiful glacial waters, to the Torre Central campsite, where you'll spend the night.

Day 8

The Towers

Towers, Viewpoint, Torres del Paine, Chile, Getty

Hiking

9 hrs · 18km · 900m up · 900m down

Saving the most iconic part of the Torres del Paine until last, today is a long day of trekking involving an ascent to the Base of the Towers viewpoint. You'll hike up Asencio Valley to Refugio Chileno for a lunch stop, before continuing through the dense Lenga forest and then a final rocky ascent for views of the iconic towers that give the park its name – Las Torres. These imposing granite peaks rise over 2,500m into the air. Take photos and breathe it all in, before hiking down the Asencio Valley along the same route and back to Camping Torre Central. From here, you'll say goodbye to the National Park and drive back to Puerto Natales.

Day 9

Goodbyes

Puerto Natales, Fjord, Chile, Getty

Check out after breakfast, when the trip comes to an end. Continue your adventures in Patagonia, or transfer back to Punta Arenas Airport for the journey home.

Included

Guides

Expert, local, English-speaking guide

Accommodation

6 nights camping and 2 nights B&B small hotel

Meals

8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 6 Dinners

Transfers

To and from Puerto Natales, and all travel within the national park

Equipment

All your camping equipment

Permits

All park entrance fees

Not Included

Travel to and from the start point

Flights to and from the meeting point

Travel insurance

Tips for your guides

Some meals as described

Visas where required

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Wild camping · Solo tent

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3 – Day 5

Campsite · Solo tent

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6

Wild camping · Solo tent

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 7

Campsite · Solo tent

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 8

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 9

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

During the trek, your chef will serve up surprisingly lavish meals at the wilderness camps, while in the managed camps you may find a few extra delicacies thrown in for good measure. As a rough idea, for breakfast you can expect corn tortillas, granola, tea, coffee, chocolate milk, bacon, eggs, yoghurt and bread. A packed lunch will be provided each day, typically containing chocolate, dried fruit and nuts, a cereal bar, fruit and a sandwich. For dinner, expect a combination of soup, beef chop suey with rice/legumes, smoked meat (or a vegetarian alternative), brownies with chocolate sauce or fruit with cream. All dietary requirements can be catered for - just make this known to your host on booking.

What is the accommodation like?

Hotel Big Sur, Puerto Natales, Chile, Hotel
Puerto Natales

Whilst in Puerto Natales you'll stay in a small boutique hotel (such as Hotel Big Sur or similar), in the heart of the town and close to all amenities.

Campsite, Torres del Paine, Chile, Patagonia, Getty
Torres del Paine National Park

You'll camp in stunning locations across the National Park. Tents and sleeping mats are provided and your porters will pitch camp ready for your arrival each day. Facilities depend on the section of the park, with Lago Bruch and Bader Valley overnights being wild camping experiences. Bader Valley in particular involves a very basic overnight, pitching tents next to a climbers' base. All other campsites on the 'W' stretch have toilets and showers. Sleeping arrangements will be decided during the pre-trip meeting and you can decide who you want to share with or, if you prefer your own tent, that's fine as well.

Upgrades

If you're looking for your own space, private room and hotel upgrades are available - please enquire when booking.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Puerto Natales

18:00 on Day 1

Ends

Your accommodation in Puerto Natales

Late morning on Day 9

Transfers

Head to Puerto Natales, check into your accommodation and meet your guide and the rest of the group at your host's office in the centre of town (you will be sent the address of both your accommodation and the guide's office as part of your pre-trip info pack). At the end of the trip, you will be dropped back at your accommodation. Breakfast is included, so check out when you like the following morning to head home, or continue your travels in Chile. If you would like to book additional nights in Puerto Natales, see the Optional Extras section for prices.

Travel options

The best way to reach Puerto Natales is by plane from Santiago to Punta Arenas and then taking one of the convenient buses that run regularly from the airport (3hrs). Alternatively, you can travel from Buenos Aires to El Calafate – from here, two buses a day run to Puerto Natales (5-6hrs, with an Argentina to Chile border crossing). Your host can arrange transport as an optional extra, just enquire when booking.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What's included?

  • Tents and sleeping mats

What's available to hire?

  • Sleeping bag

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Backpack (with sufficient capacity for carrying all personal luggage during the trek)
  • Waterproof backpack cover
  • Dry bags or heavy-duty bin liners, to keep kit dry inside your bag

CLOTHING

  • Trekking boots (broken in)
  • Lighter shoes for around camp
  • Shower shoes/flip flops
  • Windproof and waterproof jacket - Gore Tex or similar
  • Fleece or pile coat
  • Quick-dry long sleeve t-shirt
  • Quick-dry short sleeve t-shirt
  • Winter hat
  • Light gloves
  • Quick-dry hiking socks
  • Quick-dry, lightweight long underwear bottoms
  • Quick-dry/breathable windproof trousers
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Quick-dry/breathable shorts

SLEEPING & OTHER ITEMS

  • Sleeping bag (-5°C for November-March trips; -15°C for April-October trips)
  • Pyjamas/something to sleep in
  • Toiletries
  • Water bottle (1 litre minimum)
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and chapstick with sun protection
  • Sports watch
  • Insect repellent
  • Anti-bacterial hand gel
  • Toilet paper
  • Earplugs
  • Headlamp/flashlight
  • Camera
  • Trekking poles (optional)
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Sleeping Bag Hire

Payable Before Departure

Sleeping Bag Hire

Per Person

Additional night accommodation in Puerto Natales (Double / Twin)

Payable Before Departure

Additional night accommodation in Puerto Natales (Double / Twin)

Per Night

Additional night accommodation in Puerto Natales (Single)

Payable Before Departure

Additional night accommodation in Puerto Natales (Single)

Per Night

Private Room Upgrade

Payable Before Departure

Private Room Upgrade

Public bus El Calafate - Puerto Natales one way. Prices from

Payable Before Departure

Public bus El Calafate - Puerto Natales one way. Prices from

Per Person

Public bus Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales one way. Prices from

Payable Before Departure

Public bus Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales one way. Prices from

Per Person

Jessica(May 2023)

This was a fantastic trip with amazing views every day. The highlight was definitely hiking into the Bader Valley, even though it's a much more difficult hike than described.

Catriona(February 2023)

I've been home for just over a week and I'm still absolutely buzzing about this fantastic trip! The scenery is spectacular, the hiking was so fun, the terrain/views changed every day and the campsites were really quirky and cool. I particularly loved the walk up to Bader Valley (just beware this is quite a bit steeper/more difficult than the itinerary makes out, even without wind!) and the night camping there - it felt like we were being let in on a secret that the hikers down below weren't privy to! I also have to mention our wonderful local guides, Christian and Andreas. Their knowledge of the area - from Geological info to the names of birds and trees - and their passion & respect for the Park made the experience all the more special. And Christian was also kind enough to arrange perfect weather for us haha! Overall, this was a great way to experience less-visited areas as well as getting to walk most of the W-Trek, so gives a great mix of remote and the cameraderie of the long-distance trail. Higjly recommend!

George(December 2022)

Lago Brush was great!

Sarah(December 2019)

The guides were fantastic, as was the organisation. Even in the wild camps, the quality of food was very good.

Katie(May 2019)

The Bader Valley was my highlight, it was really worth the climb and I really enjoyed the hike up the Valley the next day.

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 163kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

Whilst the trekking is not technically difficult, you'll be out in the wild for seven days covering a good distance each day. There will also be some steep sections, so this trip is designed for hikers who are in good physical condition and have some previous multi-day trekking experience. You will also be carrying your own sleeping bag and clothing, so you should feel comfortable carrying approx 7-9kg across uneven terrain. The strong winds and changeable weather in southern Chile add to the challenge of this trip.

Yes, you will have to carry all of your own personal belongings during the trek. There will be local porters to carry the camping equipment and food.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

You will have to carry your own drinking water, and your guide will ensure that you have access to drinking water and know where to fill up each day. Each campsite has water taps and there are points along the treks where you can fill up from streams. Should you want to use a water filter, then you may wish to read our guide to water filters here.

The weather in southern Patagonia is famously changeable, and this region can frequently experience very strong winds and gusts of wind as well as fast-changing conditions. Come prepared for a bit of everything! Departures are scheduled throughout Chile's summer months (Oct-Apr) which are also the drier months, but you should come prepared for some rain showers as a possibility. Temperatures in the mid-summer can reach 20°C in the daytime and drop to around 5°C at nighttime. The early (Oct) and late (March-April) season departures have lower typical temperatures. It is possible that weather conditions could impact the running order of the itinerary, and the guide may decide to make changes with your safety and enjoyment in mind.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we'd suggest 5 to 10 USD per day per staff member (porter or guide).

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

The highest ascent is the trek to the famous Base of the Towers, climbing from the starting point at 100m to a maximum height of 900m above sea level over the course of 4 hours.

For some of the hikes there will be the opportunity to leave some kit at camp, but on most you will be carrying your bag all day. Excess luggage can be left in Puerto Natales at the start of the trip.

We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.

For current advice about travelling in Chile, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.

TRIP DEPARTURE DATES

November 2024

Monday • 25th November 2024

to Tuesday • 3rd December 2024
Guaranteed to run

Monday • 16th December 2024

to Tuesday • 24th December 2024
Guaranteed to run

Monday • 20th January 2025

to Tuesday • 28th January 2025
Guaranteed to run

Monday • 17th February 2025

to Tuesday • 25th February 2025
Guaranteed to run

Monday • 24th March 2025

to Tuesday • 1st April 2025
Guaranteed to run
Private trip

Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

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