
Guide to visiting Patagonia
You can pack a lot into an adventure: explore volcano country in the north, hike the glaciers and peaks in Torres del Paine, and sail the wild fjords of Tierra del Fuego.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
The Grey Glacier is one of Torres del Paine's most spectacular glaciers, and tumbles into the serene Lago Grey. The Grey Glacier is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and at its peak is 30 metres high, and around six kilometres wide.
Trekking
Torres del Paine has two classic multi-day hikes, the Full Circuit and the W Trek, both of which have awe-inspiring views of the lake and the glacier. Arguably the best view comes from during the Full Circuit hike, where trekkers can view the glacier from above as they cross the famous John Garner Pass. The W Trek's western leg takes you along its eastern shore of Lago Grey all the way up to the glacier itself. You can also hike up around the lake on a day hike, returning to a comfortable base in the evening.
Boat excursion
Those looking for a less demanding view can take a boat trip from the southern shore right up to the glacier.
Ice-hiking
No experience is necessary to don crampons, grab an ice axe and get out onto the glacier. If you relish an adventure and have never before walked over the top of a glacier, this is a fantastic place to start.
After her expedition onto the ice, Swoop's Harriet maintains that 'everyone should add ice hiking onto a trek in Torres del Paine!'. You can read Harriet's Review here.
Kayaking
Paddle amongst the lake's sculpted icebergs, so close you can reach out and touch them.
An iceberg drifts at the southern end of Lago Grey, Torres del Paine
The magnificently bright ice of Glacier Grey, Torres del Paine
A boat approaches the glacier wall, Torres del Paine
View of Glacier Grey
Contemplating Glacier Grey
Kayakers paddle past a huge iceberg on Lago Grey, Torres del Paine
Hikers trek across bright blue ice lakes, Grey Glacier, Torres del Paine
Hiking on Glacier Grey, Torres del Paine
Nearby landmarks
Hike the original W Trek independently and experience the highlights of this unique region at your own pace. Trek to the best lookout points for stunning views of the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park, camping along the way, without…
Discover Torres del Paine's extraordinary W Trek with a series of fantastic day-hikes, each taking in stunning panoramic views. Enjoy a boat trip to the immense face of Glacier Grey and spend a day tracking pumas with an expert guide.…
This trip fits Torres del Paine's highlights into a short timeframe. Trek up close to the famous granite towers, the mesmerising French Valley and the shimmering blue ice of Glacier Grey. Expert guides, deluxe tent accommodation, pre-arranged transfers and meals…
Hike the original W Trek and experience the highlights of this unique region. Trek to the best lookout points for stunning views of the Torres del Paine and explore the French Valley surrounded by hanging glaciers. Follow this with a…
Tackle Patagonia's most iconic circuit trail, fully supported with porters and a local guide. Cross the John Gardner Pass, explore the park's remote northern sections, revel in the stunning French Valley and finish at the Towers viewpoint – this itinerary…
Hike Torres del Paine's famous W Trek in a dynamic manner with expert guides, whilst basing yourself in unique accommodation in the heart of the park. Trek the stunning French Valley, to the base of the iconic Towers and visit…
Discover Torres del Paine's famous treks with expert guides, combining refugios with comfortable and unique accommodation. Trek to Los Cuernos, explore the French Valley and hike to the famous viewpoint at the base of the Towers, whilst also visiting the…
A mix of guided and unguided hiking. You walk the tougher northern section with a guide, heading over the John Gardner Pass with the unmatched views of Grey Glacier and the Pingo mountain range that make the full circuit so…
This action-packed small group trekking tour combines the best hikes in Patagonia: Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks. Discover Perito Moreno Glacier on a boat expedition, enter Paine on a unique hike and celebrate your final night at…
An incredible 4-day kayaking expedition showing you Paine's classic views and heading to some true wilderness sections. You'll paddle right up close to glaciers, kayak down and upstream in this fully-supported adventure. Enjoy wild camping far from the crowds on…
Stay in the best accommodation on each night of this self-guided hike through Torres del Paine. Trek to Las Torres (The Towers), Los Cuernos (The Horns), the French Valley and Glacier Grey at your own pace, then relax in total…
What I find most impressive is the contrasting perspectives. First when doing the trek, you see the glacier from a heightened position, and take in the sheer size as it stretches back into the valley. Then, you board the boat for a completely different view, and sail right up to the wall to be blown away by the height of the ice.
Iain Rylance Patagonia Specialist
You can pack a lot into an adventure: explore volcano country in the north, hike the glaciers and peaks in Torres del Paine, and sail the wild fjords of Tierra del Fuego.
Patagonia is a vast region - spanning two different countries and over 1,000 miles north to south. You could spend years exploring the region's varied landscapes.
World famous trekking awaits in Torres del Paine National Park. Each valley, peak and pass hides its own treasures, be it hanging glaciers, vast pampas, twisted metamorphic rock or…
Patagonia is home to some truly beautiful and gigantic glaciers and many travellers make it their aim to visit, kayak up to, or trek over as many as possible. We've chosen our …
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Privacy policy