Duration: 1.5 hrs by van
20 km (12.4 miles) hike
1 hour by boat
Duration: 12 hrs total
Difficulty: High
Price: $435.000

The tour of Valle del Francés brings us to the interior of the mountains as we venture through the famous French Valley, located in the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park and the famous W Circuit.

The trip begins by boat, navigating the shimmering Lake Pehoé to Paine Grande, where you then continue along the north side of Lake Skottsberg until reaching the bottom of the Valle del Francés valley.

Here you’ll ascend a steep trail, and once you are deep in the valley you can fully live in the present moment as you feel the powerful energy flowing through the native lenga beech forest. Upon leaving the wooded area, you’ll encounter a new landscape: breathtaking views of the multicolored Los Cuernos peaks and the French Glacier hanging from the Paine Grande mountain.

The French Glacier is an active glacier, giving you the opportunity to see and hear its movement, and how it creaks and cracks.

Before setting off, don’t forget to look back! The lakes below, surrounded by mountains, are the crowning touch of this panoramic view. From up here you can witness the Nordenskjöld Lake, Pehoé Lake, and Toro Lake as well as the Paine Grande, Hoja, Máscara, Espada, Fortaleza and Aleta de Tiburón peaks, all in a 360-degree view.

This guided tour starts in the morning, and departs from the Hotel Las Torres reception area. Bookings must be made in advance.