Torres Del Paine: French Valley Trekking

Exploring the breathtaking French Valley in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is a chance to witness Patagonia’s natural grandeur. Trekkers embark on a scenic journey from Puerto Natales, crossing Pehoé Lake by catamaran before setting out on a guided hike. As they ascend, hikers are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the Hoja, Espada, and Fortaleza peaks towering above. While the trek requires good physical fitness, the opportunity to take in this stunning landscape makes it a must-do adventure for nature enthusiasts. What awaits those who take on this challenge?

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Hiking And Trekking Tours In Puerto Natales.

Key Points

• Experience the stunning French Valley in Torres del Paine National Park during a guided 15-hour day trip from Puerto Natales.
• Hike along Pehoé Lake to the Italiano Campsite and French Valley lookout, offering breathtaking views of Hoja, Espada, and Fortaleza peaks.
• The trek involves significant hiking on uneven terrain, requiring good physical condition, and is not recommended for children under 15 or certain other groups.
• The tour includes pickup, transportation, insurance, hiking poles, and a guide, but excludes park fees, meals, and other personal expenses.
• Participants must bring the necessary gear and adhere to safety guidelines, as weather conditions can impact the trek, which is self-guided along marked trails.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers trekking in the French Valley of Torres del Paine National Park. Priced at €120.57 per person, the 15-hour day trip departs from Puerto Natales with pickup included.

It’s a guided excursion with an English and Spanish-speaking driver. The itinerary includes a 2-hour drive to Pudeto, a 30-minute catamaran ride to Paine Grande, and a hike along Pehoé Lake to Italiano Campsite and the French Valley lookout.

Participants can view three peaks – Hoja, Espada, and Fortaleza – before returning the same way.

The tour includes transport, insurance, hiking poles, and a first-aid kit, but excludes park fees, meals, and other expenses. Certain restrictions apply for participants.

Itinerary Details

The itinerary commences with a pickup from participants’ accommodations between 06:00 and 06:15 hrs.

After the 2-hour drive to the Pudeto sector, a 30-minute catamaran ride transports the group to the Paine Grande Camping site.

The hike then follows Pehoé Lake to the Italiano Campsite, and onward to the French Valley lookout.

From this vantage point, stunning views of the Hoja, Espada, and Fortaleza peaks can be admired.

Following a lunch break, the group returns via the same path, arriving back in Puerto Natales around 21:00 hrs.

Inclusions and Exclusions

According to the tour overview, the excursion includes semi-private transport, seat insurance, hiking poles, a first aid kit, a safety briefing, and a guide.

However, it excludes medical expenses, travel insurance, the entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park, the catamaran ticket, and a box lunch.

Participants will need to bring their own passport or ID, hiking shoes, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, a packed lunch, and cash.

Certain items aren’t allowed, such as sandals, pets, oversized luggage, drones, open-toed shoes, feeding animals, and nudity.

The weather may affect the excursion, and the trek is self-guided with marked trails.

Participant Restrictions

Certain individuals may find this trekking excursion unsuitable.

Children under 15, pregnant women, wheelchair users, visually impaired persons, inexperienced hikers, and people over 95 years old aren’t recommended for this tour.

The trek involves a significant amount of hiking and navigating uneven terrain, which could be challenging for those with physical limitations or lack of experience.

Safety is the top priority, and the tour operator reserves the right to refuse participation if they believe an individual may not be able to complete the hike safely.

Participants should be in good physical condition and prepared for the demanding nature of the French Valley trek.

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Important Information

Cancellation of this trekking excursion is free up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants should bring their passport or ID, wear hiking shoes, apply sunscreen, stay hydrated, and wear comfortable clothes. It’s also recommended to pack a lunch and carry cash.

Sandals, pets, oversized luggage, drones, open-toed shoes, feeding animals, and nudity aren’t allowed on the trek.

While weather conditions may impact the excursion, the trek is self-guided along marked trails. The success of the trek depends on each participant’s preparedness and adherence to the safety guidelines provided by the experienced guide.

Departure and Duration

Departing from Puerto Natales, the trekking excursion begins with a pickup from accommodations between 06:00 and 06:15 hours.

From there, it’s a 2-hour drive to the Pudeto sector, followed by a 30-minute catamaran ride to the Paine Grande Camping site.

The total duration of the tour is 15 hours, with an approximate return to Puerto Natales at 21:00 hours.

Throughout the day, you will hike along Pehoé Lake to the Italiano Campsite and then onward to the French Valley lookout, where they’ll enjoy views of the Hoja, Espada, and Fortaleza peaks before returning by the same route.

Guided Day Trip

The tour itself is a guided day trip, with an English and Spanish-speaking driver accompanying participants throughout the excursion. The driver ensures a smooth and informative journey, providing valuable insights about the local culture, history, and geography.

• Participants will enjoy the convenience of pickup from their accommodation in Puerto Natales.

• The driver will navigate the 2-hour drive to the Pudeto sector, where the group will board a 30-minute catamaran ride to Paine Grande Camping site.

• Throughout the hike, the guide will offer guidance, support, and assistance, ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all.

The guided day trip provides a hassle-free way to explore the breathtaking French Valley in Torres del Paine National Park.

View Three Peaks

The hike to the French Valley lookout offers breathtaking views of the park’s three iconic peaks: Hoja, Espada, and Fortaleza.

These jagged, snow-capped summits are the centerpiece of the trekking experience, showcasing the dramatic landscapes of Torres del Paine. Reaching the lookout point provides an unparalleled vantage to take in the grandeur of these towering mountains.

Hikers can marvel at their rugged beauty and take in the scale of the Patagonian wilderness. The trek to the viewpoint is a highlight of the day, offering a rewarding payoff for the effort of the ascent.

Capturing photos of the three peaks is a must for any visitor to the French Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring a Backpack for the Hike?

Yes, you can bring a backpack for the hike. The tour includes a list of recommended items to bring, and a backpack is allowed as long as it doesn’t exceed the size restrictions for the excursion.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There’s no minimum group size requirement for the tour. Customers can book individually and join a semi-private group. The tour’s inclusions cover transportation, hiking gear, and a guide to accompany the group.

How Difficult Is the French Valley Trek?

The French Valley trek is considered moderately difficult, requiring a good level of fitness. It involves hiking for several hours on uneven terrain with some steep ascents and descents. Hikers must be prepared for challenging conditions and weather changes.

Can I Purchase Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include a box lunch, so hikers should bring their own food and drinks. There are no opportunities to purchase supplies along the trek, so it’s essential to come prepared.

Is There an Opportunity to Take Photos During the Hike?

Absolutely, the tour provides ample opportunities to take photos during the hike. The trails offer stunning views of the French Valley, allowing participants to capture the breathtaking landscape and natural beauty of the Torres del Paine National Park.

The Sum Up

The Torres del Paine: French Valley Trekking offers an unforgettable adventure through stunning Patagonian landscapes. Participants embark on a guided day trip featuring a scenic drive, catamaran ride, and hike to the breathtaking French Valley lookout. This exhilarating excursion requires good fitness, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking remarkable views of the Hoja, Espada, and Fortaleza peaks.

You can check if your dates are available here: