Torres del Paine offers a long list of amazing places to visit. From the majestic granite columns that give the park its name to the jagged horns that pierce the Patagonian sky in Cuernos. We could talk for hours about each of these places, but there is one in particular that you should consider: Francés Valley.
As part of our range of excursions, you can go deep into the lush vegetation of the valley, journeying through a landscape with majestic glaciers hanging from the mountain walls that surround you as you approach the heart of the massif.
Those who have explored the park in its entirety rank this place as one of their undisputed favorites. All the more reason to give you a full account of everything the valley has to offer. This blog will give you all the details you need to decide to join us on this journey and fall in love with a magical place straight out of a dream.
The Francés Valley is named after the glacier of the same name located in this area, but the reason for this name is unclear. The most likely answer is that Europeans from different countries explored the region during the last century, which led to the arrival of people from various nationalities.
Although the story is uncertain, the site’s majestic natural wonders speak for themselves.
At Hotel Las Torres, we offer a special excursion that takes you directly to the valley's hidden gems. It is a full-day activity that, although demanding, pays off handsomely thanks to the natural elements that this experience has to offer.
Remember to bring a fully charged camera battery and an SD card with enough space to capture the entire journey.
The excursion combines three types of experiences in a single day: van ride, boat trip, and hike. This type of adventure allows you to explore Torres del Paine National Park in different ways and at different paces.
The first part of this experience begins early at the hotel, where your guide will brief you on how to get the most out of the day, give you your box lunch, and supply you with hiking poles if you need them.
The van will take you on a tour of the scenic viewpoints along the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld overlooking the Paine Massif, a view that will stay with you for most of the day, allowing you to see different faces of the same mountain in a single day.
The van will drop you off in Pudeto, where you will walk a few meters to embark on your next destination.
Ready to set sail? To board the catamaran, simply join the queue and wait your turn. Your guide will hand your tickets to the captain, and you can then take a seat on the boat. If you are carrying a backpack or large bag, please leave it in the designated spot to avoid possible hazards.
On board the catamaran, sit in one of the many available seats. Each seat has a table where you can sit with your group, have a coffee, or just relax as the boat sets sail.
If the captain allows, and he usually does, you can go up to the upper deck of the catamaran and enjoy the ride with the powerful Patagonian breeze on your face. Hold on to your hats and small objects, they may fly off at any moment.
More adventurous travelers may choose to make the entire journey on the upper deck, enjoying the breeze, the spray from the passing boat, and the impressive 360° views. A once-in-a-lifetime experience in Torres del Paine National Park.
The trip, which takes about an hour, will drop you on the banks of Paine Grande, where you'll continue on to the next challenge of the day.
The next chapter of this story invites you to venture out on foot, taking you on a journey to discover natural wonders that can only be found in this corner of the park.
The route begins in Paine Grande, where you can use the restroom or refill your water bottle before starting the hike. The trail is gentle but long. You will walk approximately 20 kilometers there and back. But trust us, it will be totally worth it.
As you wander along trails flanked by small mountains and rock formations, you will see the remains of the fires that once ravaged the national park. The white, barren forest, a kind of tree graveyard, stands as a reminder of the devastating flames.
One of the most interesting parts of this hike will be at Lake Sköttsberg, where you can see impressive waterspouts: water tornadoes that form on the surface of the lake. This visual spectacle is complemented by the wind lifting the water, transforming it into a curtain woven from thousands of water droplets that fall onto the shores of the lake.
Once you finish walking around the lake, you will reach the foothills of Los Cuernos, rocky walls that rise elegantly out of the forests. These horn shaped mountains look as if sculpted by giants.
You will then cross a wetland on long walkways built to allow nature to grow beneath your feet without damaging the landscape. After finishing this part of the hike, you can relax at the Italiano Camp, have lunch, use the restroom one last time, and then head to the Británico Viewpoint.
The trail will take you through lenga beech forests, where you can see the marks left by woodpeckers on many of the trees. A river will flow alongside you as you reach your first major stop: the Francés Viewpoint.
From here, you can admire the hanging glaciers encrusted on the mountain walls that close off the valley, with their spectacular icy formations and bluish hues. Take your time; the view deserves it.
If your guide thinks you have time, you can continue on to the Británico Viewpoint, a natural amphitheater offering a 360° view of the Francés Valley. Remember that to get back, you must catch the catamaran to Pudeto, so you must make sure that you are able to cover the distance in time to board the boat.
The return trip will follow the western shore of Lake Sköttsberg, where water spouts will bid you farewell to the Francés Valley.
This is one of the many excursions you can experience at Hotel Las Torres. A full-day adventure that lets you get up close and personal with nature, from the aquatic breezes that surround you while sailing, to the spectacular waterspouts that rise above the surface of Lake Sköttsberg, and the stunning contrasts between the forests and rocky cliffs in the valley.
Francés Valley is one of our favorite adventures.