French Valley Hike (Valle Frances) in Torres del Paine
5.0 / 5 · 2 traveler reviews
The French Valley Hike in Torres del Paine is one of the most stunning day treks in Patagonia. This guided tour takes travelers into the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, with visits to Lake Pehoé, Paine Grande, and the breathtaking French Valley viewpoint. Along the way, you'll witness iconic landscapes such as the Cuernos del Paine, hanging glaciers, and dramatic granite peaks. What makes this experience special is the combination of varied scenery, the chance to explore one of the most scenic sections of the famous W Trek, and the opportunity to hike deep into the park without needing to carry camping gear or plan a multi-day route. It's the perfect one-day adventure for nature lovers who want a taste of Patagonia’s wild beauty.
Your experience
Stop 1
* Pickup and Journey to Torres del Paine * We start the day in Puerto Natales, where we board a van headed for Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile. To reach the starting point of our hike, we take a catamaran across the lake to the Paine Grande refuge.
Stop 2
* Hike to the French Valley Lookout * From there, we grab our trekking poles and begin hiking along the northern shore of Lake Pehoé. With the dramatic Cuernos del Paine peaks overhead, we follow the central stretch of the W Circuit for about three hours until we reach the French Valley viewpoint. At the top, we take a well-deserved break to enjoy the incredible views, take photos, have lunch, and rest.
Stop 3
* Return Journey and Catamaran to Pudeto * After a one-hour break, we retrace our steps along the same trail back through the French Valley. We return to the Paine Grande refuge and board the catamaran to Pudeto. Once we complete the 12.5-mile (20 km) trek, our van takes us back to Puerto Natales, bringing our French Valley Trek in Torres del Paine to a close.
What’s included
- Transport
- Experienced Guide
- Hiking poles
Not included
- Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park (approx. USD 30)
- Pudeto catamaran ticket (approx. USD 50)
- Lunch (includes lunchbox in private service)
Before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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