Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
398
where you can stop for a coffee or spend the night. D
on't give up—the Torres do not
come into full view until the very end.
3 hr. one-way. Difficult.
Mirador Nordenskjold
The trail head for this walk begins near the Pudeto catama-
ran dock. This trail begins with an up-close visit to the crashing S alto Grande waterfall.
Then it winds thr ough Antarctic beech and thorny bush to a lookout point with dra-
matic views into the F rench Valley and the C uernos, looking o ver Lago N ordenskjold.
This trail is a good place to see wildflo wers in the spring.
1 hr. one-way. 5km. Easy.
Valle Francés (French Valley)
There are several ways to hike this trail. From Refu-
gio Pehoé, you'll pass by the blue waters of Lake Skottsberg and through groves of Chil-
ean firebush and open views of the granite spires behind Los Cuernos. From Refugio Los
Cuernos, you won't see French Valley until you're in it. A short walk through the camp-
ground leads hikers to dir ect vie ws of the hanging glacier that descends fr om P aine
Grande, and enthusiastic hikers can continue the steep climb up into the v alley itself for
a view of French Valley's enormous granite amphitheater.
Departing from Refugio Pehoé or Refugio Los Cuernos. 2
1
/
2
-4
1
/
2
hr. one-way. 8km. Moderate to difficult.
OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK
Horseback Riding
A horseback ride in Torres del P aine can be one of the most enjo yable ways to see the
park. Both Hotel Las Torres and Explora have their own stables, but only the hotel has
daily horseback rides, ev en to the R efugios Chileno and Los C uernos; its Punta Arenas
office is at M agallanes 960 (
&
/fax
61/226054
). The full-day trips cost $125 (£84) per
person, and they leave from the hotel. For longer, multiday horseback-riding trips, con-
tact
Chile Nativo Expeditions,
Eberhart 230 (
&
61/411835;
www.chilenativo.com).
Chile Nativo can plan custom-made journeys within the par k and to little-known areas,
some of which include an introduction to the gaucho and
estancia
way of life. Most trips
require prior experience.
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