An adventure to the Base of the Towers

Located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, you’ll find a trekking adventure full of surprises! If you’re up for a challenge and ready to experience breathtaking mountain scenery, set out on the 22km round trip hike to check out the legendary “Torres del Paine.”

With an approximate trekking time of 8hrs, the Base of the Towers is considered the most iconic viewpoint in Torres del Paine National Park. Along the journey, you’ll trek through native “lenga” trees, alongside of many glistening, turquoise rivers and beneath dreamy snow-capped peaks. The Base of the Towers is an impressive sight and every morning it motivates hikers to set out in the early morning hours with hopes to catch the first rays of sunlight dance over the three majestic peaks.

The adventure itself has a beginning altitude of 120-meters and at the Base of the Towers there is a final altitude of 870-meters. The journey starts by crossing over the Ascensio River on an old suspension bridge and up a trail filled with switchbacks that gradually take you deeper into the Ascensio Valley. While ascending, you’ll have stunning views of the surrounding Patagonian landscapes, as the trail winds you through harsh and windswept vegetation. At last, you’ll cross over a second bridge and arrive to Refugio Chileno, a nice resting point to eat a snack or use the restroom.

Refugio Chileno sits beside the Ascensio River and is sheltered by a luscious, green forest of lenga trees. After a short rest, you’ll continue trekking through the refreshing, organic forest that snakes you further into the valley. Along the way there will be many small streams of fresh glacier water summersaulting down from both Mt. Cerro Paine and Mt. Almirante Nieto, so make sure to refill your water!

After approximately one hour, you’ll emerge from the forest and will be left with an astounding view of the entire Ascencio Valley and the challenge that lies before you. From this point, the trail becomes steep and the terrain changes into a rocky moraine. You’ll follow the moraine upwards underneath a canopy of windswept trees, all while crisscrossing over small, babbling streams. During the final push, you’ll arrive to an ocean of boulders and rocks stretched out before you. Make sure to follow the orange trail markers that will lead you to your final destination, the Base of the Towers!

Three sheer granite peaks and a brilliant, glistening glacier lake below will welcome you as you arrive to the Base of the Towers. Take some time to absorb the unique landscape and congratulate yourself for completing the challenge! Not only will you be blown away by the magnificent beauty of the towers, but also the impressive Peineta and Nido de Cóndores mountains sitting beside them. Take in a deep breath and enjoy the remarkable scenery around you!

If you would like to experience this incredible landscape in the heart of Chilean Patagonia- check out this link for more information: www.vertice.travel/en