North Tower of Paine - Torres del Paine

Perfect Patagonian Granite on North Tower

This expedition takes us to the heart of Patagonia, and by far one of the most dramatic and beautiful mountain ranges in the world. The Paine Range is located in the Towers of Paine National Park, or Torres del Paine. Some of the hardest climbs in the world lie in this magic land of Patagonia. Startling granite spires jut into the sky as part of our daily geography.

Our route follows the same route first accomplished in 1962 by an Italian team. Climbing this route was an incredible achievement in 1962, and is still considered an impressive challenge today! This very technical route, combined with the legendary Patagonian weather, makes this climb extremely challenging. Aventuras Patagonicas was one of the first companies to do this type of guiding in Patagonia.

We find it tremendously exciting to be able to share this climb with our clients. Guide to client ratios are kept small, with a maximum of 2 clients per guide. Climbers for this expedition need to have previous rock climbing experience and be in top physical condition. Join us and climb a tower in Patagonia!

Itinerary

Day 01
We meet in Punta Arenas, we will pick you up at the airport. Gear check at the hotel and expedition briefing. At dinner we will try some of the fine Chilean cuisine and wines.
Day 02
Spectacular drive to Parque Nacional Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine National Park), one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Drive to Laguna Amarga and establish camp. Arrange horses for next day.
Day 03
Hike to Camp 1 and establish camp. Horses will carry all of our gear to this camp.
Day 04
Carry a load to Camp 2. Follow the Ascencio Valley with a breathtaking view of the Towers of Paine. Horses will take our gear to Camp 1. From here on we will double carry loads to each camp. This will be our advance Base Camp. This spot at the end of the forest is our last protected spot from the strong Patagonian winds.
Day 05
Move to Camp 2.
Day 06
Carry a load to Camp 3, at the base of the Towers.
Day 07
Move to Camp 3, only if not windy.
Day 08
Fix line all the way to the Col Bich, the col where the Central Tower meets with the North Tower. We will be surrounded by impressive steep faces of perfect Patagonian granite: to the west the Fortress and the Shield, to the south the Central and South Towers, to the east the vast Patagonian Pampa, and to the northwest the Southern Patagonia Icefield.
Day 09
Jumar up to Col Bich and keep fixing lines on the North Tower. The North Tower is a Grade V route with climbing difficulties up to 5.10, A2.
Day 10
Possible first summit attempt or descend down to Base Camp for rest and to dry gear, etc.
Day 11
Rest day at Base Camp (Camp 2).
Day 12
Move to Camp 3 again (weather permitting).
Day 13
Early start for the summit. It will be a long day ascending fixed lines all the way to the Balcony at the end of the fixed lines, climbing to the summit, and rappelling down to Camp 3.
Day 14
Down to Base Camp (Camp 2).
Day 15
Down to Camp 1.
Day 16
Down to Laguna Amarga.
Next Day
Drive back to Punta Arenas. End of expedition and celebration dinner. Next day fly home via Santiago or continue traveling in South America.

Note: This itinerary is intended to be a guideline only. Weather days, rest days and some flexibility on the itinerary are always a possibility while on a climbing expedition.