We leave the stables on horseback and ride toward the forest sector of the Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve. Different Patagonian landscapes can be seen, such as the steppe, forests, La Vega (wetland) and the Zamora Valley, in addition to diverse wildlife like guanacos, pumas, condors, caranchos and bandurrias.
This exploration takes us along one section of the W. circuit. We cross Lake Pehoé by catamaran to the Paine Grande shelter, where we will begin our hike to Valle del Francés. We cross lenga forests to the Mirador Británico, a place with 360° views of the natural amphitheater formed by the Horns and imposing rock formations such as the Shark’s Fin and the Fortress.
Our walk begins at the park ranger’s house, from which we will walk along the lagoon shore. We will see a wetland with diverse birds and the Torres del Paine along the way. We reach a viewpoint at the end and then return to the lodge by van.
We will leave the lodge by foot along the shore of Lake Pehoé, observing the lenga and ñierre trees that make up the local flora. We walk up to a viewpoint, from where we will be able to see the expanse of the lake and the Paine range. This walk is a great introduction to the park, as it will allow us to understand where we are and the place around us.