Lago Sarmiento to Laguna Amarga Hike, Torres del Paine

Perfect for families, this full-day excursion combines gentle hikes and scenic drives for an in-depth look at some of Torres del Paine National Park's lesser-visited highlights. After a pickup in Puerto Natales, transfer to Lago Sarmiento, where you'll trek to find prehistoric cave paintings made by Patagonia's Tehuelche people. Spot diverse birdlife and mountain vistas as you hike toward Laguna Amarga, then drive deeper into the park and refuel with a picnic lunch beside a rushing waterfall. End with a final hike around Cañadón Macho, where your guide will help you spot wildlife like guanacos, foxes, and condors.

This family-friendly hiking excursion gives you an in-depth look at Torres del Paine's natural wonders and wildlife, with a distance of 4 miles (6 km) that's manageable for most fitness levels. It starts early when your guide picks you up in Puerto Natales, and you sit back and enjoy the scenic 1.5-hour drive to Lago Sarmiento. Here, you'll start the day with an hour-long hike to discover a series of fascinating 6,000-year-old cave paintings left behind by the area's first inhabitants.

Continue to Laguna Blanquillos, a tranquil spot that attracts rare and endemic birds, such as caiquénes (upland geese) and striking black-necked swans. Next, it's a two-hour hike to reach the Laguna Amarga gate, the main access point to Torres del Paine National Park. While here, you'll have time to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings before hopping back in the car for a short drive to Cascada Paine, where you'll enjoy a picnic lunch beside the waterfall with an uninterrupted view of the park's famous granite torres (towers).

Rested and refueled, set off on a final hike toward Cañadón Macho, well-known for its abundant wildlife, including guanacos, gray foxes, condors, black-chested eagles, and if you're lucky, even the elusive puma! Your guide will share the secrets of the park's diverse ecosystems, and you'll end the day with an up-close look at the region's diverse fauna and biodiversity. As sunset approaches, part ways with your guide for the transfer back to Puerto Natales.