French Valley (W Smart)

From 06:00 we start the Pick Up in Puerto Natales and then headed to Pudeto area to cross Pehoé Lake on a catamaran (not included in the price)*, to the Paine Grande refuge. From there, we start our trek to the Valle del Francés by a clear path, which runs along the north shore of Lake Pehoé. In a few minutes there is a light ascent that allows us to leave the lake behind us and appreciate the Cuernos del Paine ahead (2,600 meters above sea level).

After 30 minutes Lake Skottsberg is reached, known for the occasional whirlwinds that the wind forms in its waters. The trail continues along the western shore of the lake, overlooking the Paine Grande (3,050 m). During the walk, several watersheds come from the slopes of the hills and cross the path. We continue towards the Italiano Camp with a spectacular setting, facing the Paine Grande and the French Glacier. From here you can continue towards the interior of the valley, one of the most beautiful corners of the whole park.

The route into Valle del Frances (the intermediate vertical line of the "W") starts at the Italiano Camp. After an hour and a half, we will arrive at an open and windy place, called Frances Lookout (680 masl).

After concluding with the view of this wonderful landscape we will start the return to the Paine Grande area to board the boat that brings us back to Pudeto, and go back to Puerto Natales, arriving at the end of the day.

*Navigation Lake Pehoé $70 dollars round trip.