Why do this tour?
This expedition builds the climbing progression before attempting North Tower.
- Three days on granite at Laguna Sofía before entering the park, so you reach the route already moving well on cracks and multi-pitch systems
- The South Ridge, 600 meters of granite graded up to 5.10a, one of the three towers of Torres del Paine
- One guide per one or two climbers, with porter support on the approach
- Four nights in Puerto Natales and a bivouac inside the Torres sector
The preparation days are what let a strong multi-pitch climber take on Patagonian granite.
Overview
Location
Puerto Natales / Torres del Paine National Park
Duration
7 days
Level
Advanced
Discipline
Sport Climbing / Multi-Pitch Climbing / Alpine Rock Climbing
Season
December - March
Group Size
1 - 2 people
Price From
USD 4,100 per person
Dates
On request
North Tower, one of the three iconic granite towers of Torres del Paine, is a beautiful and inspiring climbing objective in the heart of Patagonia.
This 7-day expedition is designed for climbers who want to approach the ascent in a progressive, structured, and well-prepared way.
The first part of the trip takes place in Laguna Sofía, near Puerto Natales, where we spend three days climbing, reviewing rope systems, improving movement on rock, and preparing for the mountain environment.
Laguna Sofía offers excellent terrain for preparation, with sport climbing routes, multi-pitch climbing, and technical practice in a more accessible setting before entering Torres del Paine National Park.
After these preparation days, we continue toward the Torres sector for the guided ascent of North Tower, combining trekking, camping, granite climbing, and the unique atmosphere of Patagonia.
This tour is ideal for climbers with who want to climb in Torres del Paine with a structured preparation process and professional guiding.
Trip Details
Day 1 — Arrival in Puerto Natales & Climbing Preparation
- Arrival in Puerto Natales
- Welcome meeting with the guide
- Equipment check and technical briefing
- Transfer to the Laguna Sofía area
- Introductory sport climbing session
- Review of basic safety systems:
- Belaying
- Communication
- Rope management
- Return to your hotel in Puerto Natales
Objective: Evaluate the climber’s level and begin the technical preparation process.
Day 2 — Sport Climbing in Laguna Sofía
- Breakfast and transfer to Laguna Sofía
- Full day of sport climbing and/or multi-pitch climbing
- Practice safe belaying and rappelling techniques
- Afternoon review with the guide
- Return to your hotel in Puerto Natales
Objective: Build confidence on rock and improve climbing movement before the mountain objective.
Day 3 — Multi-Pitch Climbing & Rope Systems
- Full day in Laguna Sofía
- Climb selected multi-pitch routes according to level and conditions
- Practice:
- Multi-pitch transitions
- Anchor management
- Rope organization
- Belaying from above
- Rappelling
- Communication between climber and guide
- Final equipment preparation for Torres del Paine
- Return to your hotel in Puerto Natales
Objective: Prepare the client for the rhythm and systems used during the ascent of North Tower.
Day 4 — Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine Base Camp
- Transfer from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park
- Park entry and approach trek toward the Torres sector
- Trek to the base camp area, usually Campamento Japonés
- Gear organization at camp
- Weather and route briefing with the guide
- Early dinner and rest
Objective: Enter the mountain environment and prepare for the North Tower ascent.
Day 5 — Approach & Final Preparation for North Tower
- Breakfast at camp
- Approach toward the climbing sector
- Move to a bivouac site close to the tower or to La Playita Camp
- Review of the route plan and descent strategy
- Final rope and equipment preparation
- Rest and early night before the climb
Day 6 — North Tower Climb
- Early start according to the weather forecast and route plan
- Guided ascent of North Tower
- Multi-pitch granite climbing
- Scenic views over Torres del Paine National Park
- Descent with the guide
- Return to Campamento Japonés or Puerto Natales, depending on timing, conditions, and the team’s energy level
The climbing day is adapted to the client’s level, pace, and current conditions. The guide will make all final decisions regarding timing, route choice, and safety.
Objective: Attempt the ascent of North Tower in the best possible conditions.
Day 7 — Trek Out & Return to Puerto Natales
- Breakfast at camp
- Pack equipment
- Trek out through Torres del Paine National Park
- Transfer back to Puerto Natales
- Overnight at your hotel in Puerto Natales
Objective: Exit the park safely and complete the expedition.
Important Note
If the best weather window occurs at the beginning of the week, the guide may decide to adjust the itinerary and climb North Tower earlier in the week. In this case, the preparation days in Laguna Sofía may take place after the climb.
Included
- Certified UIAGM / IFMGA Mountain Guide
- Guiding during the 3 preparation days in Laguna Sofía
- Guiding during the Torres del Paine mountain expedition
- Group technical climbing gear (Ropes, Cams and protection, Anchor and safety systems, Haul bags, if required)
- Camping equipment
- Torres del Paine National Park entrance fees
- 4 nights in Puerto Natales at Hotel Altiplánico, Weskar Lodge, or similar, including breakfast
- Meals during the 4-day North Tower ascent
- Park permits and logistics coordination
- Porter support for Campamento Japonés or La Playita Camp
- Technical briefing and personal equipment checklist before the trip
Not Included
- International or domestic flights
- Meals in Puerto Natales
- Personal climbing clothing and equipment
- Personal hiking equipment
- Personal camping equipment
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips for guides
Safety and Confidence in Patagonia
I took a course with them in Cochamó, where we learned rescue and rock climbing techniques. It was an excellent experience, both for the quality of the instruction and for the safety and confidence they instilled at all times.
Alan Kupfer
Chile
Practical
Info
Requirements
Participants should have:
- Previous climbing experience, with a minimum level of 5.10- / 6a
- Experience belaying on multi-pitch routes
- Basic knowledge of rope systems and climbing safety
- Good physical endurance for long approaches and sustained climbing days
- Motivation to spend several days in a remote mountain environment
Additional Notes
- Previous rock climbing experience is recommended.
- The first three days in Laguna Sofía are designed to prepare the client for the ascent of North Tower.
- The North Tower climb depends on weather, route conditions, and the guide’s safety assessment.
- Patagonia’s weather can change quickly, so flexibility is important.
- The itinerary may be adapted to the client’s level and the conditions.
- At basecamp, you will be part of the team and share daily life with your guide. Everyone contributes to camp life by helping with tasks such as cooking, washing dishes, and keeping the camp organized.
Equipment
Participants must bring:
- Personal climbing gear: comfortable climbing shoes, harness, helmet, 2 locking carabiners, and one 120 cm sling
- Climbing clothing, including warm layers and a waterproof jacket
- Trekking gear
- Camping gear, including a sleeping bag
A detailed equipment and packing list will be provided upon confirmation of your booking.
Payment Conditions
A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance must be paid 60 days before departure. Deposits are non-refundable and services are only confirmed once full payment has been received.
For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
Cancellation
Client cancellations more than 60 days before departure are eligible for an 80% refund. Cancellations within 60 days are non-refundable. Weather, safety, or force majeure events do not generate refunds, but alternative programs may be offered.
See full policy in our Terms & Conditions.
Insurance
Participants are responsible for obtaining their own insurance coverage for the planned activity, including personal liability, assistance, search and rescue, and repatriation, regardless of location or altitude
F.A.Q.
I have experience climbing multipitch routes, but I've never climbed crack or trad routes. Is this trip suitable for me?
Yes. Crack climbing is the main skill you’ll need on the North Tower, and the three preparation days at Laguna Sofía are built around it. Your guide places the protection on the route, so you don’t need previous trad experience. What we do ask is that you’re solid at 5.10a and comfortable belaying on multi-pitch.
What route do we climb, and what is the climbing like?
The South Ridge (Monzino Route), the normal route on the North Tower. It’s around 600 meters of granite over multiple pitches, graded up to 5.10a (6a). Expect cracks, corners, slabs and a few short chimneys.
How fit do I need to be?
The first three days at Laguna Sofía are climbing days with a return to the hotel each night. The demanding part is what follows: an approach trek into the Torres sector with a loaded pack, a night at camp, and then [X–Y] hours of climbing to the summit plus the descent. Endurance matters more here than raw strength.
Do I need mountaineering boots or crampons?
No. The normal route on the North Tower is a rock climb and we do it in approach shoes. Crampons aren’t part of the standard kit, though early-season snow can occasionally change that. If it does, your guide will tell you before the trip.
What happens if the weather doesn't allow the climb?
The guide decides based on the forecast and conditions on the ground. If the window closes, we use the time on other objectives or extend the preparation at Laguna Sofía. There’s no refund for weather, which is why the itinerary is built with flexibility from day one.
Can I do this trip solo?
Yes. Group size is 1 to 2 climbers, so you can book as an individual and climb one-on-one with your IFMGA/UIAGM guide. Two climbers sharing a guide is also possible if you’re travelling with a partner of a similar level.
When does this trip run?
Departures are private and scheduled with you, any date within the December to March season. Get in touch with your preferred dates and we’ll confirm guide availability and the best weather window for that part of the season.
Have more questions?
Please check our FAQs page, and in case you need further help, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
