Is this tour available all year round?

No, it is only offered from October to April since the rest of the months are winter season and, therefore, weather conditions are not the best to guarantee the safety of all travelers.

What type of clothing should I wear?

We recommend wearing warm and waterproof clothing, gloves, hat and hiking boots. It is essential to wear gloves as they are mandatory because in case of a fall, the ice can cut your hands.

How long is the Grey Glacier trekking?

This tour has a total duration of 5 hours, of which you will spend about 2 and a half hours walking on the ice. If you are looking for an option that requires less physical demands, there is the possibility of doing a tour of only 3 hours, but without stepping on the ice. If you need more information contact us and we will tell you all the details.

How can I walk on the Grey Glacier in Torres del Paine?

You will walk on the ice with the help of crampons, a small metal structure that will be attached to your shoes. For this reason, it is advisable to wear the hardest possible mountain shoes. The guide will help you put on the crampons to ensure that you wear them correctly. Before you start walking, he will also give you the necessary indications and help you practice a little bit in the area to be able to walk on the glacier safely.

How long will I walk on the ice?

You walk on the glacier itself for approximately 2 and a half hours.

Group of hikers with crampons walking on Grey Glacier in Torres del Paine

Group of adventurers in waterproof gear watching Grey Glacier from Nunatak Island

walking on Grey Glacier in Torres del Paine

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Ice Hike Grey Glacier

Ice Trekking with Crampons on Grey Glacier in Torres del Paine

(6 reviews)

Puerto Natales

1 day

Spanish and English

Starts: From the meeting point "Grey Base Camp" located inside Torres del Paine Park at 8:30 am or 2:30 pm (depending on the selected option).

Ends: To the meeting point "Grey Base Camp" 5 hours after the start of the trek (depending on the selected option).

Free cancellation!

Briefing

The 5-hour Grey Glacier Ice Hike is the only tour that lets you walk on the ice of this iconic Torres del Paine glacier. Along with kayaking on Grey Glacier, it's one of just two adventure activities available on the glacier itself.

The tour starts near the Grey sector of Torres del Paine. Once the group is assembled, you'll take a zodiac boat to a beach near the glacier wall. From there, it's a one-hour hike across the glacier moraine to the access point. After a safety briefing from your guide, you'll begin a two-and-a-half-hour hike on the glacier ice using crampons.

Choose your departure time and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. We’ll explain everything below 😊

Tour details

Included

Certified guide
Transfer by zodiac boat
Snack
Hot drink
Equipment: helmet, backpack, ice axe, harness and crampons.

Not included

Entrance fees to Torres del Paine National Park
Transportation to the meeting point at "Base Grey"

Important information

📍 MEETING POINT

The tour starts and ends at Grey Base Camp located 10 minutes walk from Grey Camping and "refugio", inside Torres del Paine National Park. Please note:

To be able to take the tour on the first shift it is essential to be staying at the Grey Camping or "refugio" the night before.
To be able to do the tour in the last shift it is essential to stay at the Camping or "refugio" Grey at the end of the activity.

In the booking form you must indicate the night you are staying at Camping or "refugio" Grey so that your reservation can be confirmed.

🚫 RESTRICTIONS

Children under 14 years old
Over 65 years old
The tour is physically demanding, so it is not advisable for people with heart problems, mobility problems, pregnant women, etc.

⛅ WEATHER

In case of unfavorable weather conditions, the tour may be cancelled. In that case, a full refund of the amount paid or an alternative time/date (subject to availability) will be offered.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellations!

If you cancel at least 4 days before the tour begins, you will be refunded 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of a no-show, no refunds will be provided.

Tour itinerary

Grey glacier ice trekking - 5 hours

Difficulty: high

Duration: 5 hours

Total distance: 2 miles (3 km approx)

Season: summer (September-April)

Group size: 12 travelers

📍 Meeting Point - Grey Base Camp

The Grey Glacier tour starts at the base camp located in the Grey beach sector, inside the Torres del Paine National Park. Below, in the section Where the tour starts, we give you all the details you need to know how to get there.

Zodiac Ride to the Grey Glacier Moraine

Once the group is gathered, you’ll board the zodiac boat with your guide and sail for about 20 minutes to reach the main tongue of Grey Glacier.

You’ll disembark near the glacier wall and, following your guide’s instructions, begin a roughly one-hour hike across the glacial moraine until you reach the ice.

landscape of the grey glacier by the lake

Hike on the Ice of Grey Glacier

Before heading out onto the glacier, the guide will give you a safety talk explaining the techniques of moving on ice and the correct use of equipment. Once the theory is finished, the ice adventure begins!

You will hike on the ice for two and a half hours, during which you will be able to enjoy observing its crevasses, rivers, lagoons, tunnels and even ice caves.

hikers hiking on the grey glacier ice walk

Return to Grey Base Camp

Once the ice trek is over, you’ll hike back down the glacier moraine to the beach where you first landed. There, you’ll board the boat for the return trip to Grey Base Camp, where snacks and hot drinks will be waiting for you— the perfect way to wrap up this Patagonian adventure.

group at the end of grey glacier trekking

What to bring to Ice Hike Grey Glacier tour

During the Grey Glacier trek, you will walk on the glacier. It is important to be well-equipped due to the region’s changing weather conditions. At Howlanders, we recommend dressing in layers, as this allows you to adjust your clothing according to changes in weather and activity level.

Here are some recommendations:

Clothing Layers

Base Layer: long-sleeve or thermal shirt
Mid Layer: a sweater or fleece to retain heat
Outer Layer: waterproof and windproof jacket to protect against cold and rain

Pants: preferably trekking or waterproof pants

Footwear: waterproof trekking boots with good grip. Make sure they are comfortable and well-fitted, as crampons will be attached to the boots

Accessories

Gloves: preferably waterproof
Hat
Sunglasses
Socks: preferably high and comfortable to avoid rubbing inside the boots
Small backpack: to carry water, snacks, and anything else you need during the tour
Sunscreen
Water and snacks

Where does the tour Ice Hike Grey Glacier start

The Grey Glacier Ice Trekking tour starts and ends at Grey Base Camp (inside Torres del Paine National Park), located in the Grey Beach area and a 10 minute walk from the Grey "refugio" and Campground. The tour is designed for those travelers who are already inside the national park doing one of the Macizo Paine circuits.

If you plan to travel from Puerto Natales to the Grey Base Camp solely for the tour, keep in mind that you will need to spend at least one night at the Grey "refugio" or Camping to fully enjoy this experience. There are 2 options to get to Grey Base Camp from Puerto Natales:

"Grey III" boat: The Grey III boat connects Hotel Grey with "refugio" Grey through Grey Lake in a journey of approximately 45 minutes. It will be necessary to be at the Grey Hotel one hour before the departure time to check in. You can see the schedule and buy the ticket here. To get from Puerto Natales to the Grey Hotel you will have to take a regular bus or book a private transportation on your own.
"Hielos Patagónicos" Catamaran (Pudeto - Paine Grande): The Patagonian Ice Catamaran connects Pudeto with Paine Grande through Lake Pehohe in approximately 30 minutes. It will be necessary to show up in advance at the Pudeto pier to buy the catamaran ticket and check-in. You can check the schedule and fares here. To get from Puerto Natales to Pudeto you will have to take a regular bus or book a private transport on your own. Once in Paine Grande, you will have to walk for 4 - 5 hours and 11 km until you reach Sector Grey.

Questions & Answers

Is this tour available all year round?
No, it is only offered from October to April since the rest of the months are winter season and, therefore, weather conditions are not the best to guarantee the safety of all travelers.
What type of clothing should I wear?
We recommend wearing warm and waterproof clothing, gloves, hat and hiking boots. It is essential to wear gloves as they are mandatory because in case of a fall, the ice can cut your hands.
How long is the Grey Glacier trekking?
This tour has a total duration of 5 hours, of which you will spend about 2 and a half hours walking on the ice. If you are looking for an option that requires less physical demands, there is the possibility of doing a tour of only 3 hours, but without stepping on the ice. If you need more information contact us and we will tell you all the details.
How can I walk on the Grey Glacier in Torres del Paine?
You will walk on the ice with the help of crampons, a small metal structure that will be attached to your shoes. For this reason, it is advisable to wear the hardest possible mountain shoes. The guide will help you put on the crampons to ensure that you wear them correctly. Before you start walking, he will also give you the necessary indications and help you practice a little bit in the area to be able to walk on the glacier safely.
How long will I walk on the ice?
You walk on the glacier itself for approximately 2 and a half hours.

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Ice Hike Grey Glacier

Puerto Natales, 1 day

Free cancellation!

(6 reviews)