Experience – Lago Grey – Torres del Paine, Chile.
- Address: Mirador Lago Grey, Torres de Paine, Región de Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena, Chile (Google Maps)
- Hours: All Day
- Recommended Time: 2 hours – All Day
- How to Arrive: By car, walking
- Ideal Month(s): November – March
Lago Grey (Grey Lake) is a glacially fed lake in Torres del Paine National Park, southern Chile. The lake is surrounded by the rocky masses leading to the Southern Ice Fields. Its grey waters are covered in ice sediment and massive floating icebergs. Lago Grey can reach depths of more than five hundred meters and has been declared an International Biosphere Reserve.
Glacier Grey encompasses 270 square kilometers. The size, power, and beauty of Glacier Grey makes it one of the most iconic sights in the Torres del Paine National Park. The most popular activities to do on Lago Grey are kayaking, canoeing, and taking a boat tour. Photography tours are popular due to the beautiful landscape.
Ways to Experience Lago Grey
Trekking on the W Trek
The W Trek path in Torres del Paine leads hikers along the side of Lago Grey. Mirador Grey (Grey Viewpoint) is a spectacular viewing platform for expansive sights across Lago Grey and Glacier Grey. There’s also an additional, closer viewpoint several kilometers beyond Mirador Grey..
Trekking on the Full Circuit (AKA the O Circuit)
The John Garner Pass is the most challenging portion of the Torres del Paine Full O Circuit. However, the view is well worth it. The O Trek route takes hikers to 1,200+ meters above sea level and provides spectacular views of Lago Grey and Glacier Grey. From this viewpoint, trekkers are able to see more of Glacier Grey, in addition to the entire Southern Ice Field. The views are more expansive than what trekkers see from Mirador Grey on the W Trek.
Kayak Tours
Kayak tours are available for visitors who want to take up close pictures of Glacier Grey and Lago Grey from different viewpoints. From the water, the glacier looks even more powerful and breathtaking. Kayaking tours allow visitors to have a closer exploration of the Glacier Grey, while experiencing a leisurely paddle around Lago Grey.
Boat Trips
The most common way to see the amazing scenery of Glacier Grey is via a cruise across Lago Grey. The ferry-style boat crosses the water and passes floating icebergs along the way. Views of the snow-capped mountains create a stunning backdrop for Glacier Grey. Boat rides take visitors to Glacier Grey’s massive face for a closer view of the glacier ice. This position is arguably one of the best and most comfortable views you will have on Lago Grey. Tours leave from Refugio Grey, and round trip tours last about three hours. Additionally, there are one-way trips available that last 2 hours and drop trekkers off where you can pick up either the W Circuit or the O Circuit.
Ice Hiking
Guided ice hiking tours typically start and end at Glacier Grey Base Camp, which is located on the northeast edge of Lago Grey. A 15-minute boat ride takes trekkers from camp to the west side of the glacier. From there, trekkers strap on crampons and trek up the side of Glacier Grey. This method allows visitors to get up close and personal with Glacier Grey. Hikers have the chance to experience rivers, lagoons, tunnels, and cracks in the multi-toned blue ice.
