Mirador Britanico from Paine Grande, WW

Overview
This hike is part of the W trek in the Las Torres National Park in Chilean Patagonia.


Warning
Weather in Patagonia is unpredictable, even in the summer. Be prepared for rain, wind, sleet, and snow, even on a day that starts sunny and beautiful. Pack appropriate layers.Camping
Camping is allowed at the beginning and end of this hike, but only by reservation. In addition to camping, there are refugios, as well. Refugios are full-service Hostels with beds. Reservations must be secured in advance. There is a minimart, showers, and food available for purchase. At large camping is not allowed.

Hike
This hike starts at the Refugio Paine Grande and ends at the Refugio Frances. Getting to Refugio Paine Grande involves taking a 2-hour bus ride to Estancia Pudeto in Las Torres National Park from the town of Puerto Natales. From Estancia Pudeto, there is a 30-minute ferry ride to Paine Grande. The bus ticket can be reserved and paid for in advance, but the ferry has no reservations. Ferry tickets are cash only paid upon boarding the boat. There are several bus companies to choose from. Bus rides originate at the Rodoviario (bus terminal) in Puerto Natales. Check the ferry times available. Currently, the ferry runs three times a day.

The hike starts at Refugio Paine Grande and heads east. The way is signed, both with word signs at every junction, and along the way by red or orange posts in the ground. The path is well used (think Bright Angel!!), wide, and easy to follow. The views are amazing for the entire hike. The first views are of Lake Pudeto to the south and Cerro Paine Grande to the north. The trail is relatively flat for the first five miles. Perfect to take in the multitude of amazing sites around you. First starting out, you stay right at the first junction (signed clearly) to head towards Campo Italiano. The left fork heads to the Grey sector where there is Glacier Grey and Refugio Gray. After a mile or so, you see Lago Skottsberg which is beautiful and blue. No words can describe how fantastic this area is. We took so many photos! While hiking along the lake, there are several waterfalls, and also the trail becomes a boardwalk off and on to avoid marshy ground. Ahead of you on the trail are views of Cuernos (horns) del Paine (blue). The trail is easygoing. After a few miles, you come to what used to be a junction, but the left fork was decommissioned so you must go right. Soon you come to a long wooden suspension bridge that crosses a raging river coming down the valley. Views are expansive and majestic. Shortly after crossing this bridge, you ascend slightly, and you will see the Campo Italiano area on your left. There used to be camping in this area, but no longer. You will pass through the old camping area while hiking to the lookout and see the area is in restoration. In that same area is the old broken bridge that is no longer usable (from the left fork you did not take previously).

Soon you drop down into the valley and reach a junction. To the right head East towards Frances and the end of the hike. To the left is Campo Italiano where you can leave your full pack and proceed to the miradors with only your small day pack. Campo Italiano has bathrooms, a ranger station, and a large shelf for storage of all the hikers' backpacks. There is another junction before the ranger station that heads up to the miradors. After dropping your pack, head back to that junction and turn left/north toward the miradors.

There are two lookouts on this out-and-back segment. The first is Mirador Frances and the second is Mirador Britanico. The path heads out of the valley and into the forest. Shortly, the ascension begins. The way up to Mirador Frances is very rocky, but not difficult. Again the way is marked by a few signs as well as red wooden poles and even some red spray-painted dots. There are a few areas that are tricky to navigate, but for the most part, it is smooth sailing up to the mirador. Upon reaching Mirador Frances, you will come out of the trees and the wind will greet you in full force along with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. While hiking, booms can be heard as the glaciers fracture and snow clouds can be seen where they fell.

After oohing and aahing at Mirador Frances, continue onward to Mirador Britanico. Soon you are out of the wind again and back in the forest. The path is easygoing. The raging river is always on your left with fabulous mountain views all along the way. The trail comes out of the trees some and into a scrubby Meadow. Back into the forest again, crossing some streams, then you are at the last short and steep ascent to Mirador Britanico. The wind greets you again along with fantastic 360-degree views that are breathtaking. ?❤️

Enjoy a rest, maybe have a snack, greet your fellow hikers (likely there are MANY!), and start your trek back down to Campo Italiano to collect your bag. From Campo Italiano, head east at the junction to Domos Frances. It's mostly flat with some great wildflowers along the way. Camping at Frances is signed and just off the trail. The domos are off to the right down a steep trail toward the water.

Note: A ticket is required to enter Las Torres National Park. This trail is in the interior of the park, and a ticket is required upon entry.

2024-02-12 Vashti