Refugio Los Cuernos to Refugio Las Torres, The O Circuit, Torres del Paine National Park - November 2012

The weather was fine but a little overcast today, the view south over Lago Nordenskjöld was still a good one though.

Waking this morning and looking out the window revealed another fine day for our penultimate days trekking. We had a short day ahead of us today which meant that breakfast was a relaxing affair this morning. With breakfast finished we said our goodbyes to our porters who were heading off from here on to there next adventure, as we lingered on the deck of the refuge chatting and taking photos, before eventually shouldering our packs and setting off for Refugio Las Torres.

We got off to a relaxing start to the day today... lingering on the desk at Refugio Cuernos for awhile.

Cuernos del Paine towers over Refugio Cuernos.

We said our goodbyes to our porters this morning.

The track today followed the northern shoreline of Lago Nordenskjold initially. The country was fairly open and rocky which provided panoramic views over Lago Nordenskjold, the turquoise lake looking slightly less bright under the overcast skies this morning. Just after leaving Los Cuernos we crossed Rio Bader which drains Valle Bader, an untracked valley that penetrates into the massif from the south. A little later we stopped at one of the many rocky outcrops that line the track for a group photo, allowing our guides Mauricio and Nico to unleash their latent photography skills. After the photo op it was a short walk to the Rio del Arriero where we stopped for an early lunch, with the group spreading out along the bank searching for a flat spot to sit in the rocky terrain.

Leaving Refugio Cuernos this morning we got one look back at Glacier Frances.

We started our day off tracking along the northern shoreline of Lago Nordenskjöld again.

Lago Nordenskjöld, Torres Del Paine National Park.

Lago Nordenskjöld, Torres Del Paine National Park.

The track started to head away from Lago Nordenskjold after lunch, gradually climbing, passing the small Laguna Inge before crossing a low saddle where we got our first view of Hosteria Las Torres in the distance. The promise of a relaxing afternoon in the sun drinking cerveza and relaxing kept me motivated now. The only obstacle between us and the camp was the gently swinging suspension bridge over the Rio Ascencio which caused a few heart palpitations for some in our group.

Re-filling our water bottles - it was a low stress days walking today.

That's Valle Bader in the background - from what I can understand this is an untracked valley.

Easy walking on the W today.

That's still Lago Nordensköld in front of us - yes, it's a bloody big lake!

After tracking along the northern shoreline of Lago Nordenskjold for the best part of a day the end is in sight.

Our happy little group.

Once we arrived at camp we once again organised our tents, before heading for the showers and then regrouped at the bar in Refugio Los Torres where Ann and Bernadette were staying. I did indeed have a relaxing afternoon having a few drinks and chatting with new friends who now felt like old friends. Dinner that night was in the camp tent and Nico had prepared a great meal for us although the vegetarian option was a bit light on for Petra. After dinner Fred, Petra and I headed to the hotel to make use of their wifi and their power outlets, at same time Fred and I ordered a big Patagonian hamburger each which we ate while guiltily looking over our shoulders hoping Nico didn't come in. Getting back to the tents well after dark sleep came easily. 

Time for one more break.

Lago Nordenskjöld

Looking back along Lago Nordensköld - I'm thinking that you wouldn't see it this still very often.

Lago Inge

Lago Inge, Torres Del Paine National Park.

After seven days of stunning walking Refugio Las Torres has just come back into view.

The Dirt.

I walked around 11 kilometres and climbed around 150 metres on what was a pretty easy walk today. Over the seven days of my Torres Del Paine adventure so far I've walked around 110.5 kilometres and climbed around 3200 metres. The track today was once again pretty well constructed and water was fairly easily available. We camped at Refugio Las Torres tonight however there is also a refuge if a bed was needed. If the budget stretches far enough then there is also a flash hotel as well. I used the notes and basic map out of Cicerones Torres Del Paine - Trekking In Chile's Premier National Park.

Relevant Posts.

Day 6 of this walk, 2012.

Dropping down towards the Rio Ascensio.

Monte Almirante, yes the highlights continued to the end.

Torres Del Paine National Park.

The final suspension bridge over the Rio Ascensio was a little on the wobbly side.

Back at Campamento Las Torres - the circuit part of our walk was now over.