Mirador Valle del Francés: A Panoramic Jewel in Torres del Paine
Hike to the heart of Torres del Paine for unparalleled views of glaciers, granite peaks, and the stunning French Valley.
Mirador Valle del Francés, or French Valley Lookout, offers a breathtaking panorama of Torres del Paine National Park's heart. This moderately challenging hike rewards visitors with stunning views of granite peaks, glaciers, and lush valleys, showcasing the raw beauty of Chilean Patagonia.
A brief summary to Mirador Valle del Francés
- Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, CL
- Visit website
Local tips
- Start early to avoid crowds and ensure you catch the ferry from Pudeto to Paine Grande.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots and layers of clothing, as the weather in Patagonia can change rapidly.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited options for purchasing supplies along the trail.
- Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for strong winds and potential rain.
- Listen for the sounds of avalanches from the French Glacier – a truly unforgettable experience.
Getting There
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Hiking & Catamaran
The most common approach to Mirador Valle del Francés involves a combination of bus, catamaran, and hiking. 1. **From Puerto Natales:** Take a bus to Pudeto. Buses typically cost $15-$30 USD one way. Companies like Bus-Sur operate this route. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. 2. **Catamaran to Paine Grande:** From Pudeto, take the catamaran across Lake Pehoé to Paine Grande. The catamaran ride takes about 30 minutes. 3. **Hike to Mirador Valle del Francés:** From Paine Grande Refugio, the hike to Mirador Valle del Francés is approximately 18.5 km (11.5 miles) round trip and takes 7-8 hours. The trail is rated as moderate to hard, with an elevation gain of 549 meters (1801 feet). **Costs:** * Bus from Puerto Natales to Pudeto: $15 - $30 USD one way. * Catamaran from Pudeto to Paine Grande: Check current pricing with the ferry operator. Prices may vary. * Park Entrance Fee: A park entrance fee is required. As of 2024, the cost for foreigners is approximately $32 USD for up to 3 days or $45 USD for more than 3 days. Purchase tickets online in advance.
Discover more about Mirador Valle del Francés
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Campamento Italiano
3.6 km
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Campground Los Perros (Vertice)
8.6 km
A secluded Patagonian campsite offering essential services for trekkers tackling the challenging 'O' Circuit in Torres del Paine.
Refugio Grey
8.6 km
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Camping Paine Grande
9.4 km
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Refugio & Camping Vertice Paine Grande
9.4 km
Your gateway to adventure in Torres del Paine National Park, offering comfort and convenience amidst stunning Patagonian landscapes.
Hosteria Pehoe
12.4 km
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Hotel Las Torres Patagonia
12.7 km
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Refugio Las Torres/ Camp Norte
13.5 km
Your basecamp for exploring the iconic Torres del Paine, offering comfort and access to breathtaking Patagonian adventures.
Explora Patagonia Hotel Salto Chico
14.7 km
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Hotel Lago Grey - Torres del Paine Chile
15.2 km
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Torres Del Paine
18.7 km
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Refugio laguna amarga
19.2 km
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Estancia Lazo
22.0 km
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Sarmiento Lake
22.4 km
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Daudet Mountain
23.2 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Mirador Británico
0.9 km
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Cerro Paine Grande
3.3 km
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Cordillera del Paine
4.1 km
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Cordillera de Paine
4.7 km
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Nordenskjöld Lake
6.2 km
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Torrel del Paine Central
6.4 km
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Torre del Paine Norte
6.8 km
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Mont Almirante Nieto
6.9 km
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Glacier los Perros
7.0 km
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Mirador Cuernos
7.1 km
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Glaciar Los Perros
7.2 km
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Lago Skottsberg
7.2 km
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Grey Refuge Trailhead
8.3 km
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Mirador Glaciar Grey
8.8 km
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Salto Grande Lookout
9.2 km
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Essential places to dine
Restaurant Pehoe Barbecue
13.8 km
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Hostería Mirador Del Payne
22.0 km
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Hostería Lago del Toro
27.6 km
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Hotel del Paine
27.7 km
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Hotel Estancia Cerro Guido
42.3 km
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El Ovejero
57.9 km
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Natives of Patagonia
58.0 km
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Restó del Glaciar Perito Moreno
58.8 km
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Hotel Posada 3 Pasos
63.1 km
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The Singular Patagonia, Puerto Bories Hotel
86.1 km
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The Singular Patagonia restaurant
86.1 km
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La Pulperia del Chabón
89.7 km
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Quidu
89.9 km
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Volpi Bistró Puertas Adentro
89.9 km
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Restaurant Cormoran
90.0 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Camping Lago Pehoe
13.9 km
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Rio Pingo
18.0 km
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Camping Laguna Azul
25.9 km
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Patagonia Camp
35.9 km
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Perito Moreno Glacier
55.2 km
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Perito Moreno Glacier Base
55.8 km
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Hostería El Pionero
56.9 km
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Glaciar Perito Moreno
57.5 km
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MiniMarket El Pionero
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Hotel Estancia El Ovejero Patagónico
57.9 km
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Perito Moreno Glacier Walkways
58.0 km
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Los Glaciares National Park
65.8 km
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Mylodon Cave Natural Monument
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Parque Nacional Los Glaciares
74.5 km
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Simple Patagonia
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Restaurante Pehoe
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Río Baguales
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Tauke - Aike
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El Paso
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Glaciarium Patagonian Ice Museum
88.6 km
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Shackleton Solo
89.9 km
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Wine & Market Patagonia
90.0 km
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Baguales Brewpub
90.2 km
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Onde' los Gatos Bar
90.2 km
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CLUB CALAFATE RESTOBAR
90.2 km
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Pierrot Bistró Lobby Bar
90.2 km
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El Puesto Restobar
90.2 km
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Patio Bar 209
90.3 km
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Ice Bar Natales
90.4 km
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El antro PATAGONICO
90.4 km
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