This hike is an incredible opportunity to see the Towers from elsewhere than the heavily-traveled Base of the Towers trek. Summiting Cerro Paine will not only give you an imposing view over the Towers, but also a 360° lookout on the eastern side of the National Park. The climb is relatively long and steep, making it a high-difficulty rated hike. But the view at the top will make you forget the sweat.

Cerro Paine is the mountain located on the east side of the Paine mountain range, and getting to the top is no easy task. Often, especially in the spring and summer time, the strong Patagonian winds keep you from reaching its abrupt and narrow small stretch of a summit. In the fall and the winter, it is the amount of snow and white winds that might make you have to turn around. But if you reach the top, you will be glancing at the towers from an altitude of 1.550 m (~5,850 ft).

The trail will first take you through the Patagonian pre-andean scrubland, then the nothofagus forest, and finally the andean desert. This last part is made of switch-backs in a never-ending hillside consisting of losen and small rocks. If weather and conditions allow, you will be facing the imposing Towers during most of the climb. Moreover, you will be able to laugh at the indian file of people on the Base of the Towers trail looking like little ants from a distance, while you will be enjoying the silence and solitude this hike provides.

Observations: trekking boots and poles are a must for this excursion, as well as gloves and sun glasses; gaters will be of great help too.

The day begins with a second breakfast in Pito's puesto (gaucho's refuge during summer pasture), out in the middle of nowhere, between mountain ranges and grazing lands. Many are unaware that the upper east side of Torres del Paine National Park is refuge to a big herd of Wild Horses, called Baguales. From his puesto, the veterinarian and local guide has been studying the herd for over 10 years. After a cup of coffee with baileys, he happily shares his project with you.

On this very informative hike, you will not only track and learn about the wild horses, but you will also be able to contemplate the abundant native flora and fauna. Pito will take you off trail in a restricted area of the National Park, where not many have set foot before you.