Grey Glacier and Lake (Lago Grey)

Grey Glacier is one of the chief attractions of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. At one end is the Patagonian Ice Field and at the other a 40-metre wall of ice, which smashes ice blocks into Grey Lake below. And with them, glacial rock flour, which gives Grey Lake its milky blue color.

The Glacier covers a total area of 270 square kilometers and it's 28km long. Like all Torres del Paine's glaciers, it is retreating.

What to do
Both independent and organized activities are possible. Here's a selection:

Trekking
Both the Torres del Paine Circuit and the W trek pass Grey Mirador, from where you can see the Glacier face. The best land-based views though are from the John Gardner Pass, which is on the Circuit Trek. From there, you can also see across to the Patagonian Ice Field.

Getting Up Close
If you want to get really close, Grey II sails from Hosteria Lago Grey right up to the Glacier face. The journey there takes an hour.

Ice Hiking
If that's not close enough, you can actually hike on the glacier. Tour operators in Puerto Natales can organize trips.

Where to Stay
Lakeshore accommodation comes in two forms: Refugio Grey and Hosteria Lago Grey.

Refugio Grey
Grey Refugio has the closest accommodation to the face of the Glacier (apart from camping). In fact, it's right next to a beach, from where campers can watch icebergs float by. Basic shared rooms are from $34 full board, and camping is $22 full board. You can also hire tents, sleeping bags and mats here.

The Refugio can only be reached by hiking - the nearest road is at Hosteria Lago Grey - see below.

Hosteria Lago Grey
Further away from the Grey Glacier, but with great views of the iceberg-loaded Grey Lake, Hosteria Grey is a good choice if you don't want to hike, as it can be reached by road. It has 30 rooms, singles, doubles and triples, all ensuite, a restaurant, a bar and an outdoor deck. There's also internet access.

As well as boat trips to the face of the glacier, The Hosteria is set up for guided treks and other activities.

Other Hotels
Other Hotels in Torres del Paine include The gorgeous Hosería Pehoé and the world-renowned Hotel Salto Chico.

Trekking

Torres del Paine W
A guide to trekking the W

Torres del Paine Circuit
A guide to trekking the Circuit

Torres del Paine W v The Circuit
Which is right for you

Torres del Paine Refugios and Camping
Accommodation for Trekkers

Places

Pehoe Lake
A guide to Torres del Paine's most beautiful lake

Tours

Torres del Paine - most beautiful place on earth
Trekking, kayaking, horse riding and other activities.

Torres del Paine National Park Guide
Why the Park is hailed as the most beautiful place on earth.