Overview
The ideal adventure for independent hikers wanting to experience the W Trek without guides, set dates or pre-departure planning. You’ll visit Torres del Paine’s three main highlights: the grandiose Towers, stirring French Valley and bewitching Grey Glacier. We prepare everything: briefing you beforehand, booking all services and providing a secure place to store your luggage.
Trip Highlights
• Complete W Trek • Independent Hike – Enjoy at Your Own Pace! • Trek to the Three Towers Base Lookout • See Hanging Glaciers in the French Valley • Get Close to the Immense Grey Glacier • Optional Grey Glacier Ice Hike or Kayaking Excursion on Grey Lake! • All Logistics & Reservations Organized for You!
Trip length
5 DAYS
Trip Level
ADVANCED
From USD
$1.095 per person
Start / End
PUERTO NATALES
Spaces:
NO MIN OR MAX
Season SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBRE JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Torres del Paine, Self Guided Round-Trip HIke to the Towers Lookout 2 hours by public bus 30 miunute shuttle transfer 8-9 hours hiking roundtrip, 22km Night at Camping or Refugio Las Torres (BL-D)
By 6:45AM you must be at the Bus Terminal in Puerto Natales where you will board the 7AM public bus which will take you straight to Torres del Paine National Park. The route passes grand estancias (ranches) and flat pampas, with many possibilities of spotting ñandus (Patagonian ostrich), guanacos, and a variety of bird species. At Laguna Amarga, the main entrance to the Park, you will collect your park entrance which is included in your program, then board a shuttle bound for your Refugio (Las Torres Sector). Here, you’ll leave your backpack at your accommodation and take your packed lunch (provided during your trek briefing in Puerto Natales held the day prior). Now you´re ready to begin the W Trek’s first highlight: the hike to the Towers lookout. A challenging trek - you’ll ascend following the Ascencio River into the Ascencio Valley. Here, take a moment to stop and observe the first glimpses of this gorgeous valley, complete with beech forests, glaciers and waterfalls. Continue uphill before beginning your ascent of the gigantic terminal moraine, 900 meters above sea level. At the top, you’ll be rewarded by the remarkable sight of the three Towers themselves. Rest a while, take photos and have lunch. Once ready, your descent is along the same path, taking you back to Las Torres where dinner will be served in your refugio and where you will rest your first evening.
Day 2
Self Guided Hike to Los Cuernos Lookout through Condor Territory
4-5 hours hiking, 13 km
Night at Camping/Refugio Los Cuernos or Domos Frances, based on availability (B-BL-D)
Enjoy breakfast at your Refugio and request your packed lunch before setting out for the day. Starting today’s trek, you’ll arrive at Inge Lagoon where chances are you’ll catch condors and other birds of prey circling the skies above you. The well-marked trail ascends 200 meters from the base of Almirante Nieto Mountain (2750 m) and crosses the Bader River to today’s destination - Refugio Los Cuernos or Domes Frances (depending on availability). Here, settle in, enjoy a good meal among fellow travelers, and rest beneath the immense moraine.
Day 3
Self Guided Trek of the Dramatic French Valley & Pehoe Lake
8-9 hour hike, 18 km
Night at Camping or Refugio Paine Grande (B-BL-D)
Today’s hike is a challenging trek to heart of the Paine massif. The French Valley is a spectacular natural basin surrounded by peaks and hanging glaciers. After breakfast, request your packed lunch at the refugio and set off on a 2-hour hike through a winding path to the French River (one hour if your accommodation was at the French Domes). At the entrance to the French Valley - a glacial moraine - you’ll scramble over huge boulders and catch the first sight of the hanging glacier atop the valley. From this point, you’ll ascend for an hour through a dreamlike Japanese garden landscape before arriving at the French Valley viewpoint (the “Plateau”). Your reward is a heart-stirring bird’s eye view of granite peaks and hanging glaciers. To one side, the French Glacier and Paine Grande (3050 m); while to the other, La Espada, La Hoja, La Máscara and the main and north “horns” of Los Cuernos arch upwards. In the upper section of the Valley, Cerro Catedral and Cerro Fortaleza loom like turrets above the landscape. Take your time to have lunch at the viewpoint, surrounded by these imposing peaks and open skies. If time and energy levels allow, you can continue hiking for an additional hour through the Valley to the British Camp for yet another spectacular cirque (amphitheater-like formation) of mountains. You’ll descend via the same path until you reach the valley’s entrance, at which point you’ll continue around the south-west side of Paine Grande, Torres del Paine’s highest peak. This final leg passes through native firebush and evergreen beech forests to the shores of Pehoe Lake. Dinner will be served at Refugio Paine Grande where you will spend your third evening.
Day 4
Trek to Grey Glacier, *Optional Kayak on Grey Lake (must book in advance)
4 hours hiking, 11 km
Night at Refugio Grey (B-BL-D)
Set out early after breakfast, ascending 200 meters through the narrow winding path to Laguna Los Patos. Here, you’ll see sections of the massive Southern Patagonian Ice Field, a geological phenomenon that still hides many unclimbed mountains. From here you’ll continue to Grey Glacier’s lookout point, passing forests and rivers, with possible sightings of the spectacled and flightless steamer ducks that call them home. Pass by your Refugio beforehand, so you can drop off your backpack and head to the lookout to eat your packed lunches with the mammoth Grey Glacier at your feet. In the afternoon you will have the option to take part in a 2.5 hour kayak excursion on Grey Lake (USD$ 100 per person, advance booking required). Dinner will be served at the Refugio followed by an evening of rest in this spectacular area.
Day 5
*Optional Morning Ice Hike or Kayak (must book in advance) or Trek to Bridges - Hike to Paine Grande - Catamaran - Public Bus to Puerto Natales
4 hours hiking, 11 km
35 minutes by Catamaran
3 hours by public bus (B-BL)
This morning is yours to enjoy at leisure! Options include a 5 hour ice trek on Grey Glacier (USD$ 160 per person), 2.5 hour kayak excursion in Grey Lake (USD$ 100 per person) or an additional hike (8 km, about 3 hours return) to the hanging bridges for a magnificent view of Grey Glacier (independent hikers without guides are only permitted to go to the second hanging bridge). Please remember that you must book your optional excursion in advance with one of our travel specialists. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll later walk back along the same path to Paine Grande to catch the last catamaran across Pehoe Lake (check catamaran and walking times with Refugio staff in the morning to ensure you arrive in time). While hiking, take in views of Paine Grande and the powerful, almost muscular granite walls of Cordon Olguín. At the other side of Pehoe Lake, a public bus will be waiting to drive you to Puerto Natales. Since you will be arriving in town around 22:00 hrs (10:00PM) you should consider spending the night in Puerto Natales.
INCLUDED
All Public Transportation Indicated in Schedule
Shuttle in Between Laguna Amarga & Refugio Las Torres
Entrance Fee to Torres del Paine National Park
Four Nights Accommodation in Mountain Refugios or Camping
Bedding, Fresh Linens, & Pillow for Refugio Accommodations / Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Liner, & Tent for Camping Accommodations
Catamaran to Cross the Pehoe Lake
All Meals Indicated in Schedule (B: Breakfast, BL: Box Lunch, D: Dinner)
NOT INCLUDED
Any Additional Nights
Kayak or Ice Hike Excursion at Grey
Medical Expenses
Insurance of Any Kind
Any Personal Expenses
Dinner on Day 5 in Puerto Natales
Any Alcoholic and/or Non-Alcoholic Drinks at the Refugios Except for the Drinks Included in the Menu
Guide or Porters
Lodgings
CAMPING CENTRAL
Located at the beginning of the W Circuit in Las Torres sector, 250 metres from Refugio Torre Central. Camping features shared bathroom facilities and hot shower. (Hot water available from 6pm to 9pm)
Our guests sleep in 4-season tents, MSR and Hilleberg (3 person capacity) or similar, based on twin-share occupancy.
CAMPING PAINE GRANDE
Located on the edge of Lake Pehoé, with beautiful views to Cuernos del Paine and Paine Grande Mountain, Camping Paine Grande is the starting or ending point for Glacier Grey and French Valley trails, as well as part of the W Circuit and Paine Massif Circuit.It features shared bathroom and hot shower. (Available from 6pm to 9pm)
Our guests sleep in 4-season tents, MSR and Hilleberg (3 person capacity) or similar, based on twin-share occupancy.
CAMPING LOS CUERNOS
Next the the main refugio, sector Los Cuernos is equipped with 50 camping sites with shared bathrooms exclusive use for campers only with 24 hour hot water service. Campsites come with a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat – all set up and waiting for you upon your arrival! Meals are served at the Refugio just a short walk from the campsites
CAMPING GREY
Camping Grey is the closest to Glacier Grey and it is the starting point for the glacier excursions, such as ice hiking over the glacier, kayaking around the icebergs or hiking up to the hanging bridges for a panoramic view over the Patagonian Southern Ice Field. Camping Grey is also part of the W Circuit and Paine Massif Circuit. Camping features shared bathroom facility and hot shower. (Hot shower available from 6pm to 9pm)
HOTEL LAS TORRES
Ideally located at the base of the trails leading to the viewing point of the Towers peaks, Valle del Silencio, and “W” hikes, this former estancia turned Hotel, offers 57 comfortable rooms with central heating and telephone and a the only full service spa available in the park. The excellent quality of both service and food is the main characteristic of this Hotel.
MOUNTAIN LODGE (REFUGIO) TORRES CENTRAL & NORTH
The Mountain lodges of Torres Central and North are two comfortable refugios located at the base of the hike to the Towers lookout and part of the “W” and “Circuit” walks. They are within walking distance to the Hotel Spa at Las Torres for a variety of services including massage and saunas. There are 6 beds to each room (bunk-bed style) with shared bathrooms and hot water.
CABINS LOS CUERNOS (OPTIONAL)
8 cozy cabins for 2 persons each with shared bathrooms and showers exclusively for people who are staying at the cabins. The cabins are located next to the Refugio Los Cuernos and all meals are taken in the Refugio.
MOUNTAIN LODGE (REFUGIO) LOS CUERNOS
On the shore of lake Nordenskjöld nestled in a Coihue Forest lays Refugio Los Cuernos with 32 beds. This cozy lodge is located on the “W” circuit walking between the French Valley and the Torres del Paine lookout and base camp area. There are 6 beds to each room (bunk-bed style) and have a shared bathrooms with hot water.
DOMO FRANCES
Located 1 hour trekking from Los Cuernos sector to the West (between Cuernos and Italiano camping sites), with an amazing view of Nordenskjöld lake, Cuernos del Paine and Paine Grande Mountain. 3 Domes with private bathroom for 8 people each (shared bathroom and dome). Accommodation: Bed with Sleeping Bag Included in bunk beds.
MOUNTAIN LODGE (REFUGIO) PAINE GRANDE
Paine Grande is a large and modern refugio set on the banks of the Lake Pehoe, including internet connection and full service bar. It’s the jump off point for the catamaran crossing Lake Pehoe and the walks to the French and Grey Valleys part of the “W” and “Circuit” hikes. There are 6 beds to each room (bunk-bed style) and have shared bathrooms with hot water.
MOUNTAIN LODGE (REFUGIO) GREY
Ideally situated on the edge of Lake Grey, this refugio is in a forest of Lenga trees. A small and cozy hut, with a privileged access to the Grey Glacier and is part of the “W” and “Circuit” hikes. There are 6 beds to each room (bunk-bed style) and have shared bathrooms with hot water.
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