Overview
The W Trek is undoubtedly the most famous trail in Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park. This non-technical guided hike tour connects a best-of-the-best selection of Patagonia’s highlights: the Towers Base lookout, French Valley and Grey Glacier. Hike through pristine landscapes, past rivers, lakes and rocky peaks – plus grab the chance to do an ice hike or kayak in Grey Lake. This program differs from the Independent W Trek in two important ways: you have an expert guide to lead you each day, and you’ll travel by boat up close to Grey Glacier’s massive ice wall.
Trip Highlights
• Trek to the Three Towers Lookout • See Los Cuernos & Other Jaw Dropping Peaks • Hike in Pristine Landscapes Inhabited by Wild Patagonian Fauna • Trek the French Valley • See Hanging Glaciers and Possible Avalanches • Boat Trip to Grey Glacier’s Icy Wall • Optional Ice hike on Grey Glacier or Kayaking in Grey Lake
Trip length
5 DAYS
Trip Level
Advanced
From USD
$1.695 per person
Start / End
PUERTO NATALES
Spaces:
MIN 2 / MAX 8 PEOPLE
Season SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL
Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer to Torres del Paine – Round Trip Hike to Las Torres Lookout Point
2 hours by private transfer
8-10 hours round-trip, 22 km
Night at Refugio Torre Central (BL-D)
Starting from Puerto Natales at 7:00 AM, we drive to Torres del Paine National Park, passing estancias (ranches) and flat pampas taken straight from Patagonian folklore. Have your camera ready en route: ñandu (Patagonian ostrich), Chilean flamingos and black-necked swans are likely to be out in the pampas and lagoons. After arriving at the Refugio you’ll have time to leave your backpack before we begin the W Trek’s first highlight: the hike to the three Towers lookout. The trek begins with an ascent, following the Ascencio River into the Ascencio Valley. After about an hour, we’ll stop to observe how the valley’s beauty unfolds with rich beech forests, glaciers and waterfalls. Past this lookout point, we continue uphill and through lush beech forests before ascending a gigantic terminal moraine (the ridge formed at a glacier’s end point) where we’ll be rewarded by the arresting sight of the three Towers themselves. At this lookout point 900 m above sea level, we’ll rest, take photos and have lunch. Our descent is along the same path, taking us back to the Refugio where we’ll have dinner, stretch and rest for the evening. *Upgrade to a Private Room in Hotel Las Torres (based on availability) - Ask a Trip Specialist to Reserve your Accommodation!
Day 2
One Way Guided Hike to Los Cuernos Lookout through Condor Territory
4-5 hours hiking, 13 km
Night at Camping or Refugio Los Cuernos or Domo Frances, depending on availability (B-BL-D)
If the weather allows, our morning will be lit by the rich oranges and pinks of a Patagonian dawn. Today we'll hike to Los Cuernos lookout, where monumental horn-shaped black twin granite peaks shoot skyward. We’ll make our way via Inge Lagoon and may see condors and other birds of prey circling the skies while we trek below. The well-marked trail ascends 200m from the base of Almirante Nieto Mountain (2750m) and crosses the Bader River to Refugio Los Cuernos or Domos Frances, today’s destination. *Upgrade to a Private Cabin in Los Cuernos (based on availability) - Ask a Trip Specialist to Reserve Your Accommodation!
Day 3
One Way Guided Hike to Pehoe Lake Via the Dramatic French Valley
8-9 hours hiking, 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, a winding path will take us to the French River (1-2 hour hike depending on whether our accommodation was at Los Cuernos or Domos Frances). 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. 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 we rest for our third night.
Day 4
One Way Guided Hike to Glacier Grey – *Optional Kayak Excursion in Afternoon (must book in advance)
4 hours hiking, 11 km
Night at Camping or Refugio Grey (B-BL-D)
We’ll set out early, ascending 200m through the winding path that takes us to Laguna Negra. Here, we’ll see sections of the massive Southern Patagonian Ice Field, a geological phenomenon that still guards many unexplored peaks. You’ll continue on to Grey Glacier’s lookout point, passing forests and rivers, with possible sightings of the spectacled and flightless steamer ducks that call them home. We’ll have lunch at the lookout with the mammoth Grey Glacier at our feet, and might be lucky enough to catch sight of ice calving from its huge walls into the freezing waters. Today, there is the option to go on 2.5 hour kayaking excursion (advance booking required, please contact our Travel Specialists).
Day 5
*Optional Morning Ice Hike or Kayak - Navigation in Front of Grey Glacier – Private Transfer to Puerto Natales
2 hours by boat on Grey Lake
20 minute walk along Grey Beach
2 hours by transfer (B-BL)
Today starts easy with a free morning to stretch, relax and breathe in the landscape. You also have the option to go kayaking or ice hike on Grey Glacier - great if you chose the kayak excursion the evening before on day 4 (advance booking required). After lunch we’ll set off by boat across Grey Lake, to the massive facade of Grey Glacier. We’ll stay here for a while to observe the wall’s textures, lines and colors - and of course, watch for ice calving. On your return journey you’ll see the wind-sculpted “ice mushrooms” atop the massive peaks of Paine Grande, as we sail past blue-hued icebergs. On dry land once again, we’ll hike 20 minutes along Grey Beach to meet our private transfer which takes us back to Puerto Natales where we end our journey.
INCLUDED
All Private Transportation Indicated in Schedule
Entrance Fee to Torres del Paine National Park
Four Nights Lodging in Mountain Lodges (Refugios) (Comfortable Rooms with 6 Beds & Shared Men's/Women's Bathrooms) (Sorry, No Singles Available)
Bedding, Fresh Linens, & Pillow for Refugio Accommodations / Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Liner, & Tent for Camping Accommodations
One Way Boat Navigation on Grey Lake
All Meals Indicated in Schedule (B: Breakfast, BL: Box Lunch, D: Dinner)
Guide & Chauffeur (English-Spanish languages)
NOT INCLUDED
Any Additional Nights
Medical Expenses
Insurance of Any Kind
Personal Expenses
Dinner on Day 5 in Puerto Natales
Ice Hike or Kayak Activity on Days 4 and/or 5
Porters to Carry Personal Belongings, (available upon request & must be reserved in advanced)
Any Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Drinks at the Refugios Except for the Drinks Includes in the Menu
Gratuities for Guide/s & Chauffeur
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)
Our guests sleep in 4-season tents, MSR and
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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