Self-Guided W Trek in Torres del Paine Tour

Self-Guided W Trek in Torres del Paine Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Transfer to Torres del Paine and Hike to the Three Towers Lookout

The adventure begins right away this morning as you meet at the bus terminal in Puerto Natales at 6:45 am sharp. From here, you’ll whiz past peaceful landscapes covered in flat pampas and dotted with authentic estancias as you transfer to Torres del Paine National Park (2 hours). Keep your eyes peeled during the ride, as you’ll have the chance to spot Chilean pink flamingos and black-necked swans along the way.

On arrival at Laguna Amaraga, you’ll show your park pass to board a shuttle to Refugio Las Torres. Following your arrival at Refugio Torres, you’ll suit up and prepare to embark on the first highlight of this magical trek – the hike to the Three Towers Lookout! Grabbing your box lunch and leaving your pack at the camp, you’ll trace the Ascencio River, heading down into the valley to. Continuing the trail, you’ll hike through rich beech forests to finally ascend the impressive moraine which leads to the world-famous look out point.

Stand in awe as you look out over the towers from 900 m above sea level. Enjoy lunch here and of course lots of photos before descending the same path back to the refugio where you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and a good night’s rest.
Overnight Location: Campsite or Refuge at Torres
Distance: 8-10 hours, 22km
Meals: Box lunch, dinner

Day 2 Spot Condors on the Hike to Los Cuernos

Rise this morning ready to bear witness to a sky painted in the pastel colours of a Patagonian dawn. Fuel up with breakfast and then set out independently to complete the 13-kilometer hike to the Los Cuernos lookout. This stretch of the W is well-known for spotting condors and other birds of prey that can often be seen circling in the skies above the trail.

With some moderate uphill stretches and a crossing of Bader River, you will have had your fill of adventure today as you arrive at Refugio Los Cuernos or Domo Frances – tonight’s overnight location.
Overnight Location: Campsite or Refuge at Los Cuernos or Domo Frances (pending availability)
Distance: 4-5 hours, 13km
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Day 3 Trek to Lake Pehoe via the French Valley

Today is a big day on the W trek, but also one that is filled with rewards! With your sights set on the French Valley, you’ll press on into the heart of the Paine massif this morning as you trek to Lake Pehoe and the Refugio Paine Grande.

First up you’ll head for the French River, reaching the entrance to the French Valley soon after. Some light scrambling across a boulder field will be rewarded with views of the hanging glacier perched atop the valley as you make your way to the “Plateau” (viewpoint). From here you’ll spot the French Glacier and Paine Grande (3050m) off to one side and the horns of Los Cuernos rising on the other. You’ll then descend through evergreen beech forests to reach Lake Pehoe, known for its crystalline waters, where you’ll check into Refugio Paine Grande for another cozy night at camp.
Overnight Location: Campsite or Refuge at Paine Grande
Distance: 8-9 hours, 18km
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Day 4 Hike to Glacier Grey with Optional Kayak Excursion

You’ll rise early today and set out on the meandering path towards Laguna Negra, bound for Grey Glacier. Up ahead, another momentous highlight of the W Trek awaits as you take in sections of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field with its innumerable unexplored peaks.

Reaching the Grey Glacier look out point, you’ll soak up the views, keeping your eyes peeled for unique birdlife such as the steamer duck. You’ll then enjoy a delicious box lunch at the foot of Grey Glacier as you revel in the scenery of this outdoor lover’s paradise.

Back at Camp Grey, you’ll have the chance to embark on an incredible 2.5-hour kayaking excursion to view the glacier and surrounding icebergs (not included) on Grey Lake. This excursion can be booked during the booking process in advance.
Overnight Location: Campsite or Refuge at Grey
Distance: 4 hours, 11km
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Day 5 Trek to the Hanging Bridges and Return to Puerto Natales

With a busy last few days on the W Trek, this morning you’ll have the chance to rise at your own pace and enjoy a relaxing morning at Camp Grey. If you didn’t opt in for the kayak excursion yesterday, you can do so today, with another option to hike on Grey Glacier (not included). Both excursions must be booked in advance.

For those looking for more adventures on foot, you can opt in for an 8-kilometer hike to the hanging bridges today to score yourself some sensational views out over Grey Glacier.

Following your last day of adventures in Torres del Paine, hike back to Paine Grande where you’ll catch the last catamaran to cross Lake Pehoe where you’ll take the public bus back to Puerto Natales to wrap up this adventure.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch