Trek Chilean Patagonia’s most famous trail over 5 adventurous days
One of the most beautiful treks in all of Patagonia, the famous W Trek through Torres del Paine National Park is a multi-day hiking adventure through spectacularly wild landscapes. On this 5-Day guided group trekking adventure in Patagonia, you can expect days of hiking filled with mesmerizing scenes of hanging glaciers, sweeping valleys, turquoise lakes, and jaw-dropping peaks.
Running up three valleys to create the 'W' shape that gives this route its name, this 5-day adventure tour in Patagonia will have you unwinding each night at cozy camps along the trail. Here, you can enjoy the flexibility of opting to stay in tents or Refugio dormitories with your group and other like-minded travellers. You’ll wrap up this trip having taken in the likes of Lake Pehoe, Grey Glacier, the French Valley, Cuernos, and of course, the world-famous Three Towers!
There is only one way to describe the W Trek in Torres del Paine and that is –the trip of a lifetime! Discover it for yourself on the 5-Day Guided W Trek tour.
Highlights of the W Trek in Torres del Paine Tour
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W Trek in Torres del Paine Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Transfer to Torres del Paine and start your W Trek
The adventure begins right away this morning as you meet your group and guide at 7:00 am in Puerto Natales. From here, you’ll whiz past peaceful landscapes covered in flat pampas and dotted with authentic estancias as you transfer by vehicle 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.
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! Tracing the Ascencio River and heading down into the valley, 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 with your group and guide 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 guide and group, 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
The group will 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 Grey Glacier Navigation 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).
After lunch you’ll say goodbye to beautiful Camp Grey and set out by boat to navigate Grey Lake on a stunning 2-hour journey. Sail past the blue-hued icebergs and spot the “ice mushrooms” perched atop the lording peaks of Paine Grande. After returning to land, you’ll transfer to Puerto Natales where your W Trek adventure comes to an end.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch
W Trek in Torres del Paine Tour Price and Dates
This guided trekking tour in Torres del Paine National is run as a fixed-departure group to make new friends and save on tour costs. The price depends on whether you choose to stay in campsites, or upgrade to mountain huts.
- Group of 2: $3,095 USD per person
- Group of 3: $2,795 USD per person
- Group of 4+: $2,395 USD per person
Please note that the departure dates are on request.
Important: This tour is a subject to non-standard payment and cancellation terms.
- Full payment will be required 90 days before the departure
Accommodation on the W Trek in Torres del Paine Tour
This tour provides two options for accommodation during the trek: either campgrounds or refuges. Campsites on this trip are located in the Torres del Paine National Park, and each campsite provides tents, mats, and sleeping bags. Refuges are located in the same campground territories and offer shared dormitory-style spaces.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
You can pay a supplement for your own private tent at the campsites. Single rooms are not available in refuges.
Camping Accommodation
Central Campsite Las Torres, Torres del Paine National Park
Enjoy a night beneath the starts at camping central where you’ll enjoy a good night’s rest in 4-season tents on a twin-share basis.
Los Cuernos Campsite, Torres del Paine National Park
Soak up the views of Cuernos from this 50-tent campsite featuring a front row seat to some of the best views in Torres del Paine.
Paine Grande Campsite, Torres del Paine National Park
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.
Grey Campsite, Torres del Paine National Park
Just outside of the Refugio is a designated camp are surrounded by Lenga trees.Camping Grey is also part of the W Circuit and Paine Massif Circuit.
Accommodation in Refuges
Mountain Lodge (Refugio) Torres Central and North, Torres del Paine National Park
Find yourself at the base of the hike to the Three Towers Lookout as you spend a comfortable night in 6-bed dormitories.
Mountain Lodge (Refugio) Los Cuernos, Torres del Paine National Park
It doesn’t get better than sleeping on the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld. This 32-bed refugio is the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventures on the W.
Mountain Lodge (Refugio) Paine Grande, Torres del Paine National Park
Enjoy the comfort of this modern refugio set on the shores of beautiful Lake Pehoe. Enjoy a full service bar and comfortable night’s sleep in 6-bed dorm rooms.
Mountain Lodge (Refugio) Grey, Torres del Paine National Park
Spend the night tucked in a forest of Lenga trees at this cozy camp and refugio on the shores of Lake Grey.
What’s Included in the W Trek in Torres del Paine Tour?
Meals
4 breakfasts, 5 box lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 4 nights are included (fully-equipped premium camping or refuges, depending on the option chosen).
Transportation during the Tour
All Private Transportation according to the itinerary including one-way boat navigation on Grey Lake. Please note that private transfer is replaced with a bus for groups of 1-3 pax.
Also Included
- Guide and chauffeur
- Bedding, Fresh Linens, & Pillow for Refugio Accommodations / Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Liner, & Tent for Camping Accommodations
- Entrance Fee to Torres del Paine National Park
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Accommodations before and after the trek 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 advance)
- Any alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks at the refugios except for the drinks Included in the menu
- Gratuities for guide and chauffeur (optional)
Optional Extras
- Hotel accommodation in Puerto Natales pre/post trek
- Ice Hiking Grey Glacier
- Kayaking Grey Glacier
- Porter to carry personal belongings
Frequently Asked Questions about W Trek in Torres del Paine Tour
Map of W Trek in Torres del Paine Tour
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