Torres del Paine - The W Trek
6 days, Puerto Natales to Puerto Natales
Itinerary
Day 1Puerto Natales
Arrive at any time.
Puerto Natales is the entrance way to Torres del Paine National Park. During the day, explore the town, eat a hearty meal for energy, and rest well for the 4-day hike ahead. Get any last-minute shopping done in Puerto Natales, and rent all equipment needed for the hike. Please note any belongings you will not need for the next three days of hiking will be stored at the hotel in Puerto Natales, where the group will return after the Torres del Paine trek.
Please note the airport in Puerto Natales is small with limited flight connections. Most flights will be through Punta Arenas in Chile or El Calafate in Argentina, both of which would involve taking a public bus or transfer. Your welcome meeting normally starts sometime between 5 and 6pm (please see welcome note on arrival at the hotel) and then you will be able to rent equipment if you want to after. Please note rental shops normally close by 8 or 9pm, so you would need to be there by that time to guarantee being able to rent what you need.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Capitan Eberhard (or similar)
Day 2Puerto Natales/Laguna Azul Camp
Embark on a 4-day excursion within Torres del Paine National Park, hiking the famous W Trek. Start the 62km (38.5 mi) route by trekking to the base of Las Torres to see the dramatic three towers and turquoise lagoon below.
Private Vehicle
Cross the pampas of Patagonia first on asphalt roads to Laguna Amarga, stopping for a quick break. Continue along the road and stop to take photos of the spectacular views! Keep an eye out for wildlife— guanacos, condors, geese, and other birds. Enter the Torres del Paine Welcome Center for a quick bathroom stop before starting the hike.
W Trek - Day 1 (Laguna Camp)
Hop on a private transfer and enjoy the two and a half hour drive to the entrance of Torres del Paine National Park. Stop at the Welcome Center and get ready to start the trek. Hike through dense forest and mountain paths before making the ascent to the base of Las Torres. Hike about 4 hrs in and 4 hrs back. Then, transfer to the campsite at the end of the day for some spectacular food and time to reflect on the first leg of the journey.
Locations: Hike from the Welcome Center to the Base of the Towers and back.
Distance travelled: 22km (14 miles roundtrip)
Time: 7-9 hours.
Elevation gain: 750m (2,460 ft.)
Accommodation
Laguna Azul Campsite (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 3Laguna Azul Camp/Cuernos Camp
Wake up surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy breakfast with a view, pack your bag and jump in the van. Our drive today goes along the Paine river until we reach the Welcome Center in Torres del Paine NP. Be on the lookout to spot some wildlife! Once at the welcome center, meet the porters and continue hiking along the W route towards Cuernos Campsite. Stop at Nordenskjöld lake and enjoy the view before reaching Cuernos Camp.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
W Trek - Day 2 Welcome Center to Cuernos Camp
Take in some amazing scenery on this stretch – light blue lakes contrast beautifully against the deep green forest. Test your endurance on a couple of uphill sections, but mainly enjoy a straightforward hiking day. Head to the spectacular campsite for the night near Cuernos Camp.
Location: Welcome Center to Cuernos Camp
Distance travelled: 12km (7.5 miles roundtrip)
Time: 4-5 hours.
Elevation gain: 175m (575 ft.)
Accommodation
Campsite Los Cuernos (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 4Cuernos Camp/Paine Grande Camp
Today hike to the French Valley lookout to see the imposing French glacier hanging over Paine Grande mountain. Take in the dramatic, contrasting greens and greys on the landscape and enjoy a 360 view from above. Head to Paine Grande Campsite after crossing an eerie and beautiful forest of dead trees.
W Trek - Day 3
Enjoy breakfast in Cuernos. Hike first to the Italiano Park Ranger Station, then set out to the French Valley lookout. Here, soak in views that are absolutely amazing! Get a great view of the fresh glacier, where it’s possible to see avalanches.
Locations: Hike to French Valley and Paine Grande Campsite
Distance travelled: 18km
Time: 6-7 hours.
Elevation gain: 145m (350 ft)
Accommodation
Campsite Paine Grande (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 5Paine Grande Camp/Puerto Natales
The final day of the W Trek leads to Grey Lake and the lookout point for Grey Glacier. Gaze off into the distance admiring the scale of this immense glacier. Hike back to Lake Pehoé and finish by taking a picturesque ferry ride across the lake enjoying the sense of accomplishment before returning to Puerto Natales for the night.
W Trek - Day 4 Paine Grande Camp to Grey Lookout
Hike to Grey Lake viewpoint before ending the hike. Enjoy amazing views across the lake. Glacier Grey makes a stunning background. Head back to Paine Grande campsite to hop on a boat and cross lake Pehoé where a private van will be waiting to take you back to Puerto Natales.
Locations: Paine Grande Camp to Grey Lookout
Distance travelled: 11km (7 miles)
Time: 4 hours
Elevation gain: 400m (1,315 ft)
Boat
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Hotel Capitan Eberhard (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 6Puerto Natales
Depart at any time.
The airport in Puerto Natales is small with limited flight connections. Many onward flight connections will be through Punta Arenas in Chile or El Calafate in Argentina which would involve taking a public bus or transfer of 3-4 hours, if you are flying out of one of these airports we recommend flying out in the afternoon to allow for travel time.