Torres del Paine
The W Trek
Six days Puerto Natales to Puerto Natales small group adventure
Here's a quick six-day trip that's simply perfect as an add-on to other Patagonian adventures. Torres del Paine's W Trek is celebrated by active travelers' globally as one of the most scenic treks anywhere. Spend four days walking through stunning landscapes surrounding Grey Glacier, French Valley, and the imposing three towers. While the trek alone is challenging enough, the real contest comes in needing to take your camera out so frequently.
This is a small group experience - maximum 16 people
Day 1: Puerto 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.
Meet your leader and fellow travellers and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards.
Day 2: Puerto Natales - Laguna Azul Camp
Embark on a 4-day excursion within Torres del Paine National Park, hiking the famous W Trek. Start the 62km route by trekking to the base of Las Torres to see the dramatic three towers and turquoise lagoon below.
Private vehicle: Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine 2h-2h30m 122km
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: Las Torres Camp – Laguna Azul Camp 7h-9h 22km
Hike through dense forest and mountain paths before making the ascent to the base of Las Torres. Hike about 4 hours in and 4 hours 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. The elevation gain today is 750m.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 3: Laguna 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 Centre in Torres del Paine National Park. Be on the lookout to spot some wildlife! Once at the welcome centre, meet the porters and continue hiking along the W route towards Cuernos Campsite. Stop at Nordenskjöld Lake and enjoy the views before reaching Cuernos Camp.
Private vehicle: Laguna Azul Camp – Torres del Paine National Park 1h15m 30km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
W Trek: Laguna Azul Camp – Cuernos Camp 4h-4h 12km
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. The elevation gain today is 175m.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 4: Cuernos 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 degree view from above. Head to Paine Grande Campsite after crossing an eerie and beautiful forest of dead trees.
W Trek: Cuernos Camp – Paine Grande Camp 8h-9h 19km
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. Elevation gain 145m.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 5: Paine 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: Paine Grande Camp – Lake Pehoé 4h 11km
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.
Boat: Lake Pehoé 45 minutes
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Private vehicle: Pudeto - Puerto Natales 2h30m $104km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch
Day 6: Puerto Natales
Depart any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
Departs Tuesdays and Saturdays, and some Thursdays from November to mid April.
From NZ$4,199 per person, twin share.
If you are travelling solo and would prefer your own room throughout the trip a single supplement starting at $179 will apply.
Prices subject to change.
Cost Includes:
· Welcome Moment - meet your leader and group
· Torres del Paine National Park camping and trekking excursion along the W Route (3 nights)
· All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
· Accommodation - Hotels (2 nights), Camping (3 nights)
· 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners (allow USD80-105 for meals not included
Before you book you should know:
The physical rating on this trip is “Demanding”. There is some strenuous activity, but it is accessible to most healthy travellers.