EcoDome - Torres Del Paine W Trek, Patagonia - 7 Days – Chile

The W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most celebrated treks in the world, weaving through jagged peaks, glacial lakes, and windswept valleys. Known for its spectacular beauty, challenging trails, and diverse ecosystems, this 7-day adventure is a must-do for trekkers seeking an immersive Patagonian experience. As you conquer the iconic routes, including the Base of the Towers, Valle Frances, and Los Cuernos, you'll be treated to breathtaking landscapes that will stay with you long after the trek ends.

Stay in the award-winning EcoCamp Patagonia, the world’s first geodesic dome hotel, where you’ll enjoy the perfect blend of comfort and nature. The EcoDome experience provides modern amenities, cozy accommodations, and delicious meals crafted from local ingredients, ensuring you can recharge after each day’s hike. With an optional upgrade to Superior or Suite EcoDomes, which include private bathrooms and heating, you'll have all the comforts of home in one of the most stunning natural settings on Earth.

One of the best parts of the EcoDome trek is that you’ll only need to carry a daypack, while our expert porters handle the rest of your gear, allowing you to focus on the incredible journey ahead. Whether you’re hiking to the Grey Glacier, taking a relaxing boat ride on the lake, or meeting fellow adventurers, every day offers a new way to connect with the beauty of Patagonia.

Departures: Every Monday
Prices:

Standard EcoDomes: Starting at $1,870 USD per person
Superior & Suite Dome upgrades available: Both options include a private bathroom and heating. Pricing may vary seasonally. Please inquire for details.
See Dome Categories - PDF HERE

Trip Highlights:

Conquer the challenging 'W' Trek with unforgettable views of the Torres del Paine.
Trek the iconic Base of the Towers, Valle Frances, and Los Cuernos.
Take a scenic boat ride to Grey Glacier, one of the park’s most popular attractions.
Stay at the award-winning EcoCamp Patagonia, a geodesic dome hotel blending luxury with eco-consciousness.
Enjoy meals made from fresh, local ingredients while mingling with fellow trekkers.
Carry only your daypack, as our porters take care of the rest of your gear.

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1 (Mon): Travel from Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, or Calafate to Torres del Paine NP.
Day 2 (Tue): Trek the Paso Los Cuernos trail.
Day 3 (Wed): Trek the Valle del Frances trail.
Day 4 (Thu): Trek the Pehoe - Grey trail.
Day 5 (Fri): Trek to the Towers.
Day 6 (Sat): Eastern Lakes trek.
Day 7 (Sun): Drive to Punta Arenas.

Duration: 7 Days | Start/End: Calafate (Argentina) or Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales (Chile)

Book your EcoDome 7-Day W Trek adventure today and immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Patagonia, where unforgettable landscapes and sustainable luxury await!

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: The Patagonian Adventure starts

Let’s begin the trip of a lifetime! We’ll start with a morning pick-up from your hotel or the airport in Punta Arenas and drive to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. On the way to EcoCamp, we’ll make a stop in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of Last Hope Sound (Ultima Esperanza) where we can enjoy a hearty lunch of local food. This scenic journey ends with our arrival at EcoCamp Patagonia, nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park with a prime view of the majestic Paine Towers.

For more details about trek distance and walking time, check out our Trekking Chart below.

Overnight EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park

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Day 2: Los Cuernos

Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles

Elevation: 244m / 800ft

Hiking Time: 4.5- 5 hours

We’ll dive into our Patagonian adventure with a pleasant walk along the Cuernos Trail which leads to the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this warm-up walk, we will have the opportunity to admire the park’s exquisite flora and fauna and take in the views of the horn-like peaks of slate that sit atop the gray granite of the Paine Massif. The trek may end at Refugio Los Cuernos, a small and cozy mountain guesthouse located on the shores of Lake Nordenskjold. Or it will end at Domo el Francés, located between Cuernos and Italiano camping sites, with an amazing view of Nordenskjöld Lake. The evening is at your leisure.

Overnight at Refugio Cuernos or Domo El Francés OR camping (depending on availability)

Day 3: The Paine Massif’s Heart: Valle Frances

Distance: 36km / 16 miles

Elevation: 686m / 2,250ft

Hiking Time: 10 hours

Get your boots ready for today’s challenging, yet rewarding, trek. After breakfast at Refugio Los Cuernos, we'll begin hiking along a steep trail leading into the very heart of the Paine Massif - the famed French Valley. How far we’ll go depends on our group's trekking rhythm. A swifter walk will lead us to the French River’s hanging bridge, located at the foot of the south-eastern face of the Massif. We will then continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley to marvel at the extensive mass of the valley's geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). After our upward trek, we will pause for a tasty picnic and relax for a while. The day's trek will end with a descent through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest to Refugio Paine Grande.

Please note: An optional trek to Mirador Britanico is also available.

Overnight at Refugio Paine Grande OR camping (depending on availability), Torres del Paine National Park

Day 4: Glacier Grey

Distance: 11km / 7miles

Elevation: 244m / 800ft

Hiking Time: 4 hours

Today we will hike from the Paine Grande Refugio along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern side of Lake Grey. We will feast on a picnic lunch before boarding the boat that sails to the huge, crystalline facade of Glacier Grey. From the southern end of Glacier Grey, we will transfer to EcoCamp. Due to the temperamental weather of the region, boat trips across the lake may occasionally be canceled or if the required minimum of 15 passengers is not reached. If this is the case, we will trek up to the sightseeing point to enjoy wonderful, panoramic views of Grey Glacier instead. Afterward, it is time to return on foot to Paine Grande and take a catamaran to the dock, where we will be picked up and driven to EcoCamp.

Overnight EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park

Day 5: The Big Challenge: Torres del Paine

Distance: 22km / 14miles

Elevation: 914m / 3,000ft

Hiking Time: 9 hours

Today is the big day -- the walk to the base of the famous Paine Towers. We will walk from the campsite towards Hostería Las Torres before ascending to Ascencio Valley on the Tower’s eastern face. Mountain ridges, beech forests, and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. Our big challenge is the steep moraine, a huge mass of boulders that lead to that iconic base of the Towers, the three gigantic granite monoliths that are the remains of a great cirque sheared away by glacial ice. After a tough uphill climb, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before us with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting on the view,we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp for a well-deserved dinner and some tasty Chilean wine.

Overnight EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park

Day 6: Eastern Lakes

Distance: 6km / 4miles

Elevation: 180m / 590ft

Hiking Time: 3 hours

On the sixth day, we'll opt for a less strenuous trail in order to counter our exhausting efforts of the previous day. After breakfast, we will make a leisurely car journey towards Laguna Azul, home to many wild guanacos and ñandús. We will pause occasionally to admire the views of the Patagonian steppe and the Towers from its many perspectives. At Laguna Azul, we will hike to the lookout point where we will be treated to a gorgeous view of both the lagoon and the granite towers. After lunch, we will drive to the northern shore of Sarmiento Lake where the Fauna Trail begins. As we hike northbound, we will spot an impressive range of Patagonian fauna on the vast plains, and maybe even the occasional puma print! We will pass the charming Goic lagoon and, after approximately 5 km of relaxed walking, we will reach the Laguna Amarga ranger station where we will be picked up and driven back to Ecocamp to celebrate with a farewell dinner.

*Please note: if there are more than 6 travelers in the group, there is an option to split into two groups, with one group (or the whole group if everybody's in the mood!) cycling to Laguna Azul!

Overnight EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park

Day 7: Adios Torres del Paine

On to the next adventure! Today we will board an early morning vehicle, sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas in time to catch an evening flight onwards.

Dome Categories

EcoCamp Patagonia (Nights 1,4,5,6)

Ecocamp Patagonia is located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, with views of the majestic granite towers. The region’s first sustainable lodge south of the Amazon and the first of its kind in the Patagonian wilderness, EcoCamp offers upscale camping in domes inspired by the region’s ancient nomadic inhabitants. Advisable minimum age for children: 12 years.

EcoCamp Patagonia Standard Dome
(Shared bathroom, 10m²/108ft²)

EcoCamp Standard domes were the world's first lodge accommodation in geodesic shape. They are resistant to the strong Patagonian winds, and come equipped with two single beds (doubles on request), cozy fleece blankets and feather quilts. There are windows in the ceiling for stargazing. Standard domes include shared bathrooms which are large, comfortable and gender divided.

Please consider: Standard domes have NO heating or electricity and bathrooms are shared (gender divided)

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EcoCamp Patagonia Superior Dome
(Heating & Private bathroom, 23m²/250ft²)

Spacious, comfortable and equipped with private bathrooms, Superior Domes are the optimum choice for trekkers wanting that bit more space and comfort at the end of a long day’s walk. Each Superior Dome has comfortable queen-size or twin beds, a propane heater, skylight windows and a private bathroom with a sophisticated composting toilet.

EcoCamp Patagonia Suite Dome

(Heating & Private bathroom, 28m²/300ft²)

Suite domes were designed to further our goal of providing comfort in a natural setting with minimal environmental impact, and also maintain the hotel’s familiar and cozy vibe. The domes have comfortable double or twin beds, a wood stove and a private bathroom with a state-of-the-art composting toilet. Stargaze through the ceiling windows while falling asleep, after enjoying a spectacular sunset from your private terrace.

EcoCamp's Suite Dome Lofts
(2 floors, Heating & Private bathroom, 37m²/398ft²)

Suite dome lofts are two-story domes which fit up to four people and have comfortable double or twin beds both up and downstairs. These domes, ideal for families or groups of friends, come with a wood stove, a private terrace and a private bathroom with a state-of-the-art composting toilet. Stargaze through the ceiling windows while falling asleep, after enjoying a spectacular sunset from your private terrace.

Refugios OR camping (depending on availability) - Nights 2,3

These are typical mountain huts, open to the public visiting Torres del Paine. They have rooms for 4-6 people. The beds are single bunks and we will provide you with a sleeping bag and a polar fleece liner (you don't need to bring a sleeping bag!). The bathrooms are also shared and they have hot water. The refugios are heated and have a very comfortable dining area where plentiful meals are served. If refugios are unavailable, alternative accommodation will be provided in tents with prior notice.

Domes El Francés OR camping (depending on availability) - Night 2 / Alternative to Refugio

Geodesic domes, open to the public visiting Torres del Paine. The domes have an amazing view of Nordenskjöld lake, Cuernos del Paine and Paine Grande Mountains and come with a private bathroom for 8 people each (shared bathroom and dome). Accommodation are single bed or bunk beds and we will provide you with a sleeping bag and a polar fleece liner (you don't need to bring a sleeping bag!).

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Additional Information

Starting / Finishing Points

The trip starts on Monday and finishes on Sunday with pick ups and drop offs in Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or El Calafate. Please visit our Weekly Transfer Board for details of EcoCamp pick up and drop off times from both Chile and Argentina.

Included

All ground transport - private and domestic - as indicated in the itinerary
Regular bus tickets Calafate <> Natales if starting/finishing in Calafate (check last section).
Boat crossing on Grey Lake* please check day 4 of the itinerary
4 nights accommodation in EcoCamp
1 night accommodation at Paine Grande Mountain refugio or camping**
1 night in Los Cuernos or Domo El Francés or camping (depending on availability) **
One expert English speaking trekking guide
Sleeping bag for refugios or camping
Transportation for your luggage within the Park: while trekking you will carry just your daypack
Meals (B: breakfast, BL: box lunch, L: Lunch, D: dinner):

day 1: L, D

day 2: B, BL, D

day 3: B, BL, D

day 4: B, BL, D

day 5: B, BL, D

day 6: B, BL, D

day 7: B, BL

*During Low & Shoulder Season (September, October and April) the boat trip to Glacier Grey may be cancelled, if this is the case we will offer you a good alternative of excursion within the park.

**If refugios are unavailable, alternative accommodation will be provided in tents or domes with prior notice.

N.B. During Shoulder Season (September, October and April) the Towers Trek excursion might be cancelled because of weather conditions and safety considerations.

Excluded

Flight tickets
Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip)
Voluntary tipping of guides and staff
Soft drinks or snacks not served with the meals included at the EcoCamp. Bringing US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP is recommended
Items of a personal nature

GROUP SIZE & GUIDING STAFF

9 travelers is the most typical group size, plus guiding staff. Maximum 12 clients. Guide to passenger ratio: 1:6

TRANSPORTATION

In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia transport is in minivans that normally seat from 8 to 14 people. Pick up / Drop off times shown in the Weekly Transfer Board are approximate and will be confirmed locally by our operations team. An exclusive toll-free emergency number will be available for anyone needing additional support while they are in Chile.

WEATHER

The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. In addition, the strong marine influence and the affect of the Southern Patagonia Ice field make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and even snow. Even in summer (December to March) you should come prepared to find strong cold winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfall. The summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºCmax, 2ºC min). However, just as quickly as the weather turns nasty, it can become lovely and sunny. So come prepared for all types of weather!

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is the right trip for energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. To enjoy this trek it is essential to be in shape before you arrive. It is not wise to regard this trek as a means of getting into shape or losing excess weight. Start a program of conditioning well before departure.

CHILDREN

Youngsters who are 13 years of age or older are welcome and are considered adults.
Children between the ages of 10 and 12 can only participate in this program if their parent or legal guardian hires an independent, private guide to accompany the child during excursions, as well as signs Cascada's legal waiver, which states that the child is prepared for such an intense trekking trip, and includes information about the independently hired guide.
Children under 10 years of age cannot participate in this trip.
This trip doesn’t offer a special discount for children.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

Passengers need to be prepared for summer and winter all at once. Essential equipment includes a one day backpack (30 liters - to carry camera, glasses, rain coat, etc), trekking or hiking boots, extra shoes for evenings or in case others get wet, waterproof jacket, two pairs of wool socks, fleece jacket or sweater, shorts or comfortable loose pants, sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm and screen) and optional capilene underwear for the upper and lower body. US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP.

ITINERARY MODIFICATIONS

The weather in Patagonia can be difficult to deal with at times. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.

Additional Trip Info

All ground transport - private and domestic - as indicated in the itinerary
Boat crossing on Grey Lake
4 nights accommodation in EcoCamp
1 night accommodation at Refugio Paine Grande or camping(depending on availability)
1 night in Refugio Los Cuernos or Domo El Francés or camping (depending on availability)
Park fees for Torres del Paine National Park
One expert English speaking trekking guide
Sleeping bag for refugios or camping
Transportation for your luggage within the park (while trekking you will carry just your day pack)
Meals: 6 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches/Box Lunches, 6 Dinners

Flight tickets
Travel Insurance - We recommend Insuremytrip, or Global Rescue
Voluntary tipping of guides and staff
Soft drinks or snacks not served with the meals included at the EcoCamp. Bringing US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP is recommended
Items of a personal nature