Epic W Trek - 5 Days (Guided Group Trek - Refugios) – Chile

Experience an unforgettable 5-day Patagonia adventure guided by our seasoned mountain expert. This exhilarating journey follows the iconic W trail, culminating in a breathtaking walk on Glacier Grey, or Glacier Kayak! The renowned W trek reveals glaciers, lakes, forests, and the majestic Paine Towers, satisfying your trekking cravings at every turn. Named for its distinctive W-shaped route, formed by the convergence of paths encircling the southern sector of the Macizo del Paine, this bucket-list excursion highlights must-see attractions including Base Torres, Francés Valley, and Grey Glacier.

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5 Day Epic Guided W trek

Arrival Day 0: Arrive by Flight to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas at least 1 day prior.

Day 1: AM Regular transfer by public bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine, Trek to Base Las Torres

Day 2: Trek to Los Cuernos or Francés

Day 3: Explore the French Valley – Paine Grande

Day 4: Trek to Grey Refuge

Day 5: AM Optional suspension bridges hike, Glacier Kayak or Glacier Trek, 2 PM Navigation Grey III Boat Ride - Return to Puerto Natales

*Refugios/Huts: Rustic Lodges in the park with shared bunk (dorm style accommodation), 4-6 bunks per room. All bedding and meals included.

Exclusive Group Departure: 10 people max (Not seeing the date you want? Please inquire about a custom trip or trip on Demand)

2024/2025 Departures:

Oct 27- Oct 31 (FULL)
Nov 30 - Dec 4
Dec 23 - 27 (FULL)
Dec 30 - Jan 3 (FULL)
Jan 6 -10
Jan 27 - 31
Feb 3 -7
Feb 24 - 28
March 10 - 14
March 24 - 28
April 14 -18

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Torres del Paine National Park, Trek to Base Las Torres.

*Arrival Day 0: Arrive by Flight to Puerto Natales (trek departs from Puerto Natales day 1) or Punta Arenas at least 1 day prior. (accommodation not included on arrival day. Please inquire if you would like our team to include your accommodations this night).

Today start your adventure in Torres del Paine! The tour will begin at the Puerto Natales bus terminal at the designated time, to begin the trip to the Torres del Paine National Park. You will travel through beautiful landscapes until you reach the main entrance, Laguna Amarga, where you must register with CONAF (park rangers). Here you will transfer to the “Las Torres” shuttle, which will take you to the Visitor’s Center. After about a 5 minutes’ walk, you will arrive at Torre Central, where you must check in.

Today’s hike begins through the Ascencio Valley, enjoying its extensive forests. During the final ascent, you will traverse an immense field of giant rocks until you reach one of the most emblematic viewpoints in the world, the famous Base Las Torres viewpoint. At 900 m.a.s.l., you will be amazed with the 3 granite towers (north, central and south) and the bright turquoise glacial lake at its feet. Take beautiful photos and enjoy your box lunch before returning along the same path back to Torre Central. After a long day and enjoying Las Torres, delight yourself with the dinner at the refuge.

Distance: 22 kms

Time: 8 – 10 hrs

Level of difficulty: Demanding

Accommodation: Central Refuge: (Simple Bed)

Meals: Box Lunch and Dinner.

Day 2: Trek to Los Cuernos or Francés

Enjoy breakfast and then request your box lunch to start the walk in the depth of the park to Los Cuernos or Francés. During this hike you will pass through beautiful crystal-clear streams, and you can admire the snowdrifts of Almirante Nieto mount at 2,670 meters. You will be able to see the majestic condors gliding from the heights and go alongside the fascinating waters of the Nordenskjöld lake. Continue along the trail until you reach Los Cuernos or Francés refuge, where you will relax for the evening.

Distance: 12 or 15 kilometers (depending on accommodation)

Duration: 5 – 6 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Accommodation: Los Cuernos or Francés Refuge (simple bed)

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Explore the French Valley

We will begin early! This hike will take you to the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. After breakfast, pick up your box lunch and get ready for a day of amazing Patagonian landscapes. After 2 hours walking, you will pass through the Francés campsite, and you will arrive at the entrance of the French Valley. You can leave your backpack at the Italiano camp, where there is a park ranger outpost, and start your journey up to the French Valley.Climb through a massive boulder field and follow a tree-lined ridge until reaching the French plateau. Here, you will be rewarded with stunning views of Los Cuernos (the Horns), turquoise glacial lagoons and amazing blue hanging glaciers cascading down the east face of the Paine Grande Mountain (3,050 m.a.s.l.). If you are lucky, you will hear the thundering sound of water and ice crashing down, as it is very common to witness avalanches. Take some photos, enjoy your box lunch and a well-deserved rest. Descend through the same path back to the Italiano camp (remember to grab your backpack). From here walk to Paine Grande refuge (about 2.5 hrs). Take it easy as it is practically flat. In the evening you will enjoy a delicious dinner at the refuge.

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Distance: 17 kms

Duration: 6 – 7 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate+

Accommodation: Paine Grande Refuge (full bed)

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4: Trek to Grey Refuge

After breakfast, remember to ask for your box lunch and start today’s trekking. The hike begins through a narrow and winding valley that leads to Los Patos lagoon. As you continue, you will get glimpses of the immense Southern Ice Field, as well as the icebergs in the Grey Lake. After passing the sometimes very windy viewpoint, the path descends through a mountainous forest until it reaches the Grey refuge. From here, you can continue your walk for about 10 minutes until you reach the Grey glacier lookout, where you will be facing the bluest glacier in the world. Dinner will be served in the refuge.

Distance: 11 kms

Duration: 4 – 4.5 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Accommodation: Grey Refuge (Full Bed)

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, and Dinner

In Grey Refuge you have the option to enhance your experience with additional activities (Kayak/ Ice Trek must be booked in advance):

Hanging Bridges: Set off for an extra 3 - 4 hours round trip past the refuge towards the famous hanging bridges for an unforgettable panoramic view of Grey Glacier. This viewpoint offers the best perspective of the glacier, allowing you to witness ice calving into the deep, freezing waters of Grey Lake. Marvel at the depth of the ravine formed by the rivers and waterfalls from the Olguín Range.
Ice Trek Grey Glacier (additional cost): Embark on a 5-hour ice hike excursion, navigating in a zodiac boat for 20 minutes to the main tongue of the Grey Glacier. Upon arrival, disembark on the glacier island (Nunatak) and embark on a glacier moraine walk for an hour until you reach the ice. This adventure requires good physical condition and appropriate clothing, including sunglasses, hat, gloves, waterproof clothing, and shoes with good grip. Before entering the glacier, a safety briefing will be conducted to explain walking techniques and equipment use.
Kayak Grey Glacier (additional cost): Explore Grey Lake, nearly 17 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, with several capes, peninsulas, and coves fed mainly by the glacier. Kayak to the east side of the ice wall for a unique perspective surrounded by panoramic views of Paine Grande Hill, the Olguín Mountain Range, and the glacier itself. Immerse yourself in this unforgettable landscape from the water.

Day 5: Grey III Navigation - Return to Puerto Natales

In the morning, explore the panoramic views of the Grey Glacier or participate in optional excursions you pre booked. Then, begin your return to Puerto Natales by boarding the Navigation Grey III, located just 10 minutes from Grey Refuge. Arrive at Grey Beach and walk for 20 minutes to the Pingo sector, where a bus will take you back to Puerto Natales.

(One Way Refugio Grey – Hotel Lago Grey)

Presentation (Check In): At 13:40 Hrs. In Refugio Grey Beach

Departure: From Refugio Grey Beach At 14:00h

Arrival: Hotel Lago Grey Beach At 15:45h

You will arrive at Grey Beach and walk for 40 minutes until reaching Pingo sector, the place where you will wait for the bus that will take you back to Puerto Natales.

- Regular Bus Ticket Pingo (Departure At 17:00 Hrs) - Puerto Natales Bus Station (Arrival At 21:30h

App- tour ends at the Puerto Natales bus terminal)

‍Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch

Trip concludes with an evening arrival back to Puerto Natales. (accommodation not included on arrival day. Please inquire if you would like our team to include your accommodations this night).

Additional Trip Info

Regular bus transportation from Torres to Puerto Natales via Laguna Amarga.
Shuttle service to the welcome center.
Accommodation for 2 nights at Central Refuge.
Accommodation for 1 night at Cuernos or Francés Refuge.
Accommodation for 1 night at Paine Grande Refuge.
Accommodation for 1 night at Grey Refuge.
Ticket for navigation on Grey II.
Regular bus transportation from Grey Sector to Puerto Natales.
Private transfer from the Bus Station to the Hotel in Puerto Natales.
All meals included as requested.
Experienced senior mountain guide.
Mountain Trekking Guide
Welcome Kit: Includes sleeping-bag liner, microfiber towel, water bottle (stainless steel), a map and a journal notebook. This kit will be given to you at the office in Puerto Natales when you show your voucher.

Any service not specified in the program
Guided Glacier hike on Grey Glacier ($180usd - Glacier Kayak or $240usd Glacier Hike)
Flights
Travel Insurance - We recommend World Nomads, or Global Rescue
Gratuity