W Trek - Torres del Paine (Refugio - Self Guided) – Chile

Experience the exhilarating 5-day refugio version of the W trek, guiding you through trails that unveil glaciers, lakes, forests, and the iconic Paine Towers, fulfilling every trekker's craving for adventure. Named after the perfect W shape formed by the convergence of paths encircling the southern sector of the Macizo del Paine, this trek offers an unforgettable journey. The W Circuit highlights include Base Torres, Francés Valley, and Grey Glacier. *Refugios: These cozy rustic lodges in the park offer shared bunk (dorm-style) accommodation, with 4-6 bunks per room, and include bedding and meals. Departures available daily (subject to availability).

What is a self guided trek?

Our self-guided treks in Torres del Paine provide not only independence and convenience but also the opportunity to connect with fellow adventurers. You'll encounter many others embarking on the same journey, sharing experiences and camaraderie along the way. While we handle the logistics - from transportation to accommodation and meals - you'll enjoy the freedom to explore the well-marked trails at your own pace, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the park. Lace up your boots and join the community of explorers on this unforgettable adventure!

OVERVIEW:

Day 1: Arrive to Torres del Paine National Park- Trek to the Base of The Towers

‍Day 2: Trek to Refugio Los Cuernos‍

Day 3: Explore the French Valley‍

Day 4: Grey Glacier‍

Day 5: Trek to Refugio Paine Grande – Return to Puerto Natales

*Refugios: Rustic Lodges in the park with shared bunk (dorm style accommodation), 4-6 bunks per room. All bedding and meals included. Camping Version of the 5 Day W also available HERE.

Departures: All Days (Dependent on Availability)

Group Guided Departures: Available on request please inquire

TRIP PDF

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Torres del Paine National Park - Hike to the Base of The Towers

2.5 hour drive

8 hours Hiking

Distance: 22km (13.7 miles)

We will After breakfast at your hotel in Puerto Natales, your packed lunch will be delivered, and you'll catch a 7 am public bus departing straight to Torres del Paine National Park. Journey across the vast Patagonian plains before reaching the entrance at Laguna Amarga, where it is required to register with CONAF (park rangers). Board the "Las Torres" shuttle bus that will drop you off at the Visitor’s Center. Register with the Cerro Paine Reserve and walk a short distance to Refugio Torre Central. Whether your accommodation is a shared-dorm room in the Refugio or camping, make sure to check-in prior to beginning your hike.

Today’s trek follows the Ascensio Valley as it snakes through windswept hills and wide-spread beech forests. During the final ascent, you’ll traverse an immense boulder field until reaching one of the most iconic mountain viewpoints in the world, the Base of The Towers. At a height of 900 meters (2953 feet) above sea level, marvel at the sheer granite walls of the (north, south, central) towers and the brilliantly turquoise glacial lake below. Take some photographs and have lunch before following the same path downwards to Refugio Torre Central. After a long day of hiking, enjoy a warm dinner at the lodge.

Distance: 22 kilometers (approximately 13.7 miles)

Time: 8-10 hours

Level of Difficulty: Strenuous

Accommodation: Refugio or Camping Torre Central

Meals: Packed lunch + Dinner

DAY 2: Trek to Refugio Los Cuernos

4-5 hours hiking

Distance: 12km (7.5 Miles)

Difficulty - Moderate

Enjoy breakfast and request your packed lunch in the dining area. Today, the trail leads you deep into the park towards Refugio Los Cuernos, one of the more secluded mountain lodges. Navigate over crystal clear streams, admire the hanging glaciers off of Mt. Almirante Nieto (2,670 meters or approximately 8,760 feet), and search for condors as you border the mesmerizing green-blue waters of Lake Nordenskjold. Follow the well-marked trail until you reach Refugio Los Cuernos, where you’ll unwind for the evening.

Distance: 12 kilometers (approximately 7.5 miles)

Time: 4-5 hours

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Accommodation: Refugio or Camping Los Cuernos

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and Dinner

DAY 3: Explore the French Valley

6-7 Hours Hiking

Distance: 17km (10.6 miles)

Difficulty: Demanding

Set out on an early morning adventure for a full-day hike to the heart of Torres del Paine Park. Following breakfast, organize your packed lunch and prepare for a day filled with breathtaking Patagonian landscapes. Traverse through the Frances Campsite, and after 2-2.5 hours of hiking, you'll reach the base of the French Valley. Leave your backpack at the Italiano Ranger Station and commence your journey up the valley.

Ascend through a vast boulder field and follow a tree-lined ridge until you reach the French plateau (Mirador Frances). Here, you'll be greeted by stunning vistas of Los Cuernos (the Horns), turquoise glacial lagoons, and magnificent blue hanging glaciers cascading down the east face of Paine Grande (3,050 meters or approximately 10,007 feet). If you're fortunate, you may even hear the thunderous roar of water and ice cascading down, as avalanches are common in this area. Capture some memorable photographs and enjoy your packed lunch before descending back to the Italiano Ranger Station.

Retrieve your backpack and hike to Refugio Paine Grande (approximately 6.25-7.5 miles). Take it easy for the evening and indulge in a delicious meal at the lodge.

Distances: Mirador Frances: 17km (approximately 10.6 miles )

Time: Mirador Frances: 6-7 hours

Level of Difficulty: Demanding

Accommodation: Refugio Paine Grande or Camping Paine Grande

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and Dinner

DAY 4: Grey Glacier (Optional hike to suspension bridges)

4.5 Hours Hiking

Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)

Difficulty: Moderate

Begin your day by trekking through a narrow, winding valley leading to Laguna de Los Patos. As you progress, catch glimpses of the expansive Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the iceberg-studded Grey Lake. After encountering the occasionally very windy lookout point at Glacier Grey, the trail descends through a hilly forest until you stand face to face with the majestic Grey Glacier.

Distance: 11 kilometers (approximately 6.8 miles)

Time: 4-4.5 hours

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Accommodation: Refugio or Camping Grey

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and Dinner

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OPTIONAL HIKING EXTENTION:

Embark on an extraordinary journey for an unparalleled panoramic vista of Grey Glacier. Extend your adventure by an additional 3-4 hours (round trip) beyond Refugio Grey to reach the renowned suspension bridges. Upon crossing the second suspension bridge, gaze down upon the vast expanse of deep blues and tiny turquoise lagoons adorning the magnificent Grey Glacier. With luck, witness the spectacle of ice calving into the icy depths of Grey Lake.

Distance: 4 kilometers

Time: 3-4 hours (round trip)

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 5: Trek to Refugio Paine Grande – Return to Puerto Natales

4-5 Hours Hiking

Distance: 11km (6.8 miles)

Difficulty: Moderate

On your final day in the park, you have two options:

Option 1:

Retrace your steps along the trail to Refugio Paine Grande to catch the 11:30 AM catamaran departing for the Pudeto boat dock. From there, board the 1:00 PM public bus back to Puerto Natales. Anticipate arriving in Puerto Natales around 4:30 PM.

Distance: 11 kilometers (approximately 6.8 miles)

Time: 4-4.5 hours

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

‍Meals: Breakfast, Packed lunch

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Option 2:

If you missed the opportunity to visit the suspension bridges the previous day, spend the morning exploring the breathtaking panoramic vistas of Grey Glacier. Afterwards, follow the same trail back to Refugio Paine Grande to catch the 6:30 PM catamaran to the Pudeto boat dock. From there, board the 7:00 PM public bus back to Puerto Natales. Expect to arrive in Puerto Natales around 10:00 PM.

Distance: 4 kilometers

Time: 3-4 hours (round trip)

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Additional Information - Restrictions and Suggestions:

Additional Information - Restrictions and Suggestions:

• This itinerary is not suitable for children under the age of 10.

• Participants should be capable of carrying their personal belongings throughout the program. We suggest utilizing 40-liter backpacks.

• For those desiring to lighten their load during the hike, we provide luggage storage in Puerto Natales.

Departure Details:

• Departures are available every day (subject to availability) from October to April.

Program Adjustments:

• All outings are contingent upon weather conditions.

Pre-Trip Briefing: Expect a briefing at our local partner's office in Puerto Natales the day before your journey.

Camping: Enjoy fully-supported camping, including a two-person tent, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag, with all meals provided along the route. Your daypack should contain lunch (provided) and personal items for each overnight stop.

Refugios: Accommodations at refugios consist of dormitory rooms. Some refugios offer sleeping bags and pillows, while others provide sheets, blankets, and pillows.

Luggage Storage: You can safely store your luggage with our local partners in Puerto Natales, or at your selected hotel.

Optional Excursions: Availability varies for these excursions and must be booked and paid for in advance, as they are not included in the trip price. Contact us for further details.

Boat Trip on Glacier Grey: Experience a boat trip on Day 5 from Refugio Grey to the southern end of the lake, followed by a private transfer to Puerto Natales. This option skips the hike from Refugio Grey to Refugio Paine Grande, but allows for an optional hike to the Ferrier lookout (3hrs, 5.6km, 651m elevation gain) after the boat trip. USD $130 per person.

Kayaking in Front of Glacier Grey: Enjoy kayaking in front of Glacier Grey on Day 4 or 5. USD $180 per person.

Ice Hike on Glacier Grey: Experience an ice hike on Glacier Grey on Day 4 or 5. USD $240 per person.

Single Supplement: Solo travelers incur a single supplement of USD $360.

Rates are quoted for October 2023- April 2024.

For 2024/2025 pricing please inquire

Getting to the start of the W trek: The trip begins and ends in the Chilean town of Puerto Natales, a touristic bus is provided in the package to/from Torres del Paine National Park. Flights are recommended from Santiago to Puerto Natales, in the case there are no flight direct to Puerto Natales from Santiago, you can fly into Punta Arenas, ground transfers can also be arranged from the Argentina town of El Calafate at an extra cost.

Cancellation Policy:

Self guided treks: Full payment of the trip is due at the time of booking in order to secure the requested dates and trip.

‍Refund Policy: The following tiered refund policy will apply in the event of cancellation:

If the trip is cancelled 70 days or more prior to the departure date, a 5% cancellation fee will apply, and the remaining balance will be refunded.
If the trip is cancelled between 51-69 days before the departure date, a 50% cancellation fee will apply, and the remaining balance will be refunded.
If the trip is cancelled 50 days or less prior to the reserved departure date, full penalty will apply, and no refund will be provided.‍

Additional Trip Info

Accommodations: Camping and/or lodge arrangements as per your itinerary.
Lodge accommodations feature mixed dormitories with a maximum occupancy of 6 individuals. Each guest receives a bed with sheets, a comforter, and a towel.
Camping accommodations include pre-set tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads.
Transportation: Public bus transfers to and from the park, along with a shuttle bus ticket to the Visitor’s Center.
Meals: Enjoy meals outlined in your itinerary, including a packed lunch on day 1.
Dietary Restrictions: Notify us during reservation to accommodate any dietary needs. Please note, prior notice is required for dietary restrictions.
Catamaran boat tickets and entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park are covered.
Welcome Kit: Includes dry bag, water bottle, large map, buff (bandana) or welcome drink. You receive this kit and your program vouchers prior to your trek. *Please note: contents may change without notice and at the discretion of our supply.