5 Day W Trek – Torres del Paine
5 Days 3700 ex Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales
Accommodation
3 nights Eco-Camping (Glamping), 1 night camping
Transportation
Mostly by foot
Transfers via vehicle & boat
Included Meals
4 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
4 Dinners
Group Size
2 – 12 people
Turning my gaze upwards a mere speck catches my eye.
So small from down below, this mere ‘speck’ likely spied me well before I was even aware of its existence.
Its vast wingspan spread as it floats atop an updraft, silently cruising above the landscape.
A cooling breeze across the cheek returns me to reality, and what a reality it is.
Sharp, jagged peaks, patches of snow clinging to life as Spring slowly takes hold, that breeze a simply reminder that nature still rules these lands.
It feels wild.
It feel alive!
“This landscape of blue, green and silver, of granite spires, glaciers, lakes, mountains and daisy-filled meadows, robs you of words.
I quote Gerard Manley Hopkins to myself, the nearest I can get to doing justice to the view beyond the tent’s opening flap:
“The world is charged with the grandeur of God…” – words that could have been written for this place”.
Kate Kellaway, The Observer
The W Trek has become an icon of Patagonia and encapsulates some of the most dramatic parts of this amazing geological wonder. Within the southern tip of the South American continent, the Paine landscape has been dramatically sculpted by ferocious winds from Antarctica, powerful glaciers and the ever shifting continental plates. For you as the trekker, you will be witness to a rugged and spectacular landscape, dominated by jagged peaks and enormous glaciers.
Our expeditions run between October and March each year as this is when the area is accessible after the frigid winter. However nights can still get cold. Our expedition starts and ends in the acclaimed Eco Camp Patagonia where we will stay on nights 1, 3 and 4. This 5 day trip takes in all the best of the park for those that have more exploring of South America in their itinerary.
“In Patagonia, the isolation makes it easy to exaggerate the person you are: the drinker drinks; the devout prays; the lonely grows lonelier, sometimes fatally.”
Bruce Chatwin, In Patagonia
The Journey
In the morning, you’ll be picked up from the airport or your hotel in Punta Arenas and driven to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. On the way, we’ll make a stop in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of Last Hope Sound (Ultima Esperanza)”Seno de Ultima Esperanza,” where we can enjoy a hearty local lunch of local food.
The journey is scenic and highly atmospheric and, featuring many wild birds and wonderful Patagonian landscapes. The day ends with our arrival and overnight stay at EcoCamp Patagonia, nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park and with a prime view of the majestic Towers. (L, D)
Today is our first full day of adventures in Torres del Paine! After a hearty breakfast, we’ll head to Pudeto dock, catch a catamaran to Pehoe, and then embark on a steep trek to Valle Frances in the Paine Massif’s core.
The distance covered depends on our pace, with a quick walk bringing us to a hanging bridge over the French River at the Massif’s southeastern base, offering spectacular valley views. Continuing to the valley’s upper section, we’ll marvel at its vast geological formations before pausing for a picnic amidst the breathtaking scenery.
The trek concludes with a descent through varied terrain to Refugio Paine Grande, peacefully nestled by Lake Pehoe where we will camp for the night*. (B, L, D)
- Hiking Distance: 25 km/15 mi.
- Hiking Time: 8 hrs.
- Max. Altitude: 686 m./2250 ft.
- Elevation gain: 663 m. / 2175 ft.
* Optional Upgrade to Refugio. Please contact us so we can request the current price and availability from the EcoCamp team.
In the morning, we’ll hike from Paine Grande Refugio along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern side of the glacially beautiful Lake Grey. We’ll feast on a picnic lunch before boarding the boat that sails right to the facade of Glacier Grey. Take in the unreal views of this beautiful glacier, while sipping on a drink stocked with fresh glacier ice. After finishing our boat ride, we’ll take a transfer to EcoCamp.
*Boat trips are subject to cancellation if fewer than 10 passengers are booked. In such cases, we’ll instead hike to a viewpoint for glacier vistas, before walking back to Paine Grande for a catamaran ride and transfer to EcoCamp. (B, L, D)
- Hiking Distance: 11 km./6.8 mi.
- Hiking Time: 4 hrs. (40 min. by boat).
- Max. Altitude: 244 m./800 ft.
- Elevation gain: 836 m./2742 ft.
The goal of this day will be completing the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine. It’s a challenge, but definitely worth it! From the campsite, we journey towards Hostería Las Torres, ascending to Ascencio Valley’s eastern edge. Our path, framed by mountain ridges, beech forests, and streams, leads to a challenging steep moraine.
This boulder-strewn climb* rewards us with the iconic view of the Towers, three towering granite structures, remnants of ancient glacial activity.
At their base, we’re treated to a majestic sight and a perfect lunch spot beside a glacial lake. We then retrace our steps through Ascencio Valley, returning to EcoCamp for dinner and Chilean wine. (B, L, D)
- Hiking Distance: 22 km./13.6 mi.
- Hiking Time: 10 hrs.
- Max. Altitude: 914 m./3000 ft.
- Elevation gain: 796 m./2611 ft.
* If a significant amount of snow has fallen, crampons may be required for this ascent and will be provided for you
We board an early morning vehicle, sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales in time to catch the evening flight. (B, L)
Season
September through to April
NOTE: Children must be a minimum 16 years old
Domes bookings are based on Twin Share. A single supplement applies for a single dome, subject to availability.
No Roads Expeditions do NOT have exclusive access to the EcoCamp in Patagonia. We may require time to check availability for your chosen dome style, before confirming your booking.
Includes
- 3 nights at EcoCamp Patagonia (Superior Domes – Standard Domes also available, or upgrade to a Suite)
- 1 night camping at Paine Grande
- Boat crossing over Pehoe Lake and Grey Lake
- Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
- Park fees for Torres del Paine National Park
- One expert English/Spanish speaking trekking guide
- Luggage transport (while trekking you will carry just your day pack)
- Sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, sleeping mat & tent for the camping at Paine Grande.
- All meals as indicated in itinerary (Breakfast – B, Lunch – L and Dinner – D)
Excludes
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance (this is mandatory)
- Personal spending money
- Tips for General Guides
- Any meals not listed as included
- Domestic Flights (to Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales return or one way)
Your Guides and Safety
An excellent guide can make the difference between a trip of a lifetime and just an ordinary trip. Our handpicked professionals come from a range of backgrounds. Each has extensive outdoor experience, a knowledge of the mountains in which you’ll walk, and a passion for the beautiful country that is Chile.
The guide will ensure that your trip is truly inspiring, a huge amount of fun, and safe. All guides are trained in Safety First Aid and are connected to our Chile and Melbourne offices by satellite phone.
Accommodation
This is predominantly a camping expedition, but with something of a twist.
Eco Camp Patagonia is more akin to a glamping experience, so look forward to one of the more comfortable camping experiences of your life.
Some nights will be spent in Refugios along the trail. These are basic, but clean and provide us welcome shelter from the elements.
Extra Nights Accomodation
The Eco Camp in Torres del Paine is an amazing place and many people like to stay on for a few more days after their expedition to soak up the atmosphere and to explore the region further.
If you would like to extend your stay please let us know and we can arrange this for you.
“This vast, sparsely populated and simply astonishing region encompassing virgin forests; snow-tipped Andean crags that serve as a dividing line between the two countries; myriad glacial lakes; and immense stretches of pampas (grasslands).
Most of Patagonia’s biggest attractions are outdoorsy – from epic road trips and multi-day treks, to glaciers, prehistoric art and penguin colonies”
Anna Kaminski, Freelance Travel Writer