W Trek

The Trip

Day 1: Torres del Paine – Travel to Torres del Paine NP / EcoCamp
Day 2: Torres del Paine – Trek the Valle del Frances trail / Refuge
Day 3: Torres del Paine – Trek Lake Pehoe and the Grey Trail / EcoCamp
Day 4: Torres del Paine – Trek to the towers / EcoCamp
Day 5: Torres del Paine – Drive to Punta Arenas

Day 1

After being picked up from Punta Arenas in the morning you’ll be taken to the EcoCamp Patagonia, located inside the Torres del Paine National Park. En route you will make a stop in the small lively town of Puerto Natales on the shores of Seno de Ultima Esperanza where you can enjoy a local lunch. You’ll also stop at Milodon caves, a huge prehistoric cave that hold the remains of the giant ground slot. When you arrive at the EcoCamp you can enjoy dinner, the views of the Patagonian steppe and watch the late sunset that usually occurs around 11 p.m. Overnight.

Day 2

After a good breakfast you’ll begin the W Trek. Hike the challenging trek to Valle Frances along a steep trail towards the Paine Massif. Cross the hanging bridge over the Franch River at the south east face of the Massif from which you can see fantastic views of the valley. Ascend up to view the Hoja, Mascara, Espada, Catedral and Aleta de Tiburon geological formations as well as the magnificent Fortaleza. After stopping in a scenic location for a picnic lunch and some time to relax you will descend down through grasslands and forest to the Grande Paine Refuge on the shores of Lake Pehoe. Settle in for the night and enjoy dinner.

Day 3

This morning you will enjoy breakfast at the refuge. In the morning you will hike from the refuge along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern side of Lake Grey. Enjoy a picnic on the edge of the lake and then board a boat to sail close up to Glacier Grey. Disembark at the southern end of Glacier Grey and transfer back to the EcoCamp for a comfortable night and dinner.

Day 4

Today you will be one of the most rewarding hiking days. After breakfast hike towards the Hosteria Las Torres campsite before ascending the Ascencio Valley on the Towers eastern face. Along the way you will pass mountain ridges, beech forests and small rivers that line the valley. The most challenging part of the day is climbing over the huge boulders that lead to the spectacular view of the Towers, three gigantic granite monoliths created by the forces of glacier ice with the glacier lake visible below. Enjoy a picnic overlooking this beautiful view. Backtrack along the trail through the Ascencio Valley and return to the EcoCamp for dinner and a relaxed evening.

Day 5

In the morning you will say goodbye to Torres del Paine National Park and transfer back to Punta Arenas in time for your onward transfer or flight.

Please note that we can arrange a longer 7-day version that additionally explores the area around Lakes Sarmiento and Azul, with a chance to see more wildlife including guanacos and ñandús and even a puma.

Alternatively discover our exciting W Trek – Brush Variant program, sailing from the fjords to the heart of the Paine Massif, with stunning views of three magnificent glaciers and virgin forests.