W Trek

PATAGONIA | Torres del Paine | W Trek

The W Trek, which owes its name to its shape resembling a W as the trail goes up valleys and along a lake (see map below), is one of the most popular treks in Patagonia for many good reasons. The mesmerizing views of the rock formations, lakes, rivers and valleys, along with the different species of easily observable flora and fauna provide plenty of stimulation for all your senses.

We do the trek from east to west, trekking for 4 days and spending 3 nights on the mountain lodges. The trail takes us deep into 2 of the most beautiful valleys in the mountain, eventually leading to the spectacular Grey Glacier, where we exit by boat.

The W trek is around 45 miles long and the highest point is the Towers Lookout at 2,870 ft.a.s.l. Depending on your physical condition, the trek’s difficulty ranges from intermediate to difficult. We recommend the participants to prepare before hand in order to make the most of it.

Check out the itinerary below for more details and please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.

DAY 1 | Arrival to Puerto Natales

Upon arrival to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, we will be there to pick you up and take you to your hotel to check in. You have time at leisure to explore town and prepare your backpack with all the necessary items for the trek. A packing list will be given to you in advance for reference. The rest of your luggage will stay at the hotel. In the evening we get together for dinner and a general briefing.

Lodging	double room in hotel with private bathroom
Food	refreshments

DAY 2 | Base of the Towers

After breakfast in the hotel, our private transfer will take us to Torres del Paine National Park, 2 hours north of Puerto Natales. On the way we see flora and fauna unique to the region, like the guanacos and rheas.
Upon arrival to the park, we check in to our lodging and then we begin the trek. Today is 8 to 10 hours, 4 hours up and 4 hours down with time to rest and enjoy the views. We hike into the Ascencio Valley, which owes its name to a horse thief who used to hide there. The trail takes us through nothophagus forests with views of the Ascencio River, Nordenskjöld Lake and Almirante Nieto Mountain until we get to the proper lookout of the impressive towers. If the conditions allow it, we have lunch at the lookout to enjoy the special ambiance of the place and rest before starting our descent via the same trail we took up there. After another 4 hours of hiking we arrive at our mountain lodge, where a nice meal and a hot shower await.

Distance	13 mi.
Duration	8-10 hrs.
Max. elevation	2,870 ft.
Lodging	shared dormitory with 6 people in mountain lodge, shared bathroom
Food	breakfast, lunch box, dinner

DAY 3 | The Horns and Lake Nordenskjöld

After a leisurly breakfast, we hike west by the foothills of the Almirante Nieto Mountain (8,660 ft.) enjoying views of the Nordenskjöld Lake with its beautiful turquoise blue water. On the way it is possible to see plant and animal species like the Chilean Fire Bush, Cinereus Harrier, Andean Condor, and some impressive geologic features of the park such as Los Cuernos, “The Horns”, and the Paine Grande Mountain (10,000 ft.). Once at the lodge area, we check in and enjoy time at leisure before dinner and sleep.

Distance	8.4 mi.
Duration	5 hrs.
Max. elevation	1,050 ft.
Lodging	shared dormitory with 6-8 people in mountain lodge, shared bathroom
Food	breakfast, lunch box, dinner

DAY 4 | French Valley

After breakfast at the mountain hut, we continue hiking west towards the French Valley, stoping at the lookouts to regroup and enjoy the views. Once at Italian Camp, we can leave some things to hike lighter up the valley. On the way up we see clear evidence of recent glacial and interglacial periods shown by a series of morains, as well as impressive hanging glaciers and the foothill glacier on the east face of Paine Grande Mountain. Depending on the weather conditions and the groups’ ability, we go to the French or British Lookout to have lunch and enjoy the scenery of the impressive granite formations, which offer a challenge to the best climbers in the world.
After lunch we hike back down the same way until reaching Italian Camp, where we get our belongings. We continue west for 2.9 miles towards Paine Grande Lodge through an area with unique beauty despite the fire damage of 2011. Once at the mountain lodge, we can enjoy the bar, a hot shower and a hearty meal.

Distance	15.6 mi.
Duration	11 hrs.
Max. elevation	1,650-2,250 ft.
Lodging	shared dormitory with 6 people in mountain lodge, shared bathroom
Food	breakfast, lunch box, dinner

DAY 5 | Grey Glacier and transfer to Puerto Natales

After breakfast at the mountain lodge, we head north to finish the trek on the west leg of the W. The trail takes us through a canyon with interesting stratigraphy before going uphill towards Los Patos Lake, where we have views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The terrain is undulated with an uphill trend until we reach the highest point at 900 ft.a.s.l. at half way. The trail continues to be undulated with a downhill trend. Along the way we enjoy views of the Grey Lake and Glacier, the Southern Patagonian Ice field and Paine Grande Mountain among other beautiful features.
We stop at the Grey Lodge to enjoy lunch and relax before taking the boat at 13:45. After lunch we hike 10 more minutes towards the lake shore to get on the Grey III catamaran, which goes close to the front of the glacier for an amazing perspective of the ice. After approximately 2 hours, the boat lands at a beach and we hike 30 minutes to the parking lot, where our private transfer will be waiting to take us to the hotel in Puerto Natales, 2 hours away.
After checking in at the hotel, you have time at leisure before dinner at a restaurant for our last group meal and debrief.

Distance	7.6 mi.
Duration	6.5 hrs.
Max. elevation	900 ft.
Lodging	double room in hotel with private bathroom
Food	breakfast, lunch box

DAY 6 | Departure from Puerto Natales

After breakfast at the hotel, we will take you to the bus station or airport in Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas airport to continue with your journey or return back home.

Food	breakfast, lunch box

Please read our Reservation & Cancellation Policy and see below the program inclusions and exclusions.

When you are ready to book, please fill out our form and we will send you secure payment instructions and program related information and documents.