Torres Del Paine W Trek
Puerto Natales, Chile
4.9 (29 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Iconic Patagonia Trek
- Glacier Walking
- Glacial Lake Kayaking
- Towering Granite Spires
- Stunning Landscapes
- Comfortable Backcountry Lodges or Camping
- Amazing Natural & Cultural History
Description
Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most pristine and remote wilderness areas in the world. The W-Trek is the most iconic trekking route in the Park, and it is for great reason! The dramatic granite towers and spires will draw you in, and in we shall go! The W-trek will take you along the shores of stunning glacial lakes filled with electric blue icebergs. We encounter sheer rock spires as tall as the sky and the magnificent, Southern Patagonian ice cap. Additionally, you not only get to view these special landscapes, but will also have the opportunity to explore them by taking a hike onto Grey Glacier and on a kayak tour around the icebergs in Grey Lake!
The beauty of this raw and dramatic landscape will help you understand why the park is designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Wildland Trekking is an active partner of the Torres del Paine Legacy Fund, which helps educate local children, is creating a local recycling program, conducts W-trail restoration and much more. Keep your cameras ready and get ready for an unforgettable hiking vacation!
Looking to make the most out of your time in Patagonia? We have you covered with our Villa Serrano Add-On Package that includes 2 nights at a charming and intimate lodge in the heart of Patagonia. All meals and transportation are included, and we have optional activities such as kayaking, horseback riding, fly-fishing, or spa you may choose to book. Note that this package begins on Day 6 of this itinerary. Further explore Patagonia and enjoy some well-earned relaxation!
From $240 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
On this trip the single supplement includes single rooms in the hotels we stay at before and after the trek. Once on our trek we will not have the ability to put guests in single rooms. Please be prepared to share refugio accommodations with other guests and hikers once we’re on the trek.
Each refugio is unique, with dorm style accommodations where guests will share co-ed bunk rooms, typically 4-8 hikers per room. Men’s and women’s restrooms/showers are down the hall.
If you are travelling on your own and would prefer double occupancy, please let us know and we will do our best to pair you with a roommate (for the nights in Puerto Natales). If we’re unable to, then the single supplement fee will apply.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip earns its Level 4 Difficulty rating due to the first day’s trekking length of 12 miles and the third day’s trekking length of 13-15 miles. Elevation gains/losses on this trip are moderate to strenuous (up to 3,180 feet) which makes for some challenging days. Aside from the first & third day the hiking distances are moderate.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 15 mi
Backpack Weight:
15-25 lbs
Terrain:
Significantly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 3,180 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 15-25 lb backpack for 8-10 hours. Porter options are available for an extra fee on most trip dates. Reach out to our Adventure Consultant team for more details.
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
- River and creek crossings
- Hiking with occasional, moderate heights exposure
- Potential for harsh, rainy/snowy and extremely windy weather conditions.
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Patagonia hike a solitude 2. You can expect to have as much as an hour of solitude at a time while hiking.
We require a minimum of 2 guests to confirm this trip. If a trip date is not confirmed yet, you can register and will be notified when the trip is officially confirmed. We recommend not making final travel arrangements until your trip meets the minimum number of guests and is confirmed.
In most cases, if a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, or be refunded your payments in full. We make the final determination for these trips 65-60 days before the departure date.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group or family!
In many areas we can run trips with group sizes larger than our normal capacity of 12 guests. There’s no minimum number of guests on a private tour, and in many cases, we have flexibility around minimum age as well.
For all international trips outside the United States, we quote private trip requests on a case by case basis. Please complete the form below to inquiry about a private tour.
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ITINERARY
Day 1
On this Patagonia hiking tour, we will pick you up at the airport in Puerto Natales, Chile. Depending on what time you arrive, you’ll have time to rest, explore the town, or enjoy the views of the fjord before we meet for our orientation where we will review our itinerary, issue gear, and get to know one another. We will then head into town for our first delicious Patagonian meal and toast to the adventure that lies ahead!
Important Note: When you enter Chile, you will be issued a document called a PDI (tourism card). Please do NOT throw this away. You will need it to exit the country and nearly every lodge we stay in also asks for a copy.
Day 2
- Hiking Mileage: 12 miles (19 km)
- Elevation Gain: 3181 feet (970 m)
- Elevation Loss: 3181 feet (970 m)
- Trekking Duration: 9-10 hours
This morning, we will wake up early and drive to Torres Del Paine National Park. Let the adventure begin! Along the way, we may be fortunate enough to view guanacos, rhea, and Andean condors. We will begin our challenging hike by trekking up the Ascencio valley with views of the river, lakes, and views of Las Torres. We will come to Refugio Chileno and have a break for water and snacks. We then continue through a beautiful forest of native Lenga (Beech) trees and then keep hiking until we reach a glacial moraine (a ridge made from earth pushed by the glacier). From the moraine, we trek 1 more hour until we reach the most amazing view of the Torres del Paine rock towers! The views of the granite towers and glacial lake are simply breathtaking. We will then head back to our refugio for dinner and accommodation for the night.
Day 3
- Hiking Mileage: 8 miles (13 km)
- Elevation Gain: 750 feet (229 m)
- Elevation Loss: 900 feet (274 m)
- Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours
After breakfast at our refugio, we will pack our gear and begin our trek along Lake Nordenskjold (named after a Swedish geologist who contributed significantly to the study of Glaciology). Additionally, we will have great views of the hanging glaciers above on Mt. Almirante Nieto. We will have lunch and continue to trek until we reach our refugio. Upon arrival, we will freshen up and have free time until dinner is served.
Day 4
- Hiking Mileage: 13-15 miles (21-24 km)
- Elevation Gain: up to 2200 feet (671 m)
- Elevation Loss: up to 2350 feet (107 m)
- Trekking Duration: 8 hours
Today we trek to the French Valley. The French Valley is one of the most picturesque valleys in Torres del Paine National Park. It is unique because of the hanging glaciers, stunning granite walls, and spires. People often witness the glaciers calving (dropping giant icebergs) and hear this natural symphony in the granite amphitheater. We continue to get closer to the granite spires and glacial lake and on the return journey we can see the turquoise color of glacial Lake Pehoe. Pehoe means ‘Hidden Lake’ in the Tehuelche Language. We continue trekking until we reach Refugio Paine Grande, where we have incredible views of the Paine Grande and Los Cuernos. We have free time until dinner is served.
Day 5
- Hiking Mileage: 7 miles (11km)
- Elevation Gain: 820 feet (250m)
- Elevation Loss: 688 feet (210m)
- Trekking Duration: 4 hours
This morning we have breakfast and depart on our trek along the enchanting Grey Lake (Lago Grey). During our hike, we’ll have views of electric blue icebergs and the magnificent Grey glacier. We hike to the Northeast coast of Grey Lake from where our adventure really starts! Our guides will introduce us to our kayaking equipment and provide a safety talk for our paddle through the floating icebergs of Grey Lake. We then safely kayak near Grey Glacier to get an amazing view of the river of ice. After our kayak adventure, we hike to Refugio Grey, where we will stay for the night. Here we’ll have time to relax until dinner is served.
Due to occasionally harsh weather conditions, the kayaking tour is not always possible and will be substituted by a fantastic day of hiking.
Day 6
- Hiking Mileage: 4 miles (6km)
- Elevation Gain: 600 feet (184m)
- Elevation Loss: 600 feet (184m)
- Trekking Duration: 3 hours
After breakfast, our guides will brief us on today’s route and extra gear needed. We then take a zodiac boat for 15 minutes across the lake until we reach the west side of Grey Glacier. Upon arrival at Grey Glacier, we will disembark on the land in between the Ice (Nunatak) and hike across the small island until we reach the Ice. Our glacier guides will brief the group on safety aspects and teach the group the proper techniques and correct use of our equipment. After the brief, we will begin our exploration of Grey Glacier which last approximately 3 hours. We will be able to observe crevasses, rivers, lagoons and tunnels in different tones of blue. We then make our way back to the zodiac boat and return to the docking point, where we will have lunch. We then board a large catamaran and peruse the perimeter of the lake to get up close with the numerous icebergs. Upon our arrival on the other side of the lake, we have about a 1-mile hike where we meet our driver who will transfer us back to Puerto Natales. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel and have free time before going out on the town for our final celebratory dinner together. What a week it has been!
Due to occasionally harsh weather conditions, the glacier hiking is not always possible and will be substituted by a fantastic day of hiking.
Day 7
After breakfast, our shuttle driver will deliver you back to the airport in Puerto Natales. Thank you for choosing Wildland Trekking!
Villa Serrano Add-On Package
Looking to make the most out of your time in Patagonia? We have you covered with our Villa Serrano Add-On Package that includes 2 nights at a charming and intimate lodge in the heart of Patagonia. All meals and transportation are included, and we have optional activities such as kayaking, horseback riding, fly-fishing, or spa you may choose to book. Note that this package begins in the afternoon of Day 6 of this itinerary. Further explore Patagonia and enjoy some well-earned relaxation!
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to: extreme weather, availability of refugios, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more. Also, the kayaking and glacier hiking days on this trip are weather-dependent and not guaranteed; we will substitute alternate activities in the case kayaking and/or glacier hiking are not possible. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
- Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
- Transportation for the duration of the tour starting on Day 1 and ending on Day 7
- Lodging for the duration of the tour including hotels in Puerto Natales and Refugio (backcountry hut or campsites) in Torres del Paine National Park
- Meals beginning with dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 7
- Use of a backpack & trekking poles
- Kayak equipment and local kayak guides for one day (weather permitting, not guaranteed)
- Glacier hiking equipment and glacier hiking guides for one day (weather permitting, not guaranteed)
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
- Transportation to/from Puerto Natales
- Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $30,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage
- All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
- Bar bills, drink bills, telephone bills, Wi-Fi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/laundry)
- Clothes, rain gear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries, water bottles, headlamp/flashlight and personal items
- Porter services – options are available for an extra fee on most trip dates. Reach out to our Adventure Consultant team for more details.
- Guide gratuities are optional and at the discretion of each customer. A suggested guideline is to reward outstanding service with a tip of 5-10% of the total trip cost. Local currency is preferred, or USD is also appreciated. Gratuities for kayak and ice hike guides (recommended $25-$50 per kayak guide, $25-$50 per ice hike guide)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Add-on Porter Service
Hiring a porter to assist in carrying your gear can be a great option if you’d like to trek with a lighter pack (5-10 pounds versus 15-25 pounds). Porter services on this trip are available for Days 3-5 for an add on fee of $540. Porters can carry up to 33 pounds each and can be split between 1-3 guests. Contact our Adventure Consultant team to book.
Lodging: What to Expect
This hut-to-hut trek in Patagonia offers a mix of typical hotels in Puerto Natales and unique, rustic lodging that Torres del Paine National Park is famous for. These huts are all about the location!
There are some unique elements to the huts that are important for guests to understand:
- These backcountry huts are basic – but cozy and warm.
- They feature shared, co-ed rooms with bunkbeds, typically housing 6 hikers per room. In some refugios, the rooms may consist of a mix of Wildland guests and other hikers. Bringing earplugs and an eye mask is recommended.
- Separate men’s and women’s bathrooms and showers are down the hall.
- Single rooms are not available in the huts; single rooms are available only for the lodge nights in Puerto Natales.
- Occasionally, we are not able to reserve one or more nights in the refugios, in which case accommodations will be in tents that are provided and set up by the refugios. In these cases, we will still have access to the refugios for meals, relaxation, and showers. The price of the trip remains the same. Additionally, if you would prefer a tent to a hut space, please inquire with our Adventure Consultants.
Meals: What to Expect
This Patagonia hiking tour features a combination of meals at hand selected restaurants in Puerto Natales and meals served by the huts in Torres del Paine. Some may consider the meals from the huts to be simple or repetitive given their remote setting, and others find them to be exactly what hits the spot! Our guides supplement the meals with extras at breakfast, lunches, and dinners while on the trek. The refugios often have beverages (beer, wine, soda) available for purchase.
In addition, we provide you with an assortment of trail snacks (nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, & cookies) to eat at your own discretion. Common trail snack brands and items found easily in the US are not readily available in this destination (i.e. protein bars, trail bars, beef jerky, etc.). We recommend guests that prefer these types of trail snacks to bring a few of their own choice items from home.
We can often accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee, and in some countries may be more difficult to accommodate than others. Please inquire with us for more information about the specific trip you’re interested in.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Backpacks
- Trekking poles
- Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads (when needed)
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Additionally, some guests choose to bring their own sleeping bag. We supply high quality, synthetic fill bags that are professionally laundered after every trip. Synthetic fill is non-allergenic, insulates when damp and stands up well to repeated washings, but is heavier and bulkier than down. If you’re able to bring your own down sleeping bag, there are multiple benefits. If not, we’ve got you covered!
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
We will meet you at the Puerto Natales Airport (Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport/ PNT) on Day 1 and transport you to our first night’s hotel. The group will meet at 5:00 PM in the lobby for our orientation meeting. Please plan for flights to arrive no later than 4:00 PM on Day 1.
Our pre-trip support team will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip to coordinate your rendezvous and answer any last-minute questions you have.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to/From Puerto Natales
Start/End Location: Puerto Natales, Chile
Closest Airport: Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT) in Puerto Natales, Chile
We recommend flying directly into Puerto Natales, Chile for this trip. LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, & Jet Smart offer direct flights from Santiago to Puerto Natales.
Day 1: Please arrive no later than 4:00 PM on Day 1 into Puerto Natales. Our Patagonia team will rendezvous with you at the airport and transport you to our hotel. An orientation meeting, dinner, and accommodations are included on Day 1.
Day 7: You are welcome to depart anytime today. Breakfast is included.
Flights to and from Puerto Natales are the guest’s responsibility.
Alternate Airport: If you choose to fly into Punta Arenas (PUQ) — a 3 hour’s drive from Puerto Natales — you can arrange for a local bus to transfer you to Puerto Natales. Below are some recommendations. These are comfortable coach busses, and the process is easy to navigate. The website can be viewed in both English and Spanish. The cost is roughly $10-$12 per person and must be purchased online in advance. If you choose to take the bus from Punta Arenas, instead of flying directly into Puerto Natales, we will pick you up from the Puerto Natalies bus terminal and transfer you to the first night’s hotel.
Important Note: When you enter Chile, you will be issued a document called a PDI (tourism card). Please do NOT throw this away. You will need it to exit the country and nearly every lodge we stay in also asks for a copy. It is also a good idea to take a picture of it, front and back.
Pre and Post-trip On Request Lodging
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in Puerto Natales, Chile as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
In the interest of your safety, it’s important to refer to the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date recommendations on immunizations before your trip.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guides
Our approach to international travel is to combine the best of two worlds: the dialed-in details, professionalism and consistency Wildland trips are known for; and the cultural immersion and intimate regional knowledge that only locals can provide. To excel with this approach, we vet and hire the best local guides, welcome them into the Wildland family and train them to meet our standard of excellence with every aspect of a trip. But along with managing logistics and safety, your guides will teach you about the area’s history and culture, and provide a level of familiarity and intimate detail only locals can.
Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Trip Insurance
Field evacuation (minimum coverage of at least $30,000), repatriation, and medical trip insurance is REQUIRED as a condition of partnership terms with our Patagonian vendors.
We recommend IMG/iTravelinsured. They are one of the world’s leading providers of travel insurance and policies meet all requirements.
For information on the recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please click here.
If you already have the required insurance or wish to purchase from anyone other than IMG/iTravelinsured, we recommend careful consultation with the provider to ensure appropriate coverage. This is because many providers have a number of policy exclusions.
Weather in Patagonia
Chile is a long, thin country extending North-South more than half the length of South America which gives it a tremendous diversity of climates. The Patagonia region of Chile, where we operate our trips, is at the far southern tip of South America, relatively far from the equator and close to the South Pole. It is a generally cool climate with potential for year round inclement weather including rain, snow, sleet, and very strong winds.
The average temperatures and precipitation in the Patagonia region are:
| Month | Hi | Low | Precip |
| October | 51° F | 37° F | 5 in |
| November | 55° F | 40° F | 5.6 in |
| December | 57° F | 42° F | 7.2 in |
| January | 59° F | 44° F | 5.1 in |
| February | 58° F | 43° F | 3.8 in |
| March | 55° F | 41° F | 4.9 in |
| April | 50° F | 38° F | 5.8 in |
Accommodations
HOTEL NATALINO
2 NIGHTS
This modern, comfortable hotel, with architecture that evokes the form of Patagonia’s natural landscapes, is a premier accommodation in the town of Puerto Natales. Just a couple years old, and with all the amenities, it is a fantastic place to prepare before, and rest after, our Patagonia trek.
(heated pool)
TORRES DEL PAINE REFUGIOS
4 NIGHTS
Refugios are inviting backcountry huts/lodges with beds, kitchens, chefs and staff, dining rooms, and bathrooms/showers. The accommodations are dorm-style with communal, co-ed bedrooms that contain 6-8 beds per room. Bathrooms are gender-separated with hot water, showers and flush toilets. Please note: for those who have opted for the single supplement, there are no single rooms available during the Refugio section of this trek.
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
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Chris W
I love Patagonia!
Fantastic trip to a totally fabulous place (I am a geologist and it was always a must location). Karina is a great guide and a wonderful person. I would love to do the O Circuit next year with her. The trip is not extremely demanding, but intense in. terms of the overall experience. I love Patagonia! My suggestion would be to start one day earlier to have more time for the Ascensio Valley; on the first day after the drive to the Park would be nice to have a relatively easy hike, just to stretch a bit after long travel (e.g. the trail to Co. Paine on the NE side of the Valley).
Donna B
Truly, one of the best trips ever.
Torres del Paine National Park was breathtaking. Everyday and with every step, there was an incredible view in every direction. Karina did an outstanding job as our guide. She was professional, very knowledgeable, and was a lot of fun! Truly, one of the best trips ever.
Sue C
Exceptional adventure that touched my heart
I embarked on a journey filled with excitement and a touch of apprehension, but little did I know how it would surpass my wildest dreams! The constantly evolving scenery was nothing short of breathtaking, leaving me in awe at every turn. As night fell, the cozy refugios provided a comforting haven amidst the adventure. The food was delightful, and the accommodations were top-notch. The hike itself? It lived up to its description - thrilling yet challenging. Proper preparation is key; make sure to train and pack accordingly for the unpredictable weather. But oh, our guides, Andrea Hernandez and Patrick Smith, were truly exceptional. They were not just professionals but kind-hearted souls who radiated joy and humor. Their care knew no bounds as they supported us every step of the way, even those of us who were new to hiking. And their backpacks seemed enchanted, holding surprises that comforted weary souls. Thank you, Wildland Trekking, for providing me with an exceptional adventure that touched my heart and uplifted my spirits.
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