Torres Del Paine W Trek
Puerto Natales, Chile
4.9 (28 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!
$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 coed bunk rooms, typically 4-8 guests per room. Men’s and women’s restrooms/showers are down the hall. You’ll have great local cuisine, served in a communal eating area with shared tables and drinks available for purchase.
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 14 miles and the third day’s trekking length of 13-15 miles. Elevations on this trip are moderate to strenuous (but below 3,000 feet) which makes for some difficult hiking, and aside from the first & third day the hiking distances are also moderate.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 15 mi
Backpack Weight:
15-25 lbs
Terrain:
Significantly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 2,500 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!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 2
- 4-5 People: Rate x 1.5
- 6-10 People: Rate x 1.15
- 11-12 People: Rate x 1
- 13+ people: contact us for availability and pricing
*all rates are per person and single supplements apply
Private 10+ Guest Patagonia Trips
On all Patagonia trips for private or custom groups of more than 10 guests, a non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total trip cost is needed to secure the group’s reservations.
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private TripsITINERARY
Day 1
On this Patagonia hiking tour, we will pick you up at the airport in Puerto Natales, Chile. We will transfer you to your accommodation and before dinner we will all meet for our orientation meeting and become acquainted with our guides, itinerary, gerar, etc. After our meeting, we will have our first Patagonian dinner together!
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: 13.7 miles (22km)
- Elevation Gain: 2524 feet (770m)
- Elevation Loss: 2524 feet (770m)
- Trekking Duration: 9-10 hours
This morning we will wake up early and drive to Torres Del Paine National Park. We will enjoy breakfast on the road and take a nice coffee break on our way. Your guides will brief you on effective trekking techniques as well as an overview of the natural and cultural history of the area. We will begin trekking up the Ascencio valley while having views of the the Ascencio river. 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. Our guides will deliver the plan for the next day.
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, 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 at our refugio, 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
This morning we begin our 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 ice bergs) 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 Indian Language. We continue trekking until we reach Lodge 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 the new Grey lodge, 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 if not possible.
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 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 return to the zodiac boat and ride back to the docking point, where we will have lunch. After lunch, we board a larger and more comfortable boat and peruse the perimeter of the lake to get up close with the numerous icebergs. We then head to Grey Lodge, pack our gear and depart for Puerto Natales. Upon arrival in Puerto Natales, we’ll check into our lodge 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 if not possible.
Day 7
This morning, after breakfast our shuttle driver will deliver you back to the airport in Puerto Natales. Thank you for choosing Wildland Trekking!
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 in Puerto Natales and Refugio accommodations (or camping in some instances) in Torres del Paine National Park
- Meals beginning with dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the final day
- Use of a top-of-the-line 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 Puerto Natales
- Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $30,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (required in Chile)
- Bar bills, drink bills, extra snacks, telephone bills, Wi-Fi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/laundry)
- Clothes, rain gear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Porter services – options are available for an extra fee on most trip dates. Reach out to our Adventure Consultant team for more details.
- All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
- 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. Please tip your lead guide and they will distribute responsibly to the crew. 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.
Refugio Accommodations
This Patagonia trek utilizes the Torres del Paine Refugios (backcountry huts). Each refugio is unique, with dorm style accommodations where guests share co-ed bunk rooms, typically 4-8 guests per room. Men’s and women’s restrooms/showers are down the hall. You’ll have great local cuisine, served in a communal eating area with shared tables and drinks available for purchase.
Also, 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.
Meals: What to Expect
This Patagonia hiking tour features a combination of in-town meals and meals prepared by your guides. We’ll have dinners at carefully selected, wonderful restaurants in Puerto Natales and in some of the backcountry lodges as well as meals prepared on the trail by your guides and/or support staff.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables. In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail snacks* (nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, & cookies) to eat at your own discretion.
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.
*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.
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(s)
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 airport in Puerto Natales on Day 1 and transport you to the first night’s hotel (included), where we’ll conduct an orientation meeting at 5:00 PM the first evening (your flight should arrive before 4PM into Puerto Natales. Our communication team in Chile 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 Puerto Natales
BOOKING FLIGHTS
For our Patagonia treks we recommend flying into Puerto Natales, Chile on the day the trip begins. LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, & Jet Smart offer direct flights from Santiago to Puerto Natales.
Flights to and from Chile are the guest’s responsibility. Multiple airlines operate flights into Puerto Natales, but there are no direct flights from U.S. or European cities. Most flights connect through Lima, Santiago, and/or Puerto Montt, Chile. The duration of these multiple-stop flights, including layovers, is normally between 20 and 28 hours.
Please arrive no later than 4 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. Your flight on the final day from Puerto Natales can leave at anytime.
If you choose to fly into Punta Arenas (a 3 hour’s drive from Puerto Natales), we recommend the following local bus companies. 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 bus terminal and take you to the first nights’ hotel.
Buses Fernandez: http://busesfernandez.com
Bus Sur: http://www.bussur.com
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.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
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 on all Chile trips as a condition of partnership terms with our Chilean vendors.
If you wish to purchase trip insurance, we recommend IMG/iTravelinsured. They are one of the world’s leading providers of travel insurance.
For information on recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please click here.
For even greater information, or if you simply prefer communicating with a real, live person, feel free to contact our exclusive agent Michael Bennett. Michael will help you identify the best product for your needs, and there is no cost associated with his assistance. You may contact him at:
Email: [email protected]
US by Phone: 877-305-9083
Direct/International by Phone: 702-448-3664
If you already have 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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- HIGH - LOW
Hugo G
Hiking was sublime
Highlights: scenery, guides, hiking, fellow hikers in our group, Chilean people. Lowlights: accommodations and meals at the refugios. The trails offered something different each day and the hiking, while challenging (lots of mileage, lots of wind, lots of elevation gain/loss, rocky terrain), was extremely rewarding; what a most beautiful place! Hiking on glacier Grey was like being on another planet and quite the experience (we didn't get to do the kayaking due to weather). The refugios were crowded and the standard breakfast and dinner there were not that great (breakfast, in particular, left a lot to be desired). "Quiet" hours (common areas in the refugios are teeming with people and are very loud) start a midnight and there were people partying well into the night... Make sure you're OK with sharing the room at the refugios with 3-5 more hikers (some of them not in your group) and bring ear plugs and an eye mask; If I were to do it again, I'd opt for a single tent instead of the "dorms" at the refugios (not sure if that's an option offered by Wildland).
Donna Y.
Anna is a great guide
Anita did a great job guiding - although we had to forgo several iconic hikes due to weather, she made the best of the situation. I would recommend paying the extra $20 in the last two refugeo as we only needed them for two stays and added a lot of bulk to our packs.
Sarah A.
Everything was wonderful
Great guide! Really everything was wonderful. My one objection was that during the kayak ride the big foot guide did not check one of our ‘skirts’ and water - glacier water - flowed in. I felt they did not take this seriously enough. We asked that two boats to go back immediately but they continued to make light of the problem. Sitting in this water for 30 minutes and then once pumped out completely sodden for another 45 minutes is dangerous.
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