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 full W trek from east to west, trekking for 4 days and spending 2 nights at campsites and the other 4 nights at a very special Ecolodge. 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. We finish the trek by hiking up to the famous lookout of the Towers of Paine.

On the 5th day of hiking we go on to the south eastern part of the park where we set off on the Fauna trail. This 7 km trsil with 200 meters of elevation gain takes us across the Patagonian steppe where Guanacos, foxes, and pumas go about their lives. With a bit of luck we get to observe these beautiful animals up close.

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 | Pick up

Today we pick you up at your hotel or at the airport in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales. Then we drive to the office where we meet other group members and staff. Here we have the last chance to get any important equipment that might have been missplaced by the airline or do some last minute shopping before driving 2 hours north to our acommodation in Torres del Paine National Park.

Lodging	double room in Ecolodge with shared bathroom
Food	lunch and dinner

DAY 2 | The Horns

After breakfast in the eco-hotel we start hiking west along the Lake Nordenskjöld, crossing a few streams and a bridged river until we see the impressive Cuernos del Paine, a group of giant jagged peaks with 2 different rock types that are awe inspiring. We either camp at los Cuernos or Frances campgrounds (availability dependant). This day sets the pace of the group and the group dynamics begin to take shape influenced by the natural beauty of the place.

Distance	13 - 16.5 km
Duration	4-6 hrs.
Elevation gain	1,200 ft.
Lodging	Double occupancy tent
Food	breakfast, lunch box, dinner

DAY 3 | French Valley

After a hearty breakfast at the camp communal dinig room we get our backpacks ready and continue west along the lake until we start climbing towards the Italiano Ranger Station, located at the bottom of the French Valley. We take a little break here before continuing up the valley hiking over morraines and crossing some minor streams until we reach the main lookout point, which offers great views of the hanging glaciers and the majestic granit peaks. After lunch at the lookout we hike down to the ranger station and continue west towards Paine Grande camp.

Distance	8.4 mi.
Duration	5 hrs.
Max. elevation	1,050 ft.
Lodging	double occupancy tent, shared bathroom
Food	breakfast, lunch box, dinner

DAY 4 | Grey Lake

After breakfast at the mountain hut, we start hiking north towards a box canyon. We then continue uphill towards the Patos Lake before entering the forest. A series of ups and downs eventually reveal great views od the Grey lake with the occasional glacier floating around. Once we reach the highest point we get a clear view of the glacier and continue on a downhill trend towards the Grey hut, where we may take a break and use the facilities. When we are ready we continue to the beach where the boat picks us up. A 2 hour spectacular boat ride takes us to the south shore of the Grey lake where we hike another 30 minutes towards the parking lot.

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 | Base of the Towers

After a delicious breakfast at our cosy camp we start hiking towards the Ascencio Valley. Once we cross the bridge we gain 350 meters of elevation until reaching the Windy pass and continue down to Chileno camp for a short break. Once we have rested we continue into the forest for another 3 km until the last steep part reveals itself, the morraine up to the lookout point. This last part takes about 1 hours and ascends just over 300 meters. It is all worth it at the end because the place is special. After enjoying the place, taking some photos and eating something we hike down the same way we came up.

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 | Fauna Trail

After having hiked the W trek, this gentle hike is the cherry on the pie. It is great way to enjoy the scenery from a beautiful perspective and if we are lucky, we will have good chances of observing the local wildlife and learn about the previous inhabitants of these area.

Food	breakfast, lunch box, dinner

Day 7 | Departure

After breakfast our transfer will take to your hotel or to the arport in Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas to continue with your journey or fly back home..

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.