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Patagonia: Torres del Paine Classic W Trek

Patagonia: Torres del Paine Classic W Trek

From $ 4,710 AUD

Description

Immerse yourself in the Patagonian wilderness, on this six-day hiking trip in the Torres del Pain National Park of Chile. Coined one of the most beautiful and popular treks in the world, the W Trek traverses through rolling grasslands and mountainous peaks, alongside lakes, rivers and streams. You’ll stay at Refugios by night and walk the ever-changing landscape by day. Along the way, see jagged icebergs on Lake Grey, diverse flora and fauna (look out for Andean condors and grazing guanacos) and the famous Los Cuernos del Paine (The Horns of Blue) and Torres del Paine (Towers of Blue) distinctive to Patagonia. If you’re looking for a challenge, this multi-day trek is for you.

Trip Name
Patagonia: Torres del Paine Classic W Trek
Last Updated
2024-08-07
Days
6
Capacity
14
Highlights
  • Trek the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park West to East, saving the crown jewel (the three peaks of Torres del Paine) for last. What a way to cap off the perfect active trip!
  • Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Chilean Patagonia – one of the most incredible landscapes on Earth with its vast mountain ranges, glacial lakes, grasslands and beech forests.
  • Explore French Valley, Lake Grey and the famous Towers of Blue (Torres del Paine) on an actioned-packed multi-day trek trip. This part of the world is widely considered one of the best for hiking and trekking.
  • Witness this raw, untamed landscape on a low-altitude trek that takes you through a designated UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Keep your eye out for Andean condors, flamingos and guanacos.
  • Stay at Refugios with fully serviced kitchens and bathrooms and all meals are taken care of – so you don’t need to worry about anything other than the experience.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Puerto Natales
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Puerto Natales, in Chilean Patagonia. This port city is famously the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park – the centre of your trekking trip. If you arrive early, see the city on foot, taking in the snow-capped mountainous horizon, or maybe pop into the Municipal Historical Museum in the city centre to brush up on some local history. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight with your group. After, you may want to head to a restaurant or bar to get to know your fellow trekkers a little better and taste some classic Patagonian flavours.
Day 2 - Torres del Paine National Park Lake Grey
After breakfast, take a transfer from the hotel to the Grey Sector of the W Circuit in wild Patagonia. This is the most famous and well-travelled hiking trail in the park because although it can be challenging, the trail can be completed by anyone of any fitness level (as long as you are reasonably active and able to walk long distances). From your starting point, the path is quite flat for the first hour, passing through beech-lined woods and crossing over some small streams. Along the way, you’ll have multiple opportunities to see Lake Grey, with its electric-blue icebergs that jut from the water. As you start to ascend, you’ll see the Grey Glacier in the distance. Along the way, stop for a packed lunch, where you can keep your eye out for the Patagonian fox and the Andean condor. Eventually, make your way downhill once more and reach your accommodation for the night – Refugio Paine Grande. Refugios are backcountry huts or lodges that are along the trail, with full-service kitchens, beds and bathrooms. After a nice warm shower, cap off your first day with a group dinner.
Day 3 - Torres del Paine National Park French Valley
After breakfast at your Refugio, you’ll embark on a full-day trek through the French Valley. From here, the well-trodden path leads towards the jagged peaks of the Cuernos of Paine. Passing through woods and over small streams, you’ll have a beautiful view of Lake Nordenskjold. You’ll arrive at a rickety-looking hanging bridge, like something out of an Indiana Jones movie (don’t worry, it’s completely safe). Head on into the French Valley, where your path is a steady, uphill trail that reaches an altitude of around 900 m. If the weather is clear, the views are spectacular. After traversing rivers and forests of beech trees (or lenga trees), the skyline is dwarfed by towering granite spires and the famed Paine Grande – the highest mountain peak in the park, sitting at 3050 m above sea level. The return trek (along the breathtaking Lake Nordenskjold) will eventually lead you to your accommodation and dinner spot for the night – Refugio Domos Frances.
Day 4 - Torres del Paine National Park Lake Nordenskjold
Pack up your gear ready for another beautiful day. Today’s trek passes through beech tree woodlands and continues along the northern shore of Lake Nordenskjold, with its amazing dark-blue hues. On your left, the incredibly tall granite spires of Los Cuernos del Paine (The Horns of Blue) impose on your track. The Horns are one of the distinctive features of the park and part of the overall Paine massif – which sits within the heart of the southern Andes. Along today’s trail, look out for grazing guanacos, swooping eagles, Magellanic ducks and the diverse flora of the area. On the lake, you may even see black-necked swans and pink flamingos! Today’s hike will come with a fair few rolling hills and potentially steep climbs, but after every incline, you’ll be met with stunning scenery that reminds you why you’re there. Tonight, you’ll arrive at Refugio Torre Central where you’ll enjoy a group dinner and a restful night’s sleep under the stars.
Day 5 - Torres del Paine National Park Base Las Torres
Arise nice and early, ready for your last full day of trekking this spectacular trail. Once you turn the final bend of today’s hike, you’ll witness the spectacle of the giant towers of Torres del Paine (Towers of Blue) – the gem of the park. This trail follows the W Circuit backwards, meaning you’ll finish your trip off with the highlight of this incredible view. Take a moment to appreciate the massive vertical structures with the reflective milky-blue lake at the base. You’ll have about half an hour to relax and take photos, have some lunch and enjoy the view. This scene is at a high altitude, meaning it will be windy and cold. When the time is right (when everyone’s noses start to turn pink) turn around and head back the way you came. You’ll have the option of stopping off at Refugio Chileno to stretch and refuel. Once past Refugio Chileno, head back to the French Valley and then downhill towards the buildings of Hotel las Torres. Eventually, you’ll reach the ECO Camp, where you’ll meet your private transfer back to Puerto Natales.
Day 6 - Puerto Natales
This morning after breakfast, your trip will come to an end. If you would like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
09-02-202514-02-2025AUD $ 5,740-
23-02-202528-02-2025AUD $ 5,370-
16-03-202521-03-2025AUD $ 5,695-
06-04-202511-04-2025AUD $ 4,710-
05-10-202510-10-2025AUD $ 4,780-
19-10-202524-10-2025AUD $ 4,780-
26-10-202531-10-2025AUD $ 4,780-
09-11-202514-11-2025AUD $ 4,960-
16-11-202521-11-2025AUD $ 4,960-
30-11-202505-12-2025AUD $ 4,960-
07-12-202512-12-2025AUD $ 4,960-
14-12-202519-12-2025AUD $ 4,960-
21-12-202526-12-2025AUD $ 4,780-
28-12-202502-01-2026AUD $ 4,780-
04-01-202609-01-2026AUD $ 4,825-
08-02-202613-02-2026AUD $ 4,825-
22-02-202627-02-2026AUD $ 4,825-
15-03-202620-03-2026AUD $ 4,825-
05-04-202610-04-2026AUD $ 4,825-
04-10-202609-10-2026AUD $ 5,020-
18-10-202623-10-2026AUD $ 5,020-
25-10-202630-10-2026AUD $ 5,020-
08-11-202613-11-2026AUD $ 5,020-
15-11-202620-11-2026AUD $ 5,020-
29-11-202604-12-2026AUD $ 5,210-
06-12-202611-12-2026AUD $ 5,210-
13-12-202618-12-2026AUD $ 5,210-
20-12-202625-12-2026AUD $ 5,210-
27-12-202601-01-2027AUD $ 5,210-

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights),Refugios (3 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle,boat

Map