The Original Torres del Paine W Trek - 5 - $2,195
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- Transfer from Puerto Natales to Torres Del Paine National Park, before the challenging but incredibly rewarding round trip hike to Las Torres lookout
- Hike to Los Cuernos viewpoint with a chance to spot impressive Andean condors
- Explore the French Valley for magnificent views of the French Glacier, granite peaks and lakes; the hike finishes up on the shore of Lake Pehoe
- Trek to Glacier Grey to get close to the awe-inspiring Southern Patagonian Ice Field; for further exploration, add on an optional ice hike or kayak
- Discover the history, culture, geology, flora and fauna of the area with experienced local guides throughout the trip
Start from Puerto Natales and end at Puerto Natales
Landmarks visited on The Original Torres del Paine W Trek
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Roundtrip hike to Las Torres lookout point
Starting from Puerto Natales at 7 am, we drive to Torres del Paine National Park, passing estancias (ranches) and flat pampas taken straight from Patagonian folklore. Have your camera ready en route: ñandu (Patagonian ostrich), Chilean flamingos and black-necked swans are likely to be out in the pampas and lagoons.
After arriving at the Refugio you’ll have time to leave your backpack before we begin the W Trek’s first highlight: the hike to the three Towers lookout.
The trek begins with an ascent, following the Ascencio River into the Ascencio Valley. After about an hour, we’ll stop to observe how the valley’s beauty unfolds with rich beech forests, glaciers and waterfalls.
Past this lookout point, we continue uphill and through lush beech forests before ascending a gigantic terminal moraine (the ridge formed at a glacier’s end point) where we’ll be rewarded by the arresting sight of the three Towers themselves. At this lookout point 900 m above sea level, we’ll rest, take photos and have lunch.
Our descent is along the same path, taking us back to the Refugio where we’ll have dinner, stretch and rest for the evening.
Private transfer: 2 hours
Length of hike: 8-10 hours, 22 km
Meals: Box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Refugio Torres Central or supported camping (tent set up with sleeping bag and mat provided)
Day 2: One-way hike to Los Cuernos lookout point
If the weather allows, our morning will be lit by the rich oranges and pinks of a Patagonian dawn. Today we'll hike to Los Cuernos lookout, where monumental horn-shaped black twin granite peaks shoot skyward.
We’ll make our way via Inge Lagoon and may see condors and other birds of prey circling the skies while we trek below. The well-marked trail ascends 200 m from the base of Almirante Nieto Mountain (2750 m) and crosses the Bader River to Refugio Los Cuernos or Domos Frances, today’s destination.
Length of hike: 4-5 hours, 13 km
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Refugio Los Cuernos, Domos Frances or supported camping (tent set up with sleeping bag and mat provided)
Day 3: One-way hike to Pehoe Lake, via the French Valley
Today’s hike is a challenging trek to the heart of the Paine massif. The French Valley is a spectacular natural basin surrounded by peaks and hanging glaciers.
After breakfast, a winding path will take us to the French River (1-2 hour hike depending on whether our accommodation was at Los Cuernos or Domos Frances). At the entrance to the French Valley - a glacial moraine - you’ll scramble over huge boulders and catch the first sight of the hanging glacier atop the valley.
From this point, you’ll ascend for an hour through a dreamlike Japanese garden landscape before arriving at the French Valley viewpoint (the “Plateau”). Your reward is a heart-stirring bird’s eye view of granite peaks and hanging glaciers. To one side, the French Glacier and Paine Grande (3050 m); while to the other, La Espada, La Hoja, La Máscara and the main and north “horns” of Los Cuernos arch upwards. In the upper section of the Valley, Cerro Catedral and Cerro Fortaleza loom like turrets above the landscape. Take your time to have lunch at the viewpoint, surrounded by these imposing peaks and open skies.
You’ll descend via the same path until you reach the valley’s entrance, at which point you’ll continue around the south-west side of Paine Grande, Torres del Paine’s highest peak. This final leg passes through native firebush and evergreen beech forests to the shores of Pehoe Lake.
Dinner will be served at Refugio Paine Grande where we rest for our third night.
Length of hike: 8-9 hours, 18 km
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Refugio Paine Grande or supported camping (tent set up with sleeping bag and mat provided)
Day 4: One-way hike to Glacier Grey – optional Ice Hike or Kayak
We’ll set out early, ascending 200m through the winding path that takes us to Laguna Negra. Here, we’ll see sections of the massive Southern Patagonian Ice Field, a geological phenomenon that still guards many unexplored peaks.
You’ll continue on to Grey Glacier’s lookout point, passing forests and rivers, with possible sightings of the spectacled and flightless steamer ducks that call them home.
We’ll have lunch at the lookout with the mammoth Grey Glacier at our feet, and might be lucky enough to catch sight of ice calving from its huge walls into the freezing waters.
This afternoon, there is the option to go on a 2.5-hour kayaking excursion (advance booking required, please enquire for more details).
Length of hike: 4 hours, 11 km
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Refugio Grey or supported camping (tent set up with sleeping bag and mat provided)
Day 5: Optional Ice Hike or Kayak - boat trip in front of Glacier Grey – transfer back to Puerto Natales
Today starts gently with a free morning to stretch, relax and breathe in the landscape. You also have the option to go kayaking or ice hike on Grey Glacier - great if you chose the kayak excursion the evening before on day 4 (advance booking required for both activities, please enquire for more details).
After lunch we’ll set off by boat across Grey Lake, to the massive facade of Grey Glacier. We’ll stay here for a while to observe the wall’s textures, lines and colors - and of course, watch for ice calving.
On your return journey you’ll see the wind-sculpted “ice mushrooms” atop the massive peaks of Paine Grande, as we sail past blue-hued icebergs.
On dry land once again, we’ll hike 20 minutes along Grey Beach to meet our private transfer which takes us back to Puerto Natales where we end our journey.
Boat trip: 2 hours
Private transfer: 2 hours
Length of hike: 20 mins
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch
What our customers think
Prices, Departures and Inclusions
Up to April 2021, the trip prices are as below:
4-8 people - USD $1,895 per person
3 people - USD $1,995 per person
2 people - USD $2,195 person
| Start date | Price (pp) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2021 | ||||
| 29-Jan-2021 | $2,195* | Provisional Date | ||
| February 2021 | ||||
| 3-Feb-2021 | $2,195 | Provisional Date | ||
| 4-Feb-2021 | $2,195* | Provisional Date | ||
| 9-Feb-2021 | $2,195 | Provisional Date | ||
| 10-Feb-2021 | $2,195* | Provisional Date | ||
| 15-Feb-2021 | $2,195 | Provisional Date | ||
| 16-Feb-2021 | $2,195* | Provisional Date | ||
| 18-Feb-2021 | $2,195 | Provisional Date | ||
| 21-Feb-2021 | $2,195* | Provisional Date | ||
| 22-Feb-2021 | $2,195 | Provisional Date | ||
| 28-Feb-2021 | $2,195* | Provisional Date | ||
| March 2021 | ||||
| 5-Mar-2021 | $2,195 | Provisional Date | ||
| 10-Mar-2021 | $2,195* | Provisional Date | ||
| 15-Mar-2021 | $2,195 | Provisional Date | ||
| 20-Mar-2021 | $2,195* | Provisional Date | ||
| 25-Mar-2021 | $2,195 | Provisional Date | ||
| 30-Mar-2021 | $2,195* | Provisional Date | ||
| April 2021 | ||||
| 4-Apr-2021 | $2,195 | Provisional Date | ||
| 9-Apr-2021 | $2,195* | Provisional Date | ||
| 14-Apr-2021 | $2,195 | Provisional Date | ||
| 19-Apr-2021 | $2,195* | Provisional Date | ||
| 24-Apr-2021 | $2,195 | Provisional Date | ||
* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $2,195
Additional Notes
Group size - 8 maximum, 2 minimum
Accommodation upgrade - upgrade your shared dormitory on Day 9 for a private cabin at Refugio Los Cuernos (availability dependent - $230 USD for a single, $140 USD for a double). Please note, this is not included as part of the single supplement
Joining & Departure instructions - please arrive in Puerto Natales on the evening before for your group briefing; it is recommended to plan to stay in Puerto Natales when you have finished your W trek. If you would like help booking your pre/post trek arrangements please just let us know.
Includes
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Accommodation: 4 nights in refugios in Torres del Paine (comfortable rooms with 6 beds and shared bathrooms) or supporting camps (with all equipment provided)
- Sleeping bags and liners (when possible with sheets, blanket and pillow)
- Torres del Paine entrance fee
- All private transport included in the itinerary
- Boat trip on Lago Grey
- English and Spanish speaking guide
Excludes
- Meals not indicated in itinerary
- Any extra/optional excursions
- Travel insurance
- Personal Equipment (request our recommended kit list for more details)
- Gratuities/Tips
- International and domestic/in country flights
- Drinks during lunch or dinner
- Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses
- An accommodation upgrade is available on day 2 to a private cabin at Los Cuernos ($230 USD for a single, $140 USD for a double)
