1. The hike from central to Cuernos was absolutely stunning (albeit more difficult than a “relaxing” hike as a Chile Nativo operator called it!) and the private cabin in Cuernos was magical. 2. Finding moments across the trek to take in the mountains. The size and scale was incredible. From the cuernos cabin to ice kayak, they were very awe inspiring.

Great holiday

It was harder than we expected which made it harder to enjoy fully. The trail conditions were more intense than we expected, as well as the elevation gain every day. The trails were not always clearly marked like up to brittanico and from central to Cuernos. We were exhausted each day and it was necessary to change the last day to remove Grey to Paine Grande return hike and instead take the navigation. We still enjoyed all the beautiful scenery and all Refugio experiences except Paine Grande. For other travelers doing the w trek - recommend doing at least one 10 or more km hike with your packed bag and with similar elevation change (3,000 feet or more) to make sure you’re physically fit. An old back injury returned and I wish I had trained more.

It was absolutely stunning. Definitely a place to go out of your way to visit. The immersion in nature here was one of a kind.

We wouldn’t recommend shared dorms in Paine Grande - camping would’ve been better. The bathrooms were gross. The rest of the Refugio’s were good. Refugio central had amazing gluten free bread. The other Refugios had gluten free options but they were not very good but I appreciated they had options! The staff were interested and accommodating to dietary restrictions. The staff at Grey were particularly helpful. Cuernos cabins are a must for couples. The check in process was very slow at each Refugio - worst at Grey and Paine Grande (more than 20 minute wait time at both).

Train with elevation increases and packed bags more than you think. For 4-5 days, take less than 50L bag. For people not so good at hiking - take the grey navigation to the bus from hotel grey to Puerto Natales back, rather than hiking back to Paine Grande.

It made me realize my back injury wasn’t ready for so much uphill (it hurt on uphills only). Patagonia is bigger with more diverse scenery than we imagined. It’s as magnificent place as I imagined.

Shared dorms at Paine grande were not good. Offer to have some planned rest days during the hike if people aren’t used to backpacking. We wouldn’t loved a rest day after Day 2 to stay in Cuernos for two nights. Be more prescriptive / warning of the physical strain of the full hike.

Very excited, not as prepared as we had never done this long or high of a hike and also hadn’t done with backpacks.

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Within 12 months