W Trek, 3 Days Reviews

I cannot pick just one. When you finally reach the base of the Fitz Roy in Chalten and the Towers in Torres Del Paine one is struck with overwhelming emotion. Though cliche, no photo could possible display such beauty. There is a sense of real accomplishment. The time spent traveling the Strait of Magellan to Francisco Coloane III Island gives one time to reflect on just how remote your time spent seeing wildlife will be. Then there they are--the Whales. So amazing.

Overall, the obvious highlight was the W-trek through Torres Del Paine. The park is great, the route is fantastic. We got very lucky with the weather. We did the refugios and the 'glamping' option which we enjoyed for our short trip - the food in the refugios was surprisingly excellent and we enjoyed all of that a lot. In particular, our guide Chuma, was fantastic and really made the trip too. I was a bit dubious about having a guide but that worked out brilliantly. The whole W is great, but getting up to the towers, and hiking up to Brittanica (a slight detour) were both really great. As was going up to see the glacier field above Glacier Grey by hiking up over the second suspension bridge (another detour). Alongside all the of the information and time with glaciers was fascinating.

Overall fantastic. Highlight was probabaly Mt. Fitzroy but Base of the towers were great as was kayaking and the glaciers! All superb to be honest Landscapes were stunning - never get tired of seeing those. Plenty of wildlife too including seeing a guanaco give birth and an armadillo. The base camp in torres Del Paine was great and our guide Rodrigo was top notch

We had dinner with our guide and driver at the Serrano camp- we laughed and shared stories by a fire. The food and beverages were great and the company was even better. I was so pleasantly surprised to meet so many people who spoke English and translated for us. Our Chile Nativo guide was AMAZING- his name is Vincenzo. He has so much passion and enthusiasm for Patagonia- the land, flowers, trees, animals food etc. I feel so lucky that we had him.

The ice hiking stands out the most, I wish I knew I would enjoy it so much I would have done the Big Ice Hike instead of the mini-trek. I enjoyed the Chilean side of Patagonia more than the Argentina side.

The first view of Los Cuernos del Paine. The second is the first hike (16Km) on the Cuernos side.

Hikes to Torres del Pine and Fitz Roy

The hike to Las Torres lookout. We were not able to see Las Torres, but the hike was incredible and the weather very challenging. Our guide, Jose, was incredibly insightful and knowledgeable about the geology, flora and fauna, and history.

Hiking the 14 mile trek to Torres del Paine was the best hike we have ever done. While challenging physically, the reward was just breathtaking. The views and experience were 10/10.

Being with our 2 girls and experiencing the beauty of Patagonia

Getting to see the three towers - just! - within the clouds on the third day. The walk was brilliant, nice and steady, we walked in the sun, rain and some snow. The guide was encouraging and made everyone feel included and valued. Seeing an armadillo at the camp site was also a highlight for me.

Reaching the summit at Laguna de los Tres around 10:30 / 11AM, ahead of most of the crowds, thanks to our guide Augustina. Taking in the 360 views and clear sight of the Fitz Roy traverse.

Our trip was excellent. The highlight for Kate was kayaking down the Serrano river. For Rahul, the best thing was the hike to the base of the towers. The landscape was one-of-a-kind. On top of that, we hit the jackpot with our group, and everybody was a pleasure to be around.

My most memorable moment was climbing up to the lookout in the French Valley on the final day and thinking, "it was all worth it."

Hiking to the base of the Towers in all types of weather - sunshine to begin, then clouds and rain then wind, then snow. Watching the weather at the top change from one second to the next was incredible.

All three of the hikes were absolutely stunning! The Towers hike on Day 1 and French Valley on Day 3 were particularly grueling, but the payoff was spectacular! We also loved the ferry/boat ride to the gray glacier on Day 2. Mati and Baru, our tour guides, were also so warm and attentive throughout, which made for a great 3-day trek!

Standing at the top of the mountain on the day 2 hike and looking at the different colors of rivers and lakes below us joining together.

Spending time with a mother puma and her cubs at sunset and sunrise, walking a trail with a puma after the first snowfall of the season

There were too many! Best was getting to the base of las Torres.

Impossible to name just one.