Trekking Torres del Paine “W” Circuit

JOURNEY FROM PUERTO NATALES TO TORRES DEL PAINE

Welcome to Southern Chilean Patagonia!

Start your journey to the natural beauties of Torres del Paine National Park. Today marks the commencement of your thrilling trek through this famous National Park. This UNESCO-designated Natural Biosphere Reserve attracts adventurers from across the globe, yet few embark on the full 5-day W Circuit, named for its distinct shape on the map.

Your ultimate hiking adventure begins with a transfer from your hotel to the Puerto Natales bus station. After a bus ride to the park's entrance at Laguna Amarga, you'll take a shuttle to Las Torres Campsite. Spend the rest of the day exploring the surroundings—perhaps take a short walk to Nordenskjöld Lake or visit the organic vegetable garden at Hotel Las Torres.

Type of service: Shared.
Included: Transportation mentioned above.
Duration: 3 hours approximately.

BASE LAS TORRES HIKE

Kick off with the park's most iconic hiking route, leading you to "the fabulous 3": the imposing granite walls of Torres del Paine - Torre Norte, Torre Sur, and the majestic Torre Central. This challenging 10-hour hike starts from Las Torres Refuge.  Begin your trek at 8 am, to maximize daylight hours and avoid crowds, crossing the Ascencio Valley on a 2-hour trek through verdant landscapes, uneven terrain, and beech forests until reaching El Chileno Refuge. From there, embark on a picturesque 1 hour and 30-minute journey through a forest of towering lenga trees, culminating at the base of the moraine, a steep expanse of boulders.

Behold the iconic towers reflected in a crystalline lagoon, a sight to behold as you savor a boxed lunch amidst this hiker's paradise (keep an eye out for red foxes!). Retrace your steps along the same route.

Highlights:

• The Torres del Paine (9000 ft)
• Lake Nordenskjöld
• Almirante Nieto Mount
• Ascencio Valley
• Nido de Condor Hill

DISCOVER THE MAGNIFICENT HORNS

Today, equip yourself with all necessary hiking gear as you journey to your next destination: Los Cuernos Campsite. Embark on a moderate 5-hour hike, commencing with a leisurely stroll along Paso de Los Cuernos. Traverse the enchanting Nordenskjöld Lake, with the striking Mount Almirante Nieto providing a breathtaking backdrop.

Cross the bridge over Arrero and Bader River to arrive at the campsite, nestled at the base of the park's second geological marvel: the Paine Horns. Revel in the vistas of these three distinctive black and white peaks towering over the valley like colossal orca whales, while observing hanging glaciers and encountering a diverse array of native flora.

Highlights:

• Paine Horns (8500 ft)
• Lake Nordenskjöld
• Almirante Nieto Mount
•  Bader Valley

EXPLORATION OF FRENCH VALLEY

Following breakfast, embark on a challenging 10-hour hike toward Italiano Campsite, situated at the entrance of French Valley. Begin with an easy 2-hour and 30-minute warm-up along a gentle trail to the bridge spanning the French River. Leave your bulky luggage at Italiano Campsite (ensuring it's protected with a rucksack cover in case of rain), grab your small backpack, and journey toward the French viewpoint (a 1 hour and 30-minute trek) through wooded terrain, encountering hanging glaciers along the way.

Highlights::

• French Valley
•  Italiano Campsite
•  Mount Paine Grande
•  Mount Aleta de Tiburon (Shark’s Fin)
•  Mount Hoja (Blade)

ENCOUNTER THE SOUTHERN ICE FIELDS - GREY GLACIER

Concluding your Torres del Paine and W Circuit expedition, embark on a moderate 10-hour hike. Follow the trail past Mount Paine Grande, Lake Pehoé, and Los Patos (The Ducks) Lagoon, reaching the first viewpoint and highest point along the trail. Brace yourself against the winds as you traverse this exposed terrain.

Along the way, marvel at the diverse native flora and fauna, wander amidst Coigües woods, and delight in the melodic calls of over 115 species of Patagonian birds. Arrive at the second Glacier Grey Viewpoint, where a lake dotted with floating icebergs awaits. Retrace your steps to Pehoé Lake, boarding a 30-minute catamaran ride to cross the lake and return to the Pudeto area, where a bus will transport you back to Puerto Natales.

Highlights::

• Glacier Grey
•  Lake Pehoé
• Mount Paine Grande

We make every effort to deliver your itinerary and hotel reservations exactly as planned. On occasion, weather, natural events, or other circumstances affecting your safety may require our local operators to change the order of services. For full details, please see our Booking Conditions.