W Trek Day by Day Itinerary - Patagonia Chile
About the circuit: Full W trek Route 5 Days / 4 Nights
The W Circuit is the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine, and includes hiking in 3 mountain valleys and the most epic viewpoints and attractions in the Park. You will see Las Torres, Los Cuernos (the Horns), Paine Grande and the Grey Glacier. As you hike along the trail you will be amazed by colossal mountains, native woods, crystal clear rivers, turquoise lakes, waterfalls and incredible glaciers.
Despite the trail being physically challenging and immersed in nature, you can still enjoy the treat of comfortable beds, hot showers, hearty meals and supplies from our kiosks. Just choose the accommodation you prefer and the length of the adventure you are looking for.
The most popular options are the 5 Day W Refugio Self Guided (Mountain Hut) program or the 5 Day W Camping Self Guided Program. These packages are all pre arranged with all accommodations booked (huts or campsites), transportation to/from the park, all meals, park permits, tickets etc. You can book these hiking packages directly here - Refugio package or Camping Package. For Camping all of the gear is supplied and is pre setup on your arrival to camp each day (no need to carry any camping supplies). For Refugios all of the bedding is provided.
Accommodation Options: Campsite, Mountain Refugios or Hotel Las Torres (different combinations allowed).
Brief Itinerary: 5 Day W trek
Day 1: Transportation to Torres del Paine, lodging at Central Sector.
Day 2: Hike to Las Torres Base, lodging at Central Sector.
Day 3: Hiking to Francés Sector (Cuernos), lodging Francés Sector (o Cuernos).
Day 4: Hike to the Francés Valley, lodging at Paine Grande Sector.
Day 5: Hike to Grey Glaciar Lookout Point, then cross the Pehoe Lake in catamaran and take transport back to Puerto Natales. (* Monday to Sunday: 10:30 a.m. from Pudeto and return at 5:00 p.m. from Paine Grande)
Day 1: Puerto Natales – Las Torres Patagonia
The day your trip begins you will take the 2:30 p.m. bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park. The journey takes about 2 1/2 hours (112 kms). You will reach the park in the afternoon and have time for dinner before spending the night in the Central Sector. If you prefer to seize the day and enjoy one of our horse-riding or rock-climbing excursions you should take the 7 a.m. bus from Puerto Natales and book these activities beforehand as they are not included in the program. Remember that the camping program includes all the equipment you need.
When booking one of the package Self - Guided treks with us we arrange all of your accommodations, and include a fully all inclusive trip package with transportation to/from Puerto Natales, meals, permits, and necessary tickets for the catamaran ride out. Camping packages include all of the camping gear setup on your arrival to camp each night and all of the camping gear. Our Refugio packages include all bedding and your own bunk style bed in a shared room.
Before the adventure begins, you will get an email with information to help you fully prepare for your Torres del Paine trip. Our sales executives will contact you about the Welcome kit, map and vouchers.
Day 2: Las Torres Lookout
The day begins with a slowly ascending hike through the Patagonian pampas and begins to steepen as you enter the Ascencio Valley, until you reach Los Vientos Mountain Pass - with its spectacular panoramic views other surrounding landscape and lakes.
You will continue hiking, past the Chileno Mountain Hostel and through a native lenga forest before approaching the final stretch of your adventure. This part of the hike takes about an hour and is over rocky terrain, lined with enormous boulders. Awaiting at the end is the most awe-inspiring view of the three iconic granite towers and glacial lagoon.
Hiking Distance: 8-10 hours long, 12 miles (19.5 kms)
Difficulty: High level of difficulty
Altitude: Starting altitude: 390ft (120m) Highest altitude: 2854ft (870m)
Accommodation: Overnight in Central Sector (Camping or Refugios available)
Day 3: Trekking to Francés Sector
Walk along the quiet mount shores of Lake Nordenskjöld, at the base of the magnificent Mount Almirante Nieto and its hanging glaciers. You will be drawn to the beauty of these enormous summits looming over the turquoise lake below and will want to capture the incredible scenery forever in a photo. The lake is surrounded by amazing geographical contrasts, home to many birds, so we recommend you look out for condors overhead. You will then continue along the Arriero River, which offers great places to relax and refill your bottle with fresh running water. Once you reach the highest viewpoint you will be able to see the lake, in its full glory, and the French Glacier hanging from the Paine Grande Mountain.
Hiking Distance: 4.5 - 6.5 hours, 8 Miles (13.5 kms)
Difficulty: Medium-level difficulty
Altitude: Starting altitude: Total altitude gain 650ft (200m)
Accommodation: One night in the French Sector (Camping or Refugios available)
Day 4: Trekking to Francés Valley
The day begins with a wonderful hike into the Francés Valley. Along the way you will enjoy the peace and quiet of pure nature, be surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and feel totally immersed in wild vegetation.
You will savor in the serenity of the forests and the glacial streams, where you can fill your bottle with pure, freshwater. And you will marvel at the majestic Los Cuernos Mountains, looming overhead.
The grand finale of this trek is like no other, a lookout with incredible views of the Francés Glacier and the rest of the Paine Massif Mountain Range.
Hiking Distance: 8 - 10 hours, 12.7 Miles (20.5 kms)
Difficulty: High-level difficulty
Altitude: Starting altitude: Starting altitude: 390ft (120m) Highest altitude: 2,500ft (762m)
Accommodation: Overnight in Paine Grande (Camping or Refugios available)
Day 5: Trekking to Grey Sector - Lake Pehoé Navigation - Puerto Natales
On the final part of this amazing trekking circuit the trail undulates between rocky areas and native forests that are home to many species of birds. Walking along the base of the Park’s tallest mountain, Paine Grande(3,050mt / 10,000ft), the nonstop views of hanging glaciers spilling over the mountaintop will feel some what surreal. Leaving the tree cover, you’ll reach the first lookout over Lake Grey and slowly start seeing more and more pieces of floating glacier. The larger they get, the smaller you ́ll feel. Finally you will see the breath taking view of Grey Glacier and all her glory.
When your adventure comes to an end, a catamaran on Lake Pehoé and a bus will take you to Puerto Natales.
Hiking Distance: 8 - 10 hours, 13.5 Miles (22 kms)
Difficulty: High-level difficulty
Altitude: Starting altitude: Starting altitude: 137ft (43m) Highest altitude: 1,025ft (313m)
Accommodation: Return to Puerto Natales - From here you can overnight and rest or continue on to Punta Arenas where you can catch your flight to a new destination or return home.
