Epic W Trek - 6 Days (Guided Group Trek - Refugios) – Chile

Experience an unforgettable 6-day Patagonia adventure guided by our seasoned mountain expert. This exhilarating journey follows the iconic W trail, culminating in a breathtaking walk on Glacier Grey, or Glacier Kayak! The renowned W trek reveals glaciers, lakes, forests, and the majestic Paine Towers, satisfying your trekking cravings at every turn. Named for its distinctive W-shaped route, formed by the convergence of paths encircling the southern sector of the Macizo del Paine, this bucket-list excursion highlights must-see attractions including Base Torres, Francés Valley, and Grey Glacier.

‍
6 Day Epic Guided W trek

Arrival Day: Arrive by Flight to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas at least 1 day prior.

‍Day 1: AM Regular transfer by public bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine, lodging in Central Mountain Hut

Day 2: Hike to Las Torres Base, lodging in Central Mountain Hut

Day 3: Hike to the Francés Sector, lodging in Francés or Cuernos Mountain Hut

Day 4: Hike to the Francés Valley, lodging at Paine Grande Mountain Hut

Day 5: Hike to the Grey Glacier lookout point, lodging at Grey Mountain Hut

Day 6: AM Optional suspension bridges hike, Glacier Kayak or Glacier Trek, 2 PM Grey III Boat Ride

*Refugios/Huts: Rustic Lodges in the park with shared bunk (dorm style accommodation), 4-6 bunks per room. All bedding and meals included.

Exclusive Group Departure: 10 people max (Not seeing the date you want? Please inquire about a custom trip or trip on Demand)

2024/2025 Departures:

Oct 27- Nov 1 (8 spots remaining)
Nov 29 - Dec 4 (10 spots remaining)
Dec 22 - 27 (8 spots remaining)
Dec 29 - Jan 3 (10 spots remaining)
Mar 23 - 28 (10 spots remaining)

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Torres del Paine National Park

*Arrival Day: Arrive by Flight to Puerto Natales (trek departs from Puerto Natales day 1) or Punta Arenas at least 1 day prior. (accommodation not included on arrival day. Please inquire if you would like our team to include your accommodations this night).

Your adventure in Torres del Paine begins today! Your guide will meet you at the agreed time to commence your journey to the park. Traverse stunning landscapes until you reach the main entrance at Laguna Amarga, where registration with CONAF (park rangers) is required. Transfer to the "Las Torres" shuttle, which will take you to the Visitor’s Center. After a brief 5-minute walk, arrive at Torre Central for check-in. Enjoy dinner at the refuge in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Central Refuge: (Simple Bed)

Meals: Box Lunch and Dinner.

Day 2: Trek to the Base of the Towers

Embark on today's hike through the Ascencio Valley, surrounded by extensive forests. During the final ascent, traverse a vast field of giant rocks to reach the iconic Base Las Torres viewpoint. At an elevation of 900 m.a.s.l., marvel at the three granite towers and the bright turquoise glacial lake below. Capture stunning photos and enjoy your box lunch before returning along the same path to Torre Central. Conclude the day with dinner at the refuge after an exhilarating exploration of Las Torres.

Distance: 22 kilometers (approximately 13.7 miles)

Duration: 8 – 10 hours

Difficulty Level: Demanding

Accommodation: Central Refuge (Simple Bed)

Meals: Breakfast: Box Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Trek to Los Cuernos or Francés

After breakfast, request your box lunch and set off on a hike deeper into the park towards Los Cuernos or Francés. Pass through crystal-clear streams and admire the snowdrifts of Almirante Nieto mount. Spot majestic condors gliding overhead and follow the captivating waters of Nordenskjöld lake. Continue along the trail until you reach Los Cuernos or Francés refuge, where you can relax for the evening.

Distance: 13km kilometers (approximately 8 miles)

Duration: 5 – 6 hours

Difficulty Level: Medium

Accommodation: Los Cuernos or Francés Refuge (Simple Bed)

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4: Explore the French Valley

Start early and prepare for a trek to the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. After breakfast, pack your box lunch and embark on a day of breathtaking Patagonian landscapes. Pass through the Francés campsite and ascend to the entrance of the French Valley. Leave your backpack at the Italiano camp and journey up to the French plateau. Enjoy stunning views of Los Cuernos, turquoise glacial lagoons, and cascading glaciers. Take photos, savor your lunch, and rest before descending back to the Italiano camp and continuing to Paine Grande refuge. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the refuge in the evening.

French Viewpoint Distance: 17km

Duration: 6 – 7 hours

Difficulty Level: Medium to High

Accommodation: Paine Grande Refuge (Full Bed)

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Trek to Grey Refuge

After breakfast, remember to ask for your box lunch and begin today’s trekking adventure. The hike starts through a narrow and winding valley leading to Los Patos lagoon. As you continue, catch glimpses of the immense Southern Ice Field and icebergs in Grey Lake.

Distance: 11 kilometers (approximately 6.8 miles)

Duration: 4 – 4.5 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Accommodation: Grey Refuge (Full Bed)

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, and Dinner

Upon reaching Grey refuge, where dinner will be served, you have the option to enhance your experience with additional activities:

Hanging Bridges: Set off for an extra 3 - 4 hours round trip past the refuge towards the famous hanging bridges for an unforgettable panoramic view of Grey Glacier. This viewpoint offers the best perspective of the glacier, allowing you to witness ice calving into the deep, freezing waters of Grey Lake. Marvel at the depth of the ravine formed by the rivers and waterfalls from the Olguín Range.
Ice Trek Grey Glacier (additional cost): Embark on a 5-hour ice hike excursion, navigating in a zodiac boat for 20 minutes to the main tongue of the Grey Glacier. Upon arrival, disembark on the glacier island (Nunatak) and embark on a glacier moraine walk for an hour until you reach the ice. This adventure requires good physical condition and appropriate clothing, including sunglasses, hat, gloves, waterproof clothing, and shoes with good grip. Before entering the glacier, a safety briefing will be conducted to explain walking techniques and equipment use.
Kayak Grey Glacier (additional cost): Explore Grey Lake, nearly 17 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, with several capes, peninsulas, and coves fed mainly by the glacier. Kayak to the east side of the ice wall for a unique perspective surrounded by panoramic views of Paine Grande Hill, the Olguín Mountain Range, and the glacier itself. Immerse yourself in this unforgettable landscape from the water.

Choose from these optional activities to enhance your experience at Grey Refuge before dinner.

Day 6: Grey III Navigation - Return to Puerto Natales

In the morning, explore the panoramic views of the Grey Glacier or participate in optional excursions if you haven't already. Then, begin your return to Puerto Natales by boarding the Navigation Grey III, located just 10 minutes from Grey Refuge. Arrive at Grey Beach and walk for 20 minutes to the Pingo sector, where a bus will take you back to Puerto Natales.

‍Meals: Breakfast and Box Lunch.

Trip concludes with an evening arrival back to Puerto Natales. (accommodation not included on arrival day. Please inquire if you would like our team to include your accommodations this night).

Additional Trip Info

Regular bus transportation from Torres to Puerto Natales via Laguna Amarga.
Shuttle service to the welcome center.
Accommodation for 2 nights at Central Refuge.
Accommodation for 1 night at Cuernos or Francés Refuge.
Accommodation for 1 night at Paine Grande Refuge.
Accommodation for 1 night at Grey Refuge.
Ticket for navigation on Grey II.
Regular bus transportation from Grey Sector to Puerto Natales.
Private transfer from the Bus Station to the Hotel in Puerto Natales.
All meals included as requested.
Experienced senior mountain guide.
Mountain Trekking Guide
Welcome Kit: Includes sleeping-bag liner, microfiber towel, water bottle (stainless steel), a map and a journal notebook. This kit will be given to you at the office in Puerto Natales when you show your voucher.

Any service not specified in the program
Guided Glacier hike on Grey Glacier ($180usd - Glacier Kayak or $240usd Glacier Hike)
Flights
Travel Insurance - We recommend World Nomads, or Global Rescue
Gratuity

info@flashpackerconnect.com

+1 206-892-8877

Send Us a Message

Chile

Epic W Trek - 6 Days (Guided Group Trek - Refugios)

This 6 Day Epic Patagonia trip is lead by our experienced mountain guide. The trip will take you along the iconic W trail ending with an amazing walk on Glacier Grey!

Epic W Trek - 6 Days (Guided Group Trek - Refugios)

This 6 Day Epic Patagonia trip is lead by our experienced mountain guide. The trip will take you along the iconic W trail ending with an amazing walk on Glacier Grey!

*Refugios/Huts: Rustic Lodges in the park with shared bunk (dorm style accommodation), 4-6 bunks per room. All bedding and meals included.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Torres del Paine National Park

Day 2: Trek to the Base of the Towers

Day 3: Trek to Los Cuernos or Francés

Day 4: Explore the French Valley

Day 5: Trek to Grey Refuge

Day 6: Grey III Navigation - Return to Puerto Natales

Additional Trip Info

Have Questions?

Interested in building a custom trip? We want to help you travel to places you have dreamt about.

info@flashpackerconnect.com

+1 206-892-8877

Send Us a Message

Chile

Epic W Trek - 6 Days (Guided Group Trek - Refugios)

This 6 Day Epic Patagonia trip is lead by our experienced mountain guide. The trip will take you along the iconic W trail ending with an amazing walk on Glacier Grey!

Epic W Trek - 6 Days (Guided Group Trek - Refugios)

This 6 Day Epic Patagonia trip is lead by our experienced mountain guide. The trip will take you along the iconic W trail ending with an amazing walk on Glacier Grey!

*Refugios/Huts: Rustic Lodges in the park with shared bunk (dorm style accommodation), 4-6 bunks per room. All bedding and meals included.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Torres del Paine National Park

Day 2: Trek to the Base of the Towers

Day 3: Trek to Los Cuernos or Francés

Day 4: Explore the French Valley

Day 5: Trek to Grey Refuge

Day 6: Grey III Navigation - Return to Puerto Natales

Additional Trip Info

Have Questions?

Related Trips

W Trek - Torres del Paine (Camping - Self Guided)

W Trek - Torres del Paine (Refugio - Self Guided)

EcoDome - Torres Del Paine W Trek, Patagonia - 7 Days

EcoDome - Wildlife Safari, Patagonia 4-7 Days

EcoDome - Torres Del Paine W Trek, Patagonia - 5 Days

Best of El Chaltén - 4 Days

Related Blog Posts

Interested in building a custom trip? We want to help you travel to places you have dreamt about.