Highlights of the Chilean Patagonia - 8 Days – Chile – FlashpackerConnect Adventure Travel

Discover the best of Patagonia on this fully supported 8-day W Trek through Torres del Paine National Park, one of South America's most iconic trekking destinations. This scenic route combines dramatic mountain landscapes, glacier-fed lakes, and close encounters with wildlife—along with a unique kayaking experience on Grey Lake.

Starting with a visit to the Magdalena & Marta Islands to see penguins and sea lions, this adventure includes private and public transfers, cozy hotel stays in Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales, and overnight accommodations in refugios or campsites along the W Trek route. Hike to the legendary Base of the Towers, explore the French Valley, and paddle beneath Grey Glacier, all while soaking up the raw natural beauty of Chilean Patagonia.

Highlights:

Hike the entire W Trek with refugio or camping accommodations (Self Guided)
Visit Magdalena & Marta Islands to see Magellanic penguins and marine wildlife
Trek to the iconic Base of the Towers (Las Torres)
Guided Kayak on Grey Lake near the face of Grey Glacier
Explore the dramatic French Valley
Travel with a mix of private transfers, public buses, and catamaran crossings
Overnight stays in comfortable hotels before and after the trek

Trip Details:

Start: Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ)
End: Puerto Natales Airport (PNT)
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Style: Self-Guided Trek with Pre-Arranged Logistics
Accommodations: 2 nights in hotels + 5 nights in refugios or campsites
Activities: Trekking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, scenic navigation
Season: October through April
Optional Add-On:
Grey Glacier Navigation (Day 7) – USD 120 per person
A scenic boat ride across Grey Lake with close-up views of the glacier. Must be booked in advance and is weather dependent.

*Daily Departures Available (self guided W trek): October - April

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive to Punta Arenas - Overnight Punta Arenas

Arrive to Punta Arenas, Chile at any time. You will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Punta Arenas, and enjoy a day/evening in the city.

Overnight: Punta Arenas - Almasur Hotel or similar

Day 2: Magdalena & Marta Island Navigation (Penguin & Sea Lion colony)

Trip Duration: 5 Hours

Magdalena and Marta Island Penguin & Wildlife Tour

Home to over 150,000 Magellanic penguins, Magdalena Island hosts one of the largest penguin colonies in South America. Nearby, Marta Island is inhabited by approximately 1,000 sea lions, along with diverse marine birdlife including imperial cormorants, skuas, Austral gulls, Antarctic pigeons, and occasional elephant seals. Together, these islands form a unique and protected ecosystem, making them a must-visit for nature lovers in Patagonia.

To preserve wildlife, visitors are not allowed to disembark on Marta Island; instead, boats circumnavigate the island to allow for observation and photography of the vibrant marine life. On Magdalena Island, however, you can disembark for about one hour and walk among the penguins along designated trails.

Our adventure begins early in the morning with a transfer to Laredo Bay, where we board a speedboat for a 45-minute journey across the Strait of Magellan. Upon arrival at Magdalena Island, you'll spend an hour with your guide exploring the natural habitat of the Magellanic penguins. We then continue to Marta Island for a scenic boat tour around the sea lion colony before returning to the pier and heading back to Punta Arenas.

With a bit of luck, you may also spot Austral dolphins or the distinctive black-and-white Peale’s dolphins (Toninas Overa) during the navigation.

In the afternoon, we continue with a transfer to Puerto Natales (Tourist Bus), where you'll have free time to explore the town at your own pace.
Overnight: Puerto Natales - Big Sur Hotel or similar

Day 3: Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine

We will After breakfast at your hotel in Puerto Natales, your packed lunch will be delivered, and you'll catch a 7 am public bus departing straight to Torres del Paine National Park. Journey across the vast Patagonian plains before reaching the entrance at Laguna Amarga, where it is required to register with CONAF (park rangers). Board the "Las Torres" shuttle bus that will drop you off at the Visitor’s Center. Register with the Cerro Paine Reserve and walk a short distance to Refugio Torre Central. Whether your accommodation is a shared-dorm room in the Refugio or camping, make sure to check-in prior to beginning your hike.

Today’s trek follows the Ascensio Valley as it snakes through windswept hills and wide-spread beech forests. During the final ascent, you’ll traverse an immense boulder field until reaching one of the most iconic mountain viewpoints in the world, the Base of The Towers. At a height of 900 meters (2953 feet) above sea level, marvel at the sheer granite walls of the (north, south, central) towers and the brilliantly turquoise glacial lake below. Take some photographs and have lunch before following the same path downwards to Refugio Torre Central. After a long day of hiking, enjoy a warm dinner at the lodge.

Distance: 22 kilometers (approximately 13.7 miles)

Time: 8-10 hours

Level of Difficulty: Strenuous

Overnight: Camping Torre Central (upgrade to refugios available)

Meals: Packed lunch + Dinner

Day 4: Trek to Refugio Los Cuernos

Distance: 19.5km (12 mi)

Elevation: 120m (394ft) - 870m (2,854 ft)

Hiking Time: 8 - 10 hours

Enjoy breakfast and request your packed lunch in the dining area. Today, the trail leads you deep into the park towards Refugio Los Cuernos, one of the more secluded mountain lodges. Navigate over crystal clear streams, admire the hanging glaciers off of Mt. Almirante Nieto (2,670 meters or approximately 8,760 feet), and search for condors as you border the mesmerizing green-blue waters of Lake Nordenskjold. Follow the well-marked trail until you reach Refugio Los Cuernos, where you’ll unwind for the evening.

Distance: 12 kilometers (approximately 7.5 miles)

Time: 4-5 hours

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Overnight: Camping Los Cuernos (upgrade to refugios or Private cabin available)

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Hike Francés Sector

Distance: 13.5km (8.3 mi)

Elevation: 200m (656 ft)

Hiking Time: 5 - 6 Hours

Set out on an early morning adventure for a full-day hike to the heart of Torres del Paine Park. Following breakfast, organize your packed lunch and prepare for a day filled with breathtaking Patagonian landscapes. Traverse through the Frances Campsite, and after 2-2.5 hours of hiking, you'll reach the base of the French Valley. Leave your backpack at the Italiano Ranger Station and commence your journey up the valley.

Ascend through a vast boulder field and follow a tree-lined ridge until you reach the French plateau (Mirador Frances). Here, you'll be greeted by stunning vistas of Los Cuernos (the Horns), turquoise glacial lagoons, and magnificent blue hanging glaciers cascading down the east face of Paine Grande (3,050 meters or approximately 10,007 feet). If you're fortunate, you may even hear the thunderous roar of water and ice cascading down, as avalanches are common in this area. Capture some memorable photographs and enjoy your packed lunch before descending back to the Italiano Ranger Station.

Retrieve your backpack and hike to Refugio Paine Grande (approximately 6.25-7.5 miles). Take it easy for the evening and indulge in a delicious meal at the lodge.

Distances: Mirador Frances: 17km (approximately 10.6 miles )

Time: Mirador Frances: 6-7 hours

Level of Difficulty: Demanding

Overnight: Camping Paine Grande (upgrade to refugios available)

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Hike to Grey Glacier + Glacier Kayak Tour

Distance: 20.5 km (12.7 mi)

Elevation: 120m (394ft) - 700m (2,297 ft)

Hiking Time: 8 -10 hours

Begin your day by trekking through a narrow, winding valley leading to Laguna de Los Patos. As you progress, catch glimpses of the expansive Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the iceberg-studded Grey Lake. After encountering the occasionally very windy lookout point at Glacier Grey, the trail descends through a hilly forest until you stand face to face with the majestic Grey Glacier.

Kayak expedition to Glacier Grey (Guided tour included)

At your base camp you will get dressed with a neoprene suit, waterproof jacket and boots, poogies (kayak gloves),skirt, life-jacket. In a safety briefing you will get to know your kayak, paddle, route and conditions.

Our Glacier Grey kayak expedition will involve paddling around the large floating icebergs, aiming towards the east side of the glacier and getting up close to the giant ice wall. While you are resting and enjoying this incredible place your guide will offer you a snack and a hot drink. If weather conditions permit, we paddle along the island called nunatak on our way back to base camp.

Distance: 11 kilometers (approximately 6.8 miles)

Time: 4-4.5 hours

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Overnight: Camping Grey (upgrade to refugios available)

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and Dinner

Day 7: Trek to Refugio Paine Grande – Return to Puerto Natales

Distance: 11km (6.8 miles)

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Retrace your steps along the trail to Refugio Paine Grande to catch the 11:30 AM catamaran departing for the Pudeto boat dock. From there, board the 1:00 PM public bus back to Puerto Natales. Anticipate arriving in Puerto Natales around 4:30 PM.

Distance: 11 kilometers (approximately 6.8 miles)

Time: 4-4.5 hours

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

‍Meals: Breakfast, Packed lunch

Overnight: Puerto Natales - Big Sur Hotel or similar

Optional Grey Glacier Boat Tour (Day 7): Guests have the option to take the Grey III Navigation—a scenic boat ride across Grey Lake offering close-up views of the towering Grey Glacier. This excursion (USD 120 per person) can be booked as an alternative to hiking back to Paine Grande. Advance booking is required, and the tour is subject to weather conditions.

Day 8: Transfer to Puerto Natales Airport (Transfer), flight back home

At the appropriate time you will be picked up from your hotel in Puerto Natales and transferred to the airport.

Travel Insurance Note: We strongly suggest travel insurance to cover unexpected disruptions (weather, health, etc.), especially given the remote nature of the W Trek. We recommend Insuremytrip, or Global Rescue

Additional Trip Info

Transfer from the Punta Arenas airport to first nights accommodation
Transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales (RT- Tourist Bus)
Transportation from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park (RT - Tourist Bus).
4 nights accommodation Camping (W trek), upgrade to Mountain Huts additional cost
2 nights accommodation in Puerto Natales
1 night accommodation in Punta Arenas
All meals while on the W trek (except dinner on the last day): breakfast, lunch (box lunch), and dinner
Pehoé Lake Catamaran
Torres del Paine National Park entrance fees
Entrance to Magdalena island
Magdalena Island penguin tour
Kayak experience on Glacier Grey

Any service not specified in the program
Additional activities
Travel Insurance - We recommend Insuremytrip, or Global Rescue
Gratuity
Some meals
Drinks
*1 day of Puma tracking can be added on to this itinerary (+$600usd per person)

info@flashpackerconnect.com

+1 206-892-8877

Chile

Highlights of the Chilean Patagonia - 8 Days

Trek the W Circuit, Visit Penguins and Kayak to Glacier Grey

Highlights of the Chilean Patagonia - 8 Days

Trek the W Circuit, Visit Penguins and Kayak to Glacier Grey

Highlights:

Trip Details:

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive to Punta Arenas - Overnight Punta Arenas

Day 2: Magdalena & Marta Island Navigation (Penguin & Sea Lion colony)

Day 3: Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine

Day 4: Trek to Refugio Los Cuernos

Day 5: Hike Francés Sector

Day 6: Hike to Grey Glacier + Glacier Kayak Tour

Day 7: Trek to Refugio Paine Grande – Return to Puerto Natales

Day 8: Transfer to Puerto Natales Airport (Transfer), flight back home

Trip Extension Options

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

Chile

Highlights of the Chilean Patagonia - 8 Days

Trek the W Circuit, Visit Penguins and Kayak to Glacier Grey

Highlights of the Chilean Patagonia - 8 Days

Trek the W Circuit, Visit Penguins and Kayak to Glacier Grey

Highlights:

Trip Details:

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive to Punta Arenas - Overnight Punta Arenas

Day 2: Magdalena & Marta Island Navigation (Penguin & Sea Lion colony)

Day 3: Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine

Day 4: Trek to Refugio Los Cuernos

Day 5: Hike Francés Sector

Day 6: Hike to Grey Glacier + Glacier Kayak Tour

Day 7: Trek to Refugio Paine Grande – Return to Puerto Natales

Day 8: Transfer to Puerto Natales Airport (Transfer), flight back home

Trip Extension Options

Additional Trip Info

Have Questions?

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