English
Portuguese
French
German
Torres del Paine
Classic Guided W Circuit
Parque Nacional Torres del Paine
- Skill level
Demanding (aprox 47 miles). - Duration
5 days and 4 nights. - Accommodation
Camping or Shelter. - Nearest city
Puerto Natales 2 hours of distance. - Season
October to April.
Overview
Discover the magic of Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most stunning landscapes in the southern hemisphere. Explore this unique destination with an expert guide in Patagonia, who will accompany you to every corner of the journey, making your experience unforgettable.
Admire the iconic granite towers, explore the trails next to the imposing Cuernos del Paine, and contemplate the unforgettable views of the French Valley, surrounded by wild nature and majestic mountains.
The adventure continues at the impressive Grey Glacier, where the blue ice contrasts with the sky and the horizon seems endless. This jewel of the Southern Ice Field offers a natural spectacle that will be etched in your memory.
Located on the famous Patagonia National Parks Route, this journey is an invitation to reconnect with nature in its purest state.
Itinerary
Distance: 22 km / Time: 8-10 hrs / Difficulty: Demanding / Accommodation: Camping or Shelter / Meals: Box lunch and dinner.
We start the day early: at 7:00 a.m. we pick you up in our private transport to begin the adventure towards Torres del Paine National Park. The journey will take us through spectacular Patagonian landscapes until we reach Laguna Amarga, the main entrance to the park, where we register with CONAF (park rangers).
From there, we continue to the Welcome Center and then to the Central Tower Shelter or Camping, where we check in and leave our large backpacks. We prepare for the hike with a light backpack, carrying only what is necessary for the day.
Our hike begins through the Ascencio Valley, a trail surrounded by native forests and views that connect you with the immensity of the place. In the final stretch, we cross a field of rocks until we reach one of the most iconic viewpoints in the world: the Base las Torres Viewpoint. From 900 meters above sea level, we contemplate the three majestic granite towers (North, Central, and South), rising above a glacial lake with turquoise waters.
Here we stop to rest, enjoy the box lunch, and capture unforgettable photographs. Then, we begin the return along the same trail to the Central Tower Shelter, where we end the day with a well-deserved hot dinner and a comforting rest after an intense day of nature and mountains.
Distance: 12 or 15 km (depending on accommodation) / Time: 4-5 hours / Difficulty: Moderate / Accommodation: Camping or Shelter / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner.
After enjoying breakfast at the accommodation, we will provide you with your box lunch so you are ready to start a new day of exploration. Today we will advance towards the middle area of the W Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park, a stretch that takes us to the feet of imposing mountains and landscapes that represent the best of Patagonia.
During the hike, we will cross streams of crystal-clear water and skirt the slopes of Mount Almirante Nieto, which rises to 2,670 meters above sea level, where we can observe hanging glaciers. If we are lucky, we will witness the majestic flight of condors as we follow the trail alongside the turquoise waters of Lake Nordenskjöld.
The route is of moderate difficulty and very accessible. At the end of the day, we will arrive at Sector Cuernos, a perfect place to rest, relax, and recharge surrounded by nature.
Distance: 17 km to the French Lookout / Time: 6-7 hrs / Difficulty: Moderate / Accommodation: Camping or Shelter / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner.
We recommend starting early to make the most of this day. After breakfast, we will give you your box lunch and get ready for one of the most spectacular hikes in Torres del Paine National Park: the route to the French Valley.
A few minutes after starting, we will pass by the ranger shelter, where you can leave your main backpack and continue the ascent with a daypack. From there, we will start climbing through rocky terrain that later turns into forest, until we reach the French Lookout or Plateau del Francés.
At this point, we will be rewarded with incredible views of the Cuernos del Paine, glacial lakes of an intense turquoise color, and hanging glaciers descending from the imposing east face of Paine Grande, at 3,050 m above sea level. With a bit of luck, we will hear the ice cracking as it breaks off and the roar of small avalanches falling into the valley.
We will take a break to enjoy the box lunch and absorb the energy of this unique place. Then, we will return along the same trail to the ranger shelter and continue walking to Paine Grande Shelter, on a route of approximately 2.5 hours, practically flat and very friendly.
We will end the day with a delicious dinner at the shelter, perfect for recharging energy and sharing the emotions experienced.
Distance: 11 km / Time: 4-4.5 hrs / Difficulty: Moderate / Accommodation: Camping or Refuge / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner.
After breakfast, we begin our hike through a narrow and winding valley that leads us towards Laguna de Los Patos. As we progress, the landscape transforms and parts of the immense Southern Patagonian Ice Field start to appear, along with the impressive icebergs floating on the waters of Lake Grey.
Past a viewpoint that can be very windy, we descend through a mountainous forest until we reach Refugio Grey. From here, we walk about 10 more minutes to reach the Mirador del Glaciar Grey, a privileged observation point where we come face to face with this colossal mass of blue ice.
OPTIONAL: If we want to extend the adventure, we have the possibility to continue towards the famous hanging bridges, located beyond the refuge. This additional hike takes between 3 and 4 hours (round trip) and undoubtedly offers the best views of Glaciar Grey and the landscapes of the Southern Ice Field. From the bridges, we can observe the deep ravines formed by the rivers and waterfalls that originate in the Olguín range. With some luck, we will witness ice falling into the cold waters of the lake.
Additional distance: 4 km / Time: 3-4 hrs (round trip) / Difficulty: Moderate.
Distance: 11 km / Time: 4-4.5 hrs / Difficulty: Moderate / Meals: Breakfast and box lunch.
During this morning we will have free time to enjoy one of the additional activities of the program. We can choose to take a walk on the Grey Glacier, or to have a kayak adventure among the icebergs of Lake Grey. Both experiences offer a unique connection with the Patagonian nature and will become unforgettable moments of this trip.
After the chosen activity, we will take the trail back to Paine Grande, from where we will board the catamaran to Pudeto. Upon arrival, the bus will be waiting for us to take us to Puerto Natales, marking the perfect end to this journey.
Included
- Technical Talk (Briefing).
- 5 days - 4 nights accommodation.
- Camping: Tent set up, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad.
- Shelter: Bed with sleeping bag and pillow.
- Full board (Meals): Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.
- Ticket for the catamaran.
- Private Transportation from Natales to Torres del Paine.
- Entry to Torres del Paine.
- Guide (English and Spanish).
Not included
- Travel and accident insurance.
- Air transportation.
- Accommodation in Puerto Natales.
FAQs
The programs for the circuits in Torres del Paine are highly sought after and have limited spaces. We recommend booking as far in advance as possible. Availability changes minute by minute. Therefore, if you have availability one day, perhaps the next day you won't.
This program is carried out with specialized guidance, so you will walk accompanied throughout the tour along the park trails. Our guide will not only take you along the trail and ensure group safety, but will also share valuable information with you about the geography, flora, fauna, and culture of Patagonia.
The day before the start of the circuit, we will hold a technical talk (briefing), where we will provide you with all the necessary documents and go over in detail the itinerary, required equipment, and the conditions of the tour. This preparation will allow you to start the adventure with confidence, accompanied by a professional who will make your experience even more enriching.
Any of the two options has certain important considerations to keep in mind:
1) Rooms in the shelters are shared, with capacity for 6 to 8 people in bunk bed format.
2) Tents and sleeping bags are designed for the weather conditions of Torres del Paine. Even so, it is recommended to bring additional warm clothing, such as a thermal liner.
3) All meals are served in the shelters' restaurants.
4) Both campgrounds and shelters have bathrooms equipped with showers and hot water.
5) Both types of accommodation have internet access points.
Breakfast consists of coffee, tea, milk, bread, eggs, cheese, ham, jam, juice, and fruit. The box lunch is typically a cold sandwich with a cereal bar, chocolate bar, dried fruits, and fruit. Finally, dinner is a set menu with an appetizer, main course, dessert, and water.
We offer menus adapted for vegetarians, vegans, or celiacs. If you have any food allergies, please indicate them in the passenger information when making the reservation.
In most of the circuit, there is no coverage. Only in some specific points of the park (which you will identify immediately), there might be some signal. However, all refuges offer satellite internet service for an additional cost, which can vary from CLP$ 10,000 for 1 hour, and is paid with a credit card.
Yes, in the common areas of the refuges there are outlets to charge your electronic devices. Remember that in Chile, 220V and 2-pin are used. We recommend bringing a power strip to share the charge of devices with your friends.
Yes, along all the trails you will have access to drinking water, which comes from the natural springs of the park. IMPORTANT: Pay attention to signs of farm animals (e.g. horses) that could contaminate some areas. Always ask the guide beforehand.
The weather is very variable throughout the year, even in summer. In one day, there can be sun, clouds, rain, and wind. Therefore, we recommend being prepared for any type of weather.
Absolutely! Trekking poles are a fundamental tool for multi-day hikes. If you don't want to use them, don't use them, but take them with you for when you need them. *Trekking poles can be rented in Puerto Natales.
At the time of booking on our platform, you can add as an extra, an Ice Hike or Kayaking among the icebergs. Absolutely recommended!
The single supplement extra cost only applies to individuals traveling alone. It is a fee that you need to pay to use a double tent spot by yourself.
Starting place
Our program begins and ends in Puerto Natales. From there, the bus will take us to the National Park to begin the circuit.
Policies
Read our Terms and Conditions where our cancellation policies and changes are defined. Always remember to plan your trips in advance.