Torres del Paine
W Circuit in Refuge (5 days)
Torres del Paine National Park
- Season
September to April. - Nearest city
Puerto Natales 2 hours of distance. - Accommodation
Mountain Refuge (Sleeping bag + pillow). - Duration
5 days and 4 nights. - Skill level
Demanding.
Overview
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Torres del Paine National Park up close with a hike to see the iconic granite towers that gave the park its name. Stroll alongside the stunning Cuernos del Paine and marvel at the unique formations of the Francés Valley. And don't miss the chance to witness the incredible Grey Glacier, where the southernmost point of Chilean Patagonia’s Southern Ice Fields merges with the horizon in a breathtaking display. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
*Departure: Day 1 at 7:00 at the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal. - End of the program: Day 4 at 9:00 p.m. at the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal.
Itinerary
Distance: 14 miles / Time: 8-10hrs / Difficulty: Demanding / Accommodation: Central Refuge / Meals: Box lunch and dinner (Extra).
After having breakfast at your hotel, make sure to request your boxed lunch to-go before heading to the bus terminal for the 7:00 a.m. departure to Torres del Paine National Park (we recommend arriving at least 10 minutes early). Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Patagonia as you travel to Laguna Amarga's main entrance where you'll need to register with the park ranger, CONAF. From there, Transporte Las Torres will take you to the welcome center, and then it's just a 5-minute walk to Estancia Cerro Paine where you'll register and begin your trek. Follow the trail through the Ascencio Valley and its lush forests. After ascending through a field of large rocks, you'll reach the iconic Mirador Base Las Torres, offering stunning views of the 3 granite towers and a brilliant turquoise glacial lake at its feet. Enjoy your boxed lunch and take some amazing photos before returning to Torre Central Refuge for a warm dinner after a long day of hiking.
Distance: 7-9 miles depending on accommodation / Time: 4-5 hours / Difficulty: Moderate / Accommodation: Cuernos or Frances Refuge / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner (Extra).
Start your day with breakfast and don't forget to request your Box lunch. Today, explore the middle zone of the W Circuit beneath the towering mountains of Torres del Paine National Park. Along the way, witness breathtaking views of crystalline streams and glaciers cascading down Mount Almirante Nieto. Spot majestic Condors soaring above and admire the glistening waters of Lake Nordenskjold. Follow the simple path leading to Cuernos Refuge where you can unwind for the night.
Distance: French Lookout 10.5 miles / Time: 6-7hrs / Difficulty: Moderate / Lodging: Paine Grande Refuge / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner (Extra).
Start your day early to explore the heart of Torres del Paine Park. Don't forget to request your Box lunch for a day of adventure amid stunning Patagonian landscapes. After a brief stop at a park ranger shelter, begin your ascent to the French Valley. Traverse rocky terrain and lush forests until you reach the Plateau, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Los Cuernos, glacial lagoons, and hanging glaciers tumbling down Paine Grande Mountain's eastern face. If you're lucky, you might even hear the thunderous noise of falling water and witness an avalanche. Rest and enjoy your Box lunch at the British Lookout before continuing your walk to Refugio Paine Grande. End your day with a delicious dinner at the refuge.
Distance: 6.8 miles / Time: 4-4.5 hrs / Difficulty: Moderate / Lodging: Grey Refuge / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner (Extra).
Explore the stunning Grey Glacier on this unforgettable hike. After breakfast, set out on a winding path through a narrow valley to Laguna de Los Patos. As you trek, marvel at views of the vast Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the ice floes of Lago Grey. Descend through a mountainous forest to reach the Refugio, then continue for 10 minutes to the Grey Glacier Viewpoint for a breathtaking encounter with the massive blue ice massif. For an even more unforgettable view, consider extending your hike by 3-4 hours (round trip) to the famous hanging bridges, offering a stunning perspective of the glacier's depths and the surrounding Olguín cord. Distance: 2.5 miles / Time: 3-4hrs (round trip) / Difficulty Level: Moderate.
Distance: 6.8 miles / Time: 4-4.5 hrs / Difficulty: Moderate / Meals: Breakfast and box lunch (Extra).
Make the most of your morning with optional activities like an ice walk or kayak adventure amidst the stunning glacier scenery, creating unforgettable memories. Afterward, come back to Paine Grande Lodge and board the Catamaran to Pudeto, where you will catch a bus to Puerto Natales.
Extra: Ice Hike: $264 or Kayaking Grey Lake: $187
Included
- Briefing talk.
- 5 days and 4 nights of Refuge accommodation.
- Sleeping bag and pillow.
- Ticket for the catamaran.
- Regular transport from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine round trip.
- Entrance ticket to Torres del Paine park.
- Connection transport between Laguna Amarga and Sector Las Torres.
Not included
- Full board (meals) - EXTRA
- 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 self-guided, so you will walk individually and autonomously along the park's trails. This does not mean you will be alone. There are always people on the circuits, and all the park's trails are properly marked. Additionally, the day before starting the circuit, you will receive a technical briefing where we will provide you with all the necessary documents and a detailed explanation of the park and your program's route.
The answer will depend on your budget and the level of comfort you prefer while traveling. The refuges offer shared rooms with made beds (or with sleeping bags) and a pillow, with shared bathrooms (hot water). The camping option includes a private tent for two people, which includes a sleeping bag and mattress, with shared bathrooms (hot water). IMPORTANT: Each time you arrive at a campsite, you will be provided with a set-up tent, sleeping bag, and mattress. This means you only carry your personal backpack between campsites.
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 drinkable water, which comes from the park's natural springs. IMPORTANT: Pay attention to signs of farm animals (e.g., horses) that could contaminate some areas.
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!
Starting place
The departure will be from the Puerto Natales bus terminal, at the bus leaving at 07:00 am, to take the transport that will take us to the Torres del Paine National Park.
Policies
Read our Terms and Conditions where our cancellation policies and changes are defined. Always remember to plan your trips in advance.
