Patagonia: Torres del Paine Classic W Trek
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Patagonia: Torres del Paine Classic W Trek, a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Chilean Patagonia. This guided trek takes you from west to east across the iconic W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park, culminating with the awe-inspiring sight of the three peaks of Torres del Paine. Traverse the stunning French Valley, marvel at the electric-blue icebergs of Lake Grey, and explore the majestic Towers of Blue. Along the way, encounter diverse wildlife including guanacos, flamingos, and Andean condors. Enjoy comfortable stays in Refugios with shared facilities and fully serviced kitchens, ensuring a seamless experience. With private vehicles and boat rides, this tour offers an active yet accessible exploration of one of the world's most incredible landscapes, all within a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Join us for an action-packed trek that promises unforgettable memories and breathtaking views. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Puerto Natales
Location: Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Puerto Natales, in Chilean Patagonia. This port city is famously the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park – the centre of your trekking trip. If you arrive early, see the city on foot, taking in the snow-capped mountainous horizon, or maybe pop into the Municipal Historical Museum in the city centre to brush up on some local history. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight with your group. After, you may want to head to a restaurant or bar to get to know your fellow trekkers a little better and taste some classic Patagonian flavours.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Torres del Paine National Park Lake Grey
Location: Torres del Paine National Park, Lake Grey, Grey Glacier
Accommodation: Paine Grande
Accommodation Name: Refugio Paine Grande
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, take a transfer from the hotel to the Grey Sector of the W Circuit in wild Patagonia. This is the most famous and well-travelled hiking trail in the park because although it can be challenging, the trail can be completed by anyone of any fitness level (as long as you are reasonably active and able to walk long distances). From your starting point, the path is quite flat for the first hour, passing through beech-lined woods and crossing over some small streams. Along the way, you’ll have multiple opportunities to see Lake Grey, with its electric-blue icebergs that jut from the water. As you start to ascend, you’ll see the Grey Glacier in the distance. Along the way, stop for a packed lunch, where you can keep your eye out for the Patagonian fox and the Andean condor. Eventually, make your way downhill once more and reach your accommodation for the night – Refugio Paine Grande. Refugios are backcountry huts or lodges that are along the trail, with full-service kitchens, beds and bathrooms. After a nice warm shower, cap off your first day with a group dinner.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Torres del Paine National Park French Valley
Location: Torres del Paine National Park, French Valley, Cuernos of Paine, Lake Nordenskjold, Paine Grande
Accommodation: Domos Frances
Accommodation Name: Refugio Domos Frances
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at your Refugio, you’ll embark on a full-day trek through the French Valley. From here, the well-trodden path leads towards the jagged peaks of the Cuernos of Paine. Passing through woods and over small streams, you’ll have a beautiful view of Lake Nordenskjold. You’ll arrive at a rickety-looking hanging bridge, like something out of an Indiana Jones movie (don’t worry, it’s completely safe). Head on into the French Valley, where your path is a steady, uphill trail that reaches an altitude of around 900 m. If the weather is clear, the views are spectacular. After traversing rivers and forests of beech trees (or lenga trees), the skyline is dwarfed by towering granite spires and the famed Paine Grande – the highest mountain peak in the park, sitting at 3050 m above sea level. The return trek (along the breathtaking Lake Nordenskjold) will eventually lead you to your accommodation and dinner spot for the night – Refugio Domos Frances.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Torres del Paine National Park Lake Nordenskjold
Location: Torres del Paine National Park, Lake Nordenskjold, Los Cuernos del Paine
Accommodation: Torre Central
Accommodation Name: Refugio Torre Central
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Pack up your gear ready for another beautiful day. Today’s trek passes through beech tree woodlands and continues along the northern shore of Lake Nordenskjold, with its amazing dark-blue hues. On your left, the incredibly tall granite spires of Los Cuernos del Paine (The Horns of Blue) impose on your track. The Horns are one of the distinctive features of the park and part of the overall Paine massif – which sits within the heart of the southern Andes. Along today’s trail, look out for grazing guanacos, swooping eagles, Magellanic ducks and the diverse flora of the area. On the lake, you may even see black-necked swans and pink flamingos! Today’s hike will come with a fair few rolling hills and potentially steep climbs, but after every incline, you’ll be met with stunning scenery that reminds you why you’re there. Tonight, you’ll arrive at Refugio Torre Central where you’ll enjoy a group dinner and a restful night’s sleep under the stars.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Torres del Paine National Park Base Las Torres
Location: Torres del Paine National Park, Base Las Torres, French Valley, Puerto Natales
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Arise nice and early, ready for your last full day of trekking this spectacular trail. Once you turn the final bend of today’s hike, you’ll witness the spectacle of the giant towers of Torres del Paine (Towers of Blue) – the gem of the park. This trail follows the W Circuit backwards, meaning you’ll finish your trip off with the highlight of this incredible view. Take a moment to appreciate the massive vertical structures with the reflective milky-blue lake at the base. You’ll have about half an hour to relax and take photos, have some lunch and enjoy the view. This scene is at a high altitude, meaning it will be windy and cold. When the time is right (when everyone’s noses start to turn pink) turn around and head back the way you came. You’ll have the option of stopping off at Refugio Chileno to stretch and refuel. Once past Refugio Chileno, head back to the French Valley and then downhill towards the buildings of Hotel las Torres. Eventually, you’ll reach the ECO Camp, where you’ll meet your private transfer back to Puerto Natales.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Puerto Natales
Location: Puerto Natales
This morning after breakfast, your trip will come to an end. If you would like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Refugios (3 nights) -
Meals
5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners -
Full W Trek guided hike West to East
Participate in a guided hike of the Full W Trek from West to East.
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Paine Grande overnight stay Refugio or camping
Enjoy an overnight stay at Paine Grande Refugio or fully equipped camping.
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Lake Grey boat ride
Experience a boat ride on Lake Grey.
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Grey Trek guided trek
Join a guided trek on the Grey Trek.
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French Valley guided trek
Embark on a guided trek through the French Valley.
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Frances overnight stay Refugio or camping
Stay overnight at Frances Refugio or fully equipped camping.
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Central Valley guided trek
Take part in a guided trek through the Central Valley.
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Central overnight stay Refugio or camping
Have an overnight stay at Central Refugio or fully equipped camping.
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Base Las Torres guided hike
Participate in a guided hike to Base Las Torres.
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Transport
Travel through the stunning landscapes of Patagonia using private vehicles and boats.
What's Not Included
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Porter services
Porter services are not included; you will need to carry your own luggage on the trek.
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Single supplement
A single supplement is available for an additional cost and is subject to availability.
Transport
- Private vehicle , boat
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- On this trip we will stay in Refugios, hiking hotels dotted along Torres del Paine’s trails. Refugios provide all bedding and meals, shared dorm rooms with shared facilities (bathrooms and shower blocks are separated by sex) and spectacular views of the mountains and lakes that make the park famous.
Important Information
- 1. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase entrance fees to Torres del Paine National Parks.
- 2. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1.
- 3. Tour leader is also a qualified Trekking Guide and will join the group for Welcome Meting and then on the morning of Day 2 for the start of the trek.
- 4. A single supplement is available to add on, this will be included on Days 1 and 5 (Hotel) only and is subject to availability. The single supplement excludes nights 2, 3 & 4 where you will be in shared accommodation. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 5. Overnight stays in Torres del Paine are booked at authentic refuges, in either mixed gender dorm style rooms with shared facilities or camping in tents that are provided and set up by the Refugios. We will still have access to the Refugios for meals, relaxation and showers. The price of the trip remains the same and all camping equipment is provided.
- 6. You will need to carry your luggage on the trek (porter services is not included), so please read a packing list and our recommendations carefully. Your fully packed trekking backpack should not exceed 12kg total weight. Excess luggage can be stored in our hotel in Puerto Natales for the duration of the trip.
- 7. A porter service can be pre booked (subject to availability) at an extra cost to carry up to 15kg weight, contact your booking agent for more details.
Mode of Transport
Travel through the stunning landscapes of Patagonia using private vehicles and boats, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey as you explore the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park.
Accommodation
Stay in Refugios, hiking hotels along Torres del Paine’s trails, offering shared dorm rooms with shared facilities, fully serviced kitchens, and all meals included. Enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and lakes that make the park famous.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the trek?
During the trek, accommodation is provided in Refugios, which are backcountry huts or lodges along the trail. These offer shared dorm rooms with shared facilities, fully serviced kitchens, and all meals included. There is also an option for fully equipped camping.
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Are meals included during the trek?
Yes, all meals are included during the trek. The Refugios have full-service kitchens where meals are provided.
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Is porter service available during the trek?
Porter services are not included in the trek, so you will need to carry your own luggage. However, a porter service can be pre-booked at an extra cost to carry up to 15kg of weight, subject to availability.
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What is the difficulty level of the W Trek in Torres del Paine?
The W Trek in Torres del Paine is a well-travelled hiking trail that can be challenging but is suitable for anyone of reasonable fitness level who is able to walk long distances.
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What wildlife might I see during the trek?
During the trek, you may spot wildlife such as guanacos, flamingos, foxes, Andean condors, rhea birds, Patagonian foxes, and eagles. You might also see Magellanic ducks, black-necked swans, and pink flamingos.
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What is the highlight of the W Trek?
The highlight of the W Trek is witnessing the giant towers of Torres del Paine, also known as the Towers of Blue, which are the gem of the park. This view is complemented by the reflective milky-blue lake at the base.
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What should I expect on the last day of the trek?
On the last day of the trek, you will witness the spectacular towers of Torres del Paine. After enjoying the view and taking photos, you will head back to the ECO Camp and meet your private transfer back to Puerto Natales.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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Patagonia: Torres del Paine Classic W Trek
6 Days Starting and ending in Puerto Natales, Chile
Visiting: Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park, Lake Grey, Grey Glacier, French Valley, Cuernos of Paine, Lake Nordenskjold, Paine Grande, Los Cuernos del Paine, Base Las Torres ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GPXW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 14
Age range:
15-99
