Self-Guided W Trek Hike in Torres del Paine, Chile

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • 5-day self-guided W trek hiking adventure in Torres del Paine, Chile
    • Round-trip transportation Puerto Natales — Torres del Paine
    • Accommodation for 4 nights in mountain refuges (6-8 people per room) or in campsites (possible to rent a single tent at an additional cost)
    • All meals, as in the itinerary
    • Made-up bed, sleeping bag, and pillow in refuges
    • Tent (shared), sleeping bag, and mat in camps
    • Ticket for the catamaran
    • Entrance ticket to Torres del Paine park
    • Connection shuttle to Las Torres
    • Briefing talk

  Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):

  • • Kayaking on Lake Grey
    • Ice hike
    • Single occupancy tent
    • Porter for your luggage — contact us if interested

  Not included:

  • • Transportation to and from the starting point
    • Accommodation in Puerto Natales
    • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
• How fit do I need to be?

  In order to join this self-guided W Trek in Torres del Paine, you need to be in excellent shape. A great thing about this adventure is that there are no issues with altitude, but still keep in mind that this is a 5-day tour full of strenuous walks—but the incredible views will make you forget about the difficulty! You’ll be doing between 7 and 14 miles per day (11 to 22 km) while carrying a backpack with all your belongings.

  Some days are longer, while some days you’ll only hike for 4-5 hours. Still, this tour is more than just a leisurely stroll so make sure you’re in good enough shape to join it.

  For more hiking adventures in Patagonia, click here!

• How much hiking is there and what about elevation gains?

  Over 5 spectacular days of hiking, you will cover 72 km (45.5 miles), with 2,147 m (7,045 ft) of elevation gain and 2,204 m (7,230 ft) of elevation loss. Below is a day-by-day overview.

  

• Can I add any extra activities to my tour?

  Yes! Two optional add-ons are available for this trip, both of which can be added at checkout:

  • • Ice hiking on Grey Glacier — One of the most iconic ice masses in the Torres del Paine ice fields, the Grey Glacier is an overwhelming sight—and even more spectacular from the inside. You’ll cross to Nunatak Island by Zodiac boat and spend around 2.5 hours hiking through crevasses, rivers, ice lagoons, and tunnels in every shade of white and blue.
      • Included: English-speaking guide, ice axe, crampons, harness, and helmet, snack.
    • Kayaking on Grey Lake A half-day paddle through the serene waters of Grey Lake, drifting past icebergs calved from Grey Glacier beneath the misty Patagonian mountains—around 3 hours of deep silence and stunning scenery.
      • Included: kayaking equipment, jacket, wetsuit, boots, and pogies, English/Spanish-speaking guide, snack.
• What do I need to bring?

  The weather in southern Patagonia is very changeable, and you can experience all four seasons in one day. It’s crucial to be prepared for any type of weather, especially strong winds and high solar radiation. The list below outlines the basic equipment necessary for a day of excursions in Torres del Paine National Park:

  • • 40L backpack (with rain cover)
    • Small daypack for shorter trips
    • Trekking poles (highly recommended)
    • Water-resistant jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
    • Fleece or sweatshirt
    • First layer of merino wool or breathable material
    • Short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts
    • Comfortable hiking boots (not brand new)
    • Cell phone (with camera)
    • Sandals (for bathing and resting)
    • Headlamp
    • Lock for your tent
    • Quick-drying towel (lightweight)
    • Cold-resistant hat and gloves
    • Sun hat
    • Sunscreen
    • Sunglasses
    • Camera — optional, but recommended
    • Binoculars (for experienced users)
    • Reusable water bottle (1 liter is sufficient, clear bottles are recommended)
    • Ziploc bags (for waste disposal)
    • First aid kit (with bandages, adhesive bandages, and anti-inflammatory patches)

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

• What is a self-guided tour?

  Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By joining this self-guided W Trek, we take care of…:

  • • Round-trip transportation Puerto Natales — Torres del Paine
    • Accommodation for 4 nights in mountain refuges (6-8 people per room) or in campsites (possible to rent a single tent at an additional cost)
    • All meals, as in the itinerary
    • Made-up bed, sleeping bag, and pillow in refuges
    • Tent (shared), sleeping bag, and mat in camps
    • Ticket for the catamaran
    • Entrance ticket to Torres del Paine park
    • Connection shuttle to Las Torres
    • Briefing talk

  Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option!

  As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and pricing

  • • Even a solo traveler can sign up for this adventure! The maximum group size is set at 8 participants.
    • Please note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!

  Hiking in Patagonia can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  The starting point of the tour is Puerto Natales. To get there, most people fly into Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT) serving Puerto Natales. Once you land there, you have a 10-minute drive to the city.

  Another option is to fly into Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ), the airport serving the Punta Arenas area. Once you’re there, you have several options to reach Puerto Natales. You can take a bus which takes 3-4 hours, you can rent a car, or arrange a private transfer.

• Safety measures and insurance

  We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

  Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Deposits

  Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

  Cancellations

  Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

  Basic

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

  Flexible

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

  Super Flexible

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.