Welcome to the spectacular Patagonia! Make sure to reach Patagonia at least a day prior to your adventure as you’re heading out tomorrow early in the morning. You’ll go through a short briefing talk and all your last-minute questions about the tour will be answered!
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Some trips guide you; this one lets you take the lead. Trek Torres del Paine’s iconic W Circuit over five unforgettable days, surrounded by nature’s finest work. Marvel at the legendary granite towers, meander through verdant valleys, and listen for the crackling roar of avalanches in the French Valley. Every step brings awe-inspiring views, while cozy refuges or campsites serve up warm meals and a place to recharge. This self-guided adventure isn’t just a journey through Patagonia—it’s your personal story written across one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Regardless of the version you choose, daily distances and the itinerary remains the same. The only thing that’s different is accommodation. If you choose this version, you’ll be staying at cozy campsites.
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Have a hearty breakfast and make sure to request your boxed lunch to-go before heading to the bus terminal for the 7am departure to Torres del Paine National Park. Please make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early so you don’t miss the bus. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Patagonia as you travel to Laguna Amarga’s main entrance, where you will 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 Ascencio Valley and its lush forests, and once you ascend through a field of large rocks, you’ll reach the iconic Mirador Base Las Torres. It’s that world-famous view of three granite towers and a turquoise lake at their feet. Have your lunch there before returning to Torre Central Refuge for a warm dinner after a long day of hiking.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Hiking: 14 mi / 22.5 km, 8-10 hours
Accommodation: Camping Central
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Start your day with breakfast and don’t forget to request your boxed 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.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 7-9 mi / 11-14.5 km, 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Camping Cuernos or Frances -
Rise and shine! After asking for your lunch box, go on and continue discovering otherworldly 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 views of Los Cuernos, glacial lagoons, and you might even hear a thunderous noise of falling water and witness an avalanche! Rest and have lunch at the British Lookout before continuing onto Campsite Paine Grande. End your day with a delicious dinner at the refuge.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 10.5 mi / 17 km, 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Camping Paine Grande -
Set out on a winding path through a narrow valley to Laguna de Los Patos. Marvel at the views of the vast Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the ice floes of Lago Grey. Descend through a forest to reach the refuge and then continue for 10 minutes to the Grey Glacier Viewpoint for a breathtaking encounter with the massive blue ice massif.
You can take an optional extension of today’s hike and go for a 4-hour hike to the famous hanging bridges, offering a new perspective of the glacier’s depths and the surrounding Olguín cord.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 6.8 mi / 11 km (plus optional 2.5 mi / 4 km), 4-4.5 hours (plus optional 3-4 hours)
Accommodation: Camping Grey
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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.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 6.8 mi / 11 km, 4-4.5 hours -
Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
Also 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!
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Included:
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- 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):
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- Kayaking on Lake Grey
- Ice hike
- Single occupancy tent
- Porter for your luggage — contact us if interested
Not included:
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- Transportation to and from the starting point
- Accommodation in Puerto Natales
- Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
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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!
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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.
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Yes! Two optional add-ons are available for this trip, both of which can be added at checkout:
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- 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.
- 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.
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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:
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- 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.
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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…:
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- 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.
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Group sizes and pricing
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- 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
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- 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.
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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.
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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.
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