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

Itinerary
W Trek Refuges
Guide(s)
Outdoor Index
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Important note on dates & accommodations

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!

On Day 5 of the tour, an optional half-day kayaking tour amidst spectacular glacial landscapes can be arranged. If you’d like to go, choose the kayaking tour here!

This trip has no luggage transfers. If you’d like to hire a porter who will be carrying your luggage, let us know down below if you’re interested. The maximum weight per porter is 15 kg / 33 lbs.

All meals are included in the price of this trip. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated, please let us know down below if you have any.

Select a cancellation policy

Things come up, and sometimes plans need to be changed. Check out our flexible cancellation options.
57hours flexibility options
Deposits

When booking a trip, you can either pay for it in full or reserve your spot with a 30% deposit. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

After 48 hours, booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. You can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period.
Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Super Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Self-Guided W Trek Hike in Torres del Paine, Chile
Itinerary
W Trek Refuges
People
1 Person
Date(s)
--
Duration
5 day
Guide(s)
Outdoor Index
Reserve deposit (30%) $0
Second Payment Amount: $0

  • 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 mountain refuges.

    • 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!

    • 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: Central refuge

      Torres del Paine Mirador Base

    • 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: Cuernos or Frances Refuge

      Hikers in Torres del Paine and lake

    • Start your day early to explore the heart of Torres del Paine Park. Don’t forget to request your boxed 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 boxed lunch at the British Lookout before continuing your walk to Refugio 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: Paine Grande Refuge

      Refugio in Torres del Paine

    • 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.

      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: Grey Refuge

      Grey Lake in Torres del Paine

    • 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

      Hikers in Torres del Paine

    • 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!

    • Included:

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

      Add-ons

        • Porter for your luggage — optional, but can be hired
        • Kayak in front of the Grey Glacier — optional, can be added at checkout
        • Single supplement for the camping option

      Not included:

        • Transportation to and from the starting point
        • Travel and accident insurance
        • Accommodation in Puerto Natales

      *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).

    • 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!

    • 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.

      W trek elevation and distances

    • 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.

    • A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, be it maps, guidebooks, or digital apps. Your guide will also take care of other parts of the tour, such as 24/7 support, accommodation, and/or transportation.

      Please note that the dates you choose are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. Once they check availability and other logistical details, they’ll get back to you.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

      Redpoint tailors their 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.

      Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

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