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W Trek Tour PageThe Explorer’s Passage2023-02-08T08:35:23-05:00

The W Trek in Torres del Paine

DAYS

6+

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate/ Advanced

HOST CITY

Santiago, Chile

FROM

$2,350 USD

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Our W Trek
Itinerary

Customize this Trip

A logo for the W Trek hiking adventure in Patagonia with The Explorer's Passage. The circular logo is light green and orange and features a sunset over the mountains of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile

W Trek Adventure in Patagonia 

Join The Explorer’s Passage on the adventure of a lifetime to the world-renowned region of Patagonia! The W Trek zigzags through the heart of Chile’s iconic Torres del Paine National Park, a captivating land where the mountain peaks form stunning granite towers and the glacier-fed lakes glisten turquoise blue. This hike in Patagonia is named after the W-shape it forms on a map, running along the base of the iconic mountains before doubling back into the Valle Francés (‘French Valley’) at the very heart of the natural reserve. This wild Patagonian region will draw you in and undoubtedly make it very hard for you to have to go back home at the conclusion of your trip!

Explore Patagonia with TEP

Customizable Itineraries

Photograph from a hill overlooking Hosteria Pehoe and Lake Pehoé, with Cuernos del Paine in the background

Prefer an extra day on the W Circuit, so you can have more time to absorb all that Patagonia has to offer? Want to split your time between locations in Argentina and Chile? Perhaps you would also like to add a private guided tour of colorful Valparaíso, or experience a dark sky astronomical tour in the Atacama Desert, or even hike a glacier or kayak in Torres del Paine? No problem. We can weave your interests and your timeframe into our existing itineraries so that every detail of your extraordinary trip unfolds just the way you want it to.

We Take Care of Everything

A photograph of hikers taking a ferry across Lago Pehoé to hike the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park

We go above and beyond our competitors in handling every aspect of your W Trek trip, so that you can focus exclusively on experiencing all that Chile and Patagonia have to offer. Our trips are all-inclusive, crafted with the intent of providing you with an unforgettable adventure travel experience. All you have to do is show up at the airport in Chile!

Responsible Travel

A desaturated photograph of the Torres del Paine, the three granite towers of the Paine Massif in Patagonia. The steep towers are a highlight for many hikers on the W Trek

The Explorer’s Passage is a member of Sustainable Travel International, a partner/supporter of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, as well as a supporter of the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST). We very proudly incorporate the principles of these organizations throughout your Torres del Paine adventure.

Let’s Plan Your Trip Today:


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Click below to download our
Sample W Trek Itinerary 

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Santiago on a private guided tour, and experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of one of South America’s most impressive capital cities;
  • Journey deep into the Torres del Paine National Park as you hike the W Trek, one of the greatest multi-day hikes in the Western Hemisphere, and find yourself surrounded by the majesty of the soaring peaks of the Andes, the peaceful woodlands, the mammoth glaciers, the unique wildlife, and the rushing streams of Patagonia;
  • Ride a boat through the Strait of Magellan to Magdalena & Marta Islands, where you can spot Magellanic penguins, sea lions, and even dolphins;
  • Relax in the comfort and luxury of 4 and 5 Star accommodations before and after the trek – featuring some of the best hotels in Chile (note: 3.5 – 4 Star hotel package is also available).

TRIP COST

From $2,350 per person

*More info. on pricing

Pricing starts at $2,350 USD

Single Supplement Hotels: from $495

Single Supplement Tents: from $550


More questions? Read more about pricing here

START DATES

Custom dates available to hike the W Trek through April 30, 2023 and from September 8, 2023 through April 30, 2024

To inquire on a custom date, please contact us!

DURATION

 Starts at Days 6 / 5 Nights (minimum hiking in Torres del Paine is 4 Full Days / 3 Nights)

ACCOMMODATIONS

Various Options*

choose between 3.5 – 4 Star or a 4.5 – 5 Star hotel options in cities, and between mountain huts, camping tents, and hotel (Central Sector-only) while hiking in Torres del Paine National Park

*Read about your Accommodations in Chile

MAX. GROUP SIZE

All Private Groups

No minimum or maximum

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate/Advanced*
Activities: multi-day hiking on the W Trek route (total trekking distance: ~77 km or ~48 miles)

*Please refer to our Trip Activity Level Guide for more information

Please Note – the Trip Activity Level Guide is for guidance only and provides a general sense of what you should expect on our trips. Actual times, distances, and elevation can be outside the ranges outlined below.

Easy

Trips designated “Easy” are perfect for first-timers, or travelers looking for a mild physical challenge. Hikes, treks, and horseback rides are short and terrain is typically flat, at an elevation not exceeding 5,000 feet. On paddling trips, river currents move swiftly, thus minimal paddling is required.

Adventure Travel

Moderate

“Moderate” trips are more active and require a bit more endurance. Hikes, treks, and horseback rides includes occasional steep ascents. Elevation can occassionaly reach up to 15,000 feet. River currents are moderate and some stretches include Class 1-2 rapids.

Adventure Travel

Advanced

Trips marked “Advanced” require strong physical stamina, as we’re often active for 8+ hours per day. Hikes, treks, and horseback rides include traversing more rugged and mountainous terrain, at elevations that can reach up to 15,000 feet. Rivers currents are moderate to swift and often include paddling white water through Class 1-3 rapids.

Adventure Travel

Explorer

TEP’s most physically demanding trips fall into the “Explorer” category. Expect 8+ hours of activity per day. These trips are demanding, yet attainable for those seeking the challenge. Hike, trek, and horseback ride on rugged and mountainous terrain with frequent steep ascents. Elevation may exceed 15,000 feet. Rivers currents are moderate to swift and often include navigating white water through Class 1-3 rapids.

Adventure Travel

More Questions? Speak to one of our Adventure Consultants at 855-208-6800 to determine if this is the right trip for you OR Read more about the Trip Activity Level Guide

A map of the W Trek route in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. The map shows the four-day hiking route going from east to west

(note: this map only corresponds with the itinerary’s 4 full days of hiking the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park)

SAMPLE TRIP ITINERARY

11 Day / 10 Night Trip Daily Overview

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago

Bienvenidos a Chile! Once you arrive at Santiago International Airport, you will be greeted by a member of our team. Experience the scenery and history in the beautiful capital city of Santiago while you are transported to your hotel. Later this evening, you will have free time to explore this extraordinary city and enjoy one of its best restaurants.

Day 2: Santiago Tour

Day 2: Tour of Santiago

Today, on a private half-day tour, you will be able to truly experience the sights and sounds of one of South America’s most impressive capital cities. The tour is flexible but will take you to visit the heart of the city and its emblematic sites such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, Santiago’s historic Central Postal Office, and more. We will also visit the Moneda Palace, which is the government’s headquarters as well as the traditional neighborhoods of the historic city center. Later, for lunch and dinner, you will be able to explore the gastronomy of the city at your leisure, at restaurants of your choosing.

Day 3: Santiago to Punta Arenas

Day 3: Santiago to Punta Arenas

This morning you will be heading south to Punta Arenas! Upon arrival we will provide you with a 2.5 hour guided private tour of this southernmost city, which has been shaped by a multitude of cultures – leaving a valuable historical and cultural legacy that still endures to this day. The city’s population descends mainly from Croatian, Spanish, Italian, German, as well as English immigrants.

The tour begins with a visit to Cerro Mirador, where you get a panoramic view of the city and the Strait of Magellan. You will explore main streets and avenues, various monuments, as well as the Maggiorino Borgatello Museum. This museum features a unique ethnological and natural history exhibit with a collection of flora and fauna specimens from Chile’s Magallanes Region, in addition to handicrafts and artifacts from the region’s indigenous Yaganes, Onas, and Alacalufes people, and information on the history and lives of the first European settlers. Later, the tour concludes in the Muñoz Gamero main square.

Day 4: Magdalena & Marta Islands, then Puerto Natales

Day 4: Tour Magdalena & Marta Islands, then go to Puerto Natales

Early this morning you will be heading to Magdalena Island with a guide so that you can spend an hour with South America’s largest colony of Magellanic penguins! Afterwards, you will continue through the Strait of Magellan to Isla Marta to see sea lions, imperial cormorants, and hundreds of southern gulls. While there, you may even spot some dolphins! Later, after you return to Punta Arenas, you will board a bus north to Puerto Natales. You are one step closer to your journey to Torres del Paine National Park! Then in the evening, head to the W Trek information office in Puerto Natales for a 45-minute pre-trek briefing, and to collect your vouchers and trail maps. Following that, feel free to explore the town to grab dinner – perhaps with some other trekkers you may have just met!

Day 5: Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park

Day 5: Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park

Following breakfast at your hotel in Puerto Natales, you will have the morning to explore the town a bit more. Later, you will travel by bus to Torres del Paine National Park. Enjoy dinner in the Central Sector as the excitement undoubtedly builds for your W Trek adventure ahead, where you will have the rare privilege of exploring one of the planet’s most striking national parks!

Day 6: First Day of W Trek (to Las Torres Lookout)

Day 6: First Day of W Trek (to Las Torres Lookout)

Today, you will start early in order to begin your hike of the W Trek – one of South America’s most famous trails. Today’s destination during your Patagonia hike is the iconic Las Torres Lookout Point! During the first stretch, you will walk through the pampa, cross the Ascencio River, and then hike up to Los Vientos Mountain Pass, where you will enjoy amazing views of the valley and lakes. You will continue your journey to the Chileno Mountain Refuge, and then go deep into a lenga beech forest up to La Morrena, where the hardest part of the day’s hike begins. From there, you will be following a rock trail to the spectacular Las Torres Base Lookout Point. Later, you will return to the Central Sector to have dinner and rest.

Daily trekking distance: approximately 19.5 kilometers / 12 miles

Day 7: Second Day of W Trek (Nordenskjöld Lake & Francés Sector)

Day 7: Second Day of W Trek (Nordenskjöld Lake & Francés Sector)

Another beautiful day in Chile – today is your 2nd full day of hiking the W Trek! You will walk along the shores of Nordenskjöld Lake, below the peaks of Almirante Nieto as well as the striking Cuernos del Paine. During the hike, you will enjoy magnificent views of Los Cuernos, hanging glaciers, lakes, and the abundant vegetation and wildlife. Later, you will have dinner and sleep in the Francés Sector.

Daily trekking distance: approximately 13.5 kilometers / 8.5 miles

Day 8: Third Day of W Trek (French Valley)

Day 8: Third Day of W Trek (French Valley)

This day features one of the most memorable portions of the W Trek: the undeniably beautiful Valle Francés. Once you are packed and ready to start, you will begin early with a light hike to the Italiano Campsite. At this point, you will progress through the woods up the Francés River Valley. You will eventually reach the Francés Lookout Point, where you will enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in all of Torres del Paine National Park: the view of the valley framed by the Paine Grande, Catedral, Hoja, Máscara, Espada, Aleta de Tiburón, and Cuerno del Norte mountains. The landscape will undoubtedly leave you speechless! Later, you will begin the descent to the Paine Grande Sector for the evening.

Daily trekking distance: approximately 22.5 kilometers / 14 miles

Day 9: Fourth Day of W Trek (Grey Glacier & Pehoé Lake)

Day 9: Fourth Day of W Trek (Grey Glacier and Lake Pehoé)

Later on this day, you will reach the third major milestone of the W Circuit: the incredible Grey Glacier. The trail goes around the Paine Grande, the highest peak in the mountain range (3,050 m), with particularly impressive views of its hanging glaciers. Walking amidst Antarctic beech trees (ñirre), Dombey’s beech (coigüe), and Chilean firebush (notro), you will eventually reach the first lookout point of Grey Lake, where you will spot floating pieces of glacier. You will then continue hiking north towards the imposing view of Grey Glacier to reach the Grey Mountain Refuge. Later, after fully taking in the sights of the massive glacier, you will return to the Paine Grande Sector and board the catamaran that will take you across Pehoé Lake to Pudeto station. You will then take the bus from Torres del Paine National Park back to Puerto Natales.

Notes: We can also arrange optional add-on excursions in the Grey Glacier area if you are interested: kayaking (~3 hour activity, ages 16-65, 225 lbs. weight limit) and/or ice hiking (~5 hour activity, ages 16-65). These activities will require more time on your itinerary, and potentially also an additional overnight in the park. Please contact us for more details.

Daily trekking distance: approximately 22 kilometers / 13.5 miles

Day 10: Return to Santiago (by way of Punta Arenas)

Day 10: Return to Santiago (via Punta Arenas)

Today you will transfer from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas, then fly from Punta Arenas to Santiago.

Day 11: Santiago (Final Day in Chile)

Day 11: Santiago (Final Day in Chile)

Today, you will have breakfast at your hotel and enjoy a few more hours in this stunning capital city, before departing Chile.

Please contact us for a complete detailed itinerary.

 

Ready to Book? Call Us

Learn More Below

Client Testimonials

Read what our clients are saying about this once-in-a-lifetime experience:

Hasita B.

“I cannot recommend The Explorer’s Passage enough!”

Winston C.

“Best Adventure Travel Company in the World!”

A black and white logo of the TripAdvisor 2020 Travelers' Choice Award, given to The Explorer's Passage

Trip Accommodations

For the nights before and after the W Trek, you can relax in the comfort and luxury of 4 – 5 Star premium accommodations – featuring some of the finest hotels in Chile. Alternatively, a 3.5 – 4 Star hotel package can be reserved instead:

4 - 5 Star Accommodations

★★★★ – ★★★★★

4 – 5 Star Accommodations

 

Hotel W | Santiago, Chile

A photograph of the W Hotel in Santiago, Chile taken in the early evening and from another tall building. Travelers doing the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park with The Explorer’s Passage can stay here as part of the 4-5 Star Hotel package option

Against a panoramic backdrop of the snow-capped Andes, the W Santiago reinvents style and sophistication. The city’s most fashionable enclave is a fascinating universe of urban innovation amid cobblestone streets and glitzy skyscrapers. Each luxurious room in this 5-star hotel offers wi-fi and TVs and features intriguing modern design elements, signature W beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, and Whatever/Whenever® service. The hotel has several on-site dining options including Karai (a Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant), NoSo (a French restaurant), Terraza (a Chilean bistro), and the W Lounge. There is also an upscale rooftop bar, a full gym/wellness center, and a rooftop pool with impressive city views.

Hotel website

 

Hotel Cabo de Hornos | Punta Arenas, Chile

A photograph of the Hotel Cabo de Hornos in Punta Arenas, Chile taken in the evening from the street level. Many people who are hiking the W Trek in Patagonia will stay here as part of The Explorer's Passage 4-5 Star Hotel package optionLocated in the heart of the historic district of Punta Arenas and immediately adjacent to the city’s iconic Plaza de Armas, Hotel Cabo de Hornos blends avant-garde interiors, cozy ambience, and contemporary guest rooms with marvelous views of the cityscape and the Strait of Magellan. Each of the recently-renovated rooms are decorated in Patagonian style and include breakfast and wi-fi. The hotel features an on-site restaurant, a well-equipped fitness center, and elegant social areas including a bar with a welcoming fireplace.

Hotel website

 

Remota | Puerto Natales, Chile

A photograph of Remota Hotel in Puerto Natales, Chile taken in the early evening. Última Esperanza Sound is in the background. Remota is an excellent starting point for adventures into Torres del Paine National Park

Remota is a world-class refuge overlooking the Última Esperanza Sound, just a few minutes north of Puerto Natales. The lodge is designed very deliberately to connect with the nature around it – not to compete with it – and offers excellent views of Chilean Patagonia. Its 72 contemporary rooms are remarkably spacious and showcase natural features such as rustic wood beams. The hotel features a pool, sauna, bar, wi-fi enabled common areas, as well as an on-site restaurant that serves fine meals crafted with local products. Remota is an excellent starting point from which to begin your W Trek adventure!

Hotel website

3.5 - 4 Star Accommodations

★★★½ – ★★★★

3.5 – 4 Star Accommodations

Hotel Pullman El Bosque | Santiago, Chile

A photograph taken from inside one of the modern rooms in Hotel Pullman El Bosque, in Santiago, Chile. You can stay here on your way to trek the W Circuit in Patagonia

Nestled in the upscale Las Condes area of Santiago, Hotel Pullman El Bosque features modern, bright rooms with streamlined wood furnishings. Each room offers free wi-fi and TVs, and room service is also available. The hotel has an on-site swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness room, a business center, an airy restaurant/bar with a terrace, and a full buffet breakfast is included.

Hotel website

 

Hotel Diego de Almagro Punta Arenas | Punta Arenas, Chile

A daytime photograph of the exterior of Hotel Diego de Almagro in Punta Arenas, Chile. It is a great hotel to stay in one of the southernmost cities in the worldThe Hotel Diego de Almagro is located in a privileged location on the waterfront of the Strait of Magellan, offering magnificent views as well as proximity and easy access to the city’s downtown area. Each room features free wi-fi and TVs. The hotel has a heated pool, a sauna, a gym, a business center, and included breakfast buffet. El Estrecho Restaurant is located on site as well.

Hotel website

 

Hotel Natalino | Puerto Natales, Chile

An evening photograph of Hotel Natalino in Puerto Natales, Chile. This hotel is a popular destination for trekkers who are hiking in Torres del Paine National Park

Natalino is a contemporary hotel in Puerto Natales, with some of the most striking designs of any hotels. It is an excellent launching point before heading into Torres del Paine National Park! The hotel has a terrace, indoor pool, fitness center, and guests can also enjoy a drink at the bar. Breakfast and wi-fi are included for all rooms.

Hotel website

 

Accommodations in Torres del Paine National Park

Accommodations in Torres del Paine National Park

While experiencing the W Trek in Torres del Paine, you can choose to stay in either mountain lodges or camping tents at fixed campsites. These sites feature bathroom facilities with hot showers, personal lockers, and some even have pay-as-you-go internet available in common areas. Drinks (including beer and wine) and snacks are available for purchase at these sites along the trail. You will also receive a welcome kit which includes a sleeping bag liner and a towel. See below for more information on both options:

Mountain Lodges | Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

An interior photograph of a six-person room with bunk beds in a mountain hut in Torres del Paine National Park. These lodges are common for those hiking the W Trek to stay in

Lodges on the W-Trek route tend to offer communal dorm-style accommodation with bunk beds, comparable to many other mountain lodges in other parts of the world. These lodges can be rustic but comfortable (especially after long days of trekking!), though the best part are the warm communal dining areas where you can meet and mingle with other fellow adventurers.

 

 

Camping Tents | Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

An exterior photograph of a campsite with tents in Torres del Paine ParkIf you’re looking for a more simplified approach as you take on the W Trek, you can opt for tent camping in Torres del Paine. These tents are already set up and ready to go at each site, so all you need to do is get there! The tents are equipped with sleeping bags and sleeping mats.

W Trek Extra Support

Personal Attention Before Your W Circuit Trip

There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention to you before your adventure in Patagonia. We get very involved with our clients before each trip by offering a series of pre-planning calls in the months and weeks before departure. This provides you with an opportunity to hear directly from us on preparation, trip experience, and training. It also gives you the platform to ask questions about any aspect of the trip.

Staff Support

Our knowledgeable support staff take care of the details of your in-country transportation, lodging, meals, tours, Torres del Paine park fees, and activities. We’ve even scheduled in a bit of free time for you to explore, relax, shop, or eat on your own.

Ready to Book? Contact Us

W Trek Photos

A photograph of Torres del Paine (three granite towers), with a hiker and the lagoon in the foreground
A sunset over Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile
A distance photograph of Grey Glacier (Glaciar Grey), at the west end of the W Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park
A photograph of two people hiking the W Trek in Patagonia
A photograph of several guanacos grazing in Torres del Paine, with the Cuernos behind them
A photograph of the eco camp in Torres del Paine Park, where hikers can stay on the W Trek
A close-up photograph of pink and purple lupine flowers in Patagonia
A group photograph of people who are hiking the W Trek, happily raising their hands over their heads
A photograph of a tree shaped by wind in Torres del Paine National Park, with mountains looming above
Hikers crossing Lake Pehoe on a catamaran to hike the W Circuit

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