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.
During your time on this journey, you will explore the capital metropolis of Santiago on a guided tour, weave your way through remote cities and windy towns in southern Chile, and experience seemingly endless glaciers, volcanoes, unique wildlife, and unparalleled multi-day hiking in Torres del Paine National Park. This wild Patagonian region will draw you in and make it very hard for you to have to go back home at the conclusion of your trip!
Explore Patagonia with TEP
Customizable Itineraries
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 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
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
The Explorer’s Passage is a member of Sustainable Travel International, a partner/supporter of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, and 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:
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).
11 Days / 10 Nights [hiking in Torres del Paine for 4 Full Days / 3 Nights]
ACCOMMODATIONS
6 Nights in Hotels / 4 Nights in Mountain Lodges or Camping Tents*
*choose between a 4 – 5 Star hotel package option or a 3.5 – 4 Star hotel package option, and between mountain lodges or camping tents while hiking in Torres del Paine National Park
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bienvenidos a Chile! Upon arrival 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 as you are transported to your hotel. This evening you will have free time to explore this extraordinary city and enjoy one of its best restaurants.
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. For lunch and dinner, you will be able to explore the gastronomy of the city at your leisure, at restaurants of your choosing.
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 endures to this day. The city’s population descends mainly from Croatian, Spanish, Italian, German, and 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, 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. The tour concludes in the Muñoz Gamero main square.
Early this morning you will be heading to Magdalena Island with a guide to spend an hour with South America’s largest colony of Magellanic penguins! Next, you will continue through the Strait of Magellan to Isla Marta to see sea lions, imperial cormorants, and hundreds of southern gulls. You may even spot some dolphins! 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! That 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. After that, feel free to explore the town to grab dinner – perhaps with some other trekkers you may have just met!
After 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 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!
Today, you will start early and begin your hike of the W Trek – one of South America’s most famous trails. Today’s destination on 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 follow 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
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 and 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. You will have dinner and sleep in the Francés Sector.
Daily trekking distance: approximately 13.5 kilometers / 8.5 miles
This day features one of the most memorable portions of the W Trek: the Valle Francés. You will start early with a light hike to the Italiano Campsite. From there, you will progress through the woods up the Francés River Valley. You will continue to 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
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 incredible views of its hanging glaciers. Walking amidst Antarctic beech trees (ñirre), Dombey’s beech (coigüe), and Chilean firebush (notro), you will reach the first lookout point of Grey Lake, where you will spot floating pieces of glacier. You will continue hiking north towards the imposing view of Grey Glacier to reach the Grey Mountain Refuge. Then, 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. There, you will 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 an additional overnight in the park. Please contact us for more details.
Daily trekking distance: approximately 22 kilometers / 13.5 miles
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!”
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:
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.
Located 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.
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. The 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, and 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!
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 Diego de Almagro Punta Arenas | Punta Arenas, Chile
The 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 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.
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
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
If 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.
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