DESCRIPTION
The classic “W” route in Torres del Paine weaves between the rugged mountains of the park. Discover the crown jewel of the Chilean Patagonia with its stunning views of snow-capped mountain peaks, cascading rivers and waterfalls, glaciers and mirrored lakes. This 7 Day Torres del Paine “W” Trek is perfect for intrepid travelers with a taste for adventure that explores the highlights of Los Cuernos, Valle Frances, Grey Glacier and Las Torres.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrival in Santiago
Your first day begins in Santiago, the capital and largest city in Chile. Rich with history the downtown core is of 19th century neoclassical architecture and winding side-streets, dotted by art deco, neo-gothic buildings. After an airport transfer to your hotel, you can spend the day exploring the history of this cultural capital. Overnight in Santiago (Hotel Plaza San Francisco).
DAY 2
Fly Santiago to Punta Arenas - Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park
It is ideal to get an early morning flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas as it gives you the opportunity to relish panoramic vistas of the Patagonian Ice Fields. On arrival, a private transfer service will transport you to Torres del Paine National Park. Along the way, you can view the Tierra del Fuego Island and the Magellan Strait. This 5-hour drive will allow you to observe huge estancias (ranches) and open pampas and view some of the most unique animals. You will also pass through Puerto Natales – a mountain-fringed fishing town, on the Sound of Last Hope. Your drive will take you through unpaved roads to the Torres Del Paine National Park. Here you will have the opportunity to view and photograph exotic birds, as you pass through lagoons filled with black-neck swans and Chilean flamencos. (L-D) (Overnight at Refugio Las Torres)
DAY 3
Round-trip Hike to Las Torres Lookout
Your second day begins with a trek to the Towers base, following the trail of the Ascencio River towards the Ascencio Valley. Your uphill hour-long hike will offer stunning valley views fringed with unparalleled beech forests, waterfalls and glaciers. We will then climb up to a huge moraine terminal with a 2,952 foot high lookout; this outstanding view is complemented with lunch. The descent begins along the same path back to the hut. This 11 mile round-trip hike takes roughly 7-8 hours. (B-BL-D) (Overnight at Refugio Las Torres)
DAY 4
Hike to Los Cuernos Lookout
Your early morning start will enable you to enjoy a spectacular dawn infused with exciting oranges and pinks (weather permitting). Once you leave the campground, you will arrive at Inge lagoon. On this trail, you may see eagles hunting small rodents and the possibility of spotting an Andean condor are good. The well-marked trail ascends to around 656 feet from the Almirante Nieto Mountain base which stands at 8,858 feet above sea level. You will cross the Bader River to Refugio Los Cuernos. This 10.5 miles hike takes approximately 6 hours. (B-BL-D) (Overnight at Refugio Los Cuernos).
*Option: upgrade to a two-bed private cabin with shared bathroom and free hot tub access for $90 per cabin.
DAY 5
Hike to Pehoe Lake, via the French Valley
Your day begins with a 2 hour hike on an undulating path before reaching the French River for glimpses of the gorgeous hanging glacier. You will then ascend roughly 980 feet for approximately an hour through the stunning Japanese garden landscape, where you will cross impressive beech forests to reach the viewpoint of the French Valley for views of vistas, lakes and mountains. They return route is the same until the valley entrance. From here, you will take a different trail around the Paine Grande's southwest side through the native Chilean evergreen beech forests up to Lake Pehoe's shores. The entire 11 mile hike takes around 6 hours. (B-BL-D) (Overnight at Refugio Paine Grande)
Day 6
Hike to Glacier Grey – Navigation at Grey Lake – Transfer to Natales
Your day begins with an early morning hike to Grey Glacier. You will initially climb up a winding narrow path to the Negra Laguna, where you will savor incomparable views of the South Patagonia Ice Field with its countless unclimbed mountains. The hiking trail crosses rivers and forests where you can enjoy sightings of exotic creatures like the flying steamer duck. After lunch we embark on an exciting adventure by boat, navigating in front of the glacier searching for icebergs calve.Your return trip delivers stunning vistas of Paine Grande with its imposing ice mushrooms and beautiful blue tones. You will then be transferred back to Puerto Natales, where you will enjoy a farewell dinner. The hike to Grey Glacier is roughly 4 hours and 7.5 miles, the boat adventure at Grey Lake is 2 hours and return to Puerto Natales is 2 hours. (B-BL-D) (Night at Hotel El Muelle)
Day 7
Transfer to Punta Arenas Airport - Fly to Santiago
On the last day, you will be transferred to Punta Arenas, where you will catch your outbound flight to Santiago. (B)
END OF SERVICES
INCLUDED
- Airport transfers
- Ground transportation
- National Park fees
- Accommodations
- Sleeping bags and liners
- Boat ride on Grey Lake
- Meals (as mentioned in itinerary)
- Expert guides and porters
EXCLUDED
- Airfare
- Lunch on day 6
- Beverages
- Tips