TORRES DEL PAINE - W EXPRESS TREK
3 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS
The W Circuit is the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine, and includes hiking in 3 mountain valleys and the most epic viewpoints and attractions in the Park. You will see Las Torres, Los Cuernos (the Horns), the Paine Grande and the Grey Glacier. As you hike along the trail you will be amazed by colossal mountains, native woods, crystal clear rivers, turquoise lakes, waterfalls and incredible glaciers. Despite the trail being physically challenging and immersed in nature, you can still enjoy the treat of comfortable beds, hot showers, hearty meals and supplies from our kiosks. Just choose the accommodation you prefer and the length of the adventure you are looking for.
Before the adventure begins, you will get an email with information to help you fully prepare for your Torres del Paine trip. The day your trip begins, you will take the 7 a.m. bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park. Once you get to the park, you can start your first trek to Las Torres Base, which begins with a hike through the Patagonian pampas and steepens as you enter the Ascencio Valley giving you spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and lakes. You will continue hiking, past the Chileno Mountain Hostel and through a native lenga forest. This part of the hike takes about an hour and is over rocky terrain, lined with enormous boulders. Awaiting at the end is the most awe-inspiring view of the three iconic granite towers and glacial lagoon.
Trip from Natales: 2 1/2 hours approx.
During hike time: 8-10 hours long
Distance: 19.5 kms of difficulty
Level: High-level
Starting altitude: 120 amsl
Highest altitude: 870 amsl
Overnight in Central Sector
Walk along the quiet mount shores of Lake Nordenskjöld, at the base of the magnificent Mount Almirante Nieto and its hanging glaciers. You will be drawn to the beauty of these enormous summits looming over the turquoise lake below and will want to capture the incredible scenery forever in a photo. The lake is surrounded by amazing geographical contrasts, home to many birds, so we recommend you look out for condors overhead. You will then continue along the Arriero River, which offers great places to relax and refill your bottle with fresh running water. Once you reach the highest viewpoint you will be able to see the lake, in its full glory, and the French Glacier hanging from the Paine Grande Mountain.
Time Walking: 4.5 - 6.5 hours
Distance: 13.5 kms
Difficulty: Medium
Total altitude: 200 mts
Overnight in the Francés Sector
You will savor in the serenity of the forests and the glacial streams, where you can fill your bottle with pure, fresh water. And you will marvel at the majestic Los Cuernos Mountains, looming overhead.
The grand finale of this trek is like no other, a lookout with incredible views of the Francés Glacier and the rest of the Paine Massif Mountain Range.
Time Walking: 7 -8 hours
Distance: 15 kms
Difficulty: High-level
Starting altitude: 120 amsl
Highest altitude: 762 amsl
Overnight Sector Francés
On the final part of this amazing trekking circuit the trail undulates between rocky areas and native forests that are home to many species of birds. Walking along the base of the Park’s tallest mountain, Paine Grande (3,050mt / 10,000ft), the nonstop views of hanging glaciers spilling over the mountaintop will feel somewhat surreal. Leaving the tree cover, you’ll reach the first lookout over Lake Grey and slowly start seeing more and more pieces of floating glacier. The larger they get, the smaller you´ll feel. Finally, you will see the breath taking view of Grey Glacier and all her glory.
When your adventure comes to an end, a catamaran on Lake Pehoé and a bus will take you to Puerto Natales.
Walking Time: 8-10 hours
Walking Distances: 31,5 kms
Difficulty: High-level
Starting altitude: 43 amsl
Highest altitude: 313 amsl
Accommodation: campsite, mountain cabin or Hotel Las Torres (different combinations allowed).
-End of Services-