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Self-Guided W Trek in Torres del Paine Tour

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Self-Guided W Trek in Torres del Paine Tour
From $1,695USDBook Now
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5 days from $1,695USD
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Group of hikers posing with a guide on W Trek route
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Experience one of the most beautiful treks in all of Patagonia, on the 5-Day Self-Guided W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park. Embarking on the W Trek on a self-guided basis will allow you to enjoy this epic trail at your own pace without fixed dates or a guide. You can expect days of hiking filled with mesmerizing scenes of hanging glaciers, sweeping valleys, turquoise lakes, and jaw-dropping peaks on this self-guided adventure tour in Patagonia.

Running up three valleys to create the 'W' shape that gives this route its name, this 5-day trek will have you unwinding each night at cozy camps along the trail. Here, you can enjoy the flexibility of opting to stay in tents or upgrading to Refugio dormitories where you’ll bunk in with like-minded travellers. You’ll wrap up this trip having taken in the likes of Lake Pehoe, Grey Glacier, the French Valley, Cuernos, and of course, the world-famous Three Towers!

There is only one way to describe the W Trek in Torres del Paine and that is –the trip of a lifetime! Discover it for yourself on the 5-Day Self-Guided W Trek Tour.

Chile, South America
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Self-Guided W Trek in Torres del Paine Tour

Experience a self-guided W Trek and see Patagonia at your own pace
4.60
(73 reviews)
5 days from $1,695USD
Easy quote
Duration
5 days
Season
Jan-Apr
Activity
Walking
Type
Self-Guided, Private
Accommodation
Campsites, Refuges
Difficulty
Hard (4/5)
From $1,695USD (see prices for this tour)
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Group of hikers posing with a guide on W Trek route
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Experience one of the most beautiful treks in all of Patagonia, on the 5-Day Self-Guided W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park. Embarking on the W Trek on a self-guided basis will allow you to enjoy this epic trail at your own pace without fixed dates or a guide. You can expect days of hiking filled with mesmerizing scenes of hanging glaciers, sweeping valleys, turquoise lakes, and jaw-dropping peaks on this self-guided adventure tour in Patagonia.

Running up three valleys to create the 'W' shape that gives this route its name, this 5-day trek will have you unwinding each night at cozy camps along the trail. Here, you can enjoy the flexibility of opting to stay in tents or upgrading to Refugio dormitories where you’ll bunk in with like-minded travellers. You’ll wrap up this trip having taken in the likes of Lake Pehoe, Grey Glacier, the French Valley, Cuernos, and of course, the world-famous Three Towers!

There is only one way to describe the W Trek in Torres del Paine and that is –the trip of a lifetime! Discover it for yourself on the 5-Day Self-Guided W Trek Tour.

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Trip highlights

Discover the surreal landscapes of wild Patagonia as you hike surrounded by jaw dropping peaks and hanging glaciers.

Witness a true geological phenomenon as you stare out over the massive Southern Patagonia Ice Field at grey Glacier.

Unwind each night as you kick back in cozy base camps, sleeping in tents or upgrading to refugios.

Press on to Torres del Paine’s most famous viewpoint as you complete the momentous trek to the Three Towers Lookout.

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Transfer to Torres del Paine and Hike to the Three Towers Lookout
The adventure begins right away this morning as you meet at the bus terminal in Puerto Natales at 6:45 am sharp. From here, you’ll whiz past peaceful landscapes covered in flat pampas and dotted with authentic estancias as you transfer to Torres del Paine National Park (2 hours). Keep your eyes peeled during the ride, as you’ll have the chance to spot Chilean pink flamingos and black-necked swans along the way. On arrival at Laguna Amaraga, you’ll show your park pass to board a shuttle to Refugio Las Torres. Following your arrival at Refugio Torres, you’ll suit up and prepare to embark on the first highlight of this magical trek – the hike to the Three Towers Lookout! Grabbing your box lunch and leaving your pack at the camp, you’ll trace the Ascencio River, heading down into the valley to. Continuing the trail, you’ll hike through rich beech forests to finally ascend the impressive moraine which leads to the world-famous look out point. Stand in awe as you look out over the towers from 900 m above sea level. Enjoy lunch here and of course lots of photos before descending the same path back to the refugio where you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and a good night’s rest.
Distance 8-10 hours, 22km
Overnight Location Campsite or Refuge at Torres
Included Meals Box lunch, dinner
Day 2
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Spot Condors on the Hike to Los Cuernos
Rise this morning ready to bear witness to a sky painted in the pastel colours of a Patagonian dawn. Fuel up with breakfast and then set out independently to complete the 13-kilometer hike to the Los Cuernos lookout. This stretch of the W is well-known for spotting condors and other birds of prey that can often be seen circling in the skies above the trail. With some moderate uphill stretches and a crossing of Bader River, you will have had your fill of adventure today as you arrive at Refugio Los Cuernos or Domo Frances – tonight’s overnight location.
Distance 4-5 hours, 13km
Overnight Location Campsite or Refuge at Los Cuernos or Domo Frances (pending availability)
Included Meals Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Day 3
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Trek to Lake Pehoe via the French Valley
Today is a big day on the W trek, but also one that is filled with rewards! With your sights set on the French Valley, you’ll press on into the heart of the Paine massif this morning as you trek to Lake Pehoe and the Refugio Paine Grande. First up you’ll head for the French River, reaching the entrance to the French Valley soon after. Some light scrambling across a boulder field will be rewarded with views of the hanging glacier perched atop the valley as you make your way to the “Plateau” (viewpoint). From here you’ll spot the French Glacier and Paine Grande (3050m) off to one side and the horns of Los Cuernos rising on the other. You’ll then descend through evergreen beech forests to reach Lake Pehoe, known for its crystalline waters, where you’ll check into Refugio Paine Grande for another cozy night at camp.
Distance 8-9 hours, 18km
Overnight Location Campsite or Refuge at Paine Grande
Included Meals Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Day 4
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Hike to Glacier Grey with Optional Kayak Excursion
You’ll rise early today and set out on the meandering path towards Laguna Negra, bound for Grey Glacier. Up ahead, another momentous highlight of the W Trek awaits as you take in sections of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field with its innumerable unexplored peaks. Reaching the Grey Glacier look out point, you’ll soak up the views, keeping your eyes peeled for unique birdlife such as the steamer duck. You’ll then enjoy a delicious box lunch at the foot of Grey Glacier as you revel in the scenery of this outdoor lover’s paradise. Back at Camp Grey, you’ll have the chance to embark on an incredible 2.5-hour kayaking excursion to view the glacier and surrounding icebergs (not included) on Grey Lake. This excursion can be booked during the booking process in advance.
Distance 4 hours, 11km
Overnight Location Campsite or Refuge at Grey
Included Meals Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Day 5
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Trek to the Hanging Bridges and Return to Puerto Natales
With a busy last few days on the W Trek, this morning you’ll have the chance to rise at your own pace and enjoy a relaxing morning at Camp Grey. If you didn’t opt in for the kayak excursion yesterday, you can do so today, with another option to hike on Grey Glacier (not included). Both excursions must be booked in advance. For those looking for more adventures on foot, you can opt in for an 8-kilometer hike to the hanging bridges today to score yourself some sensational views out over Grey Glacier. Following your last day of adventures in Torres del Paine, hike back to Paine Grande where you’ll catch the last catamaran to cross Lake Pehoe where you’ll take the public bus back to Puerto Natales to wrap up this adventure.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location None
Included Meals Breakfast, box lunch

Why book with 10 Adventures?

We know adventure

Founded by experienced travellers, active and adventure vacations are all we do.

Experience the trip of a lifetime organized by a team of travel specialists who combine knowledge and passion for adventure travel.

Self-guided specialists

With over 600 tours across 30+ countries, we specialize in self-guided tours.

Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of your logistics are taken care of.

Packed with value

Get everything you need for your next vacation with one easy booking.

We take care of accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - so you can focus on making memories.

World Class support

Get unbeatable support at every step of your journey.

Whether you are planning or travelling, no matter what your question, a real human is always a call or click away.

Hassle free bookings

Have peace of mind for when travel plans change.

Explore our flexible booking, payment, and cancellation options, as well as our Lifetime Deposits program.

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Dates and prices

This self-guided trekking tour in Torres del Paine National is run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on whether you choose to stay in campsites, or if you would prefer an upgrade to sleep in refuges.

The prices below apply to overnight stays in campgrounds, however, you can enquire to upgrade to overnights in mountain huts, as well as add additional services to your tour package. The prices below are per person.

  • Group of 2+: $1,695USD per person

Please note that the departure dates are on request.

Important: This tour is a subject to non-standard payment and cancellation terms.

  • Full payment will be required 73 days before the departure
What’s included

Meals

4 breakfasts, 5 box lunches, and 4 dinners are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 4 nights are included (fully-equipped premium camping or refuges, depending on the option chosen).

Transportation during the Tour

All public transportation according to the itinerary. This includes the shuttle between Laguna Amarga and Refugio Las Torres as well as the catamaran to cross Lake Pehoe. You can also upgrade to private shuttles.

Also Included

  • Bedding, Fresh Linens, & Pillow for Refugio Accommodations / Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Liner, & Tent for Camping Accommodations
  • Entrance Fee to Torres del Paine National Park
  • Maps and trail navigation information

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas if required
  • Accommodations before and after the trek in Puerto Natales
  • Ice Hike or kayak activity on days 4 and/or 5
  • Any alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks at the refugios except for the drinks Included in the menu
  • Guide services

Optional Extras

  • Hotel accommodation in Puerto Natales pre/post trek
  • Ice Hiking Grey Glacier
  • Kayaking Grey Glacier
  • Single room/tent upgrades

Accommodation for Self-Guided W Trek in Torres del Paine Tour

This tour provides two options for accommodation during the trek: either campgrounds or refuges. Campsites on this trip are located in the Torres del Paine National Park, and each campsite provides tents, mats, and sleeping bags. Refuges are located in the same campground territories and offer shared dormitory-style spaces.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
You can pay a supplement to upgrade your tent into a single one, as well as have a private room while in a hotel. Please enquire for more information.

Non-Standard Cancellation

  • 73 days or more prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 20% of the total trip cost.
  • Between 54 and 72 days prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 60% of the total trip cost.
  • 53 days or less prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 100% of the total trip cost.
Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Self-Guided W Trek in Torres del Paine Tour?

We rate this tour as a 4/5. This tour requires continuous days of trekking long distances over challenging terrain and climbing to high altitudes. You stay in basic campsite accommodations, which may not be suitable for some travellers.

Are meals included on the Self-Guided W Trek in Torres del Paine Tour?

4 breakfasts, 5 box lunches, and 4 dinners are included.

Do I need camping gear for this tour?

All camping equipment is provided at each campsite during the tour, including tent, mat, and sleeping bag.

Can I bring my own tent?

You cannot bring your own tent as the campsites already have the tents set up.

When is the best time to travel to Patagonia for this tour?

The best time to travel to Patagonia for this trek is during the southern hemisphere’s spring and summer for pleasant hiking temperatures, which is September-February.

Do I have to stay at the campsite?

There are optional upgrades if you prefer to stay in a refuge (mountain hut) instead of a campsite. Ask about the options when you book.

Is the Self-Guided W Trek in Torres del Paine Tour in English?

Yes, the self-guided tour materials are provided in English.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.

Do I need a visa to travel to Chile?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?

Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.

How do I get to Puerto Natales to start this tour?

Fly into Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT) in Puerto Natales to start this tour. A driver will greet you at the airport to take you to your hotel.

Where does the Self-Guided W Trek in Torres del Paine Tour end?

The tour ends upon your return to Puerto Natales where you can book overnight accommodations or continue your journey with onward travel.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Chile?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Chile?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

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Why travellers choose this tour
At 10Adventures, it’s easy to make memories with the following six optional inclusions on this tour:
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