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Short W Trek | Eco Camp

5 Days
From £ 2,703

Trip Code: CLTSSWP

DIFFICULTY RATING: 4 (Active Adventure - Reasonable Fitness Required)

DestinationDestination

Chile, Patagonia

DestinationDeparture Date

 Sundays

TransportAccommodation

Trekking Lodge with Tents and Eco Camp



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OVERVIEW

Take on the challenge of the W Trek, one of the world's great treks. A mind-blowing run of twisted volcanic peaks, tumbling glaciers and aquamarine lakes, it zigzags across the Cordillera del Paine like a giant W. This is the right trip for energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude.  This short version of the W trek will take you on trails reaching amazing glaciers, lakes, forests and the mighty Paine Towers, providing constant delight to your trekking-hungry soul! 

The EcoCamp Experience

Let yourself experience the first one of its kind in the world - EcoCamp Lodge. Located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, EcoCamp perfectly fits its pristine surroundings. Modelled on the ancient shelters of the region’s Kaweskar people, the dome styled accommodation is made from renewable materials and offers big panoramic windows to catch as much daylight and reduce electricity usage. The camp is also powered by solar panels and battery banks help to reduce the negative tourism footprint in Patagonia and preserve its pristine and uniqueness. While still considering nature, you can enjoy cozy and spacious domes, socialize during yoga classes or in community domes with other visitors. In order to cherish the surrounding nature, activities like multi-sport adventures, wildlife watching and a variety of hiking and walking trails are provided for your comfort. Eco Camp has many itineraries to choose from, including 7 day W Trek

ITINERARY

Transfer from Punta Arenas to EcoCamp

This morning you will be met at the airport or your hotel in Punta Arenas before setting off for the world famous Torres del Paine National Park.

Arrival at Eco-Camp

This afternoon we arrive at the Eco Camp located inside the park. This well-equipped, environmentally friendly camp comprises of a collection of dome structured tents which nestle perfectly into their surroundings. This evening we will enjoy a hearty dinner and take advantage of the camp’s cosy social quarters to meet our guides and prepare for the adventure ahead. Overnight at Eco Camp.

Valle Frances

Today is our first full day of adventures in Torres del Paine! We'll start with a filling breakfast and then drive towards Pudeto dock where we will board the catamaran to Pehoe. From here, we'll begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley) along a steep trail that leads to the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far in we go depends on our group's trekking rhythm. A swifter walk will lead us to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the southeastern face of the Massif, where we will be treated to fantastic views of the valley. We'll keep heading towards the upper section of the valley where we will be able to marvel at the extensive mass of the valley's geological formations. After our upward trek, we'll pause for a picnic and relax next to the stunning views. This day's trek will end as we descend through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest, leading us to Refugio Paine Grande which is located on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe. Camping overnight in a tent at Paine Grande.
The campsite provides satisfactory shared bathroom facilities. Meals will be served inside the refugio.

Please note:
* The excursion to French Valley varies throughout the season depending on the catamaran connecting Pudeto and Refugio Pehoe: From October 1st to 31st and from April 1st to 30th the navigation operates only once a day, therefore the hike will be limited and only reach Italian campsite depending on the passengers walking pace. From November 1st to March 30th the excursion operates on a regular basis.
* If you wish to upgrade from camping to a refugio stay for this night, please enquire at time of booking to check availability. An additional cost applies and is subject to availability.

Glacier Grey

In the morning, we'll hike from Paine Grande Refugio along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern side of the glacially beautiful Lake Grey. We'll feast on a picnic lunch before boarding the boat that sails right to the facade of Glacier Grey. Take in the unreal views of this beautiful glacier, while sipping on a drink stocked with fresh glacier ice. After finishing our boat ride, we'll take a transfer to EcoCamp.

*Please be aware that boat trips may be canceled if the minimum number of 10 passengers has not been reached. If this is the case, we will trek up to the sightseeing point to enjoy panoramic views of the glacier instead. Then we will return on foot to Paine Grande and take a catamaran to the dock, where we will be picked up and driven to EcoCamp. Overnight at EcoCamp.

Torres del Paine

The goal of our fifth day will be to complete the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine National Park! It's a challenge, but definitely worth it! We'll walk from the campsite towards Hostería Las Torres before ascending to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. Mountain ridges, beech forests, and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. Our big challenge is the steep moraine, a huge mass of boulders which leads us to that iconic base-view of the Towers, three gigantic granite monoliths that are the remains of a great cirque sheared away by glacial ice. After a tough uphill climb, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before us with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting next to this beautiful view, we'll backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp for a well-deserved dinner and a glass of Chilean wine. Overnight at the EcoCamp.

Farewell to Torres del Paine

We board an early morning vehicle for our scenic ride back to Punta Arenas or Calafate, depending on what your next travel arrangements are.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS ITINERARY

  • Be amazed by the skyrocketing mountains, deep blue glaciers, and hauntingly beautiful forests of Torres del Paine National Park on this shorter version of the world-renowned W Trek.

  • Stay at the unique EcoCamp, the world’s first fully sustainable geodesic dome hotel. A truley spectacular piece of comfort and luxury to enhance your adventure.

  • Team up with our highly experienced and knowledgeable guides to head off on one of the most famous treks in the world, ending each day with spectacular sights, delicious meals, and comfortable nighttime accommodations. While you are away from the Eco Camp base you will stay in more basic tents, but there is the ability to upgrade to guesthouse accommodation with bunks for these nights at an additional cost. 

  • Learn all the local secrets from our knowledgeable guides and discover the unique Fauna and Flora.

Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

Pricing per person & date

Short W Trek | Eco Camp from £ 2,703
 Sundays

Important Information

    • All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary
    • One expert English/Spanish speaking trekking guide
    • Cueva del Milodon and Torres del Paine NP fees
    • 3 nights accommodation in EcoCamp standard domes (shared basis)
    • 1 night accommodation at Refugio Paine Grande** (shared basis in tents) shared bunk cabin upgrades can be booked at an additional cost subject to availability 
    • Boat crossing over Lake Pehoe** and Lake Grey**
    • Sleeping bag for the mountain refuge camps if needed
    • Luggage transport: while trekking you will carry just your daypack
    • Meals:

    day 1: L, D
    day 2: B, BL, D
    day 3: B, BL, D
    day 4: B, BL, D
    day 5: B, BL
    B: breakfast, BL: box lunch, L: lunch, D: dinner.

    **During Shoulder  and low season (October and April), some excursions are subject to the weather conditions and might be cancelled or modified for reasons of security, for example the Navigation on Grey Lake, the excursion to the French Valley and to the Tower base trek. In any case we will either modify the original itinerary or offer you a good alternative of excursion within the park.

    Excluded
    Flight tickets
    Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip)
    Voluntary tipping of guides and staff
    Soft drinks or snacks not served with the meals included at the EcoCamp. Bringing US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP is recommended
    Items of a personal nature

  • 4 (Active Adventure - Reasonable Fitness Required)
  • Available upon request

  • Website price based on shoulder season rate (Oct and April) - surcharge applies for high season and peak season.

    While you are away from the Eco Camp base you will stay in more basic tents, but there is the ability to upgrade to guesthouse accommodation with bunks for these nights at an additional cost and subject to availability. Please speak to one of our Destination Specialists for more information. 

    Trip code: PAT 026

  • Availability, Seasonality, Accommodation Standard and Currency Fluctuations.