STYLE: Small Group Tour.
Trip Code: CLTSWTP
DIFFICULTY RATING: 4 (Active Adventure - Reasonable Fitness Required)
Chile, Patagonia
Mondays
Trekking Lodge with Tents and Eco Camp
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 resembling a giant 'W'. The trails in between the famous Torres del Paine mountains are among the world's classic trekking routes. Teeming with a plethora of unrivaled flora and fauna this is a truly magnificent experience. Undertake incredible hikes, walks and cycling experiences surrounded by some of natures most incredible vistas.
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 Short W Trek
Let’s begin the trip of a lifetime! We’ll start with a morning pick-up from your hotel or the airport in Punta Arenas and drive to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. On the way to EcoCamp, we’ll make a stop in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of Last Hope Sound (Ultima Esperanza) where we can enjoy a hearty lunch of local food. This scenic journey ends with our arrival at EcoCamp Patagonia, nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park with a prime view of the majestic Paine Towers. Overnight EcoCamp.
We’ll dive into our Patagonian adventure with a pleasant walk along the Cuernos Trail which leads to the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this warm-up walk, we will have the opportunity to admire the park’s exquisite flora and fauna and take in the views of the horn-like peaks of slate that sit atop the gray granite of the Paine Massif. The trek may end at Refugio Los Cuernos, a small and cozy mountain guesthouse located on the shores of Lake Nordenskjold. Or it will end at Domo el Francés, located between Cuernos and Italiano camping sites, with an amazing view of Nordenskjöld Lake. The evening is at your leisure.
Camping overnight in a tent at Cuernos or El Frances (depending on location availability). The campsite provides satisfactory bathroom facilities. Meals will be served inside the refugio.
Please note:
* 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.
Get your boots ready for today’s challenging, yet rewarding, trek. After breakfast at Refugio Los Cuernos, we'll begin hiking along a steep trail leading into the very heart of the Paine Massif - the famed French Valley. How far we’ll go depends on our group's trekking rhythm. A swifter walk will lead us to the French River’s hanging bridge, located at the foot of the south-eastern face of the Massif. We will then continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley to marvel at the extensive mass of the valley's geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). After our upward trek, we will pause for a tasty picnic and relax for a while. The day's trek will end with a descent through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest to Refugio Paine Grande.
Please note: An optional trek to Mirador Britanico is also available.
Camping overnight in a tent at Paine Grande.
The campsite provides satisfactory bathroom facilities. Meals will be served inside the refugio.
Please note:
* 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.
Today we will hike from the Paine Grande Refugio along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern side of Lake Grey. We will feast on a picnic lunch before boarding the boat that sails to the huge, crystalline facade of Glacier Grey. From the southern end of Glacier Grey, we will transfer to EcoCamp. Due to the temperamental weather of the region, boat trips across the lake may occasionally be canceled or if the required minimum of 15 passengers is not reached. If this is the case, we will trek up to the sightseeing point to enjoy wonderful, panoramic views of Grey Glacier instead. Afterward, it is time to 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
Today is the big day -- the walk to the base of the famous Paine Towers. We will 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 that lead to that iconic base of the Towers, the 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 on the view,we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp for a well-deserved dinner and some tasty Chilean wine.Overnight at EcoCamp.
On the sixth day, we'll opt for a less strenuous trail in order to counter our exhausting efforts of the previous day. After breakfast, we will make a leisurely car journey towards Laguna Azul, home to many wild guanacos and ñandús. We will pause occasionally to admire the views of the Patagonian steppe and the Towers from its many perspectives. At Laguna Azul, we will hike to the lookout point where we will be treated to a gorgeous view of both the lagoon and the granite towers. After lunch, we will drive to the northern shore of Sarmiento Lake where the Fauna Trail begins. As we hike northbound, we will spot an impressive range of Patagonian fauna on the vast plains, and maybe even the occasional puma print! We will pass the charming Goic lagoon and, after approximately 5 km of relaxed walking, we will reach the Laguna Amarga ranger station where we will be picked up and driven back to Ecocamp to celebrate with a farewell dinner.
*Please note: if there are more than 6 travelers in the group, there is an option to split into two groups, with one group (or the whole group if everybody's in the mood!) cycling to Laguna Azul!
Overnight at EcoCamp.
On to the next adventure! Today we will board an early morning vehicle, sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas in time to catch an evening flight onwards. If you are heading to Argentina, you can board an early morning vehicle to the border to continue the journey to El Calafate.
Discover the incredible beauty of Torres del Paine National Park, one of natures greatest wonders, an incredible blend of dynamic scenery and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Stay at the unique EcoCamp, the world’s first fully sustainable geodesic dome hotel. A truly spectacular piece of comfort and luxury to enhance your adventure all whilst interweaving an ingrained respect for the remote natural environment in which you are staying.
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.
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.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
7 Day W Trek | Eco Camp from USD 4,475 | ||
Mondays |
All ground transport - private and domestic - as indicated in the itinerary
Boat crossing on Grey Lake* please check day 4 of the itinerary
4 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
1 night in Refugio Los Cuernos or Domo El Francés (depending on availability) ** (shared basis in tents) shared bunk cabin upgrades can be booked at an additional cost subject to availability
Park fees for Cueva del Milodon and Torres del Paine National Park
One expert English speaking trekking guide
Sleeping bag for refugios if needed
Transportation for your luggage within the Park: while trekking you will carry just your daypack
Meals (B: breakfast, BL: box lunch, L: Lunch, D: dinner):
day 1: L, D
day 2: B, BL, D
day 3: B, BL, D
day 4: B, BL, D
day 5: B, BL, D
day 6: B, BL, D
day 7: B, BL
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
Available upon request
*During Low & Shoulder Season (September, October and April) the boat trip to Glacier Grey may be cancelled, if this is the case we will offer you a good alternative of excursion within the park.
**If Refugios camp is unavailable, alternative accommodation will be provided.
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.
N.B. During Shoulder Season (September, October and April) the Towers Trek excursion might be cancelled because of weather conditions and safety considerations.
Website price based on shoulder season rate (Oct and April) - surcharge applies for high season and peak season
Availability, Seasonality, Accommodation Standard and Currency Fluctuations.