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The Legendary Torres del Paine W Trek
An epic adventure of a lifetime trekking around the jagged mountain peaks in Torres del Paine National Park on the legendary "W Trek". This journey leads us through forest, mountain ridges and Patagonian steppe and allows you the most unforgettable impression of this geological wonder.
HIGHLIGHTS
Experience the magical landscapes of Torres del Paine
Stay in comfortable mountain huts through the classic trek
Stay in the unique eco domes of EcoCamp Patagonia
Experience fascinating fauna and flora of Patagonia
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE PUNTA ARENAS / TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
Arrive Punta Arenas Presidente Carlos Ibanez del Campo Intl Airport and drive to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. En route we make a couple of stops first in Puerto Natales, a small lively town on the shores of "Seno de Ultima Esperanza", where we enjoy a hearty local lunch, and second at Cueva de Milodon, a massive prehistoric cave where the remains of a giant ground sloth were discovered in the 1890s. The journey is scenic and highly atmospheric, featuring many wild birds and wonderful Patagonian landscapes. The day ends with our arrival at overnight stay at EcoCamp Patagonia, nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park and with prime views of the majestic surroundings.
Overnight: EcoCamp Patagonia
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: LOS CUERNOS
We begin our Patagonian adventure with a pleasant walk through the sinuous Cuernos Trail which leads us alongside the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this warm-up walk, we will have the opportunity to admire the park's exquisite flora and fauna, as we enjoy the magnificent views of Torres del Paine's central lakes and the Paine's Horns, a majestic black horn-like peaks of slate atop gray granite which crown the center of the Massif. The trek ends at Refugio Los Cuernos, a small and cozy mountain refuge located by the shores of Lake Nordenskjold.
Overnight: Refugio Cuernos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3: THE PAINE MASSIF'S HEART: VALLE FRANCES
After breakfast at Refugio Los Cuernos, we will begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances, 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 south east face of the Massif, where we will be treated to fantastic views of the valley. We will then continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley where we will be able to marvel at the extensive mass of the valley's geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Mascara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburon (Shark's fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). After our upward trek, we will pause for a picnic and relax. The day's trek will end as we descend through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest which will bring us to Refugio Paine Grande.
Overnight: Refugio Paine Grande
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4: GLACIER GREY
This day will see us hike from Refugio Paine Grande along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern side of the glacially beautiful Lake Grey. We will feast on a picnic lunch before boarding the boat that sails right to the huge, crystalline facade of Glacier Grey, where we will have plenty of time to marvel at the calving glacier. From the southern end of Glacier Grey, we will transfer to EcoCamp Patagonia. Due to temperamental weather of the region, boat trips across the lake may occasionally be restricted during Oct and April or cancelled if the required minimum of 10 passengers is not reached. If either is the case, we will trek up to the sightseeing point and profit from wonderful, panoramic views of the glacier instead. Then, we will return on foot to Paine Grande and take a catamaran to Pudeto's dock, where we will be picked up and driven to EcoCamp Patagonia
Overnight: EcoCamp Patagonia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5: TO THE TOWERS
The goal of our fifth day will be to complete the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine National Park. We will walk from the campsite towards Hosteria 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 comes in the form of the steep moraine, a huge mass of boulders which will lead us to that iconic base view of the Towers - three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After a tough uphill climb, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before us, with the glacial lake visible below. We enjoy lunch here right before the stunning wonder. After feasting on the view and picnic, we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp for a well-deserved dinner.
Overnight: EcoCamp Patagonia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 6: EASTERN LAKES
The sixth day will consist of a less strenuous trail in order to counter the exhausting efforts of the previous day. After breakfast, we will take a leisurely car journey towards Laguna Azul, passing Canadon Macho, home to many wild guanacos and nandues en route. We will pause occasionally to admire the views of the Patagonian steppe and the towers from a different perspective. At Laguna Azul, we will hike to the lookout point where we will be treated to a gorgeous view of both the lagoon and 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, including guanacos, ostrich-like nandus and maybe the occasional puma print! We will pass the charming Goic lagoon and after approximately 5km of relaxed walking, we will reach the Laguna Amarga ranger station where we will be picked up and driven back to EcoCamp to celebrate over our farewell dinner.
Overnight: EcoCamp Patagonia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7: DEPART TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK / PUNTA ARENAS
Today, be transferred to Punta Arenas Presidente Carlos Ibanez del Campo Intl Airport (3.5hrs drive) for your onward journey to Santiago or Buenos Aires.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
EcoCamp Patagonia is an award-winning sustainable lodge in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park where you can enjoy Patagonia's wilderness in close proximity with nature and get together other hikers to enjoy trekking and community dining! Each of the domed rooms offers a warm and intimate place to escape from the ravages of the Patagonian weather.
Located 4.5hrs trek from Las Torres sector, Refugio Cuernos is in the real heart of the "W Trek" circuit located between the Las Torres sector and Valle Frances. The mountain hut accommodates a maximum of 36 guests with 4 shared-mixed dorms for 8 people each (3 bunk beds in each room). There is a communal restaurant and shop along with shared bathrooms, exclusively only for Refugio Cuernos' guests.
Refugio Cuernos
Located in the middle of the route of the "W Trek" in Torres del Paine National Park, the Refugio Paine Grande offers bright and spacious shared rooms overlooking the Paine Grande Massif and Lake Pehoe. Rooms are fitted with safety deposit box and shared bathrooms.
Refugio Paine Grande
