Self Guided Hikes
Trek east to west staying in private accommodation
Lodging
Hotel, Private Cabin, Refugio
Nights
4
Trip Details
Self-Gudied
Price
$1,495 USD
Transport
Private Transport, Feet
Pygmy miles
2,395
Experience
Journey
Staying in some plush accommodation doesn't mean you won't be headed for a challenge. You will complete the W-Trek without vehicle transfer, relying on your own strength to get you home each evening. This itinerary is great for adventurous couples looking for extra comfort and privacy. You will stay three nights in private accommodation and one night in a small shared dorm (max 6 people). You will hike the W-trek in its entirety, catching views of the eponymous towers, Paine Massif horns, panoramic of Valle Frances and icy waters surrounding Glacier Grey.
Activities
Trekking
Conquer the W-trek hiking from East to West
Boat
Glide across the waters of Lago Grey to see Glacier Grey up close and personal.
Wildlife Viewing
Spot guanaco and other flora and fauna.
And also
- Soothe your tired muscles in a hut tub looking up at the imposing los Cuernos.
- Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow hikers staying at Refugio Paine Grande on your last night.
Optional Extensions:
- 1 day extensions for Ice Hiking, Kayaking or Horseback riding
- 2 day extension to Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate
- 5 day extension of Argentina - includes Perito Moreno Glacier and hiking to Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy in El Chalten
Place
Torres del Paine is a national park in the Chiliean part of southern patagonia. The park is located 70 miles (112 km) south of Puerto Natales and 194 miles (312 km) from Punta Arenas. The peaks of the Paine Massif, the center piece of the park, reach up to 9,462 ft (2,884 mt). Several different species of wildlife can be found in Torres del Paine including Guanaco, Rheas (a large ostrich like bird), South Andean Deer and Foxes. The weather is unpredictable and its often possible to experience four seasons in a single day. Especially remarkable is when snow that is produced above the mountains is pushed down to lower altitude, where the temperature is warm enough for a t-shirt. Quite a rare experience.
Itinerary
Track
Itinerary
TRANSFER TO TORRES DEL PAINE
You will be picked up at Puerto Natales airport and transferred via private shuttle to Hotel Las Torres in Torres del Paine National Park (we can also arrange pick-up from Punta Arenas). The trip takes approximately two hours and there are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. You have the rest of the day and evening to enjoy Hotel Las Torres. (Overnight at Hotel Las Torres)
SEE THE TOWERS (7 TO 9 HOURS - 11.25 MILES)
Start your first trekking day off with a bang. Today you will be hiking to see the iconic Towers - the ones that the park are named after. It’s a challenging hike, since you will need to do a bit of light scrambling up some rocky areas. If its been raining, which it does a lot, then things can get very slippery. Take you time and travel with a partner (ask about private guides or groups when you inquire). But it’s all worth it once you reach the towers, which rise magnificently into the cold, Chilean sky. After seeing the towers, head back down through Ascenscio valley to Hotel Las Torres (Breakfast, Overnight at Hotel Las Torres).
LAGO NORDENSKJOLD (3.5 - 4.5 HOURS, 7 MILES)
This will be the easiest hike of your trip. After a filling breakfast, you will head out across the stretching pampas, skirting the Southeast side of the Paine Massif. To your left are the milky waters of Lago Nordenskjold, and to the right the mighty Los Cuernos unfolds it’s horns, jagged peaks and dreamy waterfalls. Once you reach your cabin next to Refugio Los Cuernos, take pause to enjoy your surroundings. Perhaps a quick soak in the hot tub is what the doctor ordered. Tomorrow will be a long day, so rest up. (Overnight at Cabins of Los Cuernos, Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner)
VALLEY FRANCES (7 to 9 HOURS, 14 MILES)
Today you will tackle Valle Frances. It take about 3.5 hours to reach the first lookout, high above Lago Nordenskjold. On your left hand side you will see Glacier Frances, where frequent small avalanches take place. The noise booms throughout the valley, although the ice that breaks away seems much smaller than it should considering the noise. After returning down the valley, you will hike 2.5 hours through undulating terrain, stopping briefly at a lookout point above Lago Skottsberg, to arrive at Refugio Paine Grande. (Overnight at Refugio Paine Grande, Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner)
GLACIER GREY (3 to 4 HOURS, 7 MILES)
Today you will hike along the icy blue waters of Lago Grey. An easier hike than yesterday, there is still some elevation change, so you are not out of the woods yet. The mirador of Grey Glacier is thirty minutes past Refugio Grey. After lunch at Refugio Grey, head there to see the expansive and imposing wall of ice that feeds the lake of the same name. Afterwards, you will board your boat to navigate the waters of Lago Grey. Not only you will enjoy the view of the powerful glacier, but also views of the hill Cerro Paine Grande, the Paine Massif, forests along the edge of the lake, hills made of stratified rocks, and snow-covered peaks that reach up to the clouds. The navigation ends at Hotel Lago Grey, where you will be picked up and transported to the airport or on to your next destination.
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Pygmy miles
Pygmy Miles Total
Challenge 
Motorized Vehicle 
Hiking 
Bicycle 
Sustainability 
Miscellaneous Base Miles
We reward you with 1 Pygmy Mile for every one dollar you spend with us.
Transfer Puerto Natales - TDP - Puerto Natales
You will travel 80 miles via private transfer (each way) through the Patagonian Pamaps. A great opportunity to view wildlife and the stunning landscape. You earn 1 mile for every mile driven.
W-Trek distance
You will hike approximately 49 miles on the W-Trek. We reward you with 10 Pygmy Miles for every mile you hike.
Sustainability Bonus
Traveling in Patagonia requires a certain level of responsibility. By visiting the park and learning of leave no trace and fire prevention, you will help with conservation efforts to keep the park pristine for future travelers. Many of the refugios inside the park source electricity from off the grid methods and have implemented many green initiatives.
Total Pygmy Miles
Accommodation
1st & 2nd Night: Hotel Las Torres (Superior Room)
Torres del Paine
Situated close to the trail head to the famous Towers Trek, Hotel Las Torres is a four star hotel in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. The bar and lounge area is perfect for resting wary muscles after a day’s hike, as is the onsite spa. Rooms range in size from 160 sq. ft. to 410 sq. ft. The view of the massif from the hotel will surely surprise even the most well traveled visitor.
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3rd Night: Private Cabin at Los Cuernos
Torres del Paine
Los Cuernos is located not far from the beach of Lago Nordenskjold. There are 8 double cabins that include access to a hot tub. Dinner is served at communal tables in two shifts. All bathrooms are shared by guests in that category. Meaning, cabin guests share a bathroom with other cabin guests, refugio guests share with refugio guests and campers share with other campers.
4th Night: Paine Grande Refugio
Torres del Paine
Paine Grande is located at the drop off point of the Catamaran on Lago Pehoe. The building can accommodate 100 hikers in 22 dormitory rooms with bunks for 6, 4 and 2 people. The refugio has a restaurant, bar, lounge and shop with camping supplies.
Practical info
When
Most people complete the trek during the spring through fall months (however it is possible to complete the trek in winter, but a guide is recommended). Peak travel is in January and February. Expect rain almost daily, along with sun, along with possible snow and high wind. In fact, just expect all four seasons in one day.
Service categories
Self guided
This is a self guided itinerary. But, we can also arrange private guides - let us know in your inquiry if you are interested in having a guide.
Service categories
Pygmy Itineraries
This is a Pygmy Elephant itinerary and can be altered to meet your needs. For example, private transfers and upgrades to private rooms or we can arrange ice hikes / kayaks . Or maybe you want to sleep in a tent one night. No problem, will find you the campsite and the tent. We can even arrange for transfers to / from Punta Arenas and El Calafate in Argentina (see Perito Moreno glacier!).
Inclusions and exclusions
This trip includes:
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This trip does not include:
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Challenge Level
Technical Ability
Level : Low
Mental Strength
Level : Low
Physical Conditioning
Level : Medium
The hiking is challenging, however only treks into Valle del Frances and to the towers have much elevation change. Only those in good physical health should book this trip. Previous hiking experience recommended as terrain is rocky and uneven. Path is well marked. Those without experience may be more comfortable in a guided hike. Mental strength is rated low because of creature comforts provided at Hotel Las Torres and the private cabin at Los Cuernos.
Optional Extensions
- 1 day extensions for Ice Hiking, Kayaking or Horseback riding
- 2 day extension to Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate
- 5 day extension of Argentina - includes Perito Moreno Glacier and hiking to Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy in El Chalten
Gallery
Rafael Requena
Marketing Manager
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