W Trek –West to East - 3 Days
Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile
About this trek
To fully experience the magnificence of the W Trek, we recommend taking more than 3 days. However, if you're short on time, this option is perfect for you:
Trek at a glance
KMS BUS
KMS HIKE
HOURS HIKE
MTS ELEV. GAIN
MTS ELEV. LOSS
Day by day itinerary
Day 1
Valley Exploration
Your adventure begins at 7:00 a.m. with a bus ride to the park entrance. From there, you will continue on the same bus to Pudeto, where you'll board a catamaran that sails across the stunning Lake Pehoe towards Paine Grande. During the journey, you'll be captivated by panoramic views of the turquoise waters and the towering peaks of the Paine Massif.
Upon reaching Paine Grande, your trek continues towards Italiano Camp. Tip: You can leave your luggage at Italiano Camp to lighten your load for the upcoming hike. From there, you'll explore the spectacular French Valley, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of surrounding mountains, hanging glaciers, and ancient forests.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous and are in excellent physical condition, you may leave your gear at Paine Grande upon arrival and take the trail towards the Grey Glacier Lookout. This option is ideal for experienced hikers, as you’ll then head to explore the French Valley in the afternoon (make sure to start this route before 3 p.m. as the trail closes afterward). At the end of the day, you'll return to Francés or Cuernos to spend the night, based on your preference.
Day 2
The Cuernos del Paine
On your second day, the trail meanders alongside Lake Nordenskjöld, offering postcard-perfect landscapes of deep blue waters and the Cuernos del Paine in the distance. As you are near the end of this leg, you’ll arrive at Torres Central or Chileno Refuge, where you’ll rest and prepare for the grand finale.
Day 3
The Torres del Paine
The climax of your journey: the ascent to the iconic granite towers. On this day, you'll be awe-inspired by the majestic beauty of the Torres del Paine. If you stayed at Chileno Refuge, you’ll have the opportunity to witness these stunning towers at dawn, bathed in golden light, which enhances their grandeur. Finally, you'll descend back to Torres Central, where you'll board transportation from the Welcome Center to Laguna Amarga. From there, a bus will take you back to Puerto Natales, capping off your unforgettable adventure.
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