Hike the W Trek in Patagonia

Touch down in Puerto Natales and settle into your hotel before heading off to meet your guide and the rest of your fellow adventurers. Get to know each other over dinner, then get some rest before the adventure really starts.

Kick off your adventure with a journey into the legendary Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1978. On the way, pass the tranquil waters of Sofia Lagoon and Toro Lake before reaching the park’s Serrano entrance. Your first stop is the Mirador Condor viewpoint—if the weather cooperates, a short hike rewards you with breathtaking panoramas of Pehoé Lake. Next, feel the raw power of Salto Grande, a thundering waterfall where the waters of Lake Nordenskjöld plunge into Lake Pehoé. From here, follow the trail to Los Cuernos viewpoint for unbeatable views of the park’s iconic spires and rugged massif. The adventure continues at Pudeto Pier, where a 30-minute boat ride across Pehoé Lake takes you deep into the park’s most remote corners—far beyond the reach of any road. Step off the boat and take a short walk to Paine Grande Refuge, your cozy base for the next two nights, surrounded by some of Patagonia’s most epic landscapes.

Set out from Paine Grande on a winding trail through a narrow valley, passing the tranquil waters of Los Patos Lagoon. As you hike, catch glimpses of the vast Southern Ice Field as well as the ice floes of Lago Gray. After tackling the sometimes ferocious winds at a scenic viewpoint, descend through a rugged mountain forest to reach Gray Refuge. Just a short walk beyond, the breathtaking Gray Glacier comes into full view—a towering wall of ancient blue ice. If you're lucky, you might witness huge chunks of ice calving off and crashing into the lake below. Soak it all in before retracing your steps back to Paine Grande Refuge, where a well-earned warm dinner awaits.

Today's trek takes us deep into the heart of Torres del Paine, following the shores of the brilliant blue Skottsberg Lake. After around 2.5 hours of hiking, we’ll reach the Italian Camp, where we begin our ascent into the spectacular French Valley. The trail leads us over giant boulders before weaving through an ancient lenga forest. As we climb higher, we reach the French Plateau, a natural amphitheater surrounded by the high, rocky peaks of Torres del Paine. Towering above us are Los Cuernos (the Horns), dramatic rock spires that frame the valley. Below, turquoise glacial lagoons sit beneath the imposing east face of Paine Grande (10,007 ft), where massive hanging glaciers cling to the rock. The valley is alive with the sound of cracking ice—chunks break away and crash down the slopes, sometimes triggering small avalanches that send snow and debris cascading into the valley below. After a well-earned break and a scenic picnic lunch, we’ll continue to Los Cuernos or Francés Camp, where a hearty dinner and a restful night in the wilderness await.

Today's hike winds past crystalline mountain streams and beneath the towering face of Almirante Nieto (8,760 ft), where hanging glaciers cling to its rugged slopes. Keep an eye on the sky for Andean condors soaring overhead, riding the thermals with effortless grace. As we follow the trail along the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld, the varying shades of blue and green reflect the steep peaks above, constantly shifting with the changing light and weather. The terrain varies from well-trodden paths to rocky sections and rolling hills, keeping the hike engaging as we make our way toward the Ascencio Valley. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Chileno Camp, a cozy refuge tucked into the valley’s forested slopes. Here, we’ll settle in for dinner and to rest up for tomorrow’s much-anticipated climb to the iconic Torres del Paine.

After breakfast in the refuge, you’ll set out for today’s hike to Base Las Torres. The trail takes you through the Ascencio Valley, passing through dense lenga forests. As you near the final ascent, you’ll cross a massive field of boulders before reaching the iconic Base of the Towers lookout, one of the most emblematic lookouts in the world. At 2,953 feet above sea level, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the three granite towers (north, central, and south) and the sparkling turquoise glacial lake at its feet. After soaking in the breathtaking scenery, head back to Chileno Camp where you can enjoy your picnic lunch, pick up your backpack and descend to Torre Central refuge and visitors center. Your host will be waiting to take you back to Puerto Natales where you will enjoy a celebratory meal with your group at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a final morning in Puerto Natales before your host takes you back to the airport in time for lunchtime flights.