Have questions? We're here.
Guanacos in Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine Short W Trek

Torres del Paine Trek - Example 5 Day Tour
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Chile trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Hike the famous W Trek in the wilds of Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park on this shortened 5-day hiking and camping adventure. Follow your path down into the French Valley, experience panoramic views of Grey Glacier, witness the gigantic spires of El Paine, and enjoy a stay at EcoCamp. Explore Torres del Paine National Park in less time on this 5-day trek! 
Hiking to Torres lookoutGroup looking out over the edge of Grey LakeW-Trek French ValleyTree in Los CuernosGroup picture at the towersWild flowers at EcoCamp5 Day W Trek RouteGuanacos in Torres del Paine
Highlights
  • Hike the famous W Trek in the wilds of Patagonia
  • Cruise on Lago Grey, passing among icebergs of fantastic colors & shapes
  • Hike in the majestic Patagonian landscape with views of Torres del Paine
  • Enjoy backcountry glamping with a stay at EcoCamp
Activity Level: Challenging
Requires high-intensity physical efforts that push the limits of one's fitness. May include tours with multiple days in a row of strenuous physical activity or single requiring more than 7 hours of activity. Recommended for travelers maintaining a demanding fitness level.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive Punta Arenas | EcoCamp

Your journey of a lifetime begins in Punta Arenas, Chile! Transfer today into Torres del Paine National Park (via shuttle drive from Punta Arenas or public bus and shuttle drive combination from El Calafate). You will be picked up either from your hotel or the airport in the morning and driven to EcoCamp, your home base located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. En route, you make a stop in Puerto Natales - a small, lively town on the shores of "Seno de Ultima Esperanza", where we enjoy a hearty local lunch. During the drive, take in the scenery featuring many wild birds and breathtaking Patagonian landscapes.
 
Arrive at EcoCamp with its prime view of the majestic Torres. Sunset is usually around 11:00PM during the summer months, so there will still be enough daylight for you to admire the Patagonian steppe, guanacos, and snow-peaked mountain horizon to end your first day.
 

Day 2: French Valley

After breakfast, you will board a catamaran to Pehoe – where the challenging trek to French Valley begins! Hike along a steep trail that leads to the very heart of the Paine Massif. A swift walk will lead you to the hanging bridge over the French River where you will be treated to fantastic views of the valley. Continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley where you will marvel at the extensive mass of the geological formations. After the upward trek, you will take a break for a picnic lunch. End the day’s trek with a descent through mixed grassland and lightly forested terrain which will take you to Refugio Paine Grande. Spend your second night on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe. Accommodations this evening are based on availability in deluxe camping at Paine Grande. Lodging provided on our trekking tours is deluxe tent camping in the Refugio campgrounds while Meals are provided inside the Refugio buildings, as is access to the bathrooms, showers and all common areas.

*An optional trek to Mirador Britanico is sometimes available for travelers, as well.

French Valley Trail
Distance: 25km/15mi
Walking time: 8 hrs
Max. Altitude: 686m/2250ft
 

Day 3: Grey Glacier

Today you will hike from Refugio Paine Grande along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern side of the beautiful Grey Lake. You will feast on a picnic lunch before boarding the boat that sails right to the huge, crystalline facade of Grey Glacier, where you will have plenty of time to marvel at the calving glacier. Transfer back to EcoCamp.

Grey Glacier Trail
Distance: 14km/9mi
Walking time: 4 hrs
Max. Altitude: 244m/800ft

*Please be aware that boat trips may be canceled if the minimum number of 10 passengers has not been reached. If this is the case, you will trek up to the sightseeing point to enjoy panoramic views of the glacier instead. Then, you will return on foot to Paine Grande and take a catamaran to the dock, where you will be picked up and driven to EcoCamp.

Day 4: Torres del Paine

The goal of this day of our 5-day trek will be to complete the most famous trail in Torres del Paine National Park! Start 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 hike towards the valley. The challenge comes when you arrive at the steep moraine - a huge mass of boulders which will lead us to that iconic base view of the Towers. These three gigantic granite monoliths were formed by the forces of glacial ice.

After an uphill climb, the Towers eventually come into full view to reward you. Towers above and a glacial lake below, there is no better place in the world to have lunch! After feasting on the view and our picnic, we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp for a well-deserved dinner.

Towers Base Trail
Distance: 22km/14mi
Walking time: 9 hrs
Max. Altitude: 914m/3000ft
 

Day 5: Depart EcoCamp

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
On your early morning transfer back to Punta Arenas, sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic ride. Take in your last views of magical Patagonia!

Accommodations

Camping and Refugio Paine Grande

Camping and Refugio Paine Grande
Paine Grande Mountain Lodge
Spacious dining room

EcoCamp

Wild flowers at EcoCamp
Las Torres EcoCamp
Hike to Los Cuernos

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$1,410 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Tour price varies depending on season and current exchange rate. Please contact us for a quote.

Rates may vary based on current exchange rate.

Included
  • 4 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners, 4 Box Lunches
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • 3 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Gear Rental: All camping gear & bedding at refugios 
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Internal Flights: Santiago - Punta Arenas - Santiago

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

Chile Travel Guide

Favorite Chile All Trips

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By