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Mirador las Torres

Highlights of the W Trek with Glamping

Torres del Paine - Example 5 Day Tour
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Experience the highlights of the unforgettable W Trek, Torres del Paine's most iconic hike, with a twist. On this 5-day hiking expedition, explore the classic highlights of French Valley, Las Torres, and Grey Glacier while enjoying your exclusive tent at Riverside Camp. Start from a Patagonia estancia with breathtaking views of the Paine Massif and condors soaring overhead. Reach the Lago Toro Lookout for a stunning 360° view of the Paine River and Southern Patagonia Icefield. Venture into the hidden Pingo Valley, spot elusive huemul deer, and sail across Lago Grey to get close to Grey Glacier. Spend a day tracking pumas and exploring the wetlands of Laguna Azul. Each night, unwind in your private lotus bell tent on the shores of the Serrano River with views of the Paine Massif. This W Trek alternative offers a unique adventure!
French ValleyFrench ValleyHiking trails in Circuit OW Winter trackLazo WeberMirador las Torres
Highlights
  • Explore Patagonia's wilderness by hiking the renowned W Trek trails
  • Venture into the hidden Pingo Valley to spot elusive huemul deer
  • Sail across icebergs of amazing shapes and colors on Lago Grey
  • Reach the Lago Toro Lookout for a stunning 360° view of the Paine River
  • Spend a day tracking pumas and exploring the wetlands of Laguna Azul
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Puerto Natales | Estancia Lazo

Your journey starts with a 2-hour drive from Puerto Natales to Estancia Lazo, a historic 13,000-hectare cattle ranch beneath the stunning Paine Massif and alongside Laguna Verde. From there, hike into Torres del Paine National Park along a flat trail through peaceful beech and coihue forests alive with wildlife. Keep an eye out for condors and Crested caracaras soaring overhead, guanacos grazing on the hills, and woodpeckers, owls, and Austral parakeets peeking through the trees as you walk deeper into the wilderness.

After arriving at Laguna Honda, you will ascend to the 559-meter (1,834-foot) Lago Toro Lookout, which offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, rivers, lakes, and glaciers. Identify the Grey, Serrano, Paine Rivers, Serrano Valley, Mount Balmaceda, and the Geike and Tyndall Glaciers. After a short descent to Weber Bridge, a private transfer will take you to your glamping campsite along the Serrano River. A freshly prepared dinner and breathtaking views of the Paine Massif await you at the campsite.

Hiking Distance: 13 km (8 miles)
Hiking time: 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 879 feet (268 meters)
Max Elevation: 1,357 feet (414 meters)
Driving Time: 2-hour private transfer

**Please plan to arrive in Puerto Natales at least one day before the start of this trip and add one night in Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas at the end of the trip. Ask a Trip Planner about adding these arrangements to your trip!

Day 2: Hike to Pingo Valley | Grey Glacier

After a freshly made breakfast, a transfer takes you on a 30-minute drive to the Pingo Valley trailhead. This three-hour hike reaches the breathtaking "Cascada los Salmones" waterfall, where salmon are occasionally seen. Keep an eye out for the elusive huemul (Andean deer) that may be hiding nearby as you make your way back! Enjoy a picnic lunch on the shores of the Pingo River before hiking through a woodpecker-filled beech forest to your boat's departure point.

On a 3-hour boat trip, cruise past blue-hued icebergs to the immense face of Grey Glacier. Here, admire its textures, lines, and colors. If lucky, you might witness a glacial calving, where ice breaks off and crashes dramatically into the freezing waters. On your way back, marvel at the wind-sculpted “ice mushrooms” atop Paine Grande’s towering peaks. Afterward, head back to basecamp at the Serrano River area, where a gourmet meal and a restful night in your lotus bell tent await at your Riverside Camp.

Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 515 feet (156 meters)
Max Elevation: 263 feet (80 meters)
Driving Time: 30 minutes private transfer & 30 minutes boat tour

Day 3: Hike to French Valley

After an energizing breakfast, watch the sunrise over the Paine Massif; your transfer will take you to Lake Pehoe. From there, a quick 35-minute catamaran ride brings you to Refugio Paine Grande, where your hike begins. Trek through the entrance of the French Valley, crossing a vast glacial moraine with undulating trails and boulders. Soon, you'll catch your first sight of the breathtaking hanging glaciers above. From here, ascend for an hour through a serene, garden-like landscape, arriving at the stunning French Valley viewpoint, also known as the "Plateau."

Your reward is an amazing vantage point overhanging glaciers and soaring granite peaks. On one side, the French Glacier and the massive Paine Grande rise dramatically; on the other, La Espada, La Hoja, La Máscara, and the iconic "horns" of Los Cuernos arch skyward. Higher up in the valley, Cerro Catedral and Cerro Fortaleza stand like ancient turrets over the landscape. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the viewpoint while taking in the expansive skies and towering peaks.

Afterward, retrace your steps along the same path back to Refugio Paine Grande and Lake Pehoe. From there, take a quick catamaran ride across the lake, where your private transfer will be waiting to bring you back to your riverside camp for the night. A deliciously prepared dinner welcomes you at the dining lodge before turning in for the evening in your private double deluxe dome on the shores of the Serrano River.

Note: This hike is demanding, and many parts of the trail are steep. This trek is a minimum of 8 hours along challenging, rugged mountainous terrain. This trek is suitable for travelers with strong physical stamina.

Hiking Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Hiking time: 7-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 3,179 feet (969 meters)
Max Elevation: 1,740 feet (530 meters)
Driving Time: 30 minutes private transfer & 35 minutes Catamaran each way

Day 4: Hike to Salto Grande & Mirador Cuernos | Laguna Amarga

After breakfast, your transfer takes you along the Paine River past Lake Pehoe to Pudeto, where you start your first gentle hike of the day. Pass by the Salto Grande Waterfall, where the turquoise waters of Lake Nordenskjöld flow into Lake Pehoe. Walk along the boardwalk, taking in stunning views of the lake and the Paine Grande & Cuernos mountains. Continue along a path through open areas affected by the 2005 park fire. The trail leads you to the black sandy shores of Lake Nordenskjöld, where the powerful Patagonian winds greet you. Reach the Cuernos lookout for breathtaking views of the French Valley, Los Cuernos, and Paine Grande. Listen as glaciers rumble down the icy rock. After returning, enjoy a snack and a rest before your transfer takes you to the next trailhead for the Laguna Amarga area.

Hike along a wildlife observation trail connecting two park entrances, where you can photograph stunning landscapes and spot guanacos and various waterbirds. Watch for coscoroba swans, upland geese, and black-neck swans as they nest and feed. After an hour, reach a rock shelter with 6,000-year-old cave paintings, learning about Patagonia's early inhabitants and their hunting grounds. The trail winds through lagoons with amazing views of the Paine Massif. Keep an eye out for pumas drawn by the guanacos. Arrive at Laguna Amarga, where your private transfer will take you to your accommodation.

Hiking Distance: 6–7 km (3.7 miles)
Hiking time: 2 hours hike to Salto Grande and Mirador Cuernos
Hiking time: 2.5 hours hike from Sarmiento to Laguna Amarga
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 3,179 feet (969 meters)
Max Elevation: 1,740 feet (530 meters)
Driving Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour private transfer

Day 5: Hike to Base of the Towers Lookout | Puerto Natales | Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Start your day with a power-packed breakfast before your final trek to the iconic Towers. Your guide will lead you on a 2-hour transfer to the Las Torres Sector, where the adventure begins with an ascent along the Ascencio River into the Ascencio Valley. After about an hour, pause to take in the breathtaking views of beech forests, glaciers, and waterfalls. Continue uphill through the lush forests before tackling a massive terminal moraine. At the top, you're rewarded with the stunning sight of the three towers, standing tall at 900 m (2,953 ft.). Enjoy the moment, take photos, and have lunch at this unforgettable viewpoint. Then, descend the same trail to meet your private transfer back to Puerto Natales.

Note: The hike is demanding, and many parts of the trail are steep. This trek is a minimum of 8 hours along challenging, rugged mountainous terrain. This trek is suitable for travelers with strong physical stamina.

Hiking Distance: 22 km (13.7 miles)
Hiking time: 8-10 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 3,458 feet (1,053 meters)
Elevation Max: 2,989 feet (911 meters)
Driving Time: 2-hour semi-private transfer

Note: Extend your stay at Riverside Camp by adding the Multisport Extension to your W Trek Adventure! See our Torres del Paine Short Multisport Extension for more information.

Accommodations

Riverside Camp by Chile Nativo

Riverside Camp by Chile Nativo
Riverside Camp by Chile Nativo
Riverside Camp by Chile Nativo

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$3,895 2-3 travelers

Notes

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Included
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners, 5 Box Lunches
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • 5 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
  • All Private Transportation Indicated in Schedule
  • Entrance Fee to Torres del Paine National Park
  • Four Nights Lodging in Chile Nativo's Riverside Camp (Comfortable Double Deluxe Tents with Fresh Bedding, Linens, & Towels)
  • Welcome Drink at Riverside Camp (PiscoSour, Glass of Wine, Beer, Sparkling Champagne)
  • Roundtrip Catamaran on Pehoe Lake
  • Roundtrip Boat Navigation on Grey Lake
  • Guide & Chauffeur (English-Spanish languages)
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Any Additional Nights
  • Additional Alcoholic Beverages
  • Medical Expenses and Insurance of Any Kind
  • Gratuities for Guide/s & Chauffeur

Map

When to Go

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Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

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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

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