Classic Self Guided W Trek

The W trek in the UNESCO-World heritage site Torres del Paine is the iconic trek drawing in thousands of trekkers (and we do not mean Star Trek here) from around the world. The itinerary below will include the trek to the base of the towers, the area beside the lagoon at the feet of the three needle-carved, vertically-sided towers of granite rock; the French Valley with its hanging glaciers and steep-sided valley walls, and the amazing Glacier Grey coming down from the Southern Ice filed to meet Grey lake and where it breaks off into glaciers. And, of course, the numbingly stunning natural wilderness scenery that accompanies every point of the path you will be walking along. Of course we can add to this itinerary any of the other excursions and activities in the area such as penguins and whales from Punta Arenas, trekking in El Chalten, extra nights in Puerto Natales, Patagonia or Antarctica cruises from Ushuaia or Punta Arenas and any other part of Chile or Argentina. Just mention it all in  the enquiry form.

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Day 1

Arrival to El Calafate
Transfer- own arrangements (use local service) to hotel (or we can arrange this as an extra if required).

Night 1

Hotel in El Calafate, matrimonial or twin-bed room, breakfast included

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Day 2

Pick-up at 08:00hrs – 08:30hrs and transfer to Perito Moreno Glacier. Safari Nautico. Time on the viewing platforms, Return to hotel in El Calafate around 16:0hrs.

Night 2

Hotel in El Calafate, matrimonial or twin-bed room, breakfast included

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Day 3

Pick-up at 06:30hrs, bus transfer to Laguna Amarga Torres del Paine, arriving around 12:00hrs. Pay park entrance fee. Take shuttle to welcome centre. Start the trek up to Refugio Chileno 2.5hrs. Check-in, drop heavier bags and trek 2hrs up to Torres base, rest, and 2hrs back to Chileno (or leave the base trek until early next morning).

Night 3

Refugio Chileno
Dorm room on bunk beds.
Hot dinner, breakfast and box lunch included.

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Day 4

Optional very early start, 2hr trek up to Torres base, if not done yesterday. Rest, then 2hrs back to Chileno, collecting any bag you left behind. Then either a 5hr trek to Refugio or Cabañas Cuernos or 6hrs on to Domos Frances.

Night 4

Cuernos or Frances
Dorm room on bunk beds in Refugio Cuernos, or Private Cabin, or Dorm room on bunk beds in a dome at Frances. Hot dinner, breakfast and box lunch included.

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Day 5

Optional early start and start trek to Refugio Paine Grande which is approx 5hrs direct, or 10hrs via the French Valley.

Night 5

Refugio Paine Grande
Dorm room on bunk beds Refugio Paine Grande.
Hot dinner, breakfast and box lunch included.

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Day 6

Optional early start and trek to Refugio Grey, which is approx 4hrs.

Night 6

Refugio Grey
Dorm room on bunk beds Refugio Grey.
Hot dinner, breakfast and box lunch included.

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Day 7

Early start and trek back to Refugio Paine Grande, allowing 4hrs, take catamaran at 11:30hrs across to Pudeto (25min trip). At Pudeto either wait or explore the area around the large waterfall and further up to the Cuernos view point (Mirador Cuernos), but be back at the Puedto cafe before 13:00hrs for the bus to Laguna Amarga. Then you will board the bus at 16:30hrs from Laguna Amarga back to your hotel in El Calafate.

Night 7

Hotel in El Calafate, matrimonial or twin-bed room, breakfast included.

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Day 8

Transfer to El Calafate airport (own arrangements, use local taxi) or we can arrange this.

DEPART

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NOTE: 

In the event that any of the accommodation on the W trek is not available we will seek to secure alternative accommodation that may involve a different refugio or camping, but with the tent set up on a platform, ground mat, sleeping bag and all meals included. The rate will be the same.