Patagonia Torres del Paine 5 Day Short W Trek

Be amazed by the skyrocketing mountains, deep blue glaciers and hauntingly beautiful forests of Torres del Paine National Park on this shorter version of the world-renowned W Trek, complete with EcoCamp’s signature blend of adventure and comfort. For a longer journey, check out the 7-day version of the W Trek.

This program includes 1 night of accommodation away from EcoCamp at a campsite in Paine Grande.

Itinerary

 

Day 1: The Patagonian Adventure Starts

Torres del Paine National Park

 

In the morning, you’ll be picked up from the airport or your hotel in Punta Arenas and driven to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. On the way, we’ll make a stop in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of Last Hope Sound (Ultima Esperanza) "Seno de Ultima Esperanza," where we can enjoy a hearty local lunch of local food. The journey is scenic and highly atmospheric and, featuring many wild birds and wonderful Patagonian landscapes. The day ends with our arrival and overnight stay at EcoCamp Patagonia, nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park and with a prime view of the majestic Towers.

 

Overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia.

 

Day 2: The Paine Massif's Heart: French Valley

Torres del Paine National Park

Today is our first full day of adventures in Torres del Paine! We'll start with a filling breakfast and then drive towards  Pudeto dock where we will board the catamaran to Pehoe. From here, we'll begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley) along a steep trail that leads to the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far in we go depends on our group's trekking rhythm. A swifter walk will lead us to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the southeastern face of the Massif, where we will be treated to fantastic views of the valley. We'll keep heading towards the upper section of the valley where we will be able to marvel at the extensive mass of the valley's geological formations. After our upward trek, we'll pause for a picnic and relax next to the stunning views. This day's trek will end as we descend through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest, leading us  to Refugio Paine Grande which is located on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe.

 

Please note:

 

* The excursion to French Valley varies throughout the season depending on the catamaran connecting Pudeto and Refugio Pehoe: From October 1st to 31st and from April 1st to 30th the navigation operates only once a day, therefore the hike will be limited and only reach Italian campsite depending on the passengers walking pace. From November 1th to March 30th the excursion operates on a regular basis.

 

Overnight in Camping Paine Grande.

 

Day 3: Grey Glacier Trek & Boat Ride

Torres del Paine National Park

In the morning, we'll hike from Paine Grande Refugio along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern side of the glacially beautiful Lake Grey ("Lago Grey").  We'll feast on a picnic lunch before boarding the boat that sails right to the facade of Glacier Grey. Take in the unreal views of this beautiful glacier, while sipping on a drink stocked with fresh glacier ice.  After finishing our boat ride, we'll take a transfer to EcoCamp.

*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, we will trek up to the sightseeing point to enjoy panoramic views of the glacier instead. Then we will return on foot to Paine Grande and take a catamaran to the dock, where we will be picked up and driven to EcoCamp.

Overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia.

Day 4: The Big Challenge: Torres del Paine

 Torres del Paine National Park

The goal of our fifth day will be to complete the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine National Park! It's a challenge, but definitely worth it! We'll walk from the campsite towards Hotel Las Torres before ascending to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. Mountain ridges, beech forests, and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. Our big challenge is the steep moraine, a huge mass of boulders which leads us to that iconic base-view of the Towers, three gigantic granite monoliths that are the remains of a great cirque sheared away by glacial ice. After a tough uphill climb, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before us with the glacial lake visible below - the place is known as Mirador las Torres. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting next to this beautiful view, we'll backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp for a well-deserved dinner and a glass of Chilean wine.

Overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia.

 

Day 5: Adiós Torres del Paine National Park!

 Torres del Paine National Park

We will board an early morning vehicle, sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride back to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas in time to catch an evening flight onwards. Alternatively, transportation to El Calafate can also be organised.

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EcoCamp Patagonia

Ecocamp Patagonia is located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile with views of the majestic granite Paine Towers. It was the first geodesic dome hotel in the world, offering an upscale camp at the domes inspired by the region’s ancient nomadic inhabitants. 

EcoCamp Patagonia Suite Dome
(Heating & Private bathroom, 28m²/300ft²)

Suite domes were designed to further our goal of providing comfort in a natural setting with minimal environmental impact, and also maintain the hotel’s familiar and cozy vibe. The domes have comfortable double or twin beds, a wood stove and a private bathroom with a state-of-the-art composting toilet.

EcoCamp Patagonia Suite Dome Loft
(2 floors, Heating & Private bathroom, 37m²/398ft²)

Suite dome lofts are two-storey domes which fit up to four people and have comfortable double or twin beds both up and downstairs. These domes, ideal for families or groups of friends, come with a wood stove, a private terrace and a private bathroom with a state-of-the-art composting toilet.

EcoCamp Patagonia Superior Dome
(Heating & Private bathroom, 23m²/250ft²)

Spacious, comfortable and equipped with private bathrooms, Superior Domes are the optimum choice for trekkers wanting that bit more space and comfort at the end of a long day’s walk. Each Superior Dome has comfortable queen-size or twin beds, a propane heater, skylight windows and a private bathroom with a sophisticated composting toilet.

EcoCamp Patagonia Standard Dome
(Shared bathroom, 10m²/108ft²)

EcoCamp Standard domes were the world's first lodge accommodation in geodesic shape. They are resistant to the strong Patagonian winds, and come equipped with two single beds (doubles on request), cozy fleece blankets and feather quilts. There are windows in the ceiling for stargazing. Standard domes include shared bathrooms which are large, comfortable and gender divided.

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Included

• All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary.
• One expert English/Spanish speaking trekking guide.
• Torres del Paine National Park fee.
• 3 nights accommodation at EcoCamp (dome of your choice).
• 1-night accommodation at Camping Paine Grande.
• Boat crossing over Pehoe Lake and Grey Lake.
• Sleeping bag and mat.
• Luggage transport (while trekking you will carry just your day pack).
• Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 5 Box Lunches, 4 Dinners.
• Transportation to/from El Calafate (This includes bus tickets and a van from your hotel to the bus terminal).

Important Notes:

Either in refugio or refugio's camping area.

During Shoulder and low season (October and April), some excursions are subject to the weather conditions and might be canceled or modified for reasons of security, for example, the Navigation on Grey Lake, the excursion to the French Valley and to the Tower base trek. In any case, we will either modify the original itinerary or offer you a good alternative of excursion within the park.

Not included

• Flight tickets.
• Transportation to/from El Calafate.
• Insurance (appropriate insurance is mandatory).
• Voluntary tipping to guides and staff.
• Cash for buying extra drinks, snacks or souvenirs.
• Personal items.

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Departures

Regular Departures are available every Sunday from October to April.

Do you want a private departure for this trip? We can do it, please send us your request mentioning that you would like a private departure.

Starting / finishing point

The trip starts on Sunday and finishes on Thursday with pick-ups and drop-offs in Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or El Calafate. Please visit our Weekly Transfer Board for details of EcoCamp pick up and drop off times.

Physical demands

This is the right trip for energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. During this trek you will walk a total of 61kms /38mi. On the map, in the itinerary section, click on the walking person icon for daily information.

To enjoy this trek it is essential to be in shape before you arrive. It is not wise to regard this trek as a means of getting into shape or losing excess weight. Start a program of conditioning well before departure. 

Group size guiding staff

• 9 travelers is the most typical group size, plus guiding staff.
• Maximum 12 clients.
• Guide to passenger ratio: 1:6

Children policy

Those aged 13 years or older are welcome and are considered adults.

Children between 10 and 12 might be accepted in this program if their legal guardian sends a formal letter stating that the child is prepared for such an intense trekking trip and authorizes us to hire a private guide in case the child cannot perform well during the trek.

Children under 10 years of age cannot participate in this trip.
This trip doesn’t offer a special discount for children.

Transport

In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia, transportation is in minivans that normally seat between 8 to 14 people. Pick up/drop off times shown in the Weekly Transfer Board are approximate and will be confirmed closer to the time by our local operations team. An exclusive toll-free emergency number will be available for anyone needing additional support while they are in Chile.

Weather

The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass.Fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and even snow. Even in summer (December to March), you should come prepared to find strong cold winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfall. Summer’s average temperature is 11ºC (52ºF), ranging between 2 to 24ºC (35 to 75ºF).

What you need to bring

Passengers need to be prepared for summer and winter all at once. We recommend the following:

• A day backpack (30 liters - to carry camera, glasses, raincoat, etc)
• Trekking or hiking boots
• Extra shoes for evenings or in case others get wet
• Waterproof jacket
• 2 pairs of woolen socks
• Fleece jacket or sweater
• Shorts or comfortable loose pants
• Sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm and screen)
• Optional Capilene underwear for the upper and lower body
• Cash for buying extra drinks,snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine National Park.

Itinerary modifications

The weather in Patagonia can be difficult to plan around at times. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide based upon operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate parts of the itinerary based on these considerations.

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