Patagonia Hiking Retreat
Join us on an unforgettable adventure through one of the most breathtaking regions on Earth! Known for its stunning towering granite spires, shimmering glaciers, turquoise lakes and comfortable refugios, The W Trail in Torres del Paine is one of most famous treks in the world.
Over the course of our week together, we'll trek through the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, immersing ourselves in the rugged beauty of Patagonia. After long days of hiking, we'll be supported by accommodating refugios—cozy mountain lodges where we can relax and recharge before adventuring on.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a first-time explorer, our Patagonia backpacking trip is sure to be an unforgettable adventure. Ready to take on an international challenge, make memories that will last a lifetime, and experience the wonder of backpacking in Patagonia? Save your spot now, and join us for some unforgettable trekking in Patagonia!
The W Trek
The W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most iconic backpacking trips in the world. Over the course of five days, we'll hike through the heart of Patagonia, surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. The trek gets its name from the shape of the route, which forms a rough "W" as we hike through the park. We'll begin our journey in the bustling town of Puerto Natales, before heading into the wilderness of Torres del Paine. Along the way, we'll trek through valleys, over mountain passes, and alongside glaciers, taking in the stunning natural beauty of the region. We'll pass turquoise lakes, roaring waterfalls, and towering granite spires, stopping to take in the awe-inspiring views at every turn. We will be carrying a daypack with our essentials and personal items, while our bedding and camping gear will be available at the refugios. Although the W Trek is not a technical hike, it does require a good level of fitness and endurance to fully enjoy the experience. The trek covers a distance of approximately 50 miles over five days, with daily hikes ranging from 5 to 15 miles and with an elevation gain of up to 3,000 feet in some sections. It's important to note that the more intense sections are optional as they involve side trails leading to lookout points. If you prefer to avoid the more challenging parts, you can opt out and still experience the breathtaking beauty of Torres del Paine at a pace that suits you!
Accommodations
During our time in Puerto Natales, we'll stay at a modest hotel conveniently located near the city center. We have one day before the trek to gather snacks, run any last-minute errands and explore the city. Throughout the W Trek in Torres del Paine, we'll be staying in comfortable campgrounds with tents and cabins provided by the refugios along the way. These rustic lodges offer the perfect home for our adventure, providing cozy sleeping arrangements, hot meals and stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. We also understand that a light pack and good sleeping are essential for a successful backpacking trip. That's why we will have our meals and accommodations provided by the refugios so we can move lighter and spend more time enjoying our incredible surroundings.
Meals
During our time in Puerto Natales, breakfast will be provided by our hotel and we'll visit local restaurants for our group dinners, where we'll have the opportunity to sample the flavors of the Magallanes region. While on the trail, we'll have hot meals, boxed lunches and 3 course meals provided by the refugios to fuel our bodies.
Schedule
Day 1 | Arrive in Puerto Natales
You get yourself to Puerto Natales and we'll have a room ready for you. If you're flying, you'll want to arrive in to Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport. From the airport you’ll be able to catch a taxi to our hotel.
Once you're checked and settled-in, you’ll be on your own to explore and shake off the jetlag. At this point all we ask is that you find something tasty for dinner and to try to get some sleep.
Accommodations: Hotel Big Sur in Puerto Natales
Day 2 | Tour Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales is a charming Patagonian town situated along the shores of the Ultima Esperanza Sound with views of neighboring fjords. We'll have some free time to explore this small Patagonian town and shop for any last minute gear needs or snacks.
During our stay in Puerto Natales, we'll enjoy meals at local restaurants, where we'll sample the region's delicious cuisine and savor the flavors of Patagonia.
Accommodations: Hotel Big Sur in Puerto Natales
Day 3 | Bus to Torres del Paine
After breakfast at the hotel we'll load up our bags into our private shuttle and make our way to Torres del Paine National Park. This drive is incredibly scenic. You'll be able to enjoy a great diversity of landscapes, crossing extensive Patagonian pampas to later find kilometers of native forest, all surrounded by snow-capped Andean peaks. With our private transfer service, we will have the flexibility to make the most of these 5 hours of travel, where we can stop en route whenever we want to take photos.
Accommodations: Camping at Chileno
Day 4 | Hike to Mirador Las Torres
After breakfast we'll spend the day ascending a steep hike up to Mirador Las Torres, aka the Base of the Towers. Once we reach the top of the trail, we'll have plenty times to get the perfect photo, share snacks and soak up the beautiful views that we worked so hard to see!
Once we're wrapped up at the Towers, we'll head back to Chileno for our second night.
Accommodations: Camping at Chileno
Day 5 | Hike to Cuernos
After breakfast we'll spend the day hiking through the pampas to get our first views of Cuernos del Paine, also known as the "Horns of Paine," refer to a set of impressive granite peaks and iconic features of the park's landscape. Nestled amidst the mountains, we've secured a mix of private cabins and fully-equipped tents for our guests so we can get a cozy night sleep.
Accommodations: Camping at Cuernos
Day 6 | Hike to Mirador Britanico
Get ready for a day of awe-inspiring beauty and challenging adventure as we continue down the trail, with an unforgettable stop at Mirador Británico. Mirador Británico is a viewpoint that offers unparalleled vistas of the famous Paine Massif. As we hike up, we'll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and valleys. After our time at Mirador Británico, we'll continue our trek towards Paine Grande, where our accommodation awaits.
Accommodations: Camping at Paine Grande
Day 7 | Hike to Grey Glacier
After breakfast we'll venture deeper into the pristine wilderness, following a trail that winds through enchanting forests and alongside the glacial-fed Lake Pehoé. As we hike closer to Grey Glacier, the landscape transforms into a stunning display of ice and mountains. The air becomes crisp, and the sound of cracking ice fills the air, reminding us of the powerful forces of nature at work. Finally, we'll reach the breathtaking viewpoint overlooking Grey Glacier, a vast icy marvel that stretches as far as the eye can see. Afterwards we'll head back to camp to spend our final night on the trail.
Accommodations: Camping at Refugio Grey
Day 8 | Boat ride & bus to Puerto Natales
After seeing Grey Glacier from the trail, we'll have the opportunity to check it out from sea level! On our last day in the park we'll take a 3 hour boat ride from Lago Grey to visit Grey Glacier which is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the largest glacier in South America and second largest in the world.
Once we're back on land we'll walk 40 minutes on the beach to meet our private shuttle back to our hotel in Puerto Natales. We'll celebrate our incredible journey and hit the town for one last group dinner.
Accommodations: Hotel Big Sur in Puerto Natales
Day 9 | Return Home
Trust us, we too wish we could stay in Patagonia forever, but unfortunately all good things must come to a close. Our hotel will help you arrange transportation to the airport for your journey home, or on to your next adventure.
FAQs
Age & Physical Requirements
This hike is moderate and is accessible to people with little to no hiking and/or backpacking experience however it's not a walk in the park either. Participants must be able to hike up to 7 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation in a single day carrying a pack of up to 15 lbs.
It's important to note that the more intense sections are optional as they involve side trails leading to lookout points. If you prefer to avoid the more challenging parts, you can opt out and still experience the breathtaking beauty of Torres del Paine at a pace that suits you!
If you don't have any hiking experience to gauge the difficulty, load up a backpack with 15lbs and either head to a trail with a decent amount of elevation gain or go to a gym and try a mix of the stair stepper and a treadmill with an incline at the gym.
We aim to maintain a pace of 2MPH and add 1 hour for every 1,000ft of elevation gain. So a 7 mile day with 3,000ft of elevation we hope to cover in 6.5 hours. We have two guides so that the group can split up if there are participants who want to move at a quicker pace.
Travel Information
- Fly to the local airport, Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT)
- Fly to Punta Arenas (PUQ) and take a bus to Puerto Natales. Pro tip: If you fly into Punta Arenas and have extra time to spare, you can take a half day or full day tour to see penguins.
- Fly into El Calafate (FTE) and take a bus to Puerto Natales. If you have time, you can also visit Perito Moreno Glacier located 2 hours from El Calafate. Perito Moreno Glacier is the largest glacier in Argentina and the second largest in South America.
How many participants come by themselves?
The majority of participants come to our retreats alone - somewhere around 90%. If you are hesitating to join because you would be coming solo, please know that we expect a majority of our participants to be joining by themselves.
I've never backpacked before. Can I still attend?
Absolutely! While prior backpacking experience can be helpful, it is not a requirement for embarking on the W Trek in Torres del Paine. The W Trek is known for its accessibility and attracts hikers of varying experience levels. It is a great introduction to multi-day backpacking adventures.
To ensure a successful and enjoyable experience, it's recommended that you engage in physical training and conditioning beforehand. Focus on building endurance through activities such as hiking, walking, or jogging. Strengthening your core and leg muscles through exercises like squats and lunges can also be beneficial.
Will camping gear be provided?
This depends on the accommodation you chose. The majority of the refugios on the trail will provide our group with everything but as noted in the accommodation packages - you may have to bring a sleeping bag along. We have advice on light weight, highly compressable sleeping bags.
What is the average age of participants?
We generally have a wide range of ages at our retreats. The average tends to fall between the ages of 30 to 45. But we have had quite a few participants in their 60's join as well. It really is up to the attitude and physical ability of the participant.
Do I need a visa?
As a citizen of the United States, you do not need a visa to enter Chile for tourism purposes. The United States is among the countries that have a visa exemption agreement with Chile. As a U.S. passport holder, you can enter Chile as a tourist for a period of up to 90 days. This allows you to visit Torres del Paine National Park and other destinations in Chile without needing a visa.
However, it's important to note that visa requirements and policies can change.
What will the weather be like?
In late January and early February, the weather in Torres del Paine National Park can be quite variable. During this peak summer season, you can expect average daytime temperatures ranging from around 50°F to 64°F. However, temperature fluctuations are common, so be prepared for both warmer and cooler days. The region is known for its strong and gusty winds, so temperature tend to on the coolerside. In terms of daylight, you can expect longer days with approximately 15 to 17 hours of daylight, allowing for ample time to explore.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
That's no problem! After you register we'll send you a form where you can inform us about any dietary restrictions.
In general, most refugios and restaurants we'll be visiting are accustomed to catering to different dietary requirements. They often offer vegetarian and vegan options, as well as dishes suitable for gluten-free, lactose-free, or other specific dietary needs.
Are payment plans available?
Yes we have two types of payment options. Please visit our Payment Plan page for more information.
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