Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Chile Patagonia Torres del Paine W Trek Hiking
Day 1 Arrive in Puerto Natales
20-minute private van transfer
Arrive at Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport in Puerto Natales, Chile. This welcoming town hugs the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope Sound) with the snowcapped Andes in the distance. You will be transferred to your accommodation and have the rest of the day to rest or explore on your own before meeting up with your guide and group to discuss your W Trek adventure and get to know each other over a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Remota Patagonia Lodge
(D)
Day 2 Cross the Patagonian Steppe to Torres del Paine National Park
2-hour private van transfer
4-5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain & 1,000' elevation loss
Travel to Torres del Paine National Park, watching the landscape unfold in vast grasslands where the chances of spotting wild guanacos are high. As you near the park, you may see the jagged peaks of the Paine Massif. Head out on a scenic hike from Laguna Verde to Rio Paine, winding through forests of lenga and coigue—a gentle introduction to Patagonia's terrain and native flora with impressive views of Paine Grande. Your accommodation this evening is a comfortable hotel near the southern shore of Lago Grey, with views across the water. Get a good night's rest before the trek begins!
Accommodation: Hotel Lago Grey
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Enjoy Glacier Views & Begin the W Trek
45-minute catamaran cruise
4 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain & 1,200' loss
Begin early with a catamaran journey across Lago Grey, navigating past floating ice toward the immense face of Grey Glacier, part of the massive Southern Patagonia Ice Field. After taking in this blue wall of ice, disembark and start your trek along the famed W route. The trail traces the lake's edge, with views of rippling waters and rugged Paine Grande above, as you move away from the glacier. You've completed the first stage of your trek, and your space has already been reserved at a refugio on Lake Pehoe, where simple comforts and unforgettable views create a true wilderness experience at the heart of the park.
Accommodation: Refugio Paine Grande
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Trek into the Magnificent French Valley
8-9 hours/12 miles hiking with up to 2,800' elevation gain & 2,800' elevation loss
Follow the route deep into the dramatic French Valley, one of the most iconic landscapes in Patagonia. Hike beneath the imposing slopes of Paine Grande, gradually ascending into a natural amphitheater surrounded by hanging glaciers. As you climb, the jagged granite horn shapes of the Cuernos del Paine come into full view, their dark caps contrasting with lighter rock below. At the lookout, take in spectacular panoramas of glaciers, peaks, and cascading icefalls. After soaking up the views, descend to your remote cabins tucked by a waterfall beneath the Cuernos. Here, the sounds of rushing water and the sunset glow on rock faces create a memorable evening in the Patagonian wilderness.
Accommodation: Cabanas de los Cuernos
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Marvel at Los Cuernos Horns & Glacial Lago Nordenskjold
5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,400' elevation gain & 1,400' loss
Start hiking at a relaxed pace, taking the Paso Los Cuernos (Trail of the Horns) over gently rolling terrain with the famed spires towering above. Trace the northern shore of Lago Nordenskjold, where glacial sediments turn the lake milky white and turquoise blue. Follow forested paths and gravely shores, catching magnificent views of the untamed landscape of the Paine Massif. Hike out across open, golden steppe with chances to spot soaring condors before reaching your comfortable lodging in an ideal location at the Las Torres trailhead.
Accommodation: Hotel Las Torres
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Hike to the Base of the Majestic Torres del Paine
9 hours/11.5 miles hiking with 3,400' elevation gain & 3,400' loss
Get an early start for an all-day hike to the base of the famed towers for which this park is named: Torres del Paine. Follow the Asencio River over a low pass into the Asencio Valley, passing through beautiful beech forests and talus-covered slopes. After a steep final climb up a boulder field, you are rewarded with one of the most stunning views in the world; the iconic granite towers rise dramatically above a glacial lake, their sheer faces reflected in the water below. Take time to absorb this extraordinary setting before retracing your steps, enjoying a packed lunch along the way.
Accommodation: Hotel Las Torres
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Depart from Puerto Natales
3-hour private van transfer
After an early breakfast, return to Puerto Natales, traveling once more across the Patagonian plains. Leaving the park behind, take in final views of open steppe, distant peaks, and the vast southern sky while reflecting on days spent hiking among glaciers, lakes, and towering granite spires. Arrive in time for afternoon flights to Santiago to connect with onward flights.
(B)
