W Trek Adventure in Patagonia With Oasis Overland

Details

The W-Trek route we take is a 43 mile (70 km) trail that takes you on a half loop around the Cordillera del Paine. The trail is named for the "W" shape it creates on the map as it runs through three valleys. The trail highlights the park's most iconic sights, including the Grey Glacier, the French Valley, and the Towers' Base Viewpoint. You can do this trek on any of our trips which travel between Santiago in Chile and Ushuaia in Argentina.

Everything you need to know about the W Trek

What you will see on the W Trek

The W Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for nature lovers, trekkers, and photographers. You’ll witness some of the most iconic and dramatic landscapes on Earth—glaciers, snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, ancient forests, and an abundance of wildlife—while experiencing the ever-changing moods of Patagonia's wild weather. The trek offers a deep connection to nature and an unparalleled sense of adventure.

 

Best time to go on the W Trek

The best time to hike the W Trek is between December and March, when the weather is generally more favorable for outdoor activities. However the weather can still be unpredictable, with high winds, rain, snow, and sunburn so it's essential to be prepared for any condition.

 

What to bring on the W Trek

When you do the W Trek with us, you will need a rucksack to carry your spare clothes, waterproofs, packed lunches, drinks & snacks, and your sleeping bag & camping mat. Your tent will be already set up for you at each campsite and meals prepared for you each evening and breakfast too. 

 

Fitness level for the W Trek

This is a challenging hike with some tricky terrain and steep ascents and descents. You do not need to be a specialist or experienced hiker to complete the trek, but you do need to be in moderate to good health with a decent level of fitness. You can expect to be hiking between 11 and 20km each day (approx. 3.5 to 9 hours) over the 4 days we do this hike, all carrying your kit.

 

How long it takes

If you don’t add the W Trek, then we include an entry permit into Torres del Paine National Park. There are many hiking day trip options available, including joining the W-Trekkers for the first day's hike to the Base of the Towers. In addition, there are scenic boat trips to see either the glaciers up close, or the penguin colonies near to Puerto Natales, offering unique wildlife experiences.

 

 
 

Our W Trek Itinerary

 
Itinerary: Please note the itinerary is subject to alteration and the stated walking times are approximate. Weather in the park can be changeable and affect hiking, and everyone walks at their own pace.
 
Day 1: This evening you will leave the truck with your fellow trekkers and enjoy a welcome dinner, followed by a briefing for your 'W Trek'.
Accommodation: Puerto Natales (twin room - shared bathrooms)
Meals Included: Dinner
 
Day 2: This morning nice and early you will meet the group and travel to Torres del Paine National Park. Torres del Paine was given its name from the three striking granite towers, formed above a glacial lake. The trek today is with a guide and you will be making your way to the base of these towers. Once you reach the lookout of the ‘Base of Torres del Paine’ you can enjoy the view of Torre Sur (2,850m), Torre Central (2,800m), Torre Norte (2,600m) and Cerro Nido de Cóndor. The trek today is approximately 19kms and should take about 8 hours.
Accommodation: Refugio Torre Central or Refugio Torre Norte (Dorm bed) 
Meals Included: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner
 
Day 3: Today the trail follows alongside the turquoise waters of Lake Nordenskjöld. We then make our way to Los Cuernos (The Horns), an outcropping of granite peaks which stand at over 2000 metres high, before continuing through to Domos Frances. The views from Los Cuernos are considered by many to be the most memorable in the whole park, perched on a hillside with the famous towers above with views across one of the park’s stunning light blue lakes. The trek today is approximately 14.6kms and should take about 6.5 hours.
Accommodation: Camping at Francés 
Meals Included: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch and Dinner
 
Day 4: Making our way through 'The French Valley' we will pass through Mirador Británico, the lookout point generally thought to be one of the most overwhelming spots on the whole Circuit, where you can take in Paine Grande, Cerro Hoja, Cerro Máscara, Cerro Catedral, Cerro Aleta de Tiburón, Cuerno Norte and other magnificent peaks. We return back the same way and continue to the Pehoe sector, reaching our evening destination Paine Grande. The trek today is approximately 20.3kms and should take about 9 hours.
Accommodation: Camping at Paine Grande 
Meals Included: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch and Dinner
 
Day 5: Our final day of trekking will take us on the trail through the western side of the Paine Massif, stopping off at various viewpoints to take in Grey Lake and the Mountain views, as we continue north to the impressive natural ice formations of Grey's Glacier. The return is the same way back to Paine Grande where you will take a catamaran across Lake Pehoé to Pudeto. You will then board the bus back to Puerto Natales arriving in the evening. It is time to put your heels up and celebrate your huge sense of achievement having conquered one of the world’s great hiking routes with a cold beer and Pizza. The trek today is approximately 22kms and should take about 8 hours.
Accommodation: Puerto Natales (twin room - shared bathrooms)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner
 
Day 6: After your breakfast (included) you will then re-join the truck and continue with your Oasis Overland Adventure.
 

 

What’s Included:

  • Accommodation for 5 nights - 2 nights Puerto Natales (twin share), 3 nights in park (2 camping, 1 dorm)
  • Transfer from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park (1.45 hours drive)
  • Park entrance fee 
  • Catamaran ticket from Paine Grande to Pudeto, bus ticket from Pudeto to Puerto Natales
  • Tents
  • Guide on first day of trekking to the base of the towers
  • Trekking poles for the first day of trekking if required
  • Meals as listed
 
What‘s Not Included:
  • Meals not listed
  • Tips
Please Note: The above itinerary and stated accommodation is subject to change without notice and may be altered due to local operating conditions. In the event of any changes due to circumstances beyond our control, while we will do our utmost to minimise the impact on the planned itinerary, we will not be held responsible for any costs incurred.
 
 

Our Main Trips Featuring The W Trek

All of our overland trips that travel between Santiago and Ushuaia will build in time for you to do the W Trek.  A selection of trips is listed below:

RIO TO SANTIAGO (59 DAYS) COAST TO COAST VIA PATAGONIA

Tick some action-packed adventures off your bucket list with this South American overland tour travelling from the Pacific Ocean city of Santiago, to the most southerly tip of South America before finishing in Rio on the Atlantic Ocean coastline.

BUENOS AIRES TO SANTIAGO (35 DAYS) PATAGONIAN ADVENTURES

Perfect for our outdoor adventure lovers, this incredible South American tour brings you the very best of what Patagonia has to offer, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes, the diverse wildlife, and the most thrilling activities you’ll ever experience.

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