Published on Cascada Expediciones (https://www.cascada.travel) Home > Patagonia Torres del Paine 7 Day W Trek Patagonia Torres del Paine 7 Day W Trek [1] Introduction Tackle the incomparable W Trek, EcoCamp-style! The visually stunning W Trek - highlighting the best of Torres del Paine such as Grey Glacier, French Valley, and the base of the Towers - is a once-in-a-lifetime experience...so you should do it right the first time! Team up with our highly experienced and knowledgeable guides to head off on one of the most famous treks in the world, ending each day of spectacular sights with delicious meals and comfortable nighttime accommodations. During your nights at EcoCamp Patagonia, you'll be treated to delicious meals made from local ingredients, fun conversation over drinks in the Bar dome with your fellow guests, yoga to stretch your muscles, nights spent in our unique domes, and more! Want to visit Patagonia in the spring? Now?s your chance! Special offer 10% OFF for October departures of our 7 Day W Trek and 5 Day W Trek! Check Prices and Fact section for Terms & Conditions. UNLIMITED ADVENTURE: Be enchanted by the magic of Chile's vast high desert and Patagonia's striking mountains with Unlimited Adventure! Customize your perfect adventure by pairing one of our EcoCamp Programs with a trip to Atacama or the rest of Patagonia and get 10% off that accompanying program! Find out more in the Prices & Facts section. Difficulty Level: Demanding Itinerary Highlights Trek Valle Frances The Challenging 'W' Trek Base of the Towers Views of Los Cuernos Boat ride to Grey Glacier
Kayaking around the Grey Glacier (Optional) Stay at award winning EcoCamp Patagonia Start in Calafate (Argentina) or Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales (Chile) Cycling excursion (Optional) Brief Itinerary: Day 1 (Mon): Travel from Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or Calafate to Torres del Paine NP Day 2 (Tue): Trek Paso Los Cuernos trail Day 3 (Wed): Trek Valle del Frances trail Day 4 (Thu): Trek Pehoe - Grey trail - Kayaking (Optional) Day 5 (Fri): Trek to the Towers Day 6 (Sat): Eastern Lakes Day 7 (Sun): Drive to Punta Arenas Watch Gemma's W Trek movie:» Extend your trek and hike the full Torres del Paine O Circuit in 9 days [2] [[{"fid":"5175","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][va to Torres del Paine National Park","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Arrival to Torres del Paine National Park","field_tags[und]":"","field_folder[und]":"196","media_title[und][0][value]":"Day 1 Multisport","media_description[und][0][value]":"","media_description[und][0][format]":"full_html","fie to Torres del Paine National Park","title":"Arrival to Torres del Paine National Park","height":"383","width":"289","style":"margin: 15px; float: left;","class":"mediaelement file-default"}}]]day 1, Monday, The Patagonian Adventure starts Torres del Paine NP, Chile The trip begins with you being picked up from your hotel in Punta Arenas or Punta Arenas airport in the morning and driven to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. Alternatively, you can start your trip in Calafate (see our weekly transfer board for EcoCamp's pick up & drop off schedule). En route we make a stop in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of "Seno de Ultima Esperanza", where we enjoy a hearty local lunch. The journey is scenic and highly atmospheric, 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 Torres. Sunset is usually around 11 pm during the summer months, meaning that there will still be enough daylight for you to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon once you arrive. For more details about trek distance and walking time, click here to check out our Trekking Chart. Overnight EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park [[{"fid":"5192","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"d 2-7 day w trek map","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"day 2-7 day w trek map","field_tags[und]":"","field_folder[und]":"196","media_title[und][0][value]":"","media_description[und][0][v 2-7 day w trek map","title":"day 2-7 day w trek map","height":"634","width":"600","style":"height: 370px; width: 350px; margin: 15px; float: right;","class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Day 2, Tuesday, Los Cuernos Torres del Paine NP, Chile We begin our Patagonian adventure with a pleasant walk through the sinuous Cuernos Trail which leads us alongside the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this warm-up walk we will have the opportunity to admire the park s exquisite flora and fauna, as we enjoy the magnificent views of the park s central
lakes and the Paine s Horns, majestic black horn-like peaks of slate atop gray granite which crown the center of the Massif. The trek ends at Refugio Los Cuernos, a small and cozy mountain refuge located by the shores of Lake Nordenskjold. Alternatively the trek ends at Domo el Francés, located between Cuernos and Italiano camping sites, with an amazing view of Nordenskjöld lake. The evening is free for relaxing and enjoying dinner. Overnight Refugio Cuernos or Domo El Francés (depending on availability), Torres del Paine National Park [[{"fid":"5193","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"d 3-7 day w trek map","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"day 3-7 day w trek map","field_tags[und]":"","field_folder[und]":"196","media_title[und][0][value]":"","media_description[und][0][v 3-7 day w trek map","title":"day 3-7 day w trek map","height":"759","width":"600","style":"height: 443px; width: 350px; margin: 15px; float: left;","class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Day 3, Wednesday, The Paine Massif s Heart: Valle Frances Torres del Paine NP, Chile After breakfast at Refugio Los Cuernos, we will 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 south east face of the Massif, where we will be treated to fantastic views of the valley. We will then continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley where we will be able to marvel at the extensive mass of the valley's geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). After our upward trek, we will pause for a picnic and relax a while. This day's trek will end as we descend through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest which will take us to Refugio Paine Grande. N.B. An optional trek to Mirador Britanico is also available. Overnight Refugio Paine Grande, Torres del Paine National Park [[{"fid":"5194","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"d 4-7 day w trek map","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"day 4-7 day w trek map","field_tags[und]":"","field_folder[und]":"196","media_title[und][0][value]":"","media_description[und][0][v 4-7 day w trek map","title":"day 4-7 day w trek map","height":"634","width":"600","style":"height: 370px; width: 350px; margin: 15px; float: right;","class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Day 4, Thursday, Glacier Grey Torres del Paine NP, Chile This day will see us hike from Paine Grande Refugio along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern side of the glacially beautiful Lake Grey. We will feast on a picnic lunch before boarding the boat that sails right to the huge, crystalline facade of Glacier Grey, where we will have plenty of time to marvel at the calving glacier. From the southern end of Glacier Grey we will transfer to EcoCamp. Due to the temperamental weather of the region, boat trips across the lake may occasionally be cancelled if the required minimum of 15 passengers is not reached. If either is the case, we will trek up to the sightseeing point and profit from wonderful, panoramic views of the Glacier instead. Then we will return on foot to Paine Grande and take a catamaran to Pudeto s dock, where we will be picked up and driven to EcoCamp. *Optional Kayaking around Glacier Grey: This excursion starts at 13:00 and lasts 2,5 hours where you will discover the amazing glacier and kayak around huge floating icebergs, towards the east side of the glacier to get closer to the giant ice wall (Min. age: 15 ; Max age: 65) (Note: Kayaking option is only available until March 19th) Overnight EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park [[{"fid":"5195","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"d 5-7 day w trek map","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"day 5-7 day w trek
map","field_tags[und]":"","field_folder[und]":"196","media_title[und][0][value]":"","media_description[und][0][v 5-7 day w trek map","title":"day 5-7 day w trek map","height":"552","width":"600","style":"height: 322px; width: 350px; margin: 15px; float: left;","class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Day 5, Friday, the big challenge: Torres del Paine?Torres del Paine NP, Chile The goal of our fifth day of our 7-day Trek will be to complete the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine National Park! We will walk from the campsite towards Hostería 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 comes in the form of the steep moraine, a huge mass of boulders which will lead us to that iconic base-view of the Towers - Three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After a tough uphill climb, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before us, with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting on the view and our picnic, we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp for a welldeserved dinner. Overnight EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park [[{"fid":"5196","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"d 6-7 day w trek map","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"day 6-7 day w trek map","field_tags[und]":"","field_folder[und]":"196","media_title[und][0][value]":"","media_description[und][0][v 6-7 day w trek map","title":"day 6-7 day w trek map","height":"611","width":"600","style":"height: 356px; width: 350px; margin: 15px; float: right;","class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Day 6, Saturday, Eastern Lakes* Torres del Paine NP, Chile The sixth day will consist of a less strenuous trail in order to counter the exhausting efforts of the previous day. After breakfast, we will take a leisurely car journey towards Laguna Azul, passing Cañadón Macho, home to many wild guanacos and ñandúes, en route. We will pause occasionally to admire the views of the Patagonian steppe and the towers from a different perspetive. At Laguna Azul, we will hike to the lookout point where we will be treated to a gorgeous view of both the lagoon and granite towers. After lunch, we will drive to the northern shore of Sarmiento Lake where the Fauna Trail begins. As we hike northbound, we will spot an impressive range of Patagonian fauna on the vast plains, including: guanacos, ostrich-like ñandús and maybe the occasional puma print! We will pass the charming Goic lagoon and after approximately 5km of relaxed walking, we will reach the Laguna Amarga ranger station where we will be picked up and driven back to Ecocamp to celebrate over our farewell dinner. *Please note that if there are more than 6 travellers in the group there's an option to split into two groups, with one group (or the whole group if everybody's in the mood!) cycling to Laguna Azul! Overnight EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park Day 7, Sunday, Adios Torres del Paine!?Punta Arenas, Chile We will board an early morning vehicle, sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas in time to catch the evening flight to Santiago. Or, alternatively, we board an early morning vehicle to the border to continue our journey to El Calafate. Patagonia Torres del Paine 7 Day W Trek - Trekking Chart [+] PAT 025 - Patagonia Torres del Paine 7 Day W Trek - Trekking Chart Data / Day Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Trail Name arrive in Torres del Paine NP Los Cuernos Trail Valle Frances Trail Grey Glacier Trail Las Torres Trail Eastern Lakes leave Torres del
Paine NP Starting Point EcoCamp Patagonia Refugio Cuernos Refugio Paine Grande EcoCamp Patagonia EcoCamp Patagonia Finishing Point Refugio Cuernos (or Domo El Francés) Refugio Paine Grande EcoCamp Patagonia (Trekking ends at Grey Viewpoint) EcoCamp Patagonia EcoCamp Patagonia appx. Walking Time 4.5 hrs (or 5.5 hrs) 10 hrs 4 hrs 9 hrs 3 hr Distance 12 km / 7.5 mi (14 km / 8.7 mi) 26 km / 16 mi 11 km / 7 mi 22 km / 14 mi 6km / 4mi max Altitude Point 244 m / 800 feet 686 m / 2250 feet 244m / 800 feet 914 m / 3000 feet 180 m / 590ft Accommodation Media Folder: Accommodations [3] EcoCamp Patagonia (Nights 1,4,5,6) Ecocamp Patagonia is located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, with views of the majestic granite towers. The region?s first sustainable lodge south of the Amazon and the first of its kind in the Patagonian wilderness, EcoCamp offers upscale camping in domes inspired by the region?s ancient nomadic inhabitants. W Trek advisable minimum age form Children is 12 years. Media Folder: Accommodations [4] 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. Media Folder: Accommodations [5] 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.
Media Folder: Accommodations [6] EcoCamp's Suite Dome Lofts (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. Media Folder: Accommodations [7] EcoCamp Patagonia Superior Dome [7] (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. Mountain huts / Refugios (Nights 2,3) Typical mountain huts, open to the public visiting Torres del Paine. They have rooms for 4-6 people. The beds are single bunks and we will provide you with a sleeping bag and a polar fleece liner (you don't need to bring a sleeping bag!). The bathrooms are also shared and they have hot water. The refugios are heated and have a very comfortable dining area where plentiful meals are served. If refugios are unavailable, alternative accommodation will be provided in tents with prior notice. Media Folder: W-Trek [8] Domes El Francés (Night 2 / Alternative to Refugio) Geodesic domes, open to the public visiting Torres del Paine. The domes have an amazing view of Nordenskjöld lake, Cuernos del Paine and Paine Grande Mountains and come with a private bathroom for 8 people each (shared bathroom and dome). Accommodation are single bed or bunk beds and we will provide you with a sleeping bag and a polar fleece liner (you don't need to bring a sleeping bag!). Prices & Facts Regular Departures
Every Monday from October 2017 to April 2018** Low Season: 2 Oct 2017 to 15 Oct 2017 (Spring) & 18 Apr 2018 to 29 Apr 2018 (Autumn) - last departure on April 23th, 2017 Shoulder Season: 16 Oct 2016 to 31 Oct 2017 (Spring) & 01 Apr 2017 to 17 Apr 2018 (Autumn) High Season: 1 Nov 2016 to 14 Dec 2017 & 21 Jan 2018 to 31 Mar 2018 (Summer) Peak Season: 15 Dec 2017 to 20 Jan 2018 (Summer) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- W Trek - Spring Special Offer! Terms & Conditions: Only valid when booking a W Trek Program at EcoCamp. 10% discount only valid for stays and travel in October. Valid for all Domes. Valid for purchases made in September and October (until Oct 15th). Offer cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions Discount valid for regular departures only. (7 Day W-Trek starting on Monday and 5 Day Short W-Trek starting on Sunday) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unlimited Adventure Special Offer Customize your perfect adventure by pairing one of our EcoCamp Programs with a trip to Atacama or the rest of Patagonia and get 10% off that accompanying program! Check our suggested matching program: Atacama Desert 7 day Trek [9] The Dientes [10]Circuit - Navarino Island [10] Terms & Conditions Only valid when booking an EcoCamp program of 4 days or longer Only valid for travel between September 9th, 2017 and May, 2018 Offer cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions The discounted program must be of a minimum of 4 days The discounted program must be in Patagonia (Chile & Argentina) or Atacama only This discount does not apply for the following programs: Atacama Desert Awasi Tour Experience
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Optional Kayaking around the Grey Glacier on Day 4 Price: CLP 60,000 per person Duration: 2,5 hours departing at 13:00 Available from November to March 19th Minimum: 3 passengers Maximum: 12 passengers Includes: Neoprene suit, waterproof jacket and boots, poogies (kayak gloves), skirt, life-jacket. *For this kayak excursion the minimum age is 15 years old and maximum 65 years old What's CLP? Your booking is based on Chilean pesos (CLP), but you pay in US$ (USD), using the exchange rate valid on the day of payment which will be shown in your order. This exchange rate may vary between the date you pay your deposit and the date you pay your outstanding balance, but rest assured this is the best way to keep our prices competitive and ensure the best rate for you! Notes Find conditions for children in General Information below Flight tickets not included; ref. SCL/PUQ/SCL (Approx ticket cost: USD 440 p.p.) Accommodation at the refugio will be provided either in dormitories or in comfortable tents or domes, including mat, sleeping bag and a polar fleece liner; our team will set up and dismantle all this. The campsite provides satisfactory bathroom facilities. Meals will be served inside the refugio. Private or Customised Departures We can do it, please contact us. Starting / Finishing Points The trip starts on Monday and finishes on Sunday with pick ups and drop offs in Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or El Calafate. Please visit our Weekly Transfer Board [11] for details of EcoCamp pick up and drop off times from both Chile and Argentina.
Included day 1: L, D All ground transport - private and domestic - as indicated in the itinerary Regular bus tickets Calafate <> Natales if starting/finishing in Calafate (check last section). Boat crossing on Grey Lake* please check day 4 of the itinerary 4 nights accommodation in EcoCamp*** 1 night accommodation at Refugio Paine Grande** 1 night in Refugio Los Cuernos or Domo El Francés (depending on availability) ** Park fees for Torres del Paine National Park One expert English speaking trekking guide Sleeping bag for refugios if needed Transportation for your luggage within the Park: while trekking you will carry just your daypack Meals (B: breakfast, BL: box lunch, L: Lunch, D: dinner): day 2: B, BL, D day 3: B, BL, D day 4: B, BL, D day 5: B, BL, D day 6: B, BL, D day 7: B, BL Important notes: *During Low & Shoulder Season (October and April) the boat trip to Glacier Grey may be cancelled, if this is the case we will offer you a good alternative of excursion within the park. **If refugios are unavailable, alternative accommodation will be provided in tents or domes with prior notice. ***If you choose a standard dome and you are travelling alone, you can share the dome with another person of the same gender and pay the double base price. If you want the dome to yourself, you need to pay a Single Supplement N.B. During Shoulder and Low Season (October and April) the Towers Trek excursion might be cancelled because of weather conditions and safety considerations. Excluded Flight tickets
Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip) Voluntary tipping of guides and staff Soft drinks or snacks not served with the meals included at the EcoCamp. Bringing US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP is recommended Items of a personal nature Group Size & Guiding Staff 9 travelers is the most typical group size, plus guiding staff. Maximum 12 clients. Guide to passenger ratio: 1:6 Transport In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia transport is in minivans that normally seat from 8 to 14 people. Pick up / Drop off times shown in the Weekly Transfer Board are approximate and will be confirmed locally by our 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. In addition, the strong marine influence and the affect of the Southern Patagonia Ice field make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer 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. The summer?s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºCmax, 2ºC min). However, just as quickly as the weather turns nasty, it can become lovely and sunny. So come prepared for all types of weather! 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. 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. Children Youngsters who are 13 years of age or older are welcome and are considered adults. Children between the ages of 10 and 12 can only participate in this program if their parent or legal guardian hires an independent, private guide to accompany the child during excursions, as well as signs Cascada's legal waiver, which states that the child is prepared for such an intense trekking trip, and includes information about the independently hired guide. Children under 10 years of age cannot participate in this trip. This trip doesn?t offer a special discount for children.
What you need to bring Passengers need to be prepared for summer and winter all at once. Essential equipment includes a one day backpack (30 liters - to carry camera, glasses, rain coat, etc), trekking or hiking boots, extra shoes for evenings or in case others get wet, waterproof jacket, two pairs of woollen socks, fleece jacket or sweater, shorts or comfortable loose pants, sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm and screen) and optional capilene underwear for the upper and lower body. US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP. Itinerary Modifications The weather in Patagonia can be difficult to deal with at times. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations. Testimonials Contact us Call Us Give us a call, we are here to help you! We are open Mon-Fri 9am to 6pm Chilean time.» Current time in Santiago de Chile [12] USA/Canada 1-800-901-6987 UK 0-800-051-7095 Alemania 0-800-182-6938 Brasil 0-800-892-1291 World 0056-2-2923-5950 Links
[1] https://www.cascada.travel/en/tour/patagonia-torres-del-paine-7-day-w-trek [2] https://www.cascada.travel/en/tour/patagonia-torres-del-paine-9-day-circuit [3] http://www.ecocamp.travel [4] http://www.ecocamp.travel/domes/standard [5] http://www.ecocamp.travel/domes/suite [6] http://www.ecocamp.travel/domes/suite-loft [7] http://www.ecocamp.travel/domes/superior [8] https://www.cascada.travel/en/media-folders/w-trek [9] https://www.cascada.travel/en/tour/atacama-desert-7-day-trek?sku=nor030d [10] https://www.cascada.travel/en/tour/dientes-circuit-navarino-island-6-day-trek?sku=pat040 [11] https://www.cascada.travel/en/about/ecocamp-patagonia-weekly-transfer-board [12] https://www.cascada.travel/en/current-time-chile