Las Torres viewpoint
5.0

Hike the W Trek in Patagonia

  • Chile
  • 6 nights

Tackle the legendary W Trek in Chile, an epic trail weaving through towering peaks and mighty glaciers at the edge of the world

What's Included?

  • Activities & Certified Guides

    All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guides
  • Accommodation

    2 nights in a hotel, 2 nights in a mountain refuge, and 2 nights camping
  • Meals

    All meals included
  • Transfers

    Group transfers to and from the airport and everything in between
  • Permits & Fees

    National Park entry fee & boat tickets
  • Small Like-minded Groups

    Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From
excluding flights

What's it like?

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Hike through rugged terrain and lenga forests to reach the iconic Torres del Paine viewpoint, where three granite towers soar above a turquoise glacial lake

Witness the scale of Grey Glacier, as massive shards of blue ice stretch into the distance and drift through the lake below.

Refuel with hearty meals, warm up by the fire, and swap stories with fellow adventurers in Torres del Paine’s remote and welcoming refugios

Robin A.(February 2026)
Spectacular, tough, exhilarating, surreal
Spectacular, tough, exhilarating, surreal
Spectacular, tough, exhilarating, surreal
Spectacular, tough, exhilarating, surreal
Spectacular, tough, exhilarating, surreal
Spectacular, tough, exhilarating, surreal
Spectacular, tough, exhilarating, surreal
Spectacular, tough, exhilarating, surreal
Spectacular, tough, exhilarating, surreal

My wife and I joined this small-group trip as part of our honeymoon across Chile -- we love a proper adventure -- and everything about it was a joy. The W Trek is tough, no doubt; we were granted essentially perfect summer weather, which made things easier, but the back-to-back daily hikes, which are always long and frequently over rubbly terrain, are pretty tiring, especially toward the end of each day and when you're going downslope and being careful not to slip. But each day was easily worth the effort: the views throughout are mind-expandingly beautiful. We caught condors and guanacos, glaciers and waterfalls, verdant valleys and sky-scraping mountains almost everywhere we looked. The camping sites are far better than you might expect, too, and our guides need a full hour of applause: thank you, thank you, Walter, Eric and Pedro, for keeping us safe and keeping us laughing while marvelling at the panoramas. The group we were placed with were just fab too—the sort you'll stay in touch with long after the trip itself ends. Nothing felt like a race to the top, but a well-paced group effort to reach those astounding viewpoints.

A pretty much perfect adventure was had by all. Book this trip in Jan/Feb, and you won't regret it (even if your knees and feet think otherwise by the end).

Jeffrey R.(January 2026)
Amazing
Amazing
Amazing
Amazing
Amazing
Amazing
Amazing

I recently hiked the W Trail with our guides, Iara, Pedro & Eric plus a wonderful group of fellow adventurers. Everything was organised so well, right from the start. Our guides were very friendly, knowledgeable & helpful, our accommodations were comfortable & everything was planned out well in advance. It’s quite a physical challenge to hike this much each day but if you’re up for it, I highly recommend it as the scenery is stunning

Louise B.(January 2026)
This was the trip of

This was the trip of a lifetime. The guides in particular deserve a special mention. Our tour leader, Iara, along with guides Pedro and Eric were the dream team. Their knowledge of the local area, the paths, the seismology and geology of the area was incredible. Also the way they read the clouds and the weather was fascinating. They shared their knowledge of all the flora, fauna and bird life that we saw. Thankyou!

Tom H.(December 2025)
Do it
Do it

The Patagonia W Hike was an incredible experience overall. Lodging was comfortable across the board, and even the tents exceeded expectations. Early December brought cold, rainy weather, but it was manageable with proper gear. Lunches were the weakest part of the experience, while breakfasts and dinners were consistently solid, and the refugios were well stocked with beer and pisco sours. The trails were stunning from start to finish. One key takeaway is to train for sustained, steep inclines before you go, as it will make the experience far more enjoyable. The real standouts, though, were the tour guides and the group. Everyone was great, with no complaints.

Lauren B.(December 2025)
Awesome experience

This was a great trip and I had a fantastic experience - but it is not for the faint of heart! Hiking 6 days can be quite challenging with large packs and in difficult terrain. We were lucky to have a great group that was similarly paced along the journey. Patagonia was absolutely stunning and the itinerary was great - we were able to accomplish everything on our journey and didn't have to worry about anything along the way.

Timothy S.(December 2025)
A Must Do Adventure
A Must Do Adventure

Hike the W is simply a brilliant adventure. Great hikes, breathtaking views, a real once in a lifetime trip. The guides were fantastic and knowledgeable. Go do it!

Kayla L.(December 2025)
Had a great time! The
Had a great time! The
Had a great time! The
Had a great time! The

Had a great time! The guides and trip were awesome! Very informative when it can to weather and great with everything else.

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Welcome to Patagonia!

    Hotel
    Twin share
    Dinner included
    Show Day 1 detail

    Touch down in Puerto Natales and settle into your hotel before heading off to meet your guide and the rest of your fellow adventurers. Get to know each other over dinner, then get some rest before the adventure really starts.

  2. Day 2

    Hit the road to Torres del Paine

    Driving
    2-3 hrs
    Hiking
    4-5 hrs · 4mi · 328ft up · 328ft down
    Boat Ride
    30 mins
    Mountain refuge
    Mixed dorm
    All meals included
    Show Day 2 detail

    Kick off your adventure with a journey into the legendary Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1978. On the way, pass the tranquil waters of Sofia Lagoon and Toro Lake before reaching the park’s Serrano entrance. Your first stop is the Mirador Condor viewpoint—if the weather cooperates, a short hike rewards you with breathtaking panoramas of Pehoé Lake. Next, feel the raw power of Salto Grande, a thundering waterfall where the waters of Lake Nordenskjöld plunge into Lake Pehoé. From here, follow the trail to Los Cuernos viewpoint for unbeatable views of the park’s iconic spires and rugged massif. The adventure continues at Pudeto Pier, where a 30-minute boat ride across Pehoé Lake takes you deep into the park’s most remote corners—far beyond the reach of any road. Step off the boat and take a short walk to Paine Grande Refuge, your cozy base for the next two nights, surrounded by some of Patagonia’s most epic landscapes.

  3. Day 3

    Glacier Grey

    Hiking
    7-8 hrs · 14mi · 1772ft up · 1772ft down
    Mountain refuge
    Mixed dorm
    All meals included
    Show Day 3 detail

    Set out from Paine Grande on a winding trail through a narrow valley, passing the tranquil waters of Los Patos Lagoon. As you hike, catch glimpses of the vast Southern Ice Field as well as the ice floes of Lago Gray. After tackling the sometimes ferocious winds at a scenic viewpoint, descend through a rugged mountain forest to reach Gray Refuge. Just a short walk beyond, the breathtaking Gray Glacier comes into full view—a towering wall of ancient blue ice. If you're lucky, you might witness huge chunks of ice calving off and crashing into the lake below. Soak it all in before retracing your steps back to Paine Grande Refuge, where a well-earned warm dinner awaits.

    Day 4

    Hike the French Valley

    Hiking
    6-8 hrs · 11mi · 1969ft up · 1804ft down
    Campsite
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 4 detail

    Today's trek takes us deep into the heart of Torres del Paine, following the shores of the brilliant blue Skottsberg Lake. After around 2.5 hours of hiking, we’ll reach the Italian Camp, where we begin our ascent into the spectacular French Valley. The trail leads us over giant boulders before weaving through an ancient lenga forest. As we climb higher, we reach the French Plateau, a natural amphitheater surrounded by the high, rocky peaks of Torres del Paine. Towering above us are Los Cuernos (the Horns), dramatic rock spires that frame the valley. Below, turquoise glacial lagoons sit beneath the imposing east face of Paine Grande (10,007 ft), where massive hanging glaciers cling to the rock. The valley is alive with the sound of cracking ice—chunks break away and crash down the slopes, sometimes triggering small avalanches that send snow and debris cascading into the valley below. After a well-earned break and a scenic picnic lunch, we’ll continue to Los Cuernos or Francés Camp, where a hearty dinner and a restful night in the wilderness await.

  4. Day 5

    Hike to Chileno Camp

    Hiking
    6-8 hrs · 9mi · 2133ft up · 1148ft down
    Campsite
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 5 detail

    Today's hike winds past crystalline mountain streams and beneath the towering face of Almirante Nieto (8,760 ft), where hanging glaciers cling to its rugged slopes. Keep an eye on the sky for Andean condors soaring overhead, riding the thermals with effortless grace. As we follow the trail along the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld, the varying shades of blue and green reflect the steep peaks above, constantly shifting with the changing light and weather. The terrain varies from well-trodden paths to rocky sections and rolling hills, keeping the hike engaging as we make our way toward the Ascencio Valley. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Chileno Camp, a cozy refuge tucked into the valley’s forested slopes. Here, we’ll settle in for dinner and to rest up for tomorrow’s much-anticipated climb to the iconic Torres del Paine.

  5. Day 6

    Climb to the viewpoint at Base Las Torres

    Hiking
    6-7 hrs · 10mi · 1214ft up · 2428ft down
    Driving
    2 hrs
    Hotel
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 6 detail

    After breakfast in the refuge, you’ll set out for today’s hike to Base Las Torres. The trail takes you through the Ascencio Valley, passing through dense lenga forests. As you near the final ascent, you’ll cross a massive field of boulders before reaching the iconic Base of the Towers lookout, one of the most emblematic lookouts in the world. At 2,953 feet above sea level, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the three granite towers (north, central, and south) and the sparkling turquoise glacial lake at its feet. After soaking in the breathtaking scenery, head back to Chileno Camp where you can enjoy your picnic lunch, pick up your backpack and descend to Torre Central refuge and visitors center. Your host will be waiting to take you back to Puerto Natales where you will enjoy a celebratory meal with your group at a local restaurant.

  6. Day 7

    Goodbye Patagonia

    Breakfast included
    Show Day 7 detail

    Enjoy a final morning in Puerto Natales before your host takes you back to the airport in time for lunchtime flights.

Getting There

Nearest airport
Tte. Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT)
Pick up
Puerto Natales Airport
13:00 on Day 1
Drop off
Puerto Natales Airport
11:00 on Day 7

What is and isn't included?

What's included

  • Guided short acclimatization hikes in Torres del Paine
  • Boat ride across Lago Pehoe
  • 4 days guided hiking on the W trek

  • Expert, English-speaking local tour guide throughout
  • Additional expert mountain guide(s) for the trek

  • 2 nights in a comfortable hotel in Puerto Natales
  • 2 nights in Paine Grande Refuge, Torres del Paine
  • 1 night at Los Cuernos or Frances camp
  • 1 night at Chileno camp

All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:

  • 6 wholesome breakfasts
  • 5 tasty packed lunches
  • 6 dinners (a welcome meal; 4 hearty meals at the refuge; and a farewell dinner)

  • Group arrival transfer from Puerto Natales Airport on Day 1
  • Group departure transfer to Puerto Natales Airport on Day 7
  • All transfers during the trip

  • Torres del Paine National Park Entrance fee
  • Lago Pehoe boat ticket

Where you'll stay

  • Double room at Hotel Vendaval

    Puerto Natales

  • Refugio Paine Grande Exterior on the shore of Lake Pehoe

    Torres del Paine

  • Chileno Camp in Torres del Paine

    On the W Trek

What you'll eat

In Puerto Natales, you’ll find a mix of hearty Patagonian cuisine and international options, featuring plenty of fresh seafood, grilled lamb (cordero al palo), and empanadas. On the W Trek, meals are provided by the refugios, with breakfast and dinne…

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DEPARTURE DATES

  • Thursday 5th November 2026

    to Wednesday 11th November 2026

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Optional Extras

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation

Pre/post trip accommodation in Puerto Natales from (double/twin))
…/per night
Pre/post trip accommodation in Puerto Natales from(single)
…/per night

Single Occupancy

Optional private room upgrade (Puerto Natales) from
…/per person

For solo travellers looking for their own space, a private room and/or private tent can be booked for an extra charge – see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking, as this is subject to availability. This upgrade includes a private room on Day 1 and Day 6 at Puerto Natales, and a private tent for Day 4 and Day 5 while camping in Torres del Paine. On Day 2 and Day 3, you'll sleep in a mountain refuge with dormitory accommodation only, so a private room is not possible here.


Transfers

Private Arrival / Departure Transfer (1 - 3 persons)

To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.

All extras must be paid before your trip starts.

Illustration of a group of people kayaking

GOT A GROUP OF 6 OR MORE?

Book the whole trip privately. We sort the details, you split the cost. Pure adventure, zero faff.

FAQs

Weather, trail conditions, or transport delays can sometimes force a change in plans. If that happens, your experienced local guide will adapt the itinerary to make sure you still get the best possible experience, always keeping safety the top priority. Flexibility is part of the adventure, and your host is well-prepared to handle whatever the mountains throw at you.

You will be accompanied by your tour leader for the duration of the trip. While hiking in Torres del Paine, you will also be led by one or two mountain guides, depending on the size of your group.

Excess luggage can be left at the hotel in Puerto Natales at the start of the trip. On Day 3 and Day 6 of the trek you will be able to leaving your larger Backpack at the Refugio and trek with a small Lightweight daypack only.

You will have to carry your own drinking water, and your guide will ensure that you have access to drinking water and know where to fill up each day. Each campsite has water taps and there are points along the treks where you can fill up from streams. Should you want to use a water filter, then you may wish to read our guide to water filters here.

At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive, and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location, and lodging, and in some places, options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully prior to your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.

Once you have booked your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.

BACKGROUND

Patagonian cuisine reflects a remote, cold-climate landscape shaped by Indigenous traditions, European settlement, and livestock farming, resulting in robust, rustic dishes centered on hearty meat and seafood dishes flavored with interesting spices.

SPECIAL DIETS

Vegetarian -Vegetarian diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Vegetarian food is less common but can include vegetable stews, empanada fillings, and seasonal produce.

Vegan -Vegan diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Vegan and dairy-free travelers may need to adapt as meat, butter, and cheese are widely used.

Kosher -Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are rare and usually cannot be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in advance by your host. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. The Host is unable to guarantee a separate, certified cooking/preparation area or the use of certified kosher products. They can, however, provide meals that exclude non-Kosher ingredients (such as pork and shellfish) and avoid mixing meat and dairy. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

Halal -Certified Halal supply varies by location and may not always be possible. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

INTOLERANCES

Gluten Free (for Celiac, please see Allergies section below) -Gluten-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Gluten-free eating can be challenging due to bread, pastries, and empanadas being staples, and allergy awareness may be limited in rural areas. The Host can offer meals prepared to exclude gluten or specific allergens. However, they cannot guarantee the absence of cross-contamination due to the nature of shared kitchen facilities, especially in remote locations like the refugios. Please do consider bringing your favorite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.

Lactose Free -Lactose-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Many traditional dishes are naturally lactose-free or can easily be prepared without dairy, such as grilled meats, rice, and vegetable dishes.

ALLERGIES

Our host has confirmed that provision for certain mild and severe or life-threatening food allergies on this trip may be unreliable. Please get in touch with our Customer Experience team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip.

This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip, and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority. Please note that when traveling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods, and labeling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. While your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).

If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

The weather in southern Patagonia is famously unpredictable, with strong winds, sudden gusts, and rapidly changing conditions. Be ready for anything! Trips run during Chile’s summer months (October–April), which tend to be drier, though rain showers are always a possibility. Mid-summer temperatures can reach 68°F during the day and drop to around 41°F at night, while early (October) and late-season (March–April) departures bring cooler conditions. Weather may occasionally impact the itinerary, and your guide may adjust plans to ensure both safety and the best possible experience.

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 161kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

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