Hike the W Trek in Patagonia
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 guidesAccommodation
2 nights in a hotel, 2 nights in a mountain refuge and 2 nights campingMeals
All meals includedTransfers
Group transfers to and from the airport and everything in betweenPermits & Fees
National Park entrance fee & boat ticketsSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
…
What's it like?
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
Stand in awe at the edge of Grey Glacier, watching massive shards of ancient blue ice drift through the still waters of 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
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Patagonia!
Touch down in Puerto Natales and settle into your hotel before heading out to meet your guide and fellow adventurers. Get to know each other over dinner, then rest up before your adventure on the W Trek really begins.
Day 2
Hit the road to Torres del Paine
Driving
Hiking
Boat Ride
Kick off your adventure with a journey into the legendary Torres del Paine National Park, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978. En route, pass the tranquil waters of Sofia Lagoon and Lake Toro before reaching the park’s Serrano entrance. Your first stop is the Mirador Cóndor viewpoint, and if the weather plays nice, a short hike rewards you with breathtaking panoramas over Lake Pehoé. Next up, 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 the 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 Lake Pehoé 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 the Paine Grande Refuge, your cosy base for the next two nights, surrounded by some of Patagonia’s most awesome landscapes.
Day 3
Glacier Grey
Hiking
Set out from Paine Grande along 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 and the ice floes of Lago Grey. After braving the often ferocious winds at a scenic viewpoint, descend through a rugged mountain forest to reach Grey Refuge. Just a short walk beyond, the breathtaking Grey Glacier comes into full view, a towering wall of ancient blue ice. If you’re lucky, you might witness huge chunks 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
Today’s trek takes you deep into the heart of Torres del Paine, following the shores of the brilliant blue Lake Skottsberg. After around 2.5 hours of hiking, you’ll reach the Italian Camp and begin your ascent into the spectacular French Valley. The trail leads over giant boulders before weaving through an ancient lenga forest. As you climb higher you’ll reach the French Plateau, a natural amphitheatre surrounded by the dramatic peaks of Torres del Paine. Towering above are Los Cuernos (the Horns), striking rock spires that frame the valley. Below, turquoise glacial lagoons lie beneath the imposing east face of Paine Grande (3050m), where massive hanging glaciers cling to the rock. The valley is alive with the sound of cracking ice, with chunks breaking away and crashing 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, continue on to Los Cuernos or Francés Camp, where a hearty dinner and a restful night in the wilderness await.
Day 5
Hike to Chileno Camp
Hiking
Today’s hike winds past crystalline mountain streams and beneath the towering face of Almirante Nieto (2670m), 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 you follow the trail along the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld, the ever-changing shades of blue and green mirror the steep peaks above, shifting with the light and weather. The terrain varies from well-trodden paths to rocky sections and rolling hills, keeping the hike engaging as you make our way towards the Ascencio Valley. Arrive at Chileno Camp by late afternoon, a cosy refuge nestled in the valley’s forested slopes. Settle in for dinner and rest up ahead of tomorrow’s much-anticipated climb to the iconic Torres del Paine.
Day 6
Climb to the viewpoint at Base Las Torres
Hiking
Driving
After breakfast at the refuge, you’ll set out on today’s hike to Base Las Torres. The trail winds through the Ascencio Valley, taking you into dense lenga forests and gradually climbing in elevation. Nearing the final ascent, you’ll cross a massive boulder field before reaching the iconic Base of the Towers viewpoint, one of the most renowned vistas in the world. At 900m above sea level, you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the three granite towers (North, Central and South) rising above a sparkling turquoise glacial lake. After soaking up the breathtaking scenery, return to Chileno Camp to enjoy your picnic lunch, collect your backpack, and descend to Torre Central refuge and visitor centre. There, your driver will be waiting to take you back to Puerto Natales, where you’ll round off the adventure with a celebratory meal at a local restaurant with your group.
Day 7
Goodbye Patagonia
Enjoy a final morning in Puerto Natales before your host drops you at the airport in time for lunchtime flights.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Puerto Natales Airport
13:00 on Day 1
Ends
Puerto Natales Airport
11:00 on Day 7
Transfers
On Day 1, a group transfer will be arranged to coincide with the LATAM Airlines flight from Santiago (SCL), arriving around lunchtime. The hotel is only 10 minutes from the airport.
On Day 7, there will be a group transfer from the hotel to the airport in time for the LATAM Airlines flight to Santiago in the afternoon.
If you are arriving/departing at different times, it is a short taxi ride to the hotel, or your host can arrange a private transfer at additional cost; please see Optional Extras.
Taxi: Upon exiting the terminal, you'll find taxis waiting just outside. The ride to downtown Puerto Natales typically takes about 10 minutes and costs around $8,000 CLP (approximately $10 USD). On leaving, your hotel can arrange a taxi to the airport for you.
Travel options
Getting to Puerto Natales from the UK, Europe, or the US requires a few connections. Most travellers fly into Santiago, Chile (SCL), the country’s main international hub, with direct flights available from London, New York, Miami, and other major cities. From Santiago, there are daily domestic flights to Puerto Natales (PNT) with LATAM. Alternatively, you can fly to Punta Arenas (PUQ), a larger airport with multiple daily flights from Santiago, and then take a scenic three-hour bus ride to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine. Depending on your connections, you may want to spend a night in Santiago (usually required on the outbound leg). There are several hotels near the airport, or the city centre is just a 20–30 minute journey by taxi or bus.
If you are extending your time in Patagonia, it is possible to travel by bus to El Calafate or El Chaltén, both in Argentina, and fly home via Buenos Aires.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
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 dinner served in the dining halls. Expect hot, filling dishes such as soups, pasta, rice, meat, and vegetables, while breakfasts typically include eggs, cereal, and toast. Packed lunches, usually sandwiches, fruit, and snacks, are supplied to eat on the trail. Many hikers also bring extra snacks like nuts, chocolate, and energy bars for long days out.
Vegetarians, vegans, and other dietary requirements or allergies can be catered for, please simply request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Puerto Natales
In Puerto Natales, you’ll stay at the modern and stylish Hotel Vendaval (or a similar property), conveniently located in the centre, just three blocks from the waterfront. You’ll stay on a twin-share basis in ensuite rooms, offering comfort and convenience before and after your trek in Torres del Paine.
Torres del Paine
Situated on the shores of Lake Pehoe, you'll stay in Refugio Paine Grande – one of the largest mountain refuges in Torres del Paine National Park. Occupying a strategic central location within the park, it's only accessible by crossing the lake or walking the trekking trails. You will stay in one of the refugio’s mixed-gender dorm rooms (2, 4, or 6 people per dorm) with shared single-sex bathrooms on each floor. The refuge also offers a cafeteria, paid internet, and a bar with beautiful panoramic views.
While you'll usually spend two nights at the Refugio Paine Grande, on rare occasions, a lack of availability might mean you'll stay at the adjacent Paine Grande campsite instead. If this happens, you’ll still have access to the refugio’s indoor facilities (including the dining room, bathrooms, and communal areas), so you’ll stay warm, well-fed, and part of the same atmosphere, just with a tented night under the stars. Sleeping bags and comfortable mats are provided if you are camping..
On the W Trek
During your trek, you will stay at fixed campsites located throughout the National Park. You will spend one night at either Los Cuernos or Camp Francés, and one night at Chileno Camp. Each camp provides a twin-share tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, and pillow. Shared bathrooms with hot showers are available, and breakfasts and dinners are served indoors in the refugio dining room.
The fixed camps use tents elevated on platforms 1.6 metres above the ground, specially designed to withstand the Patagonian climate, ensuring a dry and comfortable night.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional 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 (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Challenging
You don’t need to be a mountaineer, but a good level of fitness will go a long way. You’ll be hiking 5–8 hours a day with an overnight pack, covering undulating terrain, rocky paths and the occasional steep climb, especially on the way to Base Torres and into the French Valley. The trail is well marked and non-technical, but Patagonian weather adds an extra challenge, with strong winds and sudden shifts. If you’re comfortable walking long days in the hills back home, you’ll be just fine and the views will make every step worth it.
What will I need to carry?
You’ll need to carry your own personal gear during the trek, including spare hiking clothes, overnight wear, a packed lunch and any extra snacks you want for the trail. All meals are provided at the camps, along with tents and all necessary camping equipment (including a sleeping bag), so you can keep your pack focused on the essentials.
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 (and even snow!) showers are always possible. Mid-summer temperatures can reach 20°C (68°F) during the day and drop to around 5°C (41°F) at night, while early (October) and late-season (March–April) departures bring cooler conditions. Weather may occasionally affect the itinerary, and your guide may adjust plans to ensure both your safety and the best possible experience.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Itinerary Activities
- Guided short acclimatisation hikes in Torres del Paine
- Boat ride across Lago Pehoe
- 4 days guided hiking on the W trek
Guides
- Expert, English-speaking local tour guide throughout
- Additional expert mountain guide(s) for the trek
Accommodation
- 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
Meals
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)
Transfers
- 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
Permits & Fees
- Torres del Paine National Park Entrance fee
- Lago Pehoe boat ticket
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.
Personal expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional food and drinks, shopping and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Porters
Personal porters to carry your luggage are not included, as you will only be carrying small packs, most of which is needed during the day. If you have a special requirement, porters can be hired at additional cost (subject to availability). Please speak to your host for details.
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Duffel bag for excess luggage left at the hotel
- Backpack (35-45 litres+)
- Waterproof liner or drybags for kitbag/rucksack
CLOTHES
- Insulated jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Thermals (merino best)
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Buff or neckscarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Hiking boots (worn-in)
- Sandals
SLEEPING
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner
- Travel pillow
- Sleepwear
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headtorch or torch
- Reusable water bottle x2 litre
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
- Water purification tablets/treatment system
Pre/post trip accommodation in Puerto Natales (double/twin))
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post trip accommodation in Puerto Natales (double/twin))
… Per night
Pre/post trip accommodation in Puerto Natales (single)
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post trip accommodation in Puerto Natales (single)
… Per night
Optional private room upgrade (Puerto Natales)
Payable Before Departure
Optional private room upgrade (Puerto Natales)
… Per person
Private Arrival / Departure Transfer (1 - 3 persons)
Payable Before Departure
Private Arrival / Departure Transfer (1 - 3 persons)
…
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.
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 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 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.
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.
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.
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 are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
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 on a daily basis so this does mean that 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 are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers 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.
Explore our range of over 200 worldwide adventures
We've got your back
Guaranteed to run
All Much Better Adventures trips are now guaranteed to run. Once you’ve booked your spot you can immediately make your travel arrangements, no uncertainty, no hanging about (excludes 'request to book' departures). Full details
Flexible payments
Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details
Happiness Guarantee
We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it. Full details
Full financial protection
To give you complete peace of mind Much Better Adventures is backed by ABTOT, ABTA and ATOL memberships. Full details
Tried & Trusted
Much Better Adventures is rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 1000 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.
Connect before you go
You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details
DEPARTURE DATES
Monday 8th December 2025
to Sunday 14th December 2025
New Trip Offer - Next 1 spot available at 10% off
