What's the Difference Between Cascada's 5 & 7 Day W Trek?

Updated: February 17th, 2021

Two days!

Well, that may be the most obvious answer but it’s only half the story, which is probably why it’s one of the questions people most often ask us. Depending on your needs and wishes, either of these epic W Trek tours might be the one for you so we’ve put together a short comparison to help you decide which Patagonia W Trek you should choose. If you want some (very) useful extra information on the W Trek, check out our full guide here.

Here’s a handy table to help you compare the differences at a glance, and you can click on the individual categories or scroll down the page for the full details:

EcoCamp Patagonia - Torres del Paine W Trek Comparison Chart

Length

Of course the most obvious difference between the seven day W Trek and the five day W Trek is the two day difference in length. For both treks, the first and final days are spent travelling to and from EcoCamp Patagonia deep in the Torres del Paine National Park. Once you’ve arrived, those on the seven day trek will spend six nights and five days trekking in the park, whilst those on the five day trek spend four nights and three days trekking.

Accommodation

Seven day W trekkers spend four of their six nights in the park at EcoCamp Patagonia, a speciality eco-friendly dome hotel ideally located for trekking in Torres del Paine National Park, whilst five day W trekkers spend three of their four nights at the same fantastic hotel. Prices include the cost of accommodation in cosy and comfortable Standard Domes, Superior or Suite Dome. Check  domes differences!  Both those opting for the five and seven day W Trek will spend one night in the Refugio Paine Grande, a mountain lodge on the slumbering shores of Lake Pehoe with hot showers and plentiful food. In addition, seven day W trekkers will also spend an additional night at another lodge, the Refugio Los Cuernos at the shore of the Nordenskjöld Lake.

Excursions

French Valley Trail
(7 day & 5 day)

This challenging trek takes you along a steep trail into the the very heart of the mountains, to see the dramatic rock formations resembling a craggy, natural amphitheatre on a giant scale. The day ends with an overnight stop at the Refugio Paine Grande.

Grey Trail
(7 day & 5 day)

This trail winds along the shores of Lake Pehoe until you reach the northern tip of Grey Lake. Here you board a boat that sails up alongside the spectacular blue-white Grey Glacier, shedding icebergs into the freezing lake.

The Tower’s Trail
(7 day & 5 day)

Surely the most famous of all Torres del Paine treks, the classic journey to the looming towers themselves. As you crest the final moraine slope you’re rewarded with an exceptional view of these monolithic pillars of stone, standing like sentries looking out over the Paine Massif.

Los Cuernos Trail
(7 day only)

This is actually the first trek on the menu for seven day W trekkers and is a great taster of what’s to come, with plenty of time to enjoy and appreciate the varied flora and fauna of the park. You’ll also admire the black slate horns, Los Cuernos, reaching into the sky.

Eastern Lakes
(7 day only)

Take a leisurely car journey towards Laguna Azul and take in some fantastic views of the Patagonian Steppe. You'll get a chance to hike to a lookout point, as well as walk along the Fauna Trail. It's a great opportunity to spot some native fauna, such as the elusive puma.

Physical Level

Both the five day and the seven day W Trek are classed as demanding, meaning they’re great for intrepid travelers with a taste for adventure. The two additional excursions that are included on the seven day trek are more or less the same level of difficulty as the other three treks available to everyone. However, it’s worth considering that just the effort involved in hiking for two additional days will take an extra toll on your body during the seven day trek. It may be best to spend a little extra time on stamina training before setting off on the seven day trek, just to make sure.

Special Interest

Both the five day and seven day W Treks are perfect for lovers of the outdoors and the natural world. You’ll get in plenty of trekking and still have lots of time to admire the unique natural environment, and animals and plants, of Torres del Paine National Park. 

Start Day

On the seven day trek you start your journey to the park on a Monday and leave the following Sunday, whereas on the five day trek you begin your journey to the park on a Sunday and leave the following Thursday. That means there are always two start dates each week for you to hop onto if your travel dates aren’t flexible.

Patagonia Torres del Paine 7 Day vs 5 Day W Trek - Trekking Chart

We hope that’s answered one of the most common questions we get asked here at Cascada, but if you still have queries contact us so we can organize the W Trek you’re looking for!