Patagonia

Highlights

Highlights

• Famous W Trek in Torres del Paine.
• Unique fauna and flora.
• Magnificent winter scenery.
• Grey Lookout, French Valley, Nordenskjöld Lake, Base of the Towers and more.
• Recommended trek for experienced hikers.

Accommodation

Hotel Big Sur (2 nights).

Located in Puerto Natales, Hotel Big Sur has concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a terrace, free WiFi throughout the property and a bar. This 3-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. At the hotel rooms include a private bathroom and bed linen. Guests at Hotel Big Sur can enjoy an American breakfast.

Hotel Lago Grey (1 night).

Located in Torres del Paine, Hotel Lago Grey offers free WiFi access. Rooms here are all fitted with heating, private bathroom and satellite television. At Hotel Lago Grey guests will find an ample complimentary buffet breakfast. There is an on-site restaurant and a bar.

Lodge Paine Grande (2 nights).

Located on the shores of Pehoé Lake, with beautiful views of the Paine Horns and the Paine Grande Hill. It is the starting point of the route to the French Valley and the path to the Grey Glacier.

Accommodation in Paine Grande will be in bunk beds and mixed shared rooms, including a mattress cover, pillow, sheets and comforter.

Included

Included

• All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary.
• National Park Entry Fee.
• One expert English/Spanish speaking trekking guide.
• 2-night accommodation in Lodge Paine Grande (Including bedding).
• 2-night accommodation at Hotel Big Sur.
• 1-night accommodation at Hotel Lago Grey, Standard Room.
• All meals detailed in the itinerary.

Not included

• Flight tickets.
• Insurance. (it is mandatory that you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip).
• Voluntary tipping of guides and staff.
• Items of a personal nature.

Facts

Starting/finishing point

This trip starts at Punta Arenas Airport and ends at Puerto Natales (airports or hotels)*.

Please make sure your flight to Punta Arenas arrives prior to mid-day on Day 1.

*If flights are available, the trip can start in Puerto Natales, please have in mind that the flight frequency in winter is lower than in summer.

Important Note: This trip departs ONLY on Thursdays due to operational considerations regarding the navigations inside the Park.

Departures

Fixed Departures are available every Thursday from May to August.

Do you want a private departure for this trip? We can do it, just send us an email.

Important notes

• Dinner is NOT included on day 6.
• For this trip, you’ll have to carry your own backpack. Make sure you can fit all necessary equipment in a medium size backpack (60 Lt. recommended) so you can fit all your items and walk comfortably. You can leave the rest of your luggage at our office in Puerto Natales while on the trek.
• During winter, light hours are few so we recommend bringing a headlamp fully charged and some extra batteries.

Las Carretas Trail

This hike is the alternative for when either the Grey Navigation or the Pehoé Navigation are cancelled, allowing you to reach the next destination in the Park to continue the W Trek itinerary.

Departing from Grey:

Once we are all set, the excursion begins with a short drive from Grey Lake to the Serrano entrance point of the park, allowing some time to enjoy the beautiful winter views. Once we arrive at the Serrano entrance point, we’ll set off on a 7 hour (17 Km. / 10.5 Mi.) hike into the Park with the Paine Horns on the horizon until we reach our destination for the night, the Refugio Paine Grande which lies on the shores of Lake Pehoe at the base of the mighty Paine Massif. 

Departing from Paine Grande:

We will start walking from Refugio Paine Grande into the Las Carretas Trail, which is located close to the facilities of this Refugio, in direction to the south and into the Serrano Sector. We will leave the horns behind to make our return to the Serrano area. Once we reach the Serrano area, our transport will be waiting for us to take us to Puerto Natales.

Total hiking distance: 17 Km. / 10.5 Mi.

Transport

In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia, transport is in minivans that normally seat up to 8 & 14 people.

Weather

The Patagonian Andes is very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. In addition, the strong marine influence and the effect of the Southern Patagonia Icefield make the weather hard to predict.

Winter’s temperature range is between -2ºC/28ºF and 6ºC/43ºF. June, July, and August are the wettest months in Torres del Paine and sub-zero temperatures are common. Nevertheless, the winds are relatively mild in winter.

Group size guiding staff

• Maximum number of clients: 8.
• Guide to passenger ratio: 1:4.

Children policy

• Youngsters who are 16 years of age or older are welcome and are considered adults.
• This trip doesn’t offer a special discount for children.

What you need to bring

Essential equipment includes:

• Backpack. (minimum 60 liters)
• Sleeping bag.
• Trekking Poles.
• Waterproof trekking or hiking boots. (ankle supported)
• Gaiters.
• Crampons.
• Extra shoes for evenings or in case others get wet.
• Warm waterproof jacket.
• 4 pairs of wool socks. (we recommend merino wool)
• Fleece jacket or sweater.
• Waterproof trekking pants.
• Comfortable loose pants.
• Sun protection. (glasses, hat, lip balm, and sunscreen).
• Polyester underwear for the upper and lower body.
• Quick dry towel.

Please Note: This list is just to give you an idea of what you will need. We will send you a more detailed list prior to the departure date of the program.

Itinerary modifications

The weather in Patagonia can be difficult to plan around at times. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary as well as modify, change, or eliminate parts of the itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide based upon operational considerations.