Self-Guided W Trek
Base Torres • French Valley • Grey Glacier
MOST POPULAR PROGRAM
From USD 2,949 per person
You focus on the experience. We handle the logistics.
Trip overview
The Self-Guided W Trek is one of the most iconic trekking routes in Torres del Paine National Park, connecting the Towers viewpoint, French Valley, Grey Glacier, and some of Patagonia’s most recognizable landscapes.
This program is designed for travelers who want to hike independently while having accommodation, meals, park logistics, and route planning arranged before arrival.
The itinerary brings together the W Trek’s essential sections in a logical and well-paced journey, so you can focus on the trail instead of managing transport, lodging, meals, and timing on your own.
Inside the Experience
A visual glimpse of the landscapes, trails, and moments that define this Patagonia experience.
W Trek 7-Day itinerary
A clear daily overview of your Patagonia experience, including hiking routes, logistics, meals, and overnight stays.
Welcome to Patagonia! We pick you up at the airport or bus terminal and transfer you to your hotel. At your accommodation you’ll receive a clear briefing for the trek and final checks. Free time to rest or explore town.
No meals included
Begin the day with an early transfer to Torres del Paine National Park. Once at the Welcome Center, complete your registration and start the hike toward Base Torres through the Ascencio Valley, passing forest, mountain terrain, and the final boulder field before reaching the iconic Towers viewpoint. After your box lunch, return along the same trail to Central Camping.
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours • Distance: 20 km / 12.4 miles • Elevation Gain: ~700 m / 2,300 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Box lunch & dinner
After breakfast, follow the trail east along Lake Nordenskjöld, with views of Mount Almirante Nieto, hanging glaciers, open valleys, and turquoise lake waters. Continue across streams and rolling terrain toward your overnight sector at Francés or Cuernos, depending on availability.
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours • Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles • Elevation Gain: ~400 m / 1,312 ft
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch & dinner
Start early for one of the most scenic sections of the W Trek. From Francés or Cuernos, hike toward Italiano and continue into the French Valley, where the trail climbs through rocky terrain and forest toward the French Plateau viewpoint. From there, enjoy views of Los Cuernos, turquoise glacial lagoons, and hanging glaciers on the eastern face of Paine Grande before descending back to the main trail and continuing to Paine Grande.
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours • Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles • Elevation Gain: ~400 m / 1,310 ft
Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner included.
Hike from Paine Grande toward Grey Sector, passing Laguna Los Patos and several open viewpoints toward Grey Lake, floating icebergs, and the surrounding mountains. The trail continues through forested sections before reaching Grey Refuge. In the afternoon, you can take a short walk to the Grey Glacier viewpoint.
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours • Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles • Elevation Gain: ~400 m / 1,310 ft
Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner included.
Optional add-ons: Grey Glacier ice hike $365 or Grey Lake kayak $289 per person.
Hike back from Grey Sector to Paine Grande, enjoying a final section of trail with views of Grey Lake and the surrounding mountains. From Paine Grande, take the catamaran across Lake Pehoé and continue by overland transfer back to Puerto Natales after completing the W Trek.
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours • Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles • Elevation Gain: ~400 m / 1,310 ft
Breakfast and box lunch included.
Optional add-ons: Grey Glacier ice hike $365 or Grey Lake kayak $289 per person.
Depending on your departure time, your transfer will take you from your hotel to the airport or bus station for your next journey. This marks the end of your Self-Guided W Trek program in Torres del Paine.
Breakfast included
What’s included in this experience?
Accommodation
Everything arranged before your arrival.
- 2 hotel nights in Puerto Natales (with breakfast)
- 4 campsite nights in Torres del Paine
- Pre-set camping gear
Logistics
Transportation and park coordination.
- Round-trip airport & local transfers
- Entrance fee
- Secure luggage storage in Puerto Natales
Field Support
Local expertise throughout your journey.
- Pre-trek briefing with a local specialist
- All meals included as per itinerary
- Complimentary trekking poles
Camping: Camping includes a two-person tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag.
Refugios: Refugios have shared rooms. Some include sleeping bags and pillows, while others include sheets, blankets and pillows.
International and domestic flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, gratuities, and services not specifically listed in the itinerary are not included.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers about logistics, accommodation, hiking difficulty, and how the experience works inside Torres del Paine.
Do I need hiking experience for the W Trek self-guided?
Good fitness and previous day hiking experience are recommended. You will walk around 15–20 km / 9–12 miles per day on varied mountain terrain, but previous multi-day trekking experience is not required.
What is included in the price?
The program includes accommodation, meals during the trek, all transfers, catamaran tickets, camping equipment, hiking poles, and on-the-ground support by a local team based in Puerto Natales.
Travel insurance is not included.
Where do I stay during the W Trek self-guided?
You stay inside Torres del Paine in either refugio dorms or pre-set campsites, depending on availability and your selected trip option. Refugios are shared rooms with bunk beds; campsites include a set-up tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat.
Can I start the W Trek any day I want?
In most cases, yes if you request your dates early. We can usually build the W Trek around your preferred start date, subject to availability in refugio dorms or pre-set campsites inside Torres del Paine
What should I pack for the Self-Guided W Trek?
You should bring proper trekking clothing, waterproof layers, hiking boots, a daypack, personal items, and any medication you may need during the trek. If you choose the camping option, your tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat are included, but you still need to carry your personal clothing and essentials.
Start planning your Patagonia trip
We usually reply within 24 hours with a personalized plan and availability.