Chile Patagonia W-Route Private Trekking Tour
Spectacular Wilderness Trails in Torres del Paine
- Available: January, February, March, April, October, November, December
- Activity: Level 4
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels, Rustic Lodging
Highlights
- Trek 40 miles on the legendary W circuit on this achievable one-week itinerary-great for private groups!
- Hike to the base of Cuernos del Paine, up the French Valley, and down towards Grey Glacier
- Stay in a mix of perfectly located hotels, and simple mountain cabins and lodges
Itinerary
Arrive in Punta Arenas
Day 1
Arrive at the airport in Punta Arenas, Chile, meet your adventure guide and transfer to the hotel. In the early evening, meet up with your guide for a briefing on the adventure ahead. Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight.
Accommodation: Hotel Cabo de Hornos-Punta Arenas
Meals: Dinner
Scenic Drive to Torres del Paine National Park
Day 2
After breakfast, travel across the Patagonian plains to Torres del Paine National Park and take in your first spectacular views of the Paine Massif (weather permitting). There is also a very good chance of seeing guanacos — small cousins to the camel and llama — on the way to the park.
Accommodation: Hotel Las Torres-Torres del Paine National Park
Transportation: 6-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Majestic Torres del Paine
Day 3
Get an early start for an all-day hike to the base of the Torres del Paine. Follow the Asencio River over a low pass into the Asencio Valley, passing through beautiful beech forests and talus-covered slopes. After a final steep climb up a boulder field, arrive at a spectacular viewpoint that is one of the most scenic spots in the world, where the towers rise majestically before you and a glacial lake is visible below. Enjoy a packed lunch en route before returning to the hotel.Accommodation: Hotel Las Torres-Torres del Paine National Park
Activity: 9 hours/11.5 miles hiking with 3,400' elevation gain & loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike below Cuernos del Paine
Day 4
Begin your trek deep into the park, hiking at a relaxed pace along the north shore of Lago Nordenskjold to Los Cuernos, following the Paso Los Cuernos trail beneath the jagged Cuernos ("horns") del Paine. The views are magnificent, including your first sighting of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field. Stay in cozy cabins right next to a waterfall on the most isolated spot of our journey — an excellent staging area for tomorrow's hike to the French Valley. The cabins also afford a prime position to view sunset hitting the horns, and the dark night sky is filled with stars.
Accommodation: Cabanas de los Cuernos-Torres del Paine National Park
Activity: 5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,400' elevation gain & 1,600' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike through French Valley
Day 5
From our cabins below the Cuernos, hike gently rolling terrain along Lake Nordenskjold to the entrance of the French Valley, one of the most spectacular cirques in the Paine Range and the middle leg of the classic "W" route. We'll gain elevation as we hike into the valley, walking below the glaciers that descend from the massif's highest summit and marveling at the gray granite peaks of the Cuernos del Paine, topped with fantastical black slate "horns." After reaching the French Valley lookout with its awe-inspiring views, either turn back and head straight to our next accommodations at Refugio Paine Grande, or, weather and time permitting, continue further up the French Valley for additional views before making our way back down the valley and then onwards to the Refugio.
Accommodation: Refugio Paine Grande-Torres del Paine National Park
Activity: 8 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,350' elevation gain & loss or up to 10-12 hours/15 miles with 3,200' elevation gain & loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Boat to Grey Glacier
Day 6
Arise early and hike along the Paine Grande Mountain towards the face of stunning Grey Glacier, at the southern end of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field. Enjoy a packed lunch en route before boarding a catamaran that takes us close to the front of the glacier and then down to the southern shore of the Lago Grey (Grey Lake), where our hotel for the night is located.
Accommodation: Hotel Lago Grey-Torres del Paine National Park
Activity: 4 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1200' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 45-minute catamaran cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Punta Arenas
Day 7
After an early breakfast, return to Punta Arenas by private van to meet with your afternoon flight to Santiago and continue to your next destination.
Transportation: 6-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Why Travel With Us?
MT Sobek has been hiking in Patagonia since we pioneered the route in the 1980s.
Hike the spectacular "W" route without needing to camp, instead staying in a mix of perfectly located hotels and simple mountain cabins and lodges.
Fully guided by a seasoned MT Sobek Patagonia guide who knows every inch of this region, and ensures the logistics of this multi-faceted trip run seamlessly.
Dates & Prices
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Looking for a private family adventure?
This trip can accommodate guests with a
minimum age of 16.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
7 to 8 guests from $6,195 per person double occupancy
5 to 6 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
4 guests from $7,795 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $9,195 per person double occupancy
2 guests from $9,595 per person double occupancy
2024 Pricing
7 to 8 guests from $6,195 per person double occupancy
5 to 6 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
4 guests from $7,795 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $9,195 per person double occupancy
2 guests from $9,595 per person double occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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January, February, March, April, October, November, December
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Rodrigo B.
"Ro" was born in the Last Hope Province of Chile and grew up in Patagonia, where he developed a deep love for the outdoors. He has guided in Patagonia and Canada for more than 15 years, and is an accomplished hiker, kayaker, mountaineer, and photographer-with a keen eye for capturing the natural beauty of Patagonia. He is a certified Mountain guide and kayak instructor and has completed Wilderness Emergency Responder & Medical; (WFR NOLS-EASPA). Ro speaks English, Spanish, and conversational French.
Andre L.
André is an accomplished mountaineer who has dedicated over 25 years to climbing and exploring the Peruvian and Patagonian Andes ranges. He grew up in central Chile and fell in love with Patagonia at first sight and made it his home for 20 years before recently moving to Chile's Araucania region. In over ten mountain expeditions in Patagonia, he accomplished many first ascents, and has climbed the Paine towers in Chile and Alpamayo in Peru. A very enthusiastic guide, André’s love for nature and respect for the mountains is infectious to all who travel with him.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. Moderate to strenuous hiking with up to 12 miles a day (and one day with option of up to 15 miles), mostly on steep and rocky terrain. The back-to-back days and challenging terrain can be taxing. Strong winds are common and weather can change drastically, causing temperatures to fluctuate rapidly. These conditions can affect both body and morale.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 3
9 hours/11.5 miles hiking with 3,400' elevation gain & loss
Day 4
5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,400' elevation gain & 1,600' elevation loss
Day 5
8 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,350' elevation gain & loss or up to 10-12 hours/15 miles with 3,200' elevation gain & loss
Day 6
4 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1200' elevation gain & loss
Accommodations
A range of lodging, from scenic mountain cabins and one dormitory to comfortable hotels with modern amenities.
Hotel Cabo de Hornos-Punta Arenas
Recently renovated in modern European style, this large hotel offers comfortable, spacious rooms — some with sea views. Modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, cable TV and room service are provided. There is a restaurant on-site, but the flavors of Punta Arenas await just outside your door, as do museums and other attractions.
Hotel Las Torres-Torres del Paine National Park
The simple, comfortable rooms come equipped with all the essentials, and have windows showcasing the awe-inspiring surroundings. Because of its remote location, the hotel has a small shop that provides some trekking equipment, snacks and toiletries. The on-site restaurant serves food that is authentic to the Patagonia region, featuring organic produce and beer from their own microbrewery.
Cabanas de los Cuernos-Torres del Paine National Park
Located at the base of Los Cuernos del Paine, these eight charming cabins offer spectacular views of Los Cuernos and Nordenskjöld Lake. After trekking through Torres del Paine, you'll undoubtedly be ready to recharge your battery with a warm meal and a good night's sleep in the cozy beds.
Refugio Paine Grande-Torres del Paine National Park
Located on the banks of Pehoé Lake, this remote mountain lodge is an ideal base camp for experiencing Torres del Paine. The dormitory rooms have comfortable bunks, as well as drawers to put away gear and a safety box if required. The on-site restaurant offers American cuisine, and the bar is a great place to exchange stories with fellow travelers.
Hotel Lago Grey-Torres del Paine National Park
Surrounded by the majestic beauty of this unique landscape, Hotel Lago Grey is the perfect base for discovering Torres del Paine National Park. The hotel has 60 spacious rooms, including 36 Superior rooms that have lake, mountain and glacier views. All rooms are warm and comfortable, with Wi-Fi (in common areas), safe, and a phone.
Weather
Expect extreme weather conditions that can change from one moment to the next. Be prepared for everything, especially strong winds and sun.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Your trip leader or another MT Sobek representative will wait for you in the Punta Arenas Airport arrival area then take you to your hotel.
Can I walk in my low-ankle trail shoes?
It is not recommend that you hike in low-ankle shoes. The terrain is rocky, varied and uneven. You will appreciate your hiking boots with ankle support.
What will the porters carry?
Only the very essentials. For the two nights at the W-Route mountain lodges in Torres del Paine, porters will carry a small stuff sack with your additional clothing and toiletries, and your larger suitcases will be kept in secure storage until you arrive at Hotel Lago Grey. Please note, porters will not carry glass, books or electronic devices.
Will there be Wi-Fi or telephone access?
Wi-Fi is available at the hotel in Punta Arenas; there is also limited Wi-Fi access in public areas of the hotels and mountain refugios in Torres del Paine National Park. These remote locations in Torres del Paine rely on satellite internet that is sometimes slow and may vary throughout the day. While on the move during the day you will not have Wi-Fi access at all. There is no cell service in Torres del Paine National Park. Your MT Sobek guides will carry a satellite phone for emergencies.
Is it possible to accommodate special diets
Yes, but please consider that while in Torres del Paine provisions can be scarce. Please let us know about your dietary restrictions prior to the trip departure.
Is there special clothing we should bring?
As the weather changes so fast, it is advisable to dress in layers. Evenings can be chilly and a good wind/waterproof jacket is a must.
