Chile Patagonia Private W Trek 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 from Grey Glacier, up the French Valley, beneath the Horns, and to the base of the Towers
- Stay in a mix of perfectly located hotels, and simple mountain cabins and lodges
Itinerary
Arrive in Puerto Natales
Day 1
Arrive at the airport in Puerto Natales, Chile, a quiet fishing town on the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope Sound), and transfer to the hotel. In the early evening, meet up with your guide for a briefing on the adventure ahead, followed by a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Remota Patagonia Lodge
Transportation: 20-minute private van transfer
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. Arrive this afternoon at your hotel near the southern shore of Lago Grey (Grey Lake). Enjoy an easygoing hike just west of the hotel, following a trail that runs parallel to the Pingo River and through the Pingo Valley. Pass impressive waterfalls and landscapes rich in native vegetation such as Ñirres, Calafates, Notros, Lengas, and Coigues. There are also excellent views of the Paine Grande peak.Accommodation: Hotel Lago Grey
Activity: 2.5 hours/5.3 miles hiking with 565' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Boat to Grey Glacier & Begin W-Route Trek
Day 3
Arise early and board a catamaran that takes you close to the front of the stunning Grey Glacier, at the southern end of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field. Disembark at the nearby trailhead and begin the classic "W" route trek, heading away from the glacier and along Grey Lake and the Paine Grande Mountain. Overnight at a remote mountain refuge on the shore of Lake Pehoe, with simple dormitory-style rooms and beautiful views - an excellent staging area for tomorrow's hike into the French Valley.Accommodation: Refugio Paine Grande
Activity: 4 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1200' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 45-minute catamaran cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike into the French Valley
Day 4
Begin your trek deep into the park, continuing to circle beneath Paine Grande Mountain to the entrance of the French Valley, one of the most spectacular cirques in the Paine Range and the middle leg of the "W" route. You'll gain elevation as you 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, head to your cabins beneath the jagged Cuernos ("horns") del Paine. Stay in cozy cabins right next to a waterfall on the most isolated spot of your journey, with a prime position to view sunset hitting the horns, followed by dark night sky filled with stars.Accommodation: Cabanas de los Cuernos
Activity: 8 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,350' elevation gain & loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike below Cuernos del Paine
Day 5
Hike at a relaxed pace along gently rolling terrain from Los Cuernos, taking the Paso Los Cuernos trail as it follows the north shore of Lago Nordenskjold. The views are magnificent - from forested paths to the gravel lakeshore, and occasional glimpses of the horns and towers of the Paine massif, weather permitting.Accommodation: Hotel Las Torres-Torres del Paine National Park
Activity: 5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,400' elevation gain & loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to the Base of the Majestic Torres del Paine
Day 6
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
Depart from Puerto Natales
Day 7
After an early breakfast, return to Puerto Natales by private van to meet with your afternoon flight to Santiago and continue to your next destination.
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Why Travel With Us?
MT Sobek pioneered commercial trekking in Patagonia in the 1970s, and this expertly crafted itinerary is the perfect way to experience the iconic W route.
This well-paced 7-day adventure follows the classic route without needing to camp, instead staying in a mix of perfectly located hotels and simple mountain cabins and lodges.
Your trip is 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: 2024
7 to 8 guests from $6,395 per person double occupancy
6 guests from $6,895 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $7,495 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $8,395 per person double occupancy
2 guests from $9,795 per person double occupancy
Private Trip Pricing: 2025
7 to 8 guests from $6,395 per person double occupancy
6 guests from $6,895 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $7,495 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $8,395 per person double occupancy
2 guests from $9,795 per person double occupancy
5 guests from $7,695 per person double occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
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 2
2.5 hours/5.3 miles hiking with 565' elevation gain & loss
Day 3
4 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1200' elevation gain & loss
Day 4
8 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,350' elevation gain & loss
Day 5
5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,400' elevation gain & loss
Day 6
9 hours/11.5 miles hiking with 3,400' elevation gain & loss
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
A range of lodging, from scenic mountain cabins and one dormitory to comfortable hotels with modern amenities.
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 Puerto Natales 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 LasTorres. 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 Puerto Natales; 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. A good waterproof jacket and warm layer beneath are a must.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
Similar Trips to Chile Patagonia W-Route Trek Private Adventure Tour
Inspiration to Explore
Guest Reviews
"MT Sobek has created a marvelous experience into the heart of Patagonia, exposing the hiker to all the wonderful scenery, people and history this incredibly beautiful place has to offer."
Coleen S.
MT Sobek Guest
"Thank you MT Sobek for the trip of my lifetime! The Patagonia adventure exceeded my expectations in all respects and has renewed my spirit and filled my heart with joy!"
Maria S.
MT Sobek Guest