Conquer the legendary W Circuit in Torres del Paine with this specialized trekking program starting and ending in El Calafate, Argentina. Designed for mountain enthusiasts, this itinerary includes the iconic hikes to the Base of the Towers, French Valley, and Grey Glacier. By coordinating cross-border logistics and mountain refuge stays, this tour offers a seamless way to experience Chile's premier national park while exploring the glaciers of Argentina. Perfect for active travelers seeking a challenging and well-organized Patagonian adventure.
Trips focused on hiking and trekking
Physically demanding activities
Independent exploration, backed by expert advice and support.
Capture stunning vistas and memorable moments
Itinerary
Day 1: Buenos Aires – Calafate
Transfers between hotels and airports for your flight from Buenos Aires to El Calafate.
Day 2: Glacier Trekking
Embark on a thrilling ice trekking adventure on the Perito Moreno Glacier, the most famous of all glaciers, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 3: Gourmet Glacier Navigation
Today, you will embark on a Gourmet Glacier Navigation on Lake Argentino, where you'll witness stunning icebergs and glaciers that are otherwise unreachable. A once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Day 4: Calafate – Puerto Natales
Transfer from your hotel to the bus terminal. Depart from Calafate by bus for Puerto Natales (6-hour journey). Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel in Puerto Natales.
Day 5: Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park (Regular Bus)
Travel time: ~2.5 hours
Board a regular bus from Puerto Natales at 2:30 PM (arrive by 2:15 PM). Enjoy the ride through Patagonian landscapes, with a brief stop at Cerro Castillo, before entering the park via Laguna Amarga Gate. Guests must purchase entry tickets here and transfer to shuttles leading to Las Torres and your accommodation.
Overnight: Refugio Torre Central
Day 6: Trek to Mirador Base Torres (19.5 km, 8–10 hours)
Recommended Start Time: 9:00 AM
The first stage is a walk across the pampa, crossing the Ascencio River. Then, the trail climbs about 3 km to the Paso de los Vientos, offering fantastic views of the valley and nearby lakes. The journey continues to Camping Chileno, leading into a beautiful lenga forest until reaching the moraine.
Here begins the most hardest part of the trek: a rocky trail that leads to one of the most breathtaking spots in the National Park — Base Torres Viewpoint. From this iconic spot, you’ll admire the towering peaks: South Tower (2,850 m.a.s.l.), Central Tower (2,800 m.a.s.l.), North Tower (2,600 m.a.s.l.), Nido de Cóndor, and the Torres Glacier.
After taking in the views, you’ll begin the descent toward the Central Sector, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night.
Difficulty Level: High / Ascent/descent: 750 meters
Day 7: Trekking Los Cuernos (4.5 – 6.5 horas, 13.5 Km)
Recommended start time: 9:00 a.m.
Moderate trekking route about 13.5 km, skirting Lake Nordenskjöld, Almirante Nieto Mountain, and the impressive Cuernos del Paine. During the hike, you’ll enjoy stunning views of hanging glaciers, lakes, and local flora and fauna, such as the “Ciruelillo” or “Notro,” which blooms with vibrant red flowers starting in December.
After 4 to 5 hours of hiking, you’ll reach the Cuernos area, one of the most welcoming refuges along the entire circuit.
Overnight stay and dinner at the French Sector.
Difficulty Level: Medium / Ascent/descent: 80 meters
Day 8: Valle del Francés & Pehoé Trek (20.5 km, 8–10 hours)
Recommended Start Time: 8:00 AM
The first two hours of trekking are gentle, offering breathtaking views of Lago Nordenskjöld, until you reach the Campamento Italiano. Here, it’s recommended to check in with the CONAF staff to safely leave your large backpack and continue the hike with a smaller daypack containing essentials like water, food, and warm clothing.
From Campamento Italiano, the ascent begins through the Valle del Río Francés, leading to the Mirador del Glaciar Francés after approximately 1.5 hours. The trek then continues upward, reaching the Campamento Británico and the Mirador Británico, which provides one of the most stunning panoramas in the entire park. From this viewpoint, you can marvel at the dramatic peaks of Paine Grande, Catedral, Hoja, Máscara, Espada, Aleta de Tiburón, and Cuerno Norte.
The return follows the same path back to Campamento Italiano, then continues toward the Lago Pehoé area, where the Refugio Paine Grande is located.
Overnight: Refugio Paine Grande.
This day offers an exhilarating combination of varied landscapes, from peaceful lake views to the awe-inspiring jagged peaks and glaciers of the Mirador Británico.
Difficulty Level: High / Ascent/descent: 712 meters
Day 9: Grey Glacier Trek & Return to Puerto Natales (31.5 km, 8–10 hours)
Recommended Start Time: 9:00 AM
This trekking route offers a rewarding round-trip hike to the Mirador del Glaciar Grey, combining breathtaking views with moderate physical activity.
The trail begins with an approximately 1.5-hour trek leading to the first viewpoint, where you can admire distant vistas of the Glaciar Grey. Continuing along the path that runs along the western shore of Lago Grey, hikers will reach the Main Lookout in 1.5 to 2 hours. This spot provides awe-inspiring views of the Glaciar Grey, Cordón Olguín, and the floating icebergs (témpanos) on the lake's surface.
The return follows the same trail back to the Pehoé sector, where you will head to the dock to board the catamaran crossing Lago Pehoé. This scenic boat ride will take you to the Pudeto sector, where transportation will be waiting to bring you back to Puerto Natales.
This final trek combines diverse landscapes and incredible views, concluding with a relaxing boat ride to close your adventure in Torres del Paine National Park.
Difficulty Level: High / Ascent/descent: 280 meters
Catamaran Schedule for Lago Pehoé Crossing
Departure Time: 6:30 PM
Check-in Time: 6:00 PM (at the dock).
Approximate Arrival in Puerto Natales Bus Station: 10:00 PM
Day 10: Puerto Natales – El Calafate
Breakfast and transfer from your hotel to the bus terminal. Depart from Puerto Natales by bus to El Calafate (6-hour journey). Transfer from the terminal to your hotel in El Calafate.
Day 11: El Calafate – Buenos Aires
Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires.
Activities
Ice Trekking at Perito Moreno Glacier
Ice Trekking at the Perito Moreno Glacier offers amazing sights of this imposing glacier and its south wall during the sailing along the Tempanos Channel. Once on the shore we will have a short walk to the glacier itself where we will start the trek becoming in a unique and astonishing experience.
Glaciares Gourmet Sailing Experience
An unique gourmet experience: In this tourwe will board the cruise ship at Puerto La Soledad at 9:00 am, and sail to the Spegazzini Glacier where we'll enjoy lunch. We will disembark at Vacas Port for a walk and finally return to Calafate Town at 6:00 pm.
Important Notes
Highlights: Trekking to Base Torres / French Valley / Trekking to Grey Glacier
Explore the three iconic valleys of the W Circuit: the Ascencio Valley, which leads to Base Torres, the stunning French Valley, and the magnificent Grey Glacier.
