4-Day Patagonia: W Trek Express in Torres del Paine
This is the same a the 5-Day W-trek, but you hike to the Towers Base on the first day. Experience the traditional W-Trek in Torres del Paine based in refugios (dorm) or fully-equipped camping. This is a self-guided trek, and you can start on any day between October 1 and April 27.
The W Circuit is the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine, and includes hiking in 3 mountain valleys and the most epic viewpoints and attractions in the Park. You will see Las Torres, Los Cuernos (the Horns), the Paine Grande and the Grey Glacier. As you hike along the trail you will be amazed by colossal mountains, native woods, crystal clear rivers, turquoise lakes, waterfalls and incredible glaciers.
Despite the trail being physically challenging and immersed in nature, you can still enjoy the treat of comfortable beds, hot showers, hearty meals and supplies from our kiosks. Just choose the accommodation you prefer and the length of the adventure you are looking for.
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Full Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine, Trek to Base Torres Lookout (8-10 hours, 12mi/19.5km) (LD)
*** We recommend that you arrive in Puerto Natales the day before and spend the night before starting the trek. You will get an online briefing that will help guide you on the trek.
Arrive at the bus station by 7:00am (taxi or Uber). There will be a representative from "Las Torres," who will assist you. They will give you a Welcome Kit.
- 7:00am Registration time at Rodoviario Puerto Natales Bus Station (Av. España #1455)
- 7:30am Departure
- 9:00am Arrival to Porteria Laguna Amarga (park entrance)
Transfer in a regular bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine. The journey lasts approximately 2 hours (112 Km.), passing through Cerro Castillo, a small border town situated along the route to the park and 54 Km from Puerto Natales.
Upon arrival to Laguna Amarga (park entrance), all travelers must get off of the bus and visit the CONAF Administration Office where they will follow all protocol necessary to enter the park. The park entrance fee is included in the cost of the program.
You then board the transfer vehicle that belong to "Transportes Las Torres," which will take you to the Welcome Center. Here, they will direct you to your first accommodation: Refugio or Camping. Leave your luggage and take a small backpack on your hike.
*** Pick up a box lunch at the Central Refugio.
Hike to Torres Base:
The first stage includes an ascent for about 1,5 hours, with beautiful views of the surrounding lakes and Mount Almirante Nieto's hanging glacier (2670m), until arriving to Refugio El Chileno. Here, the traveler will go through check-in, recharge energies and leave his/her main luggage before initiating the climb with a small rucksack. From here, and for about an hour, the traveler will cross a millennium-old forest of lenga trees before arriving to the base of the "Morrena". At this point, he/she will ascend for about 45 minutes in order to arrive to one of the site's most magnificent areas, "Base Torres Lookout", from where the imposing Torre Sur (2850m), Torre Central (2800m), Torre Norte (2.600 m), Nido de Condor and Glacier Torre can all be appreciated.
- 8 to 9 hours - 12 miles
- Highest elevation: 2870 feet
- Lowest Elevation: 443 feet
- Level of difficulty: High
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Refugio/Camping Torre Central
Day 2: Trek from Refugio Central to Refugio Los Cuernos/Frances (5-6.5 hours, 8.3mi/13.5km) (BLD)
Recommended time to begin the trek: 9am
This is a moderate trek around the Macizo Paine, circling the base of Mount Almirante Nieto. From Refugio Central, and after a 30-minute walk, you arrive at the "Atajo", a path on the right that continues towards Refugio Los Cuernos. Along the journey, you can take in the incredible views of Lake Nordenskjold, the hanging glaciers and local flora, including the "ciruelillo" or "notro" trees, which delight in displaying their characteristic red flowers from December onwards. After a 4-5 hour walk, you arrive to the area of Los Cuernos, which is considered by many as one of the most welcoming spots along the entire circuit. You will spend the night at Cuernos or Frances depending on availability. The two areas are fairly close.
- 5 to 6.5 hours - 8.5 miles / 13.5km
- Total Altitude: 650 feet / 200m
- Level of difficulty: Medium
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Refugio/Camping Frances
Day 3: Trek the Frances Valley to Britanico View Point, back to Frances (7-8 hours, 9.5mi/15km) (BLD)
Recommended time to begin the trek: 8am
The first two hours are fairly light with views of Lake Nordenskjold until arriving at Camp Italiano. Then the climb begins from the valley of River Frances and continues all the way up to the Frances Glacier Lookout (1.5 hours). From there, the climb continues along the path until arriving at the Britanico Lookout, which offers one of the national park's most impressive landscape views. The peaks that can be seen from this lookout are Paine Grande, Catedral, Hoja, Mascara, Espada, Aleta de Tiburon and Cuerno Norte. The return trek follows the same path down to "Camp Italiano" and then onwards to the sector known as Paine Grande, where the shelter is located.
- 7 to 8 hours - 9.5 miles / 15km
- Highest elevation: 2500 feet / 762m
- Lowest Elevation: 400 feet / 120m
- Level of difficulty: High
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Refugio/Camping Frances
Day 4: Trek to Grey Glacier First Lookout, back to Paine Grande (8-10 hours, 19 mi/31km), Boat across Lake Pehoe, Bus to Puerto Natales (BL)
Recommended time to begin the trek: 7am
On the final part of this amazing trekking circuit the trail undulates between rocky areas and native forests that are home to many species of birds. Walking along the base of the Park's tallest mountain, Paine Grande (3,050mt / 10,000ft), the nonstop views of hanging glaciers spilling over the mountaintop will feel somewhat surreal. Leaving the tree cover, you will reach the first lookout over Lake Grey and slowly start seeing more and more pieces of floating glacier. The larger they get, the smaller you will feel. Finally you will see the breathtaking view of Grey Glacier and all her glory.
At the pier, you will board a ferry and take a trip across Lake Pehoe, disembarking at Pudeto where you will board a bus back to Puerto Natales (Buse Base Torres).
The ferry for Lake Pehoe picks up at Paine Grande at 6:30pm. Be in line for the ferry at 6:00pm. Plan your hiking day to return in time!
You will arrive in Puerto Natales around 10:00pm. Dinner is not included, so you may want to get something at the Paine Grande Refugio before getting on the ferry. You will need to take a taxi to your hotel.
- 8-10 hours - 19 miles / 31km
- Highest elevation: 1030 feet / 313m
- Lowest Elevation: 140 feet / 43m
- Level of difficulty: High
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Pricing
4-Day Patagonia: W Trek Express in Torres del PainePrices are Per Person and Valid for Trips October 1, 2026 through April 30, 2026
| # People in Group: | 2+ |
| Camping/Self-Guided: | $1495 |
| Mountain Hostel/Self-Guided: | $1795 |
*** Contact Us for other itinerary and lodging options! ***
NOTE: Prices are per person in U.S. dollars based on double/triple occupancy. All quotations are based on the current rates of park fees, VAT, other government taxes, and current exchange rates. Should any of these be increased or a new tax introduced, these increases will be added on even if your trip has already been paid for.
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