Torres del Paine W trek, South America

A “bucket list” hike in Chilean Patagonia, South America.
W Trek - an unforgettable hike exploring the beauty of Torres Del Paine National Park, the three iconic highlights of the park - French Valley, Base of the Towers and Glacier Grey. We will be doing the original classic W Trek.

The Itinerary - W Trek (East to West) Total distance: 76km

• 6 March 2025 Day 1 : Meet at Puerto Natales, Chile. This is the closest town to the park. Free day. Stay: Apartment.
• 7 March 2025 Day 2: Explore Puerto Natales and surrounds. Free day. Stay: Apartment.
• 8 March 2025 Day 3: Very early start with transportation (Bus) from Puerto Natales to Laguna Armaga, the gateway to Torres del Paine. 2 hours bus trip approximately.
• Checkin at park and shuttle to Central Sector a fee. Don't forget to buy, screenshot and bring your park entrance ticket!!
• Hike to Los Torres Base. We will hike through lush green valley and be rewarded with the views of the 3 granite towers that gave the park its name.
• Stay at Chileno campsite. This is the closest campsite to the Base Torres viewpoint, you have time to relax and sleep well at the end of your day.
• If you have lots of energy this site is perfect for those who want to wake up before sunrise, start their hike in the dark and arrive in time to see the iconic red sunrise over Torres del Paine before leaving for Frances Sector.
• Total distance for the day: About 15.7km. Plus another 10km for the next morning (9th March) if doing a Los Torres sunrise hike.
• Food: Dinner included. Please bring lunch.
• 9 March 2025 Day 4: We continue on the journey to our next campsite at Frances Sector. Option: Hike to Las Torres Base (if this is not done the day before or to view to sunrise). On the way to Frances Sector we should have breathtaking views of the Horns ("Los Cuernos") the other impressive spires in the park, Lake Nordenskjöld and a waterfall.
• Stay at Frances Sector/Campsite. Premium camping- Simple.
• Distance: About 14.8km from Chileno campsite to Frances Campsite direct. Hike to Las Torres base and return will add another 10km to the day.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
• 10 March 2025 Day 5: Hike to the French Valley or Francés Valley, via Italiano Ranger Station to Britanico Lookout. This offers a stunning view of a hanging glacier. You will be inspired by the surrounding landscapes of Lake Nordenskjöld, Cerro Paine Grande, Cerro Ferrier, Mt. Tenerife, and the Chacabuco and Balmaceda ranges.
  You will likely see the famous Foehn winds whirling like little tornadoes of water around the lake, and perhaps hear the sound of avalanches coming from the Francés Glacier.
• Stay: Return to our campsite at Frances Sector.
• Distance: About 15km for the day.
• Breakfast and Dinner included. Please bring lunch.
• 11 March 2025 Day 6: We carry on our hike to Paine Grande.
• Stay: at Paine Grande refugio. Dormitory.
• Distance: About 10km today.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
• 12 March 2025 Day 7: We leave Paine Grande and continue our hike to Grey refugio. Grey Glacier is another highlight. It is retreating fast though! Depending on time, there may be option to see Grey Glacier by boat ( at own costs).
• Stay at Grey Refugio.
• Distance: About 11.6km.
• Breakfast lunch and dinner included.
• 13 March 2025: Day 8: Our last day in the park. Hike back to Paine Grande. We will then cross the Pehoe Lake in catamaran and take bus transport back to Puerto Natales.
• Distance: About 11.6km.
• Stay Puerto Natales Apartment.
• Breakfast included.
• 14 March 2025 Day 9: Puerto Natales- Free day
• 15 March 2025 Day 10: Departure from Puerto Natales

Accommodations:
1 Chileno Sector/ Campsite: 1 x night in Premium Camping - Simple (sleeping bag required). Chileno sector has shared camping areas, bathrooms with showers and hot water. Get into camp and have your tent and sleeping mat waiting for you to step right in. The tent is elevated from the ground at a height of 5.2 ft. and comes prepared with a sleeping mat. Bathrooms are shared and include showers with hot water (subject to a time schedule). 2 people max. per tent.
Includes: Tent and high-density foam mat
*Due to the high risk of forest fires, the use of stoves is prohibited in the Chileno sector.
2 Frances Sector/Campsite: 2x nights Premium Camping - simple (sleeping bag required).
3 Paine Grande: 1x night at Paine Grande Refugio/Hostel
4 Grey Sector: 1 x night at Grey Refugio/Hostel
Also includes:
5 Puerta Natales: 4 nights apartment stay at Puerto Natales (meals not included)

The following to be arranged.
-Transport to and from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park
-Catamaran from Paine Grande
-Park Entrance Fee (self arranged)

Numbers of Attendees: 8

● Important Notes:
● Payment:
Payment will be required in NZD. A buffer will be included to address currency fluctuation risks. More payments could be requested if the buffer is not sufficient to address currency conversion risks.
Bank Account for payment is: 12-3430-0791504-00
● Travel insurance and flights to be self arranged.
● Health and Safety Information:
All Auckland Global Trekkers organisers work on a strictly voluntary basis and hold NO responsibility or liability for any injury, or loss suffered during the events organised. Each person who participates accepts responsibility for making their own determinations and for their own safety, conduct and well being; recognising that there are hazards in attending group and outdoor activities and agrees to participate solely at their own risk.
● No smoking, animals, children or guests.
● Preparation is the key to having a good trip.
● Meeting Place: Puerto Natales
● Time Guideline: TBA
Times are Approx.
● Maps and More Information:
https://lastorres.com/en/torres-del-paine/map/
https://helpcenter.lastorres.com/en/help-center-las-torres-patagonia/clothing-and-gear
● Refunds:
Refunds will not be issued if you change your mind.
● Capture the Moment:
Share your best photos of the trip. Some will be featured on our Instagram Account.
● It is safer and generally more fun to hike together as a group. We aim to do this with stops at all track junctions for group to regather.
We aim to leave exactly on time, and we will NOT wait for late people.

Chris and the Team