Difficulty
Moderate to high (84 km – 52 mi)
Duration
5 days / 4 nights. Short on time? Check an express alternative here
where you'll go
Torres del Paine National Park
temporada
Octubre – Abril
Modalidad
Autoguiado
Five days walking among granite towers, glaciers, and postcard-perfect Patagonian views
This trip is for those who want to explore the three most iconic valleys in the park: Base Torres, the French Valley, and the Grey Glacier.
The self-guided Classic W Trek is a complete journey through Torres del Paine’s most famous trail, following a 5-day itinerary.
You’ll sleep immersed in nature, hiking past turquoise lakes, lenga forests, and pristine landscapes.
All you have to do is walk and enjoy—we take care of everything: accommodations, meals, transportation, park tickets, and a welcome kit to start off fully prepared.
You can choose between equipped campsites or mountain lodges for overnight stays.
An immersive experience that brings you closer to the most authentic side of Patagonia.
Itinerary
Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine
Your adventure begins in the afternoon with a 2.5-hour bus transfer from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park.
Upon arrival, you’ll receive your welcome kit and settle in at Sector Central—an ideal spot surrounded by lenga forests and open views of the massif.
This first evening is for getting acclimated, checking your gear, and starting to feel the rhythm of the park.
- Night at: Sector Central
Hike to Base Torres Viewpoint
The first major milestone of your journey.
You’ll start a hike that takes you through glacial valleys, crystal-clear rivers, and lush lenga forests.
After crossing the Ascencio River and climbing the Windy Pass, the trail opens up with an incredible panoramic view of the park.
Then you’ll pass Chileno Camp, walk through another lenga forest, and finish with the most demanding section: the final moraine—a rocky path that leads to the Base Torres viewpoint.
There you’ll find the park’s most iconic scene: three granite towers reflected in a turquoise glacial lagoon.
After that, it’s time to head back to Sector Central and enjoy a well-earned rest.
- Hiking time: 8–10 h
- Distance: 19.5 km (12 mi)
- Elevation gain: 750 m (2460 ft)
- Difficulty: High
- Night at: Sector Central
Hike to Cuernos or Francés Sector
A change of pace today.
The trail follows the emerald shores of Lake Nordenskjöld, with the towering Almirante Nieto Mountain in the background.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the Cuernos del Paine, hanging glaciers, and may spot native birds and flora.
Each bend in the trail reveals a new postcard-worthy scene.
By late afternoon, you’ll reach the Francés or Cuernos sector for the night.
- Hiking time: 4.5–6.5 h
- Distance: 13.5 km (8.4 mi)
- Elevation gain: 80 m (260 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Night at: Sector Francés or Cuernos
French Valley – Hike to Paine Grande
Today, you’ll venture into the heart of the W.
The day starts gently, walking through native forests and along the quiet shores of Lake Nordenskjöld.
At Italiano Camp, you’ll begin the ascent into the impressive French Valley.
This section takes you through forested paths that open into a natural amphitheater surrounded by the French Glacier, Paine Grande, and other wind-sculpted peaks.
The sound of cracking ice becomes part of the experience.
Afterward, you’ll descend to the Paine Grande sector to end the day surrounded by nature.
- Hiking time: 8–10 h
- Distance: 20.5 km (12.7 mi)
- Elevation gain: 712 m (2336 ft)
- Difficulty: High
- Night at: Sector Paine Grande
Grey Glacier Viewpoint – Catamaran – Return to Puerto Natales
The perfect ending to your adventure.
You’ll hike toward the Grey Glacier viewpoint through forests of ñirres and coigües, with sweeping views of Paine Grande, the park’s highest peak.
Soon, you’ll spot floating icebergs on Lake Grey before arriving at the viewpoint, where an ancient glacier spills from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
You’ll then return to Paine Grande to catch the catamaran across Lake Pehoé’s turquoise waters.
Once you arrive at the dock, a bus will take you back to Puerto Natales.
- Hiking time: 8–10 h
- Distance: 31.5 km (19.6 mi)
- Elevation gain: 280 m (920 ft)
- Difficulty: High
Everything you need to know
What's included
Included
- 1-hour personalized orientation: 30-min online session before your trip to answer general questions, and 30-min in-person session at our Santiago office to review the itinerary, gear, and final details.
- Self-guided trekking to Base Torres, Los Cuernos, French Valley, and Grey Glacier Viewpoint
- 4 nights of accommodation: choose between tent, mountain lodge or mountain lodge + hotel
- All meals included: breakfast, box lunch, and dinner
- Regular bus transfer from Puerto Natales to the park and back
- Catamaran across Lake Pehoé (outbound)
- Torres del Paine National Park entrance fees
- Welcome kit: reusable water bottle, sleeping bag liner, and microfiber towel
Not Included
- Guide
- Porter
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Beverages
- Tips (optional)
- Any item not listed in “Included” section
Pricing for foreign travelers
Price per person – Self-guided tour
Camping: premium 2-person tent with sleeping bag, mat, and pillow; hot showers.
- USD $2835 per person (1 person)
- USD $1575 per person (2 people)
- USD $1995 per person (3 people)
- USD $1575 per person (4 people)
- USD $1827 per person (5 people)
- USD $1575 per person (6 people)
Mountain Lodge: shared dorm with 6–8 beds, sleeping bag, hot showers.
- USD $1985 per person (1–6 people)
Mountain Lodge + Hotel: 2 nights in a superior hotel at Hotel Las Torres, 2 nights in shared dorm with sleeping bag and hot showers.
- USD $4536 per person (1 person)
- USD $2520 per person (2 people)
- USD $3192 per person (3 people)
- USD $2520 per person (4 people)
- USD $2923 per person (5 people)
- USD $2520 per person (6 people)
Pricing for chileans and residents
Price per person – Self-guided tour
Camping: premium 2-person tent with sleeping bag, mat, and pillow; hot showers available.
- CLP $1,857,459 per person (1 person)
- CLP $1,033,200 per person (2 people)
- CLP $1,307,950 per person (3 people)
- CLP $1,033,200 per person (4 people)
- CLP $1,198,050 per person (5 people)
- CLP $1,033,200 per person (6 people)
Mountain Lodge: shared dorm with 6–8 beds, sleeping bag, hot showers.
- CLP $1,050,000 per person (1–6 people)
Mountain Lodge + Hotel: Includes 2 nights at Hotel Las Torres and 2 nights in a shared dorm with sleeping bag and hot showers.
- CLP $2,554,650 per person (1 person)
- CLP $1,420,650 per person (2 people)
- CLP $1,798,650 per person (3 people)
- CLP $1,420,650 per person (4 people)
- CLP $1,647,450 per person (5 people)
- CLP $1,420,650 per person (6 people)
Traveler Tip
¿Camping or Mountain Lodge?
If you’re looking for more solitude and a deeper connection with nature, we recommend choosing the equipped camping option.
Tents are exclusive to your group and located in quieter areas of each sector, allowing you to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with the experience, the environment, and yourself.
Shared areas are available for dining and socializing with fellow hikers, but your tent remains a peaceful and private space just for you.
Camping also tends to have better availability than the mountain lodges, making it easier to secure your spot—especially in high season.
Good to know: all tents are pre-assembled at each site, so there’s no need to carry or set them up yourself. Your spot will be ready when you arrive.
By contrast, mountain lodges feature shared rooms (usually 6 to 8 beds) and are closer to high-traffic areas, which can mean less privacy and more nighttime noise.
About your travel dates
Spring (October to December) brings blooming flowers and longer days, while autumn (March and April) paints the park in red hues and significantly reduces visitor numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare for the trip?
Before your adventure, we’ll send you a detailed welcome kit with everything you need: packing list, logistics, maps, and more.
You’ll also receive a 1-hour orientation session: 30 minutes online before traveling to answer your general questions, and 30 minutes in-person at our Santiago office to go over the itinerary, gear, and final prep.
Our goal is to make sure you feel fully prepared, confident, and stress-free.
Is my date confirmed upon booking?
This is a pre-booking. Within 3 business days, we’ll confirm availability for your requested dates.
If your dates are unavailable, we’ll offer alternatives.If none work for you, we’ll issue a full refund — no questions asked.
We recommend waiting for confirmation before booking your flights.
Do I need prior trekking experience?
You don’t need to be a mountaineer, but good physical condition is important.
This is a moderate to high-difficulty trek, with long distances, elevation changes, and uneven terrain.
If you’re active and enjoy outdoor challenges, it’s entirely achievable and highly rewarding.
Will there be many people on the trails?
It depends on the season. Summer (December to February) is the busiest time.
Spring and fall tend to be quieter, with more moments of peace and solitude — and the scenery is just as stunning.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation fees apply to the total booking cost, as follows:
- 90+ days before arrival: No penalty
- 89 to 70 days before: 20% penalty
- 69 to 45 days before: 50% penalty
- 44 days or less: 100% penalty
Need to cancel or change your trip? Contact us as early as possible. All requests must be made in writing and will be processed according to the policy above.
Still have questions? Contact us — we’ll be happy to help you.
Map
Regulatory Compliance
This is a self-guided service, which does not fall under Chile’s adventure tourism regulation. However, Ecordua takes care of the logistics, coordination, and support to ensure that your experience is safe, well-organized, and meets our quality standards.
Do you still have doubts?
Don’t worry, we are here to help you.
Write to us and we will respond to you as soon as possible.
Download our brochure with all the details about this tour, including itineraries, recommendations and what you need to know to fully enjoy this experience.
