W Trek Express Self Guided

What's Included?

• All ground transportation by local bus (Private option available)
• Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park
• Two nights in Torres del Paine National Park (camping/lodges
• Catamaran ticket Pehoe Lake
• Meals as mentioned on the itinerary
• Local taxes
• Patagonia Hero T-shirt

This is a great trek for those short on time and still wanting to take in the gorgeous views that Torres del Paine National park has to offer. You will be staying at local lodges or camping sites and get to see all the park's main attractions. The first day we hike towards towards the the base of the Towers where you will get a rewarding view of the three granite towers (Torres del Paine). The second day we will hike along the shores of Lake Nordenskjold which lies at the base of Mount Admiral Nieto. Be prepared to experience the high winds which are a notorious feature of Patagonia. On the last day we will hike from Refugio Los Cuernos to the French Valley lookout point to catch the views of Mt. Paine Grande and possible hear and spot avalanches as they cascade from the surrounding glaciers. After lunch we will hike to the Refugio Paine Grande and catch the last catamaran across the lake to get our ride back to Puerto Natales where we will arrive by late evening.

Day 1: Puerto Natales to Refugio Chileno

Hiking time is 7 to 8 hours. Distance 16km/10Miles, Elevation Gain (700m Approximately)

This is an early day and we will pick you at 7:00am and drive you to the Puerto Natales bus station where you will meet your guide. It's about a two-hour drive to the entrance of Torres Del Paine where our permits will be checked by the local authorities before we drive another 20 minutes to where our hike will start. Today's hike takes us along the bank of the Ascensio River and after an hour and a half we will reach the Refugio Chileno. After a short break we will hike to the base of the Towers (Torres del Paine) where we will have lunch and enjoy the views. This is it, Patagonia at its best, take your cameras out and enjoy the views.

After lunch we will hike back to Refugio Chileno where we will be spending the night. It's time to take hot shower and enjoy a delicious hot meal.

Lunch / Dinner Included

Day 2: Refugio Chileno to Refugio Los Cuernos

Hiking time is 6 to 7 hours. Distance 15km/9Miles, Elevation Loss (300m Approximately)

After breakfast at Refugio Chileno we will walk for half an hour along the Ascencio river bank and take a shortcut towards Refugio Los Cuernos. The days hike takes along the shore of Nordenskjöld Lake and features great views of Mount Admiral Nieto along the way. If you haven't already you can expect to experiencing high winds which are a notorious feature of the Patagonian landscape. We will be reaching Refugio Los Cuernos before dinner time.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Included

Day 3: Refugio Los Cuernos - Paine Grande and Puerto Natales

Hiking time is 7 to 8 hours. Distance 16km/10Miles, Elevation Gain (400m Approximately)

After a hot breakfast, we will start our trek to the French Valley Overlook. We will hike along Nordenskjöld Lake for about 30 minutes before we reach Camping Italiano where we will be dropping our bags. From the Italian camp it's another hour and a half to the French Valley viewpoint. Expect amazing views of Mt. Paine Grande and get a chance to see hear and spot avalanches as they cascade from the glaciers.

Optional: If you are in good shape, your guide will take you on a 3-hour hike to Britanico look out point which is beyond the French Valley Overlook.

After finishing out lunch we will head back down to the Italiano camping site and hike towards Refugio Paine Grande. Enjoy the views of Lake Pehoé as you wait for the Catamaran to arrive at the Refugio. Once you make the crossing to Pudeto we will board the bus and arrive in Puerto Natales late in the evening.

Breakfast and Lunch Included.

The following are what we advise you obtain in the way of equipment and gear before trekking in Patagonia, and are meant to keep you mobile and comfortable in a range of expected weather conditions.

On the Trail Daypack

• Extra layers
• Windbreaker
• Poncho
• Gloves
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm with Sunscreen
• Broad brimmed hat or bandana (for sun protection)
• Iodine Water Tablets (personal preference)
• Water Bottles or Camel Back
• Sunglasses
• Headlamp with extra batteries Favorite Snacks
• Waterproof bags to protect electronics or paperwork
• Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
• Umbrella (works great in a light rain or to protect from the sun)
• Toilet Paper
• Thermos (optional for hot beverages)
• Small Lock(s) for day pack
• Waterproof cover for daypack

Clothing: Base, Middle, and Outer Layers

• Moisture-wicking long sleeve tee-shirts (1) Moisture wicking tee-shirts (1)
• Long underwear pants (1)
• Underwear (3 to 4)
• Heavy Fleece or Down Jacket
• Long sleeve shirts (2)
• Sweatshirt (optional)
• Fleece Pants (Winter Treks)
• Trekking Pants (2)
• Shorts (optional)
• Gortex or Waterproof Jacket with hood Rain Poncho that covers your daypack Waterproof Pants
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Wool hat (Should cover ears) or Balaclava
• Lightweight Gloves
• Insulated Wool or Down Mittens (Winter Treks)
• Gaiters (optional)

Footwear: Shoes and Socks

• Hiking boots with ankle support
• Camp shoes or Tennis Shoes
• Plastic bag to carry spare shoes Hiking socks (6)
• Sock Liners (optional)

First Aid Kit and Toiletries

• Advil or Ibuprofen
• Personal Prescriptions
• Medical Tape (for preventing treating blisters)
• Antibiotics (Cipro for travelers' diarrhea)
• Diaper Rash Cream (Can treat rashes or chaffing)
• Basic toiletries (Soap, Deodorant...)
• Wet wipes
• Panty Liners and Tampons
• Face lotion
• Hairbrush
• Hair ties
• Hand warmers
• Ear plugs for sleeping
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm with sunscreen
• Toilet paper
• Towel

Paperwork and Money

• Passport (needed at entry gate for registration) Spending Money around $200

Other Items

• Portable Solar Charger Journal, pen and paper
• Drybags
• Stuff sacks for dirty clothes/shoes