W Trek Guided 5 Days & Ice Hike

What's Included?

• All ground transportation
• Four nights in Torres del Paine National Park (camping/lodges)
• All camping equipment
• Ice hike on Grey Glacier
• Ice hike equipment
• Ice hike guide
• Trekking guide
• Catamaran ticket for Pehoe Lake
• All meals as described on the itinerary
• Patagonia Hero T-shirt

This trek is the perfect combination of Torres del Paine's famous W Trek with ice hiking across Grey's Glacier on the last day. On the first day of the trek, we will hike to the magnificent granite pillars which give the park its name. From here, we will walk alongside the banks of the milky-blue Nordenskjold Lake and next, we will head up the French Valley where we will see hanging glaciers and peaks with avalanches rumbling down them. We then will trek alongside Lake Grey until we reach Grey's Glacier viewpoint. With luck, we will be able to see icebergs splintering off of Grey's Glacier and splashing into the lake. On your last day, you will head out onto the ice, hiking past lagoons and tunnels carved into the blue-tinted ice. After our ice hike, you will sail across Lake Pehoe in a Catamaran to Pudeto where you will hop on a bus and head back to your hotel in Puerto Natales.

Day 1: Puerto Natales to Refugio Las Torres Central - Base of the Towers - Refugio Las Torres Central

Hiking time 8 hours. Distance 16km/10Miles. 700m Elevation Gain

Our adventure starts bright and early at 07:00 am. After a 2 hour bus ride, we will reach Torres del Paine National Park where our permits will be checked. From here, we will drive another 20 minutes until we reach the trailhead. We will start off strong, hiking alongside the Ascensio River bank, past the Refugio Chileno, to the base of the world-famous Torres del Paine where we will soak in their beauty and have lunch. After lunch we will head back the way we came to Refugio Las Torres Central where we will be spending the night. It's time to kick off our hiking boots and enjoy a much deserved hot dinner.

Lunch and dinner included

Note: Due to high demand an alternative option would be to stay at Refugio Chileno

Day 2: Refugio Torres Central - Los Cuernos

Hiking time 5-6 hours. 13Km/7.5Miles and 150m Elevation Gain

Today's journey will begin after eating breakfast at Refugio Torres Central. Our trail today will provide us with magnificent views of Los Cuernos ahead of us, Mount Admiral Nieto to our right and the milky blue Nordenskjöld Lake on our left. We will cross several suspension bridges and a few creeks along the trail. Make sure to wear a good wind breaker today as we most likely will experience Patagonia’s high winds as we cross through open country and interspersed grasslands. The hike is moderate today.

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner included

Note: Due to high demand an alternative option would be to stay at Refugio Frances

Day 3: Los Cuernos to French Valley to Paine Grande

Hiking time 7-8 hours. 16Km/1oMiles and 400m Elevation Gain

From Los Cuernos, we will continue trekking west until reaching the Italiano Campsite. From here we will head up the French Valley towards our destination, the French Valley lookout point, where we will have lunch. The French Valley lies next to Mt. Paine Grande where we will be able to see hanging glaciers and hear and spot avalanches.

Optional: If you are in good shape, there's an additional 3 hour hike to the Britanico lookout point.

After finishing our lunch we will head back down through the valley in the direction of the Italiano camping site. From here, we will continue our trek past Skottsberg Lake until we reach our home for the night, Refugio Paine Grande.

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner Included

Day 4: Paine Grande - Refugio Grey

Hiking time 3-4 hours. 11Km/7Miles 190m Elevation Gain

We will leave Paine Grande early and walk along Lake Grey passing the Duck's Lagoon until we reach Grey's Viewpoint, about halfway to today's destination. Grey's Viewpoint is the perfect spot to rest our legs and snap some beautiful pictures. From Grey's Viewpoint, we will continue to the Grey's Glacier Viewpoint located near Reguio Grey where we will be spending the night.

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner Included

Day 5: Ice trekking on Glacier Grey/ Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales

Hiking time 3-4 hours. 11Km/7Miles and 200m Elevation loss

Our last day starts with an early hike to Grey's Glacier where we will slip into some crampons and head out onto the ice. We will trek on top of fields of the blue-tinted ice as we pass lagoons, ice tunnels and cracks. After lunch, we will walk back to Paine Grande and board the 6:30 pm Catamaran across Lake Pehoe to Pudeto. From Pudeto we will say goodbye to Torres del Paine and hop on a bus back to Puerto Natales. We will arrive back in Puerto Natales late in the evening.

Breakfast/ Lunch included

Exclusions

• Internet at the Refugios
• International flights
• Alcoholic drinks
• Tips
• Travel Insurance
• Accommodation in Puerto Natales
• Porters ($125 per day)
• Torres del Paine National Park Tickets (Book Here)

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