Ultimate Patagonia W-Trek Adventure

Welcome to Chilean Patagonia. Here, vast windswept plains stretch toward rugged mountain peaks, while icy fjords and the wild waters of the southern Pacific shape one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.

This evening, you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travelers in Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Over dinner at a local restaurant, you'll enjoy your first taste of Patagonian cuisine while sharing stories and excitement for the adventure ahead. With the legendary W Trek and some of South America's most breathtaking mountain landscapes just around the corner, it's the perfect beginning to your journey into Patagonia's wild backcountry. 
Accommodation: Hotel Natalino, Puerto Natales or Hotel Martin Gusinde, this is dependent on your departure date which our team will confirm with you.View More
Meals: Dinner

Today you'll discover the remarkable landscapes surrounding Puerto Natales, where forests, mountains, glaciers, and fjords come together in one of Patagonia's most spectacular natural settings. As you cycle through native Patagonian forest and along the shores of the Última Esperanza Fjord, you'll enjoy sweeping views of the Moore Range, Whale Hill, and Mount Pratt while gaining a deeper appreciation for the pioneering spirit that has shaped life in this remote corner of the world.

Your ride finishes at Perales Ranch, where you'll enjoy a traditional Patagonian lunch featuring the region's famous asado de cordero. The Alvarez family have explored and navigated the Austral channels for generations, and their connection to Patagonia's fjords is woven into every visit.

This afternoon, return to Puerto Natales for some free time before gathering with your fellow travelers for dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Natalino, Puerto NatalesView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Biking: 12.4 miles (20 kilometers)

Today you'll begin one of the world's most celebrated Patagonia backcountry hiking adventures, the legendary W Trek. Entering the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, you'll hike through thick Magellanic forest and follow the winding Río Ascencio Valley beneath towering granite peaks and snow-clad mountains.

The final climb leads across a rugged boulder field to one of Patagonia's most famous viewpoints. Rising dramatically above a glacial lagoon, the three granite spires of Torres del Paine dominate the skyline, creating a scene that has inspired adventurers from around the world for decades. It's a moment you've earned, and one you'll remember long after the hike is over.

Tonight, you'll settle into Refugio Las Torres, a cozy mountain lodge nestled beneath the peaks. With tomorrow's adventure still ahead, it's the perfect place to relax and reflect on an extraordinary first day on the trail. 
Accommodation: Refugio Las Torres, Torres del PaineView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 13.7 miles (22 kilometers), 7-9 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,524 feet (770 meters) ascent, 2,524 feet (770 meters) descent.

Today, you'll continue along the legendary W Trek, following the northern shores of Lake Nordenskjold through the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. The trail winds above turquoise waters and through open Patagonian landscapes, with spectacular mountain views around every corner. As you will return to your accommodation tonight, you'll only need to carry a light daypack, allowing you to fully enjoy the journey and the views along the way. Shorter hiking options are also available.

As you make your way east, the distinctive peaks of Los Cuernos gradually come into view. Meaning "The Horns" in Spanish, these striking mountains rise dramatically above the lake, their layers of dark sedimentary rock and pale granite creating one of the park's most iconic landscapes. The contrast between the vivid blue waters of Lake Nordenskjöld and the rugged peaks makes for remarkable scenery throughout the day.

This afternoon, arrive at Refugio Los Cuernos, nestled beneath the mountains on the shores of the lake. Take some time to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Patagonia's backcountry before dinner with your fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Refugio Los Cuernos, Torres del PaineView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 8 miles (13 kilometers), 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 196 feet (60 meters) ascent , 1,345 feet (410 meters) descent

Today you'll venture into the spectacular French Valley, one of the true highlights of Torres del Paine National Park. Surrounded by towering peaks, hanging glaciers, and cascading waterfalls, this dramatic glacial basin feels like the very heart of Patagonia. As you climb higher into the valley, the landscape opens into a vast natural amphitheater framed by the French Glacier, the Paine Massif, and the granite towers of Los Cuernos. Few places capture the scale and raw beauty of Patagonia quite like this.

Continue along the W Trek toward Refugio Paine Grande. With your main luggage transported separately, you'll only need to carry a light daypack as you hike through one of the world's most celebrated mountain landscapes.

This evening, you'll spend another night immersed in the wild beauty of Patagonia beneath some of the clearest night skies in the Southern Hemisphere.
Accommodation: Refugio Paine Grande, Torres del PaineView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 8 miles (13 kilometers), 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 262 feet (80 meters) ascent, 262 feet (80 meters) descent

Optional French Valley Lookout: 3.7 miles (6 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,165 feet (660 meters) ascent, 2,165 feet (660 meters) descent

Few moments on the W Trek compare to your first glimpse of Grey Glacier, one of Patagonia's most iconic natural wonders. Floating icebergs dot the waters of Lake Grey below, while the glacier itself stretches back toward the vast Southern Patagonian Ice Field. One of the largest calving glaciers in the world, Grey Glacier forms a towering wall of ice above the lake, where immense ice cliffs plunge into the waters below.

Your hike finishes at Lake Grey, where you'll meet specialist kayak guides and get fitted with all the equipment needed for a safe and comfortable paddle. From the water, you'll enjoy a unique perspective of the glacier, creating one of the most memorable experiences of your time in Patagonia. As with the rest of your W Trek journey, your main luggage is transported separately, so you'll only need to carry a light daypack during today's hike.

This evening, you'll settle into Refugio Grey and enjoy another beautiful night in Patagonia's backcountry. As the sun sets behind the mountains and the stars emerge overhead, you'll have time to soak in the magic.
Accommodation: Refugio Grey, Torres del PaineView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 7 miles (11 kilometers), 3-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 820 feet (250 meters) ascent, 688 feet (210 meters) descent

Kayaking: 3 hours

Before leaving Torres del Paine behind, you'll head out on a final morning hike to a spectacular lookout above Grey Glacier. From this elevated vantage point, you'll enjoy sweeping views of the glacier flowing from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field into Lake Grey below, a fitting farewell to one of Patagonia's most remarkable landscapes. 

After your hike, you'll board a scenic cruise across Lake Grey, taking in views of floating icebergs, rugged mountains, and the immense glacier you've spent the past two days exploring.

Back on land, you'll return to Puerto Natales, where you'll have time to relax and enjoy some well-earned comforts after your days in the backcountry. This evening, enjoy dinner together and a comfortable night in town ready for the next chapter of your incredible Patagonian adventure.
Accommodation: Hotel Natalino, Puerto NatalesView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 3 miles (4.8 kilometers), 1-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 328 feet (100 meters) ascent, 328 feet (100 meters) descent

Welcome to Argentina! Today you'll leave Chile behind and cross into Argentina, a land of vast open spaces, legendary gaucho culture, and some of the most spectacular wilderness in South America. As you journey across the Patagonian steppe toward El Calafate, endless horizons give way to the glacier-carved landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park, home to towering peaks, ancient ice fields, and brilliant blue lakes.

Arriving in El Calafate this afternoon, you'll have time to relax and explore Patagonia's charming glacier capital. Wander along the shores of Lago Argentino, browse local cafés and shops, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this vibrant mountain town. For those keen to keep exploring, the nearby Laguna Nimez Reserve offers excellent wildlife viewing, with flamingos and other birdlife often found along the lakeshore.

For dinner tonight we find that most people want to explore their options or have an early dinner, though of course, you’re welcome to join your guide for dinner too!
Accommodation: Patagonia Queen Hotel, El CalafateView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If you thought the glaciers of Chile were impressive, prepare for another incredible encounter with Patagonia's icy wilderness! Today you'll visit Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing and one of Argentina's most spectacular natural attractions. Rising above the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino, its immense wall of ice stretches as far as the eye can see.

Accompanied by a local specialist guide, you'll explore a series of viewing platforms that offer incredible perspectives of the glacier's towering face. Keep your ears tuned for deep cracks and rumbles as enormous chunks of ice break away and crash into the lake below, a dramatic reminder that this glacier is constantly in motion. Part of the world's third-largest freshwater reserve, Perito Moreno also acts as a natural dam, creating a fascinating landscape shaped by the powerful forces of ice and water.

After a delicious lunch overlooking the glacier, you'll return to El Calafate for some free time to relax or explore. Later, we'll gather for a trip briefing and dinner as anticipation builds for the adventures and iconic Patagonia sights still to come.
Accommodation: Patagonia Queen Hotel, El CalafateView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you'll journey deep into the heart of Argentine Patagonia, traveling to El Chalten, a small mountain town renowned as the hiking capital of Argentina. Nestled beneath the dramatic peaks of Los Glaciares National Park, this charming village is surrounded by jagged granite spires, glacial rivers, and some of the finest hiking trails in South America.

After arriving in El Chalten, you'll set out on a hike to Mirador Laguna Torre. The trail winds through rugged Patagonian landscapes dotted with boulder fields and sweeping valley views before revealing a spectacular panorama up the Fitz Roy Valley. Here, the iconic granite spire of Cerro Torre rises dramatically above glaciers and ice-covered peaks, creating one of Patagonia's most memorable mountain scenes.

With time to explore El Chalten this afternoon, you can soak up the atmosphere of this outdoor paradise before gathering for a trip briefing and dinner. Today's hike is a gentle introduction to the region, with tomorrow bringing a deeper venture into the spectacular wilderness of Los Glaciares National Park.
Accommodation: Hotel Posada el Barranco, El ChaltenView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 3.7 miles (6 kilometers), 1-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 656 feet (200 meters) ascent, 656 feet (200 meters) descent

Today is one of the true highlights of your Fitz Roy and W Trek tour experience. After a short drive to the trailhead at Pilar, you'll set out on a scenic hike through native forests, across glacial valleys, and beneath the towering granite peaks of the Fitz Roy massif. As the trail unfolds, the views become more spectacular with every mile.

Reaching Campamento Poincenot, you'll find yourself directly beneath the mighty Monte Fitz Roy. It's hard to imagine the scenery could get any better, but for those comfortable to continue, a steep climb leads to Laguna de los Tres at the foot of the glacier. As you crest the final ridge, the reward is extraordinary: Fitz Roy rising dramatically above a turquoise glacial lake, one of the most iconic views in all of Patagonia.

Today's hike delivers unbelievable views at every turn. After returning to El Chaltén, you'll have time to rest and reflect on a day that many consider the standout experience of Los Glaciares National Park.
Accommodation: Hotel Posada el Barranco, El ChaltenView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 14.2 miles (22.8 kilometers), 7-9 hours (flexible)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,624 feet (800 meters) ascent, 2,624 feet (800 meters) descent

Today you'll venture north of El Chaltén to the beautiful Lago del Desierto, a long glacial lake surrounded by forests and mountains. A short walk to a lakeside lookout offers the perfect introduction, with sweeping views across the lake's emerald-blue waters toward the Huemul Glacier and the rugged peaks of the Vespignani Range.

From there, you'll board a catamaran and cruise to the northern end of the lake before setting out on foot once again. The trail climbs to Sentinel Viewpoint, where panoramic views stretch across Lago del Desierto, the surrounding mountains, and the northern face of Mount Fitz Roy. It's a perspective of Patagonia few travelers experience and a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the scale of this remarkable landscape.

This evening, enjoy dinner and another relaxing night in Patagonia's hiking capital, El Chalten.
Accommodation: Hotel Posada el Barranco, El ChaltenView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lookout Hike: 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), 0.5 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 90 feet (30 meters) ascent, 90 feet (30 meters) descent

Cruise: 45 minutes

Lago del Desierto Hike: 8.7 miles (14 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation: Limited elevation

Save one of Patagonia's finest viewpoints for last! Today you'll tackle the rewarding hike to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, a broad summit that offers a completely different perspective on the spectacular landscapes surrounding El Chaltén. Beginning in native Patagonian beech forest, the trail gradually climbs onto an open plateau where the views become bigger and more dramatic with every step.

At the summit, you'll be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Southern Patagonia. From this lofty vantage point, Monte Fitz Roy rises above the Torre Glacier and Laguna Torre, while the surrounding peaks, valleys, and glaciers stretch toward the horizon. It's the perfect grand finale to your days spent exploring the incredible wilderness of Los Glaciares National Park.

After descending back to El Chalten, you'll journey to El Calafate for your final evening together. Tonight, gather for a celebratory farewell dinner, sharing stories and raising a glass to the unforgettable trails, glaciers, mountains, and friendships that have made this Patagonian adventure so special together!
Accommodation: Patagonia Queen Hotel, El CalafateView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 14 miles (22.4 kilometers), 7-9 hours (flexible)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,000 feet (915 meters) ascent, 3,000 feet (915 meters) descent