Patagonia Classic "W" Trek Itinerary (5D/4N)
Day 1: Arrival to Torres Del Paine National Park - Trek to the Base of the Towers
7AM shuttle to National park, check-in the Refugio. Today’s hike begins through the Ascencio Valley, windy pass and the Italiano. During the final ascent, you will traverse an immense field of giant rocks until you reach one of the most stunning viewpoints in the world, the famous Base of the Towers lookout.
Day 2: Trek to Los Cuernos or Francés
During this hike you will pass through beautiful crystal-clear streams, and you can admire the snowdrifts of Almirante Nieto Mountain at 2,670 meters. You will be able to see the majestic condors gliding from the heights and go alongside the fascinating waters of the Nordenskjöld lake.
Day 3: Explore the French Valley (Valle Del Francés)
After 2 hours walking, you will pass through the Francés campsite, and you will arrive at the entrance of the French Valley. You can leave your backpack at the Italiano camp and start your journey up to the French Valley. Climb through a massive boulder field and follow a tree-lined ridge until reaching the French plateau. Here, you will be rewarded with stunning views of Los Cuernos, turquoise glacial lagoons and amazing blue hanging glaciers cascading down the east face of the Paine Grande Mountain. Hike another 1 hour and you will be in the top of Britanica Lookout.
Day 4: Grey Glacier (Optional hike to the Hanging Bridges)
The hike begins through a narrow and winding valley that leads to Los Patos lagoon. As you continue, you will get glimpses of the immense Southern Ice Field, as well as the icebergs in the Grey Lake. After passing the viewpoint, the path descends through a mountainous forest until it reaches the Grey refugio. From here, you can continue your walk for about 15 minutes until you reach the Grey glacier lookout, where you will be facing the bluest glacier in the world.
Day 5: Trek to Paine Grande – Catamaran - Return to Puerto Natales
In case you did not have the chance to visit the hanging bridges the day before, you can use the morning to explore the spectacular panoramic views of the Grey glacier. Then, continue the same path back to Paine Grande to take the catamaran at 6:30 pm to Pudeto, where you will take the bus back to Puerto Natales. The estimated time of arrival to Natales is 9:30 pm.