Chile: Trekking in Torres del Paine

Welcome at the airport and private transfer to your hotel in the city centre. In the afternoon, your local guide takes you to discover Santiago and the history of Chile, from the Palacio de La Moneda to the Mercado Central, through the bohemian neighbourhoods of Lastarria and Bellavista.

Head for Valparaíso, nicknamed the 'open-air museum' for its street art and colourful houses. A visit with a passionate local guide to discover the hills of Valparaíso, the port, La Sebastiana (Pablo Neruda's house-museum) and Chilean gastronomy.

Heading for Chilean Patagonia! Private transfer to Santiago airport then a domestic flight to Punta Arenas, where your driver takes you to Puerto Natales (3h30 drive). You are now at the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and the great adventure of your Chile trip: the W Trek.

Bus from Puerto Natales to the Laguna Amarga sector (122 km). Registration at the welcome centre, then transfer to the Las Torres sector. Night at Refugio Central. Dinner and breakfast included.

Departure at 9am. Three-stage hike via Lake Nordenskjöld, the Monte Almirante Nieto glacier and ancient lenga beech forests to the breathtaking Mirador Base Las Torres (Torre Sur 2,850 m, Torre Central 2,800 m, Torre Norte 2,600 m). Return to Refugio El Chileno for the night. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Distance: 13 km - Duration: 7–8 hours  - Elevation: +870m / -870m - Difficulty: HIGH

Departure around 9am along the base of the Cuernos del Paine and Monte Almirante Nieto, with spectacular views over Lake Nordenskjöld. Night at Refugio Los Cuernos, a majestic setting. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Distance: 11 km - Duration: 4–5 hours  - Elevation: +600m / -400m - Difficulty: MODERATE

Departure around 8am via Lake Nordenskjöld to the 'Italian campsite', then ascent to the Mirador del Glaciar Francés and the French Valley Mirador with panoramic views over the Paine Grande and surrounding massifs. Night at Refugio Paine Grande. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Distance: 25.3 km - Duration: 10–12 hours - Elevation: +1,000m / -1,000m - Difficulty: MODERATE/HIGH

Hike along Lake Grey to the miradors overlooking the Grey Glacier and its icebergs. Late afternoon catamaran crossing of Lake Pehoé to Pudeto, then bus back to Puerto Natales. Night at the hotel. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner free.

Distance: 22 km - Duration: 8–9 hours - Elevation: +600m / -600m - Difficulty: MODERATE

A free day to discover Puerto Natales. Our suggestions: a stroll along the fjord shores, a visit to the Hand Monument, or the historical museum. Optional: a boat excursion on the Última Esperanza Fjord to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, including a typical lunch at a local estancia.

After breakfast, transfer to Punta Arenas airport (approximately 3h30 drive), then a domestic flight to Santiago. For this last night in Chile, we provide our finest suggestions for activities and dinner addresses.

Depending on your flight time, your local driver takes you to Santiago de Chile airport for your international flight back home. Want to extend your Chilean adventure? Consider an extension to the Atacama Desert or Easter Island!