TorresDelPaine.com 
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Trekking
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Discover the main highlights of the W Circuit in a shorter, more intense version, covering the Base of the Towers Lookout, the French Valley and Grey Glacier in just 4 days.
This program is designed for travelers who want to make the most of their stay in Torres del Paine. Along the way you'll walk among mountains, forests, lakes and glaciers, discovering some of the most representative landscapes of Patagonia.
Unlike the Classic W Circuit, this version cuts out one night and concentrates the stages into more demanding days, so good physical condition is recommended.
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Total distance: between 60 and 65 km
Limited spaces: we recommend booking in advance to secure availability.
Itinerary
Loss: 1329 meters
7:00 am - Program start at the bus terminal
Head to the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal between 6:30 and 6:50 am to take the bus bound for Torres del Paine National Park.
Journey from Puerto Natales to the National Park
Travel comfortably and affordably between Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park using the most popular regular shuttle service for travelers and trekkers visiting Patagonia. (more…)
Transfer from Laguna Amarga to the Welcome Center
You will travel through beautiful landscapes until you reach the main entrance, Laguna Amarga, where you need to register with CONAF (park rangers). Here you change to “Transporte Las Torres”, who will take you to the Welcome Center. You register at Reserva Cerro Paine and then, after about a 5-minute walk, you will reach Torre Central, where you check in, either at the refuge or the campsite, before starting your trek.
Hike to the El Chileno sector
Today's hike begins through the Ascencio Valley, with extensive forests along the way.
Hike from El Chileno to Base Las Torres
During the final ascent you cross an immense field of giant boulders, until you reach one of the most emblematic viewpoints in the world: the famous Base Torres lookout.
The Base Las Torres postcard
At an altitude of 900 meters above sea level, take in the three granite towers (north, central and south) and the bright turquoise glacial lake at their feet. Take beautiful photos and enjoy your box lunch before heading back along the same trail to the Torre Central refuge.
Return to the Las Torres sector and overnight at Torre Central Refuge
After a long day and time spent with the Towers, enjoy dinner at the refuge.
Transfer to Laguna Amarga
After breakfast at the Torre Central refuge and picking up your box lunch, take the 8:15 am Las Torres transfer, which drops you back at Laguna Amarga.
Bus to Pudeto
Here you board the Bus Sur coach coming from Puerto Natales, which takes you to Pudeto.
Catamaran crossing to Paine Grande
At 10:30 am you board the Hielos Patagónicos catamaran, which sails for about 35 minutes across Lake Pehoé, arriving directly at the Paine Grande refuge.
Hike to Grey Refuge
The hike toward Grey starts here. The route begins through a narrow, winding valley that leads to Los Patos lagoon. As you keep going, you will start to see parts of the immense Southern Ice Field, as well as the icebergs on Lake Grey. After passing the viewpoint, which is sometimes very windy, the trail descends through a mountain forest until you reach the Grey refuge.
Views of Grey Glacier
From here, if you keep walking for about 10 minutes, you will reach the Grey Glacier viewpoint, where you come face to face with one of the arms of the Southern Ice Field.
Night at Grey Refuge
Dinner is served at the refuge between 6:00 and 9:00 pm.
Loss: 533 meters
Hike to Paine Grande
The return hike from Grey Refuge to Paine Grande follows the same 11-kilometer trail, but the experience changes because most of the route is downhill and the wind usually hits you from behind.
Night at Paine Grande
Rest and enjoy dinner in the refuge dining room
Loss: 851 meters
Hike toward the French Valley
Today's hike is out and back, starting and finishing at Paine Grande. You head into the heart of the park, skirting the blue waters of Lake Skottsberg. After about 2.5 hours of walking, you reach the Italiano campsite (park rangers), where you begin the route into the French Valley.
Climb up the French Valley
You climb over large boulders and then continue through the forest until you reach the French viewpoint. Here you are rewarded with incredible views of the Cuernos, turquoise glacial lagoons and striking hanging glaciers dropping down the east face of Paine Grande mountain (3,050 meters above sea level).
Británico Viewpoint
If you are lucky, you may hear the thundering sound of the glacier and falling water, and it is also quite common to witness an avalanche. Enjoy your box lunch and a well-deserved rest.
Return to the Paine Grande sector
You descend along the same trail toward the Italiano campsite and then on to the Paine Grande refuge.
Sailing to Pudeto
At 6:35 pm you take the catamaran back to Pudeto, where you board the regular bus bound for Puerto Natales.
Return to Puerto Natales
The approximate arrival time in Puerto Natales is 9:30 pm.
Back at the Puerto Natales bus terminal
When you are at the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal, remember to take care of your belongings, especially during busy times. Pay attention to bus arrivals, as most terminals do not provide real-time arrival information. Several bus companies, such as Buses Pacheco, Bus Sur, Buses María José, Buses Fernández, and Buses Cootra, operate from this terminal. The terminal also offers several
Frequently Asked Questions
The W Express Circuit lasts 4 days and 3 nights. The program covers the main highlights of the W Circuit inside Torres del Paine National Park, including Base Torres, Grey Glacier, Paine Grande and the French Valley.
<p"792""1003">This program lets you visit some of the most iconic sectors of Torres del Paine: Base Torres, Grey sector, Grey Glacier, Paine Grande, Lake Pehoé, Lake Skottsberg, French Valley and the French Lookout.
<p"1005""1144">Depending on the day's conditions, walking pace and operating schedules, some lookouts or route extensions may vary.
<p"1227""1524">The W Express Circuit concentrates the main attractions of the W Circuit into fewer days, with a more compact itinerary and intense days. The Classic W Circuit, on the other hand, spreads the experience over more time, allowing a slower pace and more recovery between hikes.
<p"1526""1681">The W Express is ideal for travelers with fewer days available who still want to live a complete trekking experience in Torres del Paine.
<p"1741""1912">The W Express Circuit has a medium to high physical demand, with trekking days that can range from 4 to 10 hours, depending on the section of the itinerary.
<p"1914""2144">Some hikes, such as Base Torres and the French Valley, are more demanding due to distance, elevation gain, uneven terrain and exposure to Patagonian weather. Good physical condition and prior preparation are recommended.
<p"2193""2485">You don't need to be an expert, but previous experience with long walks or mountain trekking is recommended. This program involves several consecutive days of hiking, so it is important to be used to walking for several hours and maintaining a steady pace.
<p"2487""2636">If you have no previous experience, we recommend preparing physically before the trip and carefully reviewing the level of demand of each day.
Included
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Round Trip Bus Tickets Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine
Round trip in regular shared service without a guide. -
1 night accommodation in Central Sector
Camping includes: tent and mountain sleeping bag and insulating mat. Shelter includes: armed bed or single bed (with sleeping bag). -
1 night in Sector Grey
Camping includes: tent and mountain sleeping bag and insulating mat. Shelter includes: armed bed or single bed (with sleeping bag). -
1 night in Sector Paine Grande
Camping includes: tent and mountain sleeping bag and insulating mat. Shelter includes: armed bed or single bed (with sleeping bag). - Full board (breakfast, box lunch, and dinner)
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Ticket for W circuit trails
• Typical duration: 4 to 5 days. • Type of visit: Multi-day trek through the park's main valleys. • Areas included: Base Torres, Valle del Francés, Paine Grande, Grey Glacier. • Permitted activities: Long-distance trekking and overnight stays in refuges or campsites. • Key requirement: Confirmed accommodation reservations within the park. • Recommended profile: Trekkers with intermediate experience and prior planning. -
Expert advice and coordination
Personalized guidance and coordination of your experience via phone, email, webchat, WhatsApp, and scheduled video calls. -
Booking Fee – Reservation Management
Included in the final price. This fee covers the administrative expenses associated with managing and confirming the reservation, processing payments, and coordinating the service with local operators.
General Conditions
RESTRICTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- This programme is not recommended for children under 10 years old.
- Passengers over 70 must present a medical certificate confirming a physical condition compatible with the activities of the programme, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.
- Passengers must be able to carry their personal belongings throughout the programme.
- We recommend using 40-litre backpacks.
- We offer luggage storage in Puerto Natales for those who wish to leave their bags behind
Pricing
| Per Person | Price for Chileans and Residents | Price for non-resident Foreigners |
|---|---|---|
| Camping en Single | CL$ 820 000 | US$ 1 234 |
| Camping en Doble | CL$ 714 000 | US$ 1 040 |
| Refugio | CL$ 830 000 | US$ 1 390 |
| Camping en Single | CL$ 1 029 000 | US$ 1 522 |
| Camping en Doble | CL$ 854 000 | US$ 1 264 |
| Refugio | CL$ 867 000 | US$ 1 481 |
| Camping en Single | CL$ 1 190 000 | US$ 1 830 |
| Camping en Doble | CL$ 999 000 | US$ 1 541 |
| Refugio | CL$ 1 070 000 | US$ 1 665 |
Commercial Conditions
Cancellation Policies
- Cancellations with 91 days or more before the service date: 90% refund.
- Cancellations between 90 and 71 days before the service date: 80% refund.
- Cancellations with 70 days or less before the service date are not eligible for a refund.
Other Conditions
- For groups of more than 15 people, special conditions may apply regarding deposit amounts, cancellation deadlines and refund percentages. These conditions will be communicated in advance at the time of booking and will be defined case by case according to the characteristics of the group.
Our apply on everything not mentioned before.
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W Circuit Express
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