Express W Circuit - Torres del Paine

After breakfast at your hotel in Puerto Natales, you’ll have a 7:00am public bus departure straight to Torres del Paine National Park. Journey amongst the vast Patagonian plains before arriving to the entrance at Laguna Amarga, where it is required to register with CONAF (park rangers/ you will fill a form, pay the entrance ticket to the park and watch a short video regarding the park regulations).  Board the “Las Torres” shuttle bus that will drop you off at the Visitor’s Center.  Register with the Cerro Paine Reserve and walk a short distance to Refugio Torre Central. Whether your accommodation is a shared-dorm room in the Refugio or camping, make sure to check-in prior to beginning your hike. 

Today’s trek follows the Ascensio Valley as it snakes through windswept hills and wide-spread beech forests.  During the final ascent, you’ll traverse an immense boulder field until reaching one of the most iconic mountain viewpoints in the world, the Base of The Towers. At a height of 900 meters above sea level, marvel at the sheer granite walls of the (north, south, central) towers and the brilliantly turquoise glacial lake below. Take some photographs and have lunch before following the same path downwards to Refugio Torre Central.  After a long day of hiking, enjoy a warm dinner at the lodge. 

 Distance: 22km Time: 8-10hrs // Level of Difficulty: Strenuous // Accommodation: Refugio or Camping Torre Central // Meals: Packed lunch and Dinner.

After breakfast, you will request your packed lunch and take the 8:30 am shuttle bus to Laguna Amarga. Here you will have to board the Bus Gomes that will bring you to the Pudeto boat dock.  At 11:00am, you’ll board the catamaran for a 35-minute journey across Lake Pehoe.  The catamaran will leave you at the foot of Refugio Paine Grande, where you’ll begin your hike to Refugio Grey. 

Start your trek through a narrow, winding valley that leads to Laguna de Los Patos.  As you continue, you’ll start to get glimpses of the immense Southern Patagonian Ice Field as well as the iceberg marked Grey Lake.  After passing through Glacier Grey’s sometimes (very) windy viewpoint, the trail descends through a hilly forest until you are left standing face to face with the majestic Grey Glacier.  Dinner will be served. 

Distance: 11km / Time: 4-4.5hrs / Level of Difficulty: Moderate / Accommodation: Refugio or Camping Grey / Meals: Breakfast, Packed lunch and Dinner

Enjoy breakfast in the dining area at Refugio Grey and don’t forget to request your packed lunch! In case you didn’t get a chance to visit the suspension bridges the previous afternoon, take the morning to explore the spectacular panoramic views of Grey Glacier. You’ll follow the same trail back to Refugio Paine Grande.

Rest and enjoy a warm dinner inside the lodge. Distance: 11km / Time: 4-4.5hrs / Level of Difficulty: Moderate / Accommodation: Refugio or camping Paine Grande / Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and Dinner

Today’s hike will be round trip starting and finishing at Refugio Paine Grande. Travel to the heart of the park through barren landscapes and by bordering the enchanting blue waters of Lake Skottsberg. After approximately 2.5hrs of hiking, you’ll arrive to the Italiano Ranger Station where you’ll begin your journey up the valley.

Climb through a massive boulder field and follow a tree-lined ridge until reaching the French plateau (Mirador Frances). Here, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Los Cuernos (the Horns), turquoise glacial lagoons and gorgeous blue hanging glaciers cascading down the east face of Paine Grande (3,050mts). If you’re lucky, you’ll hear the thundering sound of water and ice crashing down, as it is a common spot to witness avalanches.  Enjoy your packed lunch and a well-deserved rest.  Return on the same trail to the Italiano Ranger Station and back to Refugio Paine Grande.

Enjoy the 35-minute catamaran ride before taking the 7:00pm public bus to Puerto Natales. Approximate arrival time to Puerto Natales: 10:00pm

Distance: 19km / Time: 7-8hrs / Level of Difficulty: Demanding / Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch