This carefully planned W Trek 7-day itinerary begins at the base of the famous Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine) and finishes at Grey Glacier, allowing you to experience the park’s beauty in reverse. Each day combines scenic trekking with the comfort of refugio accommodations, where you can enjoy warm meals and rest after the day’s adventures. With detailed day-by-day guidance, this plan balances challenging hikes with moments to pause and immerse yourself in the incredible surroundings. From the dramatic sunrise over the towers to the tranquil views of floating icebergs at Grey Lake, this reverse W Trek guarantees an unforgettable Patagonian experience.
All travel ideas are fully customizable, so we make travel proposals adapted to your interests, activities you enjoy, travel dates and destinations you want to visit.
Trek the Torres del Paine Base Trail
Navigate the Pehoe Lake
Enjoy the amazing Grey Glacier
Adventure in the Paine Mountain Refuges
Meet travelers from all over the world
You can reach Torres del Paine National Park, the starting point of the W Trek, from El Calafate or Puerto Natales. From El Calafate, a three-hour drive across the Patagonian steppe leads to the Chilean border and then through scenic valleys to Laguna Amarga, the park’s main entrance. From Puerto Natales, the shorter two-hour journey passes rolling hills and lakes with views of the Torres del Paine massif. After entering the park, a fifteen-minute gravel road drive brings you to Refugio Las Torres, gateway to several iconic trails. Throughout the trip, private transport ensures comfort and flexibility, allowing travelers to enjoy breathtaking landscapes and arrive ready to begin their Patagonian adventure.
Begin your W Trek with the iconic hike to the Base of the Towers viewpoint. This steep ascent rewards you with unforgettable views of the granite spires reflected in a turquoise glacial lake. After marveling at the scenery, descend to Refugio Chileno, nestled in the forested valley, for your first overnight stay.
Leave Refugio Chileno and head west along the W Trek. The path winds through scenic valleys, past rushing rivers, and alongside the turquoise waters of Nordenskjöld Lake. Arrive at Frances Domes or Refugio Los Cuernos, your cozy refugio for the night, with views of the looming Cuernos del Paine peaks.
Begin the fourth day of your W Trek with an excursion into the French Valley. This section is considered one of the most stunning parts of the W Trek, with towering cliffs, hanging glaciers, and sweeping vistas. After reaching the French Valley viewpoint, descend back to the main trail and continue to Refugio Paine Grande, located on the shores of Lake Pehoé.
From Refugio Paine Grande, trek northward toward Refugio Grey. This section of the W Trek Circuit offers awe-inspiring views of Lake Grey and its surrounding mountains. As you approach, the majestic Grey Glacier comes into view, marking the highlight of the day. Spend the night at Refugio Grey, enjoying the tranquil setting and its cozy amenities.
In the morning of your last day in the W Trek Circuit, consider exploring Grey Glacier up close with a guided kayak or ice trekking excursion. Later, retrace your steps to Refugio Paine Grande. From there, take the catamaran across Lake Pehoé, marking the end of your unforgettable W Trek adventure.
By starting with the iconic Towers and ending with the breathtaking Grey Glacier, this reverse W Trek builds excitement with every step!
Transportation throughout the trip
Accommodation in mountain refuges
Expert local guides
Full support from your Travel Agent before, during, and after the trip
International or domestic flights
Personal expenses and optional activities
To start this journey, travelers have two options; fly into Aeropuerto Internacional Comandante Armando Tola El Calafate (FTE), located just outside El Calafate city or fly to Aeropuerto Internacional Presidente Carlos Ibañez del Campo Punta Arenas (PUQ), located just outside.
Option 1:
Arrival Flight: Traveler flies from origin city to Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) or Aeroparque (AEP), then connects with a domestic flight to El Calafate (FTE).
Departure Flight: At the end of the itinerary, travelers will take a domestic flight from El Calafate (FTE) back to Buenos Aires (EZE/AEP) for onward international connections.
Option 2:
Arrival Flight: Traveler flies from origin city to Aeropuerto Internacional Arturo Merino Benítez Santiago de Chile (SCL), then connects with a domestic flight to Punta Arenas (PUQ).
Departure Flight: At the end of the itinerary, travelers will take a domestic flight from Punta Arenas (PUQ) back to Santiago de Chile (SCL) for onward international connections.
Plan your perfect Argentina adventure with personalized guidance
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Contact a destination specialist, who will take the time to fully understand your preferences and ideas and turn them into the perfect itinerary for you according to your budget. The itinerary can be modified as many times as you want until you are completely happy with the result.
There are no related accommodations.
Add extra nights in El Chalten to discover its incredible trekking trails.
Include additional days in El Calafate to visit the stunnig glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park
Extend the trip with some days in Punta Arenas to enjoy the amazing wildlife of the Patagonian Fjiords
Schedule free time or spa treatments at accommodations for relaxation
All activities, accommodations, and transfers can be tailored to traveler preferences
