Trek Torres del Paine & Explore Los Glaciares National Park - 9 Days

Highlights

• Spend four days hiking the W Trek in Torres del Paine
• See some of Argentina and Chile's most dazzling landscapes
• Navigate Grey Glacier on an ice-hiking adventure
• Enjoy a boat tour around the famous Perito Moreno Glacier

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Puerto Natales (Chile), Explore

Welcome to Chile! You'll arrive in the small port city of Puerto Natales, formerly a fishing port and now the main base for excursions into Torres del Paine National Park. The town is set on the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound), offering scenic views across the water to the mountains beyond. Facing north from here, you'll see the peaks of Cerro Benitez and Cerro Toro, and the sight is phenomenal at sunset.

Depending on your arrival time, you might stroll around town and stop for a drink at one of the town's many bars and cafés. Try a traditional seafood stew in a family-run restaurant before you get some rest at your hotel. Adventures in Patagonia's landscapes await tomorrow!

Day 2: Enter Torres del Paine & Begin W Trek

Transfer from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park this morning. The drive takes about two hours, and you'll get your first glimpses of Torres del Paine's massive peaks as you approach the park. You'll arrive at the Laguna Amarga main entrance and register with the park office, then take a quick shuttle ride to the Las Torres sector. From here, you'll begin the W Trek, hiking up Mount Almirante Nieto with views of the Asencio Valley and Lago Nordenskjöld. After two hours of hiking, you'll reach Refugio & Camping Chileno and have lunch.

It's another hour of hiking past ancient forests until you arrive at a moraine. The next part is a challenging steep ascent for 45 minutes until you reach the top, known as Mirador Base Torres. This section of the mountain, with the Torres del Paine (torre is "tower" in Spanish) looming over a green lagoon, is the best view in the park. You can also marvel at the towering peaks of nearby Torre Sur, Torre Central, Torre Norte, Condor's Nest, and Glacier Torre, all set amid the sweeping backdrop of the Patagonian highlands. Hike to Refugio & Camping el Central to rest for the evening. 

Day 3: Hike Along Lago Nordenskjöld to Refugio Cuernos

This morning, you'll have breakfast and prepare to continue hiking along the W Trek. You'll walk for about four hours toward Refugio Cuernos, located on Lago Nordenskjöld and at the foot of the Cuernos. Along the way, you'll walk along the skirt of Mount Almirante Nieto and the lake, crossing over rivers as you go. See glimpses of glaciers and the mountaintops before you arrive at the Refugio to relax for the evening. 

Day 4: Visit the French Valley & Continue to Refugio Paine Grande

Your third day of hiking the W Trek begins just after breakfast. Hit the trail toward Campamento Italiano, a camp about 2.5 hours away. You'll walk across a windy beach and into the valley, where the wind is slightly calmer. Once you arrive at Campamento Italiano, leave your large pack and continue into the French Valley with a small daypack.

You'll hike across a moraine and through a forest until you come to a clearing, where you'll be blown away by both the wind and the spectacular views of three lakes: Nordenskjöld, Skottsberg, and Pehoe. You'll see the hanging French Glacier just ahead of you, plus several other peaks. After leaving the lookout, return to gather your larger backpack and continue another 2.5 hours to Refugio Paine Grande on the shore of the beautiful Lago Pehoe.

Day 5: Admire Grey Glacier, Trek to Refugio Grey

After a restful night and an energizing breakfast, begin a four-hour hike through a small forest along Lago Grey. This is the fourth and final day of the W Trek. Most days, this section of the park is very windy due to the open landscapes around Lago Grey, Grey Glacier, and the Southern Ice Field.  

After two hours of hiking, you'll get your first glimpse of Grey Glacier. You'll continue hiking for two more hours until you arrive at Refugio & Camping Grey, where you'll spend the night. If you like, you can continue past the Refugio for a spectacular view of the glacier and a chance to cross one of the park's famous suspension bridges. 

Day 6: Ice Hike on Grey Glacier & Boat Tour

Make your way to the Bigfoot Basecamp this morning to begin an ice hiking excursion. First, take a boat to Isla Islatak, where you'll start a one-hour hike up the glacial moraine. After an hour of hiking, arrive at the ice to gear up and learn about the basics of ice hiking. Prepared with an ice ax, crampons, helmet, and harness, you'll start your ice hiking adventure, walking for around 2.5 hours onto the Grey Glacier, observing cracks, rivers, lagoons, and tunnels. Return to camp for lunch.

In the afternoon, board a catamaran to see Grey Glacier from another perspective. The boat will cruise across the lake and stop close to the glacier, allowing passengers to snap photos of its massive ice walls. After the boat tour, take a short hike across the windswept beach and the forest. It's time to leave the park and return to Puerto Natales, where you'll spend the night in a hotel. 

Day 7: Transfer to El Calafate (Argentina) & Visit the Glaciarium

In the morning, hop on a bus bound for El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Welcome to Argentina! El Calafate is known for its location on Lago Argentino, Argentina's largest freshwater lake. After checking in at your hotel and getting settled, you'll have the afternoon and evening free to stroll around town and do some sightseeing.

Get ready for tomorrow's visit to the nearby glaciers by visiting the Glaciarium. This interactive museum offers hands-on displays and an ice bar where you can take a break for drinks. If you'd rather explore the outdoors, check out the birds at the Laguna Nimez Nature Preserve just outside town. Stop in the quaint cafés and shops around El Calafate, then have dinner in a local parrilla (steakhouse) before getting some rest at your hotel.

Day 8: Experience the Perito Moreno Glacier

Today's adventure takes you to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Transfer from your hotel to the port, where you'll board a boat and start your day sailing along the Témpano Canal. The journey takes you past stunning landscapes, glaciers, and mountains, and you'll disembark several times for short hikes. Walk through some of the oldest forests in the area, admire pristine waterfalls, and take in impressive panoramic views.

As you enter the park by boat, you'll catch your first glimpse of Perito Moreno—an extensive ice mass that flows down from the Andes out over Lago Argentino, ending abruptly in a great wall that curves around the lake. Witness "calving," the awe-inspiring sight of ice breaking off the facade and crashing into the tranquil waters below. The boat will drop you near the visitor's center, where you'll have time to explore the boardwalks and viewing platforms offering sweeping views of the glacier. Head back to El Calafate for the evening.

Day 9: Depart Patagonia

The adventure has come to an end. After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport to catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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