About this trek
The W Trek Active is designed for trekkers who want a genuine challenge — with two camping nights in the park mixed in with lodge and hotel stays. It covers all three core highlights of the W route (Paine Towers, French Valley, and Grey Glacier) in 4 hiking days at a faster pace, with a more immersive, off-grid feel.
On camping nights, tents are pre-erected and waiting for you at the designated camping stations — you don't carry tent poles or set anything up. You will carry your own sleeping bag and mat (both provided by ChileTour) from Day 2 onwards. All breakfasts, boxed lunches, and dinners remain included throughout. This program suits trekkers with good fitness and some hiking experience who want the full W without the price tag of an all-lodge program.
Accommodation across the 5 nights: two nights in Garden Domes Puerto Natales, one night in Torre Central Lodge or Laguna Amarga Cabins, and two nights camping in the park.
Day-by-day itinerary
D
1
Arrival in Puerto Natales
Transfer to Garden Domes. Welcome dinner with drinks, followed by a full group briefing: what to pack, what you'll carry on camping days, and what stays in luggage storage. First night in Puerto Natales.
🏡 Garden Domes — Tiny House (triple occupancy)
D
2
Base of the Towers — 18 km · 7–8 hrs
Private ChileTour van into Torres del Paine. Trek to Mirador Base Torres — the classic sunrise viewpoint with the three granite towers reflected in the emerald lake below. Overnight at Torre Central Lodge dormitory or Laguna Amarga Cabins. This is where you collect your sleeping bag and mat for the camping nights ahead.
🏠 Torre Central Lodge or Laguna Amarga Cabins
D
3
Los Cuernos Trek — 14.6 km · 6.5 hrs
Trek west along the north shore of Lake Nordenskjöld, passing the dramatic Los Cuernos rock formations and into the Frances valley area. Your tent is already set up at Camping Frances when you arrive. Hot dinner at the camp facilities.
⛺ Camping Frances — tent provided & pre-erected
D
4
French Valley — 20.3 km · 9 hrs
The longest and most dramatic day. Trek through the French Valley to Mirador Británico — 360° granite walls and hanging glaciers from all sides. Descend via the valley floor to Camping Paine Grande on the shore of Lake Pehoé. This is the physical high point of the trip.
⛺ Camping Paine Grande — tent provided & pre-erected
D
5
Grey Glacier & Trek Out — 22 km total
Trek from Paine Grande to the Grey Glacier viewpoints (11 km, ~3.5 hrs), then retrace back to Paine Grande (11 km, ~3.5 hrs). Board the catamaran across Lake Pehoé, connect to the bus transfer and return to Puerto Natales. Pizza night celebration awaits.
🏡 Garden Domes, Puerto Natales
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6
Departure Day
Breakfast at Garden Domes. Bus connection to Punta Arenas or taxi to Puerto Natales airport. Luggage storage available until your transfer.
Where you'll sleep
N1
N5
Garden Domes — Puerto Natales
Tiny House room in ChileTour's own boutique hotel on the edge of Puerto Natales. Triple occupancy basis. All amenities, bar, and restaurant on site.
N2
Torre Central Lodge or Laguna Amarga Cabins
Lodge dormitory or private cabin at the Torres end of the circuit, inside the park. Bedding included. Hot showers available.
N3
Camping Frances
Tent pre-erected in the Frances camping area. You carry your sleeping bag and mat (provided by ChileTour). Hot showers and camp cafeteria available.
N4
Camping Paine Grande
Tent pre-erected on the shore of Lake Pehoé. Sleeping bag and mat required (provided by ChileTour). Camp kitchen and sanitary facilities available.
What guests say
"
Just completed the W trek and had a fabulous time. We're a 61/62 fit couple and did the 'active' version — 3 nights and 4 days trekking. Good organization and communication, very good food. I would highly recommend this company; Ritchie the owner is hands on and very friendly.
— via Tripadvisor · Couples · Jan 2026 · W Active
"
Ricci and his team were amazing and made us feel like special guests. It was well organised, rooms at Garden Domes were comfortable, sooo much delicious food and incredibly kind and generous. Highly recommend.
— via Tripadvisor · Couples · May 2025
What's included
Included
✓
5 nights accommodation (2 Garden Domes, 1 lodge, 2 camping)✓
All meals — arrival dinner through departure breakfast✓
Welcome dinner with drinks on arrival night✓
Pizza night at Garden Domes on exit night✓
Tents pre-erected at Camping Frances and Paine Grande✓
Sleeping bag and mat provided for camping nights✓
Guided hike on Day 2 (Base of the Towers)✓
Trekking poles for the first day of trekking✓
Private ChileTour van transfer into the park✓
Catamaran ticket across Lake Pehoé✓
Bus transfer back to Puerto Natales✓
Free luggage storage at Garden Domes Not included
✗
Torres del Paine National Park entrance fee (~$35 USD)✗
International and domestic flights✗
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)✗
Optional activities (ice trekking, kayaking)