INFORMACION GENERAL
As temperatures drop and mountains and valleys sleep, trekkers in-the-know take to Torres del Paine’s trails. The winter W Trek connects Glaciar Grey, the French Valley y Towers lookout on five days of superb hiking fuelled by crisp air and still landscapes – minus the jostling crowds and cramped Refugios.
Aspectos destacados
• Have Torres del Paine almost to yourself!
• Trek to Grey Glacier, French Valley and Towers lookout
• Five days of beautiful winter hiking
• Peaceful, almost empty trails and Refugios
• Crisp, clean landscapes
• Stay in mountain refugios & a cozy cabin
Weather Conditions:
Chilean Patagonia is famous for its unpredictable weather and the possibility of experiencing the four seasons in one day. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared for anything. The winter climate is dry and cold with temperatures of between -10º C and 10º C. Weather conditions are more stable between May and October. Because trails may be covered in snow and/or ice, it’s highly recommended that hikers bring appropriate gear to accommodate these conditions.
Please Remember: This program requires a certain physical ability in order to complete successfully. Keep in mind that each member of a guided group will have a different rhythm and pace but group members must follow the pace indicated by the guide according to the distance and daylight hours available. Each day’s activity will have a minimum number of kilometers or miles which must be covered. Activity times are estimated and could be more or less given trail and weather conditions and the groups’ overall rhythm. We encourage our guests to remember that traveling in a guided group allows for a unique experience – bonding with fellow travelers and interacting with the guide and the destination in which they are visiting.
DESCARGA TUS MAPAS:
• TORRES DEL PAINE
• MAGALLANES AND ANTÁRTICA CHILENA REGION (ENGLISH)
• REGIÓN DE MAGALLANES Y ANTÁRTICA CHILENA (ESPAÑOL)
DESCARGA TU LISTA DE COSAS RECOMENDADOS:
WINTER W TREK PACK LIST
Itinerario
Día 1
Arrive in Torres del Paine — Hike Las Carretas Trail to Paine Grande
- 2 Hour Chile Nativo Transfer
- 6 Hour Hike, 16 km / 10 mi
- Night at Refugio Paine Grande (BL-D)
Your private transfer will pick you up early in the morning and drive you to Torres del Paine National Park’s administration area, where our first hike will begin.
This is a 6-hour hike along Las Carretas trail to the shores of Pehoe Lake, tucked at the base of the Paine Massif.
The Grey River will accompany us along the way and we’ll have a picnic lunch before arriving at our Refugio for the night, Paine Grande.
Once there, you’ll settle into your dorm before meeting again for dinner.
*Chile Nativo Transfers allow us to continue our commitment to sustainability by minimizing our carbon footprint whenever possible. For this reason, there could be instances when a transfer in or out of the park is shared among other Chile Nativo clients who have the same start or finish date for their program. We will try our best to communicate these instances when a shared transfer will be shared with other Chile Nativo clients.
Día 2
Round-Trip Hike to Grey Glacier
- 8 Hour Hike, 22 km / 13 mi
- Night at Refugio Paine Grande(B-BL-D)
Today our destination is Grey Glacier: a stirringly beautiful ice giant ending abruptly in the glacial lake of the same name. We’ll set out early, ascending 200 meters through the winding path that takes us to Laguna Negra.
Here, we’ll see sections of the massive Southern Patagonian Ice Field, a geological phenomenon that still guards many unexplored sections.
You’ll continue on to Grey Glacier’s lookout point, passing forests and rivers, with possible sightings of the spectacled and flying steamer ducks that call them home.
Almorzaremos en el mirador con el gigantesco glaciar Grey a nuestros pies, y tal vez tengamos la suerte de ver el hielo partiéndose de sus enormes paredes hacia las heladas aguas.
We return along the same path, accompanied by views of Paine Grande and the muscled granite walls of Cordon Olguín, to our Refugio where we’ll spend a second night.
Día 3
Round-Trip Hike to the French Valley
- 7-8 Hour Hike, 18 km / 11 mi
- Night at Refugio Paine Grande (B-BL-D)
Today’s hike is a challenging trek to heart of the Paine massif. Our destination, the French Valley, is a spectacular natural basin surrounded by peaks and hanging glaciers.
After breakfast we’ll set off on a 2-hour hike through firebush and beech forests to the suspension bridge over the French River.
At the entrance to the Valley – a glacial moraine – you’ll scramble over huge boulders and catch the first sight of the hanging glacier atop the valley.
Desde este punto, ascenderá durante una hora a través de un paisaje de jardín japonés de ensueño antes de llegar al mirador del Valle Francés La Plateau.
Your reward is a heart-stirring bird’s eye view of granite peaks and hanging glaciers.
To one side, the French Glacier and Paine Grande (3050 m); while to the other, La Espada, La Hoja, La Máscara and the main and north “horns” of Los Cuernos arch upwards.
En la parte superior del Valle, el Cerro Catedral y el Cerro Fortaleza se ciernen como torreones sobre el paisaje.
We’ll have lunch at the viewpoint, surrounded by these imposing peaks and open skies, then return to our Refugio via the same route for our final night there.
This hike is demanding and many parts of the trail are steep. This trek is a minimum of 8 hours along challenging, rugged mountainous terrains. This trek is suitable for travelers with a strong physical stamina.
Día 4
Hike Las Carretas – Transfer to Konkashken
- 6 Hour Hike, 16 km / 10 mi
- 30 minutos traslado
- Night at Konkashken Cabins (B-BL-D)
After enjoying breakfast with our last views of the Paine Grande mountain, we’ll hike back along the Las Carretas trail, allowing for plenty of opportunities for picturesque wintery photos of Torres del Paine’s landscapes.
Our transfer awaits at the trail’s end – taking us to the Serrano Village area to our accommodation for the evening, Konkashken Cabins.
*Upgrade to a Private Room in Hotel (based on availability) – Ask a Trip Specialist to Reserve your Accommodation!
Día 5
Round-Trip Hike to the Base of the Towers Lookout — Transfer to Puerto Natales
- 1.5 Hour Chile Nativo Transfer
- 8-10 hour hike, 22 km / 13 mi
- 2 Hour Chile Nativo Transfer (B-BL)
In the morning, we take a transfer to Las Torres area to begin our hike to the three Towers base.
The trail takes us through beech forests and past views of glaciers and waterfalls until we reach a gigantic terminal moraine (the ridge formed at a glacier’s end point).
We’ll ascend this boulder-strewn moraine and be rewarded by the arresting sight of the three Towers themselves. At this lookout point 900 meters above sea level, we’ll rest, take photos and have lunch.
Our descent is along the same path, then on to Estancia Las Torres where we’ll board our return transfer to Puerto Natales.
This hike is demanding and many parts of the trail are steep. This trek is a minimum of 8 hours along challenging, rugged mountainous terrains. This trek is suitable for travelers with a strong physical stamina.
*Chile Nativo Transfers allow us to continue our commitment to sustainability by minimizing our carbon footprint whenever possible. For this reason, there could be instances when a transfer in or out of the park is shared among other Chile Nativo clients who have the same start or finish date for their program. We will try our best to communicate these instances when a shared transfer will be shared with other Chile Nativo clients.
INCLUIDO
- All the private transportation indicated in the schedule
- Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park
- Three nights in Refugio Paine Grande (shared dormitories with bunk beds), Sleeping Bags, Heating, Shared Showers & Hot Water
- One night in Konkashken Cabin in the Serrano Area (two-room cabin with shared bathroom)
- All meals indicated in the schedule (B: breakfast, BL: box lunch, D: dinner)
- Guide (English-Spanish)
NO INCLUIDO
- Any additional nights
- Medical expenses
- Seguro de cualquier tipo
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic drinks
- Porters to carry personal belongings for 4 days (available upon request, USD$150 per day, with a maximum of 15 kg per porter, usually good to share one in between two hikers)
- Gratuities for Guide & Porter
Alojamientos
REFUGIO PAINE GRANDE
Paine Grande es un refugio grande y moderno ubicado a orillas del lago Pehoe, que incluye conexión a Internet y bar de servicio completo. Es el punto de partida del catamarán que cruza el lago Pehoe y las caminatas hacia los valles Francés y Grey. Hay 6 camas en cada habitación (estilo litera) y tienen baños compartidos con agua caliente. No se proporcionan toallas y se recomienda a los huéspedes que traigan su propio saco de dormir.
Konkashken Cabin
A cozy location located tucked alongside the Serrano River. These simple cabins offer a quiet place to rest and enjoy magnificent views of the Paine Massif. Cabins have bunk beds with fresh linens and a warm wood burning stove inside. Meals are served in the lodge which is spacious and welcoming. Bathrooms are shared and offer hot water.
Fechas & Precios
Chile Nativo operates with a minimum of 4 guests and maximum of 8 guests per departure which allows for a high level of individualized service and an unforgettable personalized experience.
PRICES FOR SEASON 2022/2023: (valid until September 2023)
4-8 Pasajeros en el grupo: USD$ 2.095 por persona
Departures available upon request with a minimum of 4 guests (we could operate with a smaller group with an extra supplement) (May – August)
WWNAT1
5 days- Mayo 17, 2023 / Mayo 21, 2023
- 7 DISPONIBLES
- Reserva
WWNAT2
5 Days- Mayo 23, 2023 / Mayo 27, 2023
- 8 DISPONIBLES
- Reserva
WWNAT3
5 Days- Mayo 30, 2023 / Junio 3, 2023
- 8 DISPONIBLES
- Reserva
WWNAT4
5 days- Junio 6, 2023 / Junio 10, 2023
- 8 DISPONIBLES
- Reserva
WWNAT5
5 Days- Junio 14, 2023 / Junio 18, 2023
- 6 DISPONIBLES
- Reserva
WWNAT6
5 Days- Junio 26, 2023 / Junio 30, 2023
- 5 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Reserva
WWNAT7
5 Days- Junio 23, 2023 / Junio 27, 2023
- 6 DISPONIBLES
- Reserva
WWNAT8
5 Days- Julio 4, 2023 / Julio 8, 2023
- 8 DISPONIBLES
- Reserva
WWNAT9
5 days- Julio 11, 2023 / Julio 15, 2023
- 8 DISPONIBLES
- Reserva
WWNAT10
5 days- Julio 18, 2023 / Julio 22, 2023
- 8 DISPONIBLES
- Reserva
WWNAT11
5 days- Julio 28, 2023 / Agosto 1, 2023
- 4 DISPONIBLES
- Reserva
WWNAT12
5 days- Agosto 1, 2023 / Agosto 5, 2023
- 8 DISPONIBLES
- Reserva
WWNAT13
5 days- Agosto 8, 2023 / Agosto 12, 2023
- 8 DISPONIBLES
- Reserva
WWNAT14
5 days- Agosto 15, 2023 / Agosto 19, 2023
- 8 DISPONIBLES
- Reserva
WWNAT15
5 days- Agosto 22, 2023 / Agosto 26, 2023
- 8 DISPONIBLES
- Reserva
FAQ's
P: ¿Debería darle propina a mi guía? Si es así, ¿cuánto es apropiado?
R: Tipping can be a delicate subject and many different nationalities have different tipping cultures. Tips or popinas in Chile, are viewed as a reward for good service. When tipping, a good guide and guide assistance who does the job well, has good English and provides a great service, can expect 10 – 15 USD per person per day. It is usual to leave your driver or chauffeur a tip too. Normally around 5 USD per person. Please find below a tipping guide:
-
Guides USD$ 10 to USD$ 15 per person, per day; to be given to your guides directly.
-
Staff (waiters, chefs,Housekeeping USD$5 per person, per night
-
Drivers: USD$10 per person, per day; given directly to your drivers.
-
Porters: USD$10 per person, per day; given directly to your porter
These amounts are merely a source to help you or give you a general idea of what is normal or typical. Of course, tipping is always at the discretion of the group members as to what they deem appropriate for the service they received.
COMPLEMENTOS & UPGRADES
Day 4: Upgrade to a Private Room in Hotel (based on availability) – Ask a Trip Specialist to Reserve your Accommodation!
Reseñas
It was a wonderful and amazing experience with a great group of people – trekkers and guides. The late winter timing meant we virtually had the trials and sites to ourselves. One thing in particular is worth mentioning. When issues arose with trekkers, e.g., inability to keep up with the main group, muscle pulls, aches and pains, etc., the guides seamlessly and very expertly handled the issues with glee and pleasure never making anything a “big” issues; they almost made it seem as another fun thing to do. Perhaps it was personality or professionalism, but they were masterful accommodating everyone without unduly impacting (in spirit or labor) the other party members.
Edward Zywicz, USA
I am very happy with the service Chile Nativo provided. First of all, the experience during the trip itself was amazing, the accommodation was more than I could ask for, the snack was delicious and our guide was not only very friendly but also extremely intelligent – he could answer all kind of questions we threw him about the park, animals, and geography! But the best part of Chile Nativo came up when a crisis hit. I got on the wrong bus the day before the tour started which prevented me from getting to the tour in time as a result. Daniella and Johana from the team were incredibly resourceful and kind to help me out of this situation. They worked after hours to help me find a private car that was willing to drive me from El Calafate to Puerto Natales in Chile. Johana even came to the office early morning to greet me and attend to me. I was beyond grateful for their professional service that really goes the extra mile in making sure I get to make to my trip and enjoy it thoroughly. Highly recommend Chille Nativo to everyone visiting Patagonia!