7 Day W Trek | Eco Camp

In the morning, you will be picked up by a local representative either from Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales and taken to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park. Upon arrival at the Eco Camp, you will be immediately greeted by the breathtaking beauty of our surroundings. The camp blends seamlessly with the natural environment, and the eco-friendly design of the lodging domes is inspired by the traditional huts built by the Kawesqar, the indigenous people of the region. Don't let their simple appearance fool you - these domes offer comfort and protection from the elements. After settling in, enjoy a delicious dinner and a warm welcome from our hosts. Throughout the evening, receive a comprehensive briefing on the exciting activities awaiting you in the days to come.

*While most activities are included in your stay at our Eco-camp, a limited number of extra cost activities are available for you to choose from. These optional activities are at your discretion, and any fees associated with them will be paid locally.

We’ll dive into our Patagonian adventure with a pleasant walk along the Cuernos Trail which leads to the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this warm-up walk, we will have the opportunity to admire the park’s exquisite flora and fauna and take in the views of the horn-like peaks of slate that sit atop the gray granite of the Paine Massif. The trek may end at Refugio Los Cuernos, a small and cozy mountain guesthouse located on the shores of Lake Nordenskjold. Or it will end at Domo el Francés, located between Cuernos and Italiano camping sites, with an amazing view of Nordenskjöld Lake. The evening is at your leisure.

Overnight at Camping Cuernos or Camping El Francés (depending on availability).

* If you wish to upgrade from camping to a refuge stay for this night, please enquire at time of booking to check availability. An additional cost applies and is subject to availability.

Get your boots ready for today’s challenging, yet rewarding, trek. After breakfast at Refugio Los Cuernos, we'll begin hiking along a steep trail leading into the very heart of the Paine Massif - the famed French Valley. How far we’ll go depends on our group's trekking rhythm. A swifter walk will lead us to the French River’s hanging bridge, located at the foot of the south-eastern face of the Massif. We will then continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley to marvel at the extensive mass of the valley's geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). After our upward trek, we will pause for a tasty picnic and relax for a while. The day's trek will end with a descent through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest to Paine Grande campsite.

Please note: An optional trek to Mirador Britanico is also possible with previous coordination with the guides.

* If you wish to upgrade from camping to a refuge stay for this night, please enquire at time of booking to check availability. An additional cost applies and is subject to availability.

Embark on a picturesque hike from Paine Grande Refugio along the stunning Lake Pehoe to the northern side of Lake Grey, where we'll indulge in a delightful picnic lunch. Following that, we'll hop on a boat that sails to the spectacular, crystalline facade of Glacier Grey. However, please be advised that boat trips across the lake are subject to cancellation or may be postponed if the minimum requirement of 15 passengers is not met, due to the unpredictable weather of the region. But worry not, as an alternative, we'll trek up to the lookout point to relish the panoramic views of the Grey Glacier. After this exciting adventure, we'll return on foot to Paine Grande and take a catamaran to the dock, where we will be picked up and driven to EcoCamp.

On this day, we will embark on the highly anticipated trek to the base of the renowned Paine Towers. Our journey commences from the campsite, leading towards Hostería Las Torres and ascending towards Ascencio Valley on the eastern face of the Towers. The trail boasts stunning vistas of mountain ridges, beech forests, and small rivers. The real test of our mettle comes in the form of the steep moraine, a massive collection of boulders that guides us to the iconic base of the three massive granite monoliths that remain from a great cirque sheared away by glacial ice. Following an arduous uphill climb, the Towers come into full view, towering magnificently before us, with the glacial lake glistening below. What better spot in the world to savor a delicious lunch? After basking in the views, we will retrace our steps through Ascencio Valley, returning to EcoCamp for a delectable dinner and a glass of exquisite Chilean wine.

On the sixth day of our adventure, we'll take a break from challenging treks and opt for a more relaxed trail. Following a hearty breakfast, we'll embark on a leisurely car ride to Laguna Azul, a stunning location known for its abundance of wild guanacos and ñandús. Along the way, we'll make stops to soak up the breathtaking views of the Patagonian steppe and the Towers from various angles.

Once we arrive at Laguna Azul, we'll set off on a scenic hike to a lookout point, where we'll be rewarded with a stunning view of the lagoon and the granite towers. After a delicious lunch, we'll drive to the northern shore of Sarmiento Lake, where we'll begin our hike on the Fauna Trail. During our leisurely stroll, we'll have the opportunity to spot a wide range of Patagonian wildlife in their natural habitat, and we may even come across puma tracks! As we pass the charming Goic Lagoon, we'll continue our relaxed walk for approximately 5 km until we reach the Laguna Amarga ranger station, where we'll be picked up and driven back to EcoCamp to celebrate with a farewell dinner.

*Please note: if there are more than 6 travelers in the group, there is an option to split into two groups, with one group (or the whole group if everybody's in the mood!) cycling to Laguna Azul!

After your final breakfast at the lodge, you will depart Eco Camp aboard their shared shuttle service to be transferred to the airport for your onward travels. Eco camp includes transfers to either Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or a bus to El Calafate depending on your itinerary.
Note: The shuttle to Punta Arenas departs between 8am and 10am and stops in Puerto Natales along the way. For flights departing earlier than 3pm, an early drop-off service must be booked for an additional cost.