Description
Discover the famous W Circuit, exploring its three main attractions
The Express W Circuit is the perfect program for those who are lovers of trekking and camping in the wild. You will make the most famous circuit of the Torres del Paine National Park in an express way, in 4 days and 3 nights.
In this trekking circuit, you will pass through the main points of Torres del Paine Park, visiting its most famous attractions. You will get to know the three granite towers, the imposing Grey Glacier and the icebergs that float in the Grey Lake, as well as the beautiful French Valley.
Also, in the Express W Circuit program, you won’t have to worry about bringing a tent and a sleeping bag. Our circuit already includes accommodation in the refuge.
Get to know the base of the Towers, the Grey Glacier sector and the French Valley
Then, on the first day of the Express W Circuit, you will leave Puerto Natales towards the park and do the best-known trekking in the area. The Towers Base Trekking is a trail of approximately 20 km and of medium-high level of difficulty. However, even with the difficulty of a path with climbs, when you reach the viewpoint you will feel that your effort was rewarded.
The next day, you will sail through the beautiful Pehoé Lake to reach the Paine Grande sector. From there the trek begins in the direction of the Grey sector. You will be able to appreciate the view of the Grey Glacier from the well-known hanging bridges.
You will visit the French Valley on the last day of the Express W Circuit. You will walk through forests and moraines of an ancient glacier. Once at the French Valley viewpoint, you will enjoy an incredible view of the Paine Horns along with hanging glaciers and rocks of different colors.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Torres del Paine National Park – Hike to the Towers Base Viewpoint
After breakfast at the hotel, you must request your box lunch to go to the bus terminal to take the 7:00 am bus (we recommend being at least 10 minutes before departure) to go to the Torres del Paine National Park.
You will travel through the beautiful landscapes until you reach the Amarga Lagoon main entrance, where you need to register with CONAF (park rangers). From here you make a transfer with “Transporte Las Torres” which takes you to the welcome center. You register at Estancia Cerro Paine and then walk a very short distance of 5 minutes to the Torre Central Refuge. In this place you have to register either in Refuge or in camping before starting your trekking.
Today’s walk begins through the Ascencio Valley enjoying the extensive forests. During the final ascent, you go through an immense field of giant rocks until you reach one of the most emblematic viewpoints in the world, the famous Towers Base Viewpoint. At a height of 900 meters above sea level, marvel at the 3 towers (north, central and south) of granite and the brilliant turquoise glacial lake at its feet. Take some beautiful photos and enjoy your box lunch before following the same path back to the Torre Central Refuge. After a long day and enjoying the Towers, enjoy a warm dinner at the Torre Central Refuge.
Distance: 22km
Time: 8-10 hrs
Difficulty level: very demanding
Accommodation: Refugio Central
Meals: box lunch and dinner
Day 2: Catamaran – Hike to Grey Refuge
After having breakfast at Torre Central Refuge and asking for your Lunch Box, you must take the bus from Las Torres at 8:30 a.m. that will leave you at Amarga Lagoon, where you must take the South Bus that comes from Puerto Natales, so that it leaves you at the Pudeto Pier. At 11 a.m., you will have to board the Catamaran, which will sail for approximately 35 minutes through Pehoé Lake, arriving directly at the Paine Grande Refuge, from here the walk to the Grey Refuge begins.
The walk begins through a narrow and winding valley that leads to the Los Patos Lagoon. As you continue advancing you will begin to see parts of the immense Southern Patagonian Ice Field, as well as the ice floes of Grey Lake. After passing the sometimes (very) windy viewpoint, the path descends through a mountainous forest until reaching the Refuge. From here, continue for 10 minutes until you reach the Grey Glacier Viewpoint, where you come face to face with one of the arms of the Southern Ice Fields. Dinner will be served at the shelter between 7 and 9 p.m.
Distance: 11km
Time: 4-4.5 hrs
Difficulty level: easy-medium
Accommodation: Grey Refuge
Meals: breakfast, box lunch and dinner
Optional: For an unforgettable view of the Grey Glacier, plan an extra 3-4 hours (round trip) spent heading towards the famous hanging bridges. It is by far the best viewpoint of the Glacier. In addition to contemplating the impressive ice, you can see the depths of the ravines formed by the rivers and waterfalls that come from the Olguín cord. If you are lucky, you could see the ice melting from the glacier into the cold waters of the Lake.
Distance: 4 km
Time: 3-4 hrs (round trip)
Difficulty level: medium
Day 3: Grey Refuge to Paine Grande Refuge
Enjoy breakfast in the Grey Refuge dining room and don’t forget to order your box lunch. In case you did not get to visit the suspension bridges the previous afternoon, you can take the morning to go and explore the spectacular panoramic views of the Grey Glacier.
This day, you will follow the same path to go back to Paine Grande Refuge. Rest and enjoy dinner in the Refuge’s dining room.
Distance: 11km
Time: 4-4.5 hrs
Difficulty level: medium
Accommodation: Paine Grande Refuge
Meals: breakfast, box lunch and dinner
Day 4: Hike to the French Valley – Return to Puerto Natales
Today’s hike will be round trip, starting and ending at Paine Grande Refuge. Travel to the heart of the park along the blue waters of Skottsberg Lake. After approximately 2.5 hours of walking, you will arrive at the Italian Camp (park ranger), where you will begin your journey to the French Valley. Climb up large rocks and then continue through the forest until you reach the Plateau del Francés (French Viewpoint). Here, you will be rewarded with incredible views of the Paine Horns, turquoise glacial lagoons and amazing hanging glaciers that fall down the east face of the Paine Grande mountain (3,050 m.a.s.l.). If you are lucky, you can hear the thunderous noise of the glacier and the falling water, as well as it is very common to witness an avalanche. Enjoy your box lunch and well-deserved rest.
Go down the same trail to the Italian Camp and then to the Paine Grande Refuge.
At 6:30 p.m., you must take the catamaran that will take you back to Pudeto, where you must board the regular bus at 7:00 p.m.
Distance: 19km
Time: 7-8 hrs
Difficulty level: demanding
Meals: breakfast and box lunch
Detail
| Included |
|---|
| Transfer: – Roundtrip transportation by regular bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park – Connection from Amarga Lagoon Gate to the welcome center Refuge accommodation Meals: – Breakfast (coffee, tea, milk, bread, eggs, jam, juice and fruits) – Box lunch (cold sandwich, cereal bar, chocolate bar, nuts and fruit) – Dinner (menu of the day, with starter, main course, dessert and water) Tickets: – Entrance to Torres del Paine National Park – Catamaran crossing Lake Pehoé |
| Not included |
|---|
| Flights to/from Puerto Natales Tips Guide Health insurance Medical assistance in case of accident Assistance in evacuation due to climatic causes or force majeure Travel insurance that covers accidents and cancellations due to force majeure |
FAQ
How far in advance should I book the Classic W Circuit?
This circuit has a high demand and there are dates on which quotas are sold out months in advance. Therefore, we recommend that you book as far in advance as possible as places are limited.
What is the difference between the W Circuit with refuge accommodation or camping accommodation?
The program with shelters will sleep in a shared room with bunk beds and a shared bathroom. On the other hand, in camping accommodation you will sleep in a private double tent already set up with a sleeping bag and insulation with a shared bathroom.
What differences are there between the W Express Circuit and the Classic W Circuit?
The difference between both circuits is that the Classi W Circuit covers a distance of 75.5 km, to reach the second viewpoint of the Grey Glacier, closer to the glacier. On the other hand, the 72.5 km Express W Circuit reaches the first viewpoint of the Grey Glacier, further from the glacier.
What is the difference between a guided program and a self-guided program?
In the guided circuit you will go with a professional guide, who will accompany you throughout the walk, in addition to giving you information about the places you will visit during the circuit. On the other hand, doing it autonomously is possible because the park’s trails are duly marked. In addition to receiving an explanatory talk at the beginning of the circuit, where you will be given a map with all the details.
From what age can they do the W Circuit?
The minimum age is 14 years old, it must be considered that it is a trek of several days, with medium-high physical demand, which is not advisable for minors.
Is it necessary to bring water?
It is not necessary to carry water since there are drinking water sources available along the way, either in the refuges and camps or natural water sources, during the walks.
Is there WiFi and plugs?
Yes, there is WiFi service in the shelters but it is not included in the price, it is paid directly in each refuge. The price may vary according to time and speed. You can use the sockets available in the common areas of the refuges. However, we recommend that you carry charged external batteries.
Can I leave part of my luggage in some of the refuges while I do the circuit?
If you can leave your large backpack in the Chilean and Italian camps, and pick it up on the way back.
What are the transportation options to get to Puerto Natales from Punta Arenas and El Calafate?
The companies Bus-Sur, Buses Pacheco and Buses Fernández offer the regular bus transportation service from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales, while the companies Bus-Sur, Turismo Zaahj and Cootra provide the regular bus transportation service from El Calafate to Puerto Natales. To know prices, availability and frequency of these services you should review the information published on the websites of the indicated companies.
What to bring?
- 40 liter backpack to carry all things and 25 liter backpack for day hikes to Towers Base and French Valley
- Waterproof jacket and pants, fleece-type outerwear, thermal clothing (first layer), short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts
- Trekking shoes, slippers and sandals for showers and rest
- Hat and gloves for the cold, hat for the sun, sunscreen, sunglasses, earplugs, towel
- Rechargeable battery for the mobile, flashlight, padlock, bags to store your garbage, trekking poles, travel insurance that covers accidents, insurance for cancellations due to force majeure
Conditions
Check the contracting terms of the Express W Circuit program (refuge – self-guided).
RESERVATION REQUEST
Reservations must be requested in writing to [email protected] and will be considered as ratified by the same means confirming date, type of program and payment information.
The confirmation will only be made once the client has accepted these terms and conditions.
PAYMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS
The payment conditions and the cancellation of the programs will be subject to the specific conditions of the services. That said, the same conditions will apply to all Rebel Viajes programs, unless otherwise indicated.
Regular and individual departures (up to 9 people)
• Payment:
– 40% of the total program will be requested to confirm the reservation.
– The remaining 60% must be paid up to 45 days before the start of the program.
• In case of cancellation:
– Up to 45 days before the start of the program, 100% of what has been paid will be refunded.
– With less than 44 days before the start of the program, no refunds are made.
– In case of No Show no refunds are made.
– With respect to tickets to Torres del Paine National Park, since they are purchased from an external entity that does not allow modifications of dates, names or cancellations, the value of these will not be refunded in any case.
• Reservations are nominative and non-transferable.
Group departures (reservations of 10 people or more)
• Payment:
– 40% of the total program will be requested to confirm the reservation.
– The remaining 60% must be paid up to 65 days before the start of the program
• In case of cancellation:
– Up to 65 days before the start of the program, 100% of what has been paid will be refunded.
– Between 64 and 45 days before the start of the program, 30% of the payment received will be refunded.
– With less than 44 days before the start of the program, no refunds are made.
– In case of No Show no refunds are made.
– With respect to tickets to Torres del Paine National Park, since they are purchased from an external entity that does not allow modifications of dates, names or cancellations, the value of these will not be refunded in any case.
• Reservations are nominative and non-transferable.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Rebel Viajes is not responsible for additional costs due to modifications or cancellations of reservations, nor for extra expenses caused by losses or delays in the transportation of passengers whether by land, sea, air or lake.
• Rebel Viajes is not responsible for cancellations due to unforeseen events or force majeure and, in this case, the passenger will not be refunded.
• Likewise, Rebel Viajes is not responsible for the loss of documents or personal belongings during the trips or specific dates of the program.
• It is the responsibility of each passenger to have a preventive medical check-up prior to any activity, excursion, trekking, etc., to ensure that their health is in good condition and compatible with the activity to be carried out. During the dates of the program, if the passenger should withdraw from the trip before the end of it, whatever the cause, no refund will be made.
• Rebel Viajes is not responsible for accidents on the way to or on the trails or in places that are not related to the contracted service. Any liability that may fall on Rebel Viajes must be accredited by means of a court ruling.
• Although Rebel Viajes indicates the distances and degrees of difficulty of all the hiking routes in its programs, it is the responsibility of the passenger to read and know what their limitations are, as well as to bring the appropriate equipment for optimal performance. At the same time, it is the duty of the passengers to inform CONAF about the opening and closing hours of the trails and the internal regulations of the Torres del Paine National Park.
• It is the duty of the passengers to have their updated documentation and to have the necessary permits and visas to cross the borders.
Rebel Viajes does not make refunds nor is it responsible for the passenger’s expenses in the event that they need to be rescued or if, for any reason, they need to leave the trip early.
• Rebel Viajes is not responsible for any additional expenses incurred by the passenger if the trip is delayed due to weather conditions, strikes, theft, acts of nature, civil unrest, terrorism, acts of war, government restrictions or regulations failures. of any type of transportation on your arrival or departure from the program, or any reason in which Rebel Viajes does not have direct control.
• Rebel Viajes rejects the sexual and commercial exploitation of children, adolescents and minors, committing to denounce, detect and train its personnel in the prevention of any tourist activity or third-party services involving a minor.
Rebel Viajes is not responsible for cancellations, modifications or no shows due to the impossibility of arrivals or access to shelters or campsites due to external causes, such as weather problems, road closures, natural phenomena, problems with air connections, transfer delays. o Do not sail boats and / or catamarans, social or political demonstrations or other problems derived from them, or any other factor beyond the will and control of Rebel Viajes, such as accidents or illnesses, before or during your visit to Torres del Paine. For such eventualities, it is suggested that passengers contract travel insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Rebel Viajes strongly suggests taking out travel insurance that covers cancellation costs both due to weather conditions and force majeure, as well as accident insurance according to the activities to be carried out.
This insurance must cover personal accidents, repatriation expenses and any other fees that may occur due to damages, losses, injuries, delays or any other unexpected inconvenience that may be experienced during the trip.
It is suggested that, when contracting travel insurance, the insurer be informed of the type of trip that will take place, since not all insurances include adventure tourism activities, which may be included in the itinerary of your program.
HEALTH REPORT AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
It is mandatory that passengers notify of any health problems when booking their trip, to determine if they can carry out the activity or if they require any type of additional support.
In the case of guided programs, the group leader or guide reserves the right to request that a passenger leave the program because he is not fit to do it or that he may pose a risk to himself and / or the rest of the group. In his opinion, the passenger may be asked not to continue with his trip if for any situation or circumstance the person is not physically or mentally capable of continuing with the activity or does not follow the instructions. In such circumstances, there will be no refund. Due to the geographical difficulty that can prevent access to medical care and hospitals due to health problems, Rebel Viajes is not responsible for the delivery of medical care at any time during the trip.
All passengers will be asked, during program confirmation and payment, to accept and sign the liability waiver, verify their health status, and take responsibility for their limitations and/or special needs.
COVID 19 CLAUSE
Acts of the Authority
In the event that a passenger must cancel their trip outside the cancellation period (45 days before check-in), due to an Act of the Authority such as: changes of air, land and / or lake transfers or closure of national or regional borders due to COVID-19, it can be rescheduled without penalty until the 2023-2024 season (maximum date of stay April 29, 2024).
In the event that the new reservation date coincides with December 24 or December 31, the value of the dinner service or full board for Christmas or New Year must be paid, with the values of the new season.
In these cases, the name of the original passengers of the rescheduled reservation must be kept.
In case of contagion of the passenger
In the event that a passenger must cancel their trip outside the cancellation period (45 days before the start of the trip) due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the affected passenger must present a medical certificate to be able to reschedule without penalty until the 2023 – 2024 season (maximum date of stay April 29, 2024). In the event that the new reservation date coincides with December 24 or December 31, the value of the dinner service or full board for Christmas or New Year must be paid, with the values of the new season. The name of the original passenger must be kept for rescheduled reservations.
In case of suspicion of contagion during the stay
If the situation arises in which a passenger is suspected of contagion, a person on alert or with evidence of COVID-19 symptoms, following the regulations of the Chilean Health Seremi, they must remain in isolation until they can be transferred to the hospital. Puerto Natales hospital to be checked. In the event that due to this situation the stay must be extended or additional services must be taken to those contracted, these expenses must be paid directly by the passenger, paying the corresponding rack rate directly at the shelter or campsite where they are located, unless the agency or operator takes care of these additional expenses (keeping, in this case, the confidential rate).
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
When the services of a tent, mat or sleeping bag are requested, the user or guide (as a representative of the agency or operator) must deliver in custody some official document that proves his identity for the entire time he makes use of the service or , failing that, a Transbank voucher as a guarantee with an amount withheld through the credit card.
In the event that the tents, sleeping bags or mats are damaged or destroyed, the representative of the operator or agency will be responsible for each one of them, having to pay (directly at the campsite) the following amounts:
Replacement values of damaged goods
– Tent: CLP$400,000*
– Mat: CLP$20,000*
– Sleeping bag: CLP$100,000*
* Unit values in Chilean pesos with IVA included
Repair of goods
– Tent: CLP$200.000*
– Sleeping bag: CLP$50.000*
* Unit values in Chilean pesos with IVA included
At the time of check out, the Administrator, Sub-administrator or Camping Manager will assess the condition of the property, according to which it will determine if it is destroyed, has been lost or damaged and to what degree, and will report the total value to be paid. by the representative (user or guide).
Check the Terms and Conditions of our website.
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