Description

Discover the W Circuit, one of the most fascinating and sought after activities in Patagonia

With the Smart W Circuit program, you will do the trekking of the most famous circuit of Torres del Paine Park in a smart and less tiring way. You will walk just enough, since the transfers that leave you at the beginning of the trail, and you will take with you only what you need for the walk.

We propose a new way to get to know the beauties of the W Circuit, where you can do the different trekkings in the company of a bilingual guide. It also includes transfer, food and camping accommodation. In addition, with the Smart W Circuit program, you can live this unique experience enjoying a completely private service.

Get to know the base of the Towers, the French Valley and the Grey Glacier sector

Then on the first day of the program you will 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.

On the next day of the Smart W Circuit program, you will get to know the French Valley. 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.

You will visit the Grey sector on the last day of the Smart W Circuit program. You will sail through the beautiful Lake Pehoé 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.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Towers Base Trekking

To begin our adventure, we will leave Puerto Natales at 6:30 a.m. heading to Torres del Paine National Park. After 2 hours of travel, we will arrive at Estancia Torres del Paine, the starting point of the first walk: Towers Base Viewpoint.

After a short talk from our guide, we will start walking along the path in the direction of an old bridge that crosses the Asencio River.

We will continue with an hour of walking, approximately to reach El Chileno Camp. After crossing several slopes that fall from Mount Almirante Nieto, we will make a brief stop in the shade of a spectacular forest of native trees.

We will continue our way to the next viewpoint, at an altitude of about 700 meters. From here, the path increases its slope.

Half an hour later, we will reach the Towers Base at the eastern end of the lagoon. There we will have a spectacular view of the three towers (Central, Monzino and D’Agostini) and of the Peineta and Nido de Cóndores hills (if the weather conditions allow it).

We will make a break in this incredible place to rest and have our box lunch.

Finally, we will return along the same path to the starting point. Then we will board the vehicle that will take us to the campsite. There, a welcome snack will await us, and then you can have dinner contemplating Lake Pehoé and the Paine Horns, where you will spend your first night of accommodation.

*The arrival at the Towers Base viewpoint will be subject to the physical conditions of the participants and the weather conditions of the moment, there being no refund in the event that any of the participants cannot reach the viewpoint for the aforementioned reasons.

Day 2: French Valley Trekking

To enjoy a great day, we get up early in the morning and take the catamaran to the Paine Grande refuge. From here we will begin the French Valley trekking, following the north shore of Lake Pehoé.

The journey offers an unparalleled landscape: the lake with its emerald-colored water and the views of the Paine Horns. Then, the trail becomes a bit more complicated and we will pass by Lake Skottsberg, from where we will see the Paine massif.

Then, we will continue to the Italian camp, gateway to the French Valley.

Then, along this path, which is the central section of the W Circuit, we will walk for an hour and a half until we reach the French viewpoint. Then, we sighted the hills Hoja, Espada and Fortaleza. We will also see the Nordenskjöld, Pehoé and Toro lakes.

Finally, we will resume the walk to return to the Paine Grande sector, where we will board the boat that will take us back to the Pudeto sector. There, the transport awaits us to take us to the camp so that we can enjoy a snack and dinner in the open air (weather conditions permitting).

Day 3 – Grey Glacier Viewpoint Trekking

We start with a good breakfast and head to the Pudeto sector. Once again we take the catamaran to cross Lake Pehoé to the Paine Grande refuge, this time heading towards the Grey Glacier sector.

The views of Paine Grande and the Paine Horns will be left behind as we advance along the path that leads us to the “Quebrada de los vientos”.

Then we continue the trek, passing through a hill about 450 meters above sea level, from where it will be possible to have views of Lake Grey on our left.

Immediately, we will arrive at the first viewpoint of the Grey Glacier, from where we will be able to fully appreciate it. In addition, we spot the icebergs that float in the lake that bears the same name.

On the other hand, we will be able to appreciate the views from the viewpoint, take pictures and see the start of one of the Southern Ice Fields sleeves (weather permitting).

Retornamos por el mismo sendero hacia el refugio Paine Grande, donde abordamos el catamarán y luego el vehículo.

Finally, we will return to the city of Puerto Natales, ending the activity.

Detail

FAQ

How far in advance should I book the program?

You can hire this service 48 hours in advance, which is an excellent option since the W Express or Classic circuits are in great demand, with there being no seats available and there are dates on which seats are sold out months in advance.

What is the difference between the Express W Circuit and the Smart W Circuit?

The difference between these two modalities is that the W Smart circuit has: Personalized service with a bilingual guide; Accommodation available in camping mode; Private transfers from Puerto Natales; Private transfers within the National Park; Express purchase up to 48 hours in advance; Total flexibility to modify contracted dates.

What is the difference between a shelter accommodation program and a camping accommodation program?

In a program with shelter accommodation you will sleep in a shared room (bunk beds), with a shared bathroom (hot water), while in a program with camping accommodation you will sleep in a private tent for two people (includes sleeping bag and insulation) with bathroom shared (hot water). It should be noted that in Smart W Circuit the tent or marquee will be set up every day of accommodation, that is, you will not have to transport, set up or take down anything.

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 conditions of the Smart W Circuit program.