two girls arriving at the base viewpoint torres
girl with her back to the lake
girl on her back on top of a rock in front of a lake
girl climbing the rock moraine
girl walking alone in torres del paine
lake grey viewpoint in torres del paine
viewpoint glacier grey
hiking on grey glacier ice
Kayaking Grey Glacier
camping central torres del paine
refugio torre central torres del paine
refugio torre central torres del paine
refugio torre central torres del paine
refugio torre central torres del paine
refugio torre central torres del paine
lunch box w trek
lunch box w trek
hotel las torres patagonia
hotel las torres patagonia
hotel las torres patagonia
hotel las torres patagonia
hotel las torres patagonia
hotel las torres patagonia
camping los cuernos torres del paine
Refugio los Cuernos torres del paine
Refugio los Cuernos del paine
camping frances torres del paine
camping frances torres del paine
camping frances torres del paine
camping paine grande
camping paine grande
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refugio paine grande
refugio paine grande
camping grey torres del paine
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refugio grey vertice
refugio grey vertice
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Torres del Paine W Trek 6-Day Tour (extra day in Grey)

Tour with all services included and an additional night of lodging in the Grey Sector.

(20 reviews)

🗓️ Limited availability, we recommend booking in advance.

Puerto Natales
6 days
Self-guided
Starts: From Puerto Natales Rodoviario Bus Station at 2:15 pm
Ends: At the Puerto Natales Rodoviario Bus Station at 9:30 pm
Free cancellation!

Briefing

The Torres del Paine W Trek 6-Day Tour (with an overnight in the Grey Sector) is the most comprehensive version of the W circuit. Unlike the 5-day Torres del Paine W Trek tour, this one includes another night of lodging in the Grey Sector. Thanks to this, enjoy a full day exploring this area of the park and if you are up for it, add one of the two activities (available as an extra) to your reservation: Glacier Grey Kayak or Ice Hike Grey Glacier.

The W Trek is a 6-day self-guided tour that includes everything needed to complete the route without worries: five nights’ accommodation in Torres del Paine National Park with full board, entrance fees, transfers from Puerto Natales, and a welcome kit. Sleep two nights in the Central or Chileno Sector, one night in the Frances or Cuernos Sector (depending on availability), one night in the Paine Grande Sector, and one night in the Grey Sector.

Lodging is at a campsite (with all the equipment already set up and ready to camp) or a shared room in a lodge (bunk beds). Choose the option that best suits your needs, and let the adventure begin!

Tour details

Included

  • Park access ticket
  • Bus transfer from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine (round trip)
  • 5 nights lodging in CAMPING, REFUGIO or HOTEL + REFUGIO
  • Full board
  • Welcome Kit (towel + liner + reusable bottle + notebook + map)
  • Catamaran ticket Paine Grande - Pudeto

Not included

  • Lunch day 1
  • Dinner day 6
  • Beverages
  • Guide (available as an extra)
  • Luggage porter (available as an extra)

Important information

Lodging options: 

Camping: includes all camping equipment: sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and assembled tent. Tents have a capacity for two people. Singles will not have to share a tent.

Lodge: these are shared rooms with four to six beds at a lodge and include sheets with blankets or sleeping bags, depending on the lodge.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellations!

  • If you cancel at least 90 days before the start of the tour, you will receive a 100% refund of the amount paid.
  • If you cancel between 89 and 60 days before the start of the tour, you will receive an 80% refund of the amount paid.
  • If you cancel between 59 and 45 days before the start of the tour, you will receive a 50% refund of the amount paid.

After this time or in case of a no-show, no refund will be provided.

*The same policies apply to reservation modifications.

Tour itinerary

Torres del Paine W Trek 6-Day Tour

🧭 Self-guided Trek

🗻 Moderate difficulty

Welcome to the W Torres del Paine W Trek 6-Day Tour

We know that a 6-day mountain route needs good planning, so that's why we schedule a briefing (explanation of the tour) online with all trekkers. 

A few days before your arrival in Puerto Natales, you’ll receive an email with instructions to pick up your welcome kit (which includes tickets, map, metal bottle...) and we'll also answer questions or resolve any doubts you may have.

Briefing in Puerto Natales

DAY 1 Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine National Park

Lodging: Central Sector or Chileno Sector

2:15 pm

Access to Torres del Paine National Park

The first day of the 6-Day W Torres del Paine Trek starts after lunch. First, go to the bus station in Puerto Natales, where you’ll catch the bus to the Torres del Paine National Park departing at 2:15 pm. 

The bus will take you to the Laguna Amarga welcome center and from there you can register as a visitor and enter the park.

The Welcome Center at Torres del Paine

Central Tower Lodge

Once inside the park, take a shuttle bus to the Welcome Center, pick up your welcome pack, then walk to your lodging. If it’s in the Central Sector it’ll take just a few minutes, meanwhile if your lodging is in the Chileno Sector, expect about an hour’s walk.

Upon arrival, check in and receive your dinner and breakfast schedules. Both are served in the dining room of the lodge (even if you’re staying at a campsite). You’ll be assigned a meal schedule based on the location of your first two nights.

Around 6:00 pm you should be settled in and ready to take a short walk in the surrounding area or have a complimentary drink at the bar while enjoying the views.

💬The tour includes the first two nights in either the Central Sector or the Chilean Sector. The Chilean Sector is assigned when the Central Sector is full, especially if traveling in high season. The Chilean Sector only has a campsite.

Central Sector of Torres del Paine

DAY 2 Torres del Paine Base Trekking

Difficulty: Medium - High

Distance: 13.7 mi (22 km) from Central Sector / 10.5 mi. (17 km) from Chileno Sector

Total approximate time: 9:00 hours

Positive elevation gain: 3,517 ft (1,072 m)

Lodging: Central Sector or Chileno Sector

Highlights: Base Torres Lookout Point

Breakfast at Refugio Central

At check-in, you would have been assigned a time for breakfast, typically between 7:30 am and 8:30 am. When you’ve finished up, don’t forget to pick up your lunch-box! This will be your lunch during the route. Also, you’ll return to sleep in the Central Sector, so you’ll only have to carry daily hiking essentials in your backpack.

💬 The lunch box consists of foods specific for physical activity: nuts, cereal bars, fruit, a sandwich, and some sweets.

Breakfast at Central Sector

Torres del Paine Base Trekking

The route of the first day of the trek is the iconic ascent to the Base Torres viewpoint. Boasting 13.67 mi (22 km) of trails, the trek is divided into 3 parts: initial slope, descent, and final ascent. 

The hike will start flat for 1.24 mi (2 km). You'l cross the Ascencio River Valley until you reach the first steep stretch. This will be followed by 1.86 mi (3 km) of trail leading to Paso de los Vientos.

Paso de los Vientos

Lenga Forest - La Morrena - Base Torres Viewpoint

Continue along the flat stretch of 2.48 mi (4 km) and pass through an area of the Chileno Sector where the trail leads you to an entirely different ecosystem. The trail crosses a Lenga Forest lasting until the beginning of the third section. We recommend taking the opportunity to stop and refill your water before facing the final stretch.

Careful here! For almost 1.24 mi (2 km) the trail winds between large rocks. The slope is also a challenge but the reward is even better: the viewpoint of Base Torres del Paine.

La Morrena

Views of Torres del Paine

From this viewpoint, enjoy the sight of the Torres del Paine Lake and the famous granite towers that lend the national park its name.

Central Sector

After taking a break, return along the same trail until reaching your accommodations, where you’ll have time to rest after the day’s adventure, take a shower, have a drink at the bar, and eat dinner.

💬 The Chileno Sector is located 3.1 mi (5 km) away from the Central Sector, so if you’ll be staying in the Chileno Sector on night 1 or 2, your route will be shorter.

💙 Howlanders Tip

To avoid the large groups arriving from Puerto Natales, to do this route in one day, we advise waking up early to hike a much quieter and emptier trail. 

A couple at Torres del Paine viewpoint

DAY 3 Francés Sector Trekking

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 8 mi (13.2 km) to Cuernos Sector / 10.5 mi (17 km) to Francés Sector

Total approximate time: 4:30 hours to Cuernos Sector / 6:30 hours to Francés Sector 

Positive vertical drop: 1,115 ft (340 m) up to Cuernos Sector / 1,706 ft (520 m) up to Francés Sector 

Lodging: Francés Sector or Cuernos Sector

✨ Highlights: Lake Nordenskjöld

Lake Nordenskjöld

After breakfast, day number three of your 6-day Torres del Paine W challenge begins. Day three will be the least demanding stage. It has very little elevation gain and the trail is in very good condition. On this day, walk around the Nordenskjöld Lake, cross a small river, and stroll along stretches of beach that form next to the lake.

Almirante Nieto Mountain - Cuernos del Paine

During most of the day the scenery will consist of Cerro Almirante Nieto and the Cuernos del Paine.

Lake Nordenskjöld

Francés Sector in Torres del Paine

Undoubtedly, this is the best day to calmly enjoy the scenery. You’ll be walking between 4.5 and 6.5 hours (depending on where your accommodations are).

Both the Francés and Cuernos Sectors are considered the smallest and coziest campsites however many travelers never even see them because they’re inaccessible by boat or bus. While some travelers prefer to stay in the Francés Sector to walk a shorter route the next day, others prefer to enjoy the Cuernos Sector (our favorite) because of the lodge's great atmosphere (and let's be honest, it has the best cuisine 😉).

💬 Please note that if you stayed at Sector Chileno on night 2, you’ll have to add an additional 3.1 mi (5 km) to the route.

👇The 6-day Torres del Paine W Trek tour includes a third night of lodging in the Francés Sector or Cuernos Sector (depending on availability). If you prefer to stay in one of the two sectors, please let us know when making your reservation and we’ll do our best to adapt to your wishes.

Dinning room of Cuernos Sector, Torres del Paine

DAY 4 French Valley Trekking

Distance: 16.7 mi (27 km) from Cuernos Sector / 14 mi (23 km) from Francés Sector.

Total approximate time: 10 hours from Cuernos Sector / 8 hours from Francés Sector. 

Positive elevation gain: 3,215 ft (980 m) from Cuernos Sector / 2,624 ft (800 m) from Francés Sector. 

Lodging: Paine Grande Sector

✨ Highlights: French Lookout + British Lookout.

*The indicated data are taken considering the complete route from Cuernos Sector to Británico viewpoint. If you do not climb to this viewpoint you will have to subtract 7 km and 250 m of elevation gain from the route.

Italian Camp - French Lookout

The penultimate day of the 6-day W Circuit is one of the most demanding if you’ll be visiting the French and British viewpoints. Trekkers have the option to skip it and go directly to the Paine Grande Sector, where you’ll be staying that night. If you remove the viewpoints from the route, subtract 8.1 mi (13 km) from the route and practically all the elevation gain.

The first portion of the route between Cuernos and the French Viewpoint is a flat 2.49 mi (4km). It continues with a 0.87 mi (1.4 km) stretch to the intersection where the trail splits, with one trail ascending to the French and British lookout, and the other continuing to Paine Grande. If you decide to visit the viewpoint, walk 0.62 mi (1 km) to the "Campamento Italiano." It is for the exclusive use of CONAF park rangers and offers a "nursery" service, where many travelers leave their large backpacks.

From there, the hike to the French lookout begins, a 1.55 mi (2.5 km) walk with 984 ft (300 m) of elevation gain.

French Viewpoint

Torres del Paine British Lookout

After reaching the French viewpoint, continue on to the British viewpoint. The route is 1.86 mi (3 km) long with 918 ft (280 m) of elevation gain. When you reach the viewpoint you’ll find a rocky area where you can climb to take the best picture of the British viewpoint and take in the expansive landscape.

British Lookout

Skottsberg Lake

Finish the route on day four of the trek by returning to the same path and picking up your backpack from the "nursery". Then continue walking the remaining 5.6 mi (9 km) to the Paine Grande refuge with a slight negative slope that your legs will appreciate. You’ll also be crossing a sector that suffered a fire a few years ago where the tree trunks create a somewhat gloomy but intriguing landscape.

Paine Grande Refuge

Skirt around the lake until you finally reach the Paine Grande Sector, the largest rest stop in Torres del Paine and at a unique location: in front of Lake Pehoé.

💬 Please note that if you stayed in the Francés Sector the night before, subtract 2.35 mi (3.8 km) from the route.

Skottsberg Lake

DAY 5 Grey Glacier Trekking

Difficulty: Medium-High

Distance: 6.8 mi (11 km)

Approximate time: 4-5 hours

Positive elevation gain: 2,296 ft (700 m) 

Lodging: Grey Sector

Highlights: Grey glacier viewpoint and suspension bridges.

👆 To be taken into account

Unlike the classic 5-day W trek, this 6-day trek divides the last portion of the route into two days. This allows trekkers more time to calmly enjoy the route by moving at their desired pace in the most impressive sector of the park: the Grey Sector.

On day five, start from Sector Paine Grande working your way to the Grey Sector in 6.83 mi (11 km). Then on day six, trek from the Grey Sector back to Sector Paine Grande 6.83 mi (11 km).

For one more day, eat breakfast in the common dining room of your lodging and the trek will begin💪.

Paine Grande Sector

Paine Grande Sector → Lago Grey Viewpoint

The route borders the Cerro Paine Grande and its hanging glaciers. You’ll have already seen them from the high viewpoint of Paine Grande Sector itself (it sits at more than 9,840 ft / 3000 m of altitude).

The first stop will be the viewpoint of Grey Lake, where you can see many chunks of glaciers floating that have fallen from Grey Glacier. Take advantage of today's more relaxed atmosphere to rest and snap pictures.

Grey Sector

The trail continues to the Grey Sector, where you’ll spend the night and can also see the Grey Glacier up close.

Grey Glacier

DAY 6 Paine Grande Trekking - Puerto Natales

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 6.8 mi (11 km)

Approximate time: 4 hours

Lodging: not included (return to Puerto Natales)

🛶 Kayaking Glacier Grey (Optional activity)

💧 Ice walking (Optional activity)

Highlights: Glacier Grey

Grey Glacier: Kayaking or Ice Hike

The last day’s route will be one of the shortest and easiest of the circuit.

🙋‍♀️👇

Our recommendation: take the morning off and enjoy the Grey Glacier. Take a leisurely walk, rest on the terrace of the Grey Refuge, or enjoy one of the two activities available as an extras of the 6-day W trek:

👉 These activities are not included in the tour price, if you’d like to book one, select it as “Extra” during the booking process. It is not possible to do both activities on the same day due to lack of time.

Grey Glacier Kayak

Paine Grande Trekking

Whether you have decided to rest or enjoy one of the two activities on the Grey Glacier, your next move is to begin the last portion of this 6-day trek: Trekking to the Paine Grande Sector from the Grey Sector.

Paine Grande 🚢 Pudeto 🚌 Puerto Natales

This is a very quiet route of 6.83 mi (11 km) and lasts only four hours. Walk along the mountainside through forests of Antarctic beech (ñirre), coigües, and notros. After reaching Paine Grande, go to the pier and board the boat (catamaran) that will take you to Pudeto (the catamaran ticket is included in the price of the tour). In Pudeto, you’ll catch the bus that will return you to Puerto Natales, where you’ll be arriving at 9:30 pm and bringing this long but wonderful adventure to a close.

🚨It’s important to accurately calculate your walking time so that you arrive at the pier at least 20 minutes before the departure of the catamaran.

Pehoe Warf

What to bring to Torres del Paine W Trek 6-Day (extra day in Grey) tour

The weather in Patagonia changes considerably throughout the day. Sometimes you can experience all four seasons in a single day. The summers commonly (when the tour takes place), have strong winds. Therefore, we advise bringing clothing for different climates and wearing a 3-layered system. We also recommend keeping the weight of your backpack under 10% of your body weight. Below is a guideline of recommended essentials:

  • Passport
  • PDI: Migratory card (for foreign travelers not residing in Chile)
  • Accommodation reservation ticket
  • Hiking pants: thin or short
  • Long hiking pants (for extra warmth)
  • First layer: thermal T-shirt
  • Intermediate layer: fleece or similar
  • Outer layer: waterproof jacket
  • Warm jacket or fleece
  • Hat
  • Mountain footwear (waterproof boots if possible)
  • Resting shoes
  • Sandals (for showers)
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Flashlight and battery (especially useful in campgrounds)
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Walking sticks
  • Cash (USD or CLP)
  • Medium trekking backpack (45 lbs/ 40 liters approx.)
  • Small trekking backpack (33 lbs/ 15 liters) 
  • Long/short sleeve T-shirts
  • Padlock for lockers 

Where does the tour Torres del Paine W Trek 6-Day (extra day in Grey) start

The tour begins in Puerto Natales. If you are traveling from Santiago de Chile the best option is to fly directly to Puerto Natales or take a flight to Punta Arenas, and from there take a bus (3:15 hours) to the bus station in Puerto Natales or hire a private transportation service with us.

If you are traveling from El Calafate (Argentina), buses connect directly to Puerto Natales (5 hours), or with us, you can book the transfer from El Calafate to Puerto Natales or the direct transfer between El Calafate and Torres del Paine.

Questions & Answers

  • My preferred dates are not available, is there an alternative?

    Yes, Howlanders will do everything possible to help you book this route by offering you different dates, itinerary modifications, etc... do not hesitate to contact us.

  • Can I do the 6-Day W Circuit Tour in the opposite direction?

    Yes, it is possible to start in Paine Grande and the Grey Glacier area and finish in Base Torres, just contact us to request this modification.

  • What are the lodges in Torres del Paine National Park like?

    The lodges are very well-equipped with large common areas to rest and have a drink. All of them have a large dining room used by travelers staying at the campsite. They also have a bar where travelers meet to chat and drink. Finally, the showers in the refuges are better and do not have schedules compared to the showers in the campsites (they have a schedule for use). We have created a post for you to get to know the different lodges in the park: Refugio Torres del Paine

  • Do I have a private room in the lodges?

    Normally all the rooms in the lodges are shared with approximately 6 people, have good beds, a reading light and a plug next to the bed. Although there are some private options in some sectors, such as the cabins in Sector Cuernos.
  • How are the campsites in Torres del Paine National Park?

    There are two types of campsites depending on the sector. In some sectors, campsites feature tents mounted on wooden structures, while others are closer to "glamping", accompanied by a large tent raised off the ground (similar to safari-style tents installed atop land cruisers). All campsites have toilets and showers (with limited hours) and a common kitchen (which you won’t have to use because the tour includes all meals served in the dining room of the lodge). You can see the different types of campsites in the tour album, or check them out here: campsites in each sector.

  • Is lunch included and where do you eat at lunchtime?

    Yes, the tour includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast and dinner are served at the lodge, even if you're staying at a campsite. A "lunchbox" is provided for lunch that you can pick up after breakfast and can later enjoy on the trek.

  • What food is included in the lunch box?

    The lunch box consists of specific foods for physical activity: nuts, cereal bars, fruit, a sandwich, and some sweets.
  • To make a reservation as a Chilean traveler or foreigner residing in Chile, what documentation do I need to present?

    The reservation can be processed normally and then you will be asked to present a valid passport or identity document proving nationality or residence. If this documentation is not presented, it will be necessary to pay the difference in price with the non-resident foreign traveler rate in Chile.
  • What documentation do I need to bring to enter the Torres del Paine National Park?

    To enter the Torres del Paine National Park, you must present your valid passport, the park entrance ticket, and the documentation to reserve lodging in the different sectors, (which will be given to you the day before at the Puerto Natales office) and if you are a foreign traveler not residing in Chile, you must present the immigration card that was given to you when entering Chile.

  • Do I have to carry all my luggage to Torres del Paine?

    No, at Howlanders we recommend taking only what you need for the trek for 6 days and leaving the remaining luggage at your accommodations in Puerto Natales.

  • Do I have to carry my backpack for the entire tour?

    During most of the route, you must carry your backpack, except in the three areas where you return by the same route: ascent to Torres base, ascent to British/French viewpoints, and ascent to Grey Glacier.

  • Where do I leave my luggage in that case?

    You can leave your luggage either in your accommodations or in the "nurseries", which despite not being guarded, are considered safe because travelers are respectful and there have been no security problems or theft. However, we recommend taking your valuables with you.

  • Can I do the 6-day W Circuit with a guide or porter?

    Yes, if you want to walk the W circuit trails with a private professional mountain guide (exclusively for your group) or a porter to help you carry your backpack, just contact us.
  • Is the porter service only offered for 4 days?

    Yes, since it is not necessary to include this service every day because some days you be returning to the same sector.

  • What is a self-guided tour?

    It is a route in which you do not have a guide and you can walk at your own pace. This self-guided tour is very easy to follow since the paths are very well-maintained and a map is provided explaining both the route and the surrounding areas.

  • Where does the bus to Torres del Paine National Park leave from?

    The bus leaves the Puerto Natales station, which is known as 'Terminal Rodoviario'. Puerto Natales is a small town and walking there takes less than 20 minutes. You can also take a cab.

  • Should I carry a lot of water?

    No, just make sure you bring a reusable bottle, the one provided in the welcome kit, for example. Drinking water is available at the refuges and campsites and during the tour, you can refill your bottle directly from the rivers, it is drinkable and refreshing 😊.

  • Do I have to carry my camping equipment during the tour?

    No, the tents are assembled and equipped with a mat and sleeping bag at the campsites. Upon arrival, you will be told which tent you have been assigned.

Torres del Paine W Trek 6-Day (extra day in Grey) tour reviews with Howlanders

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