Patagonia is a region at the southern end of the South American continent that is shared by Argentina and Chile. It encompasses parts of the Andes mountain range, the Atlantic Ocean, the Tierra del Fuego peninsula and more. The Torres del Paine National Park, with mountains, glaciers, lakes and rivers, has become an incredibly popular hiking destination. This trek is shaped like a W, hence the name.
Start your trek with a drive from Punta Arenas to the EcoCamp Patagonia in the Torres del Paine National Park. Alternately, you can start from Calafate. En route, stop at Puerto Natales, a small lively town for lunch and also at Cueva de Milodon, a prehistoric cave. The scenery is amazing on your journey and you will see many wild birds. Overnight at the camp.
The next morning brings a pleasant walk through the Cuernos Trail which follows alongside the beautiful Lake Norfdenskjold. You will see some exquisite flora and fauna as well as have amazing views of the park’s central lakes. Eventually arrive at Refugio Los Cuernos, a cozy mountain refuge and your overnight accommodation.
The next day is a challenging trek to Valle Frances in the heart of the Paine Massif. You will have awesome views here of the valley. Ascending further, you will experience the extensive mass of the valley’s geological formations. Then it is time for a picnic after which descend to your next overnight stop at the Refugio Paine Grande.
Hiking the following morning takes you along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the glacial Lake Grey. Have a picnic lunch then board a boat that sails right up to the façade of Glacier Grey. From here, sail on to the EcoCamp for 3 nights’ accommodation. If the weather prevents the boat from sailing on the lake, you will trek up to a sightseeing point and still enjoy exceptional panoramic views of the glacier.
Now you come to a trek on the most famous trekking trail in the Torres del Paine National Park. You will walk from the campsite and ascend to Ascencio Valley via mountain ridges, beech forests and small rivers which line the scenic walk. A big challenge comes in the form of the steep moraine, a mass of boulders which eventually lead to the base view of the Towers, three gigantic granite monoliths. After a tough uphill climb, the Towers come into view with the glacial lake below. After a picnic here, you will backtrack along the trail back to the EcoCamp.
The next day is less strenuous starting with a leisurely car ride to Laguna Azul passing by Canadon Macho pausing to admire the wonderful views of the Patagonia steppe and the Towers from a different viewpoint. On arrival at Laguna Azul, you hike to the lookout point for views of the lagoon and the Towers. Later, drive to the northern shore of Sarmiento Lake where the Fauna Trail begins. Start your hike here and pass by the charming Goic Lagoon followed by reaching the Laguna Amarga ranger station from where you drive back to the camp.
The next morning, drive back to either Punta Arena or Calafate.