Trek the Torres Del Paine in Patagonia
Go off-grid in Chile's most spectacular national park, discovering hiking tracks and viewpoints that few trekkers ever see
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guideAll accommodation
2 nights in a boutique hotel in Puerto Natales and 6 nights camping in the National ParkMeals
All breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinnersTransfers
To and from Puerto Natales, and all travel within the national parkEquipment & Permits
All your camping equipment and park entrance feesSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 6 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Beyond the trails of the classic W Trek lies the hidden Valle Bader – tackle its remote paths to discover astonishing vistas
Marvel at the beauty of Serrano Glacier and the immense ice wall of Glacier Grey in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field
Tread lightly in small groups to reach the iconic Torres del Paine viewpoint, wild camping in remote spots along the way
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Puerto Natales!
Make your way to Puerto Natales and settle into your hotel before heading off to meet your guide and the rest of your team. Get to know each other over dinner, then get some rest before the adventure really starts.
Day 2
Voyage to Torres del Paine National Park
Hiking
Take a spectacular back route approach to Torres del Paine National Park by embarking on a boat journey on the Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope) Fjord with views of Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, arriving at the small jetty at Puerto Toro where the hiking begins. Trek along an off-the-beaten-track trail to Lago Bruch, where there is a wonderfully remote campsite.
Day 3
Trek to Río Serrano
Hiking
Embark on a long and rewarding trek through this quiet and rarely-seen area of the National Park, which involves some river crossings and is accompanied by views of the iconic Torres del Paine massif in the distance. You'll arrive at Río Serrano sector, where you'll find your next overnight camp backed by vistas of majestic peaks.
Day 4
Glacier Grey
Jump in a vehicle this morning and drive north from Río Serrano up to Lago Grey, where you'll take to the turquoise waters once more on a boat journey that takes you up close to the towering ice walls and magnificent blue icebergs of Glacier Grey - a unique experience! Disembark at Refugio Grey, where you'll camp for the night. There will be an optional walk through the forest and across multiple suspension bridges to look out over the expansive glacier.
Day 5
Hit the W Trek to Lake Pehoe
Hiking
Today you'll tackle part of the famous W Trek route, hikng towards Paine Grande and camping on the shore of crystalline Lake Pehoe. There is another optional walk this afternoon around the lakeside, where you can look back at the spectacular massif. If you'd rather rest up, you can just relax and sample some delicious Chilean wine at the bar.
Day 6
The stunning Bader Valley
Hiking
Today you'll head towards the Bader Valley, passing Lake Nordenskjold along the way, and veering off the main trail to where few travellers venture. The Bader Valley is the hidden valley of Torres del Paine, only accessible with a qualified guide, located between Almirante Nieto and the monstrous peaks of the Cuernos ('horns'). Trekking here is a bit more challenging during the ascent and descent of this valley, especially if there are strong winds, but you are rewarded with astonishing views. There will be a few rivers that you'll need to cross by hopping over rocks. Catch glimpses of glaciers and mountaintops before you finally reach your camping spot in this remote and beautiful place – tonight you'll be wild camping next to the very basic climbers basecamp.
Day 7
Trek along Lago Nordenskjold to Torre Central
Hiking
Explore some more of the remote Bader Valley today, before descending back along the trail to rejoin the W Trek route. Follow the shoreline of Lago Nordenskjold, with its beautiful glacial waters, to the Torre Central campsite, where you'll spend the night.
Day 8
The Towers
Hiking
Saving the most iconic part of the Torres del Paine until last, today is a long day of trekking involving an ascent to the Base of the Towers viewpoint. You'll hike up Asencio Valley to Refugio Chileno for a lunch stop, before continuing through the dense Lenga forest and then a final rocky ascent for views of the iconic towers that give the park its name – Las Torres. These imposing granite peaks rise over 2,500m into the air. Take photos and breathe it all in, before hiking down the Asencio Valley along the same route and back to Camping Torre Central. From here, you'll say goodbye to the National Park and drive back to Puerto Natales.
Day 9
Goodbyes
Check out after breakfast, when the trip comes to an end. Continue your adventures in Patagonia, or transfer back to Punta Arenas Airport for the journey home.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Puerto Natales
18:00 on Day 1
Ends
Your accommodation in Puerto Natales
Late morning on Day 9
Transfers
Head to Puerto Natales, check into your accommodation and meet your guide and the rest of the group at your host's office in the centre of town (you will be sent the address of both your accommodation and the guide's office as part of your pre-trip info pack). At the end of the trip, you will be dropped back at your accommodation. Breakfast is included, so check out when you like the following morning to head home, or continue your travels in Chile. If you would like to book additional nights in Puerto Natales, see the Optional Extras section for prices.
Travel options
The best way to reach Puerto Natales is by plane from Santiago to Punta Arenas and then taking one of the convenient buses that run regularly from the airport (3hrs). Alternatively, you can travel from Buenos Aires to El Calafate – from here, two buses a day run to Puerto Natales (5-6hrs, with an Argentina to Chile border crossing). Your host can arrange transport as an optional extra, just enquire when booking.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
During the trek, your chef will serve up surprisingly lavish meals at the wilderness camps, while in the managed camps you may find a few extra delicacies thrown in for good measure. As a rough idea, for breakfast you can expect corn tortillas, granola, tea, coffee, chocolate milk, bacon, eggs, yoghurt and bread. A packed lunch will be provided each day, typically containing chocolate, dried fruit and nuts, a cereal bar, fruit and a sandwich. For dinner, expect a combination of soup, beef chop suey with rice/legumes, smoked meat (or a vegetarian alternative), brownies with chocolate sauce or fruit with cream. All dietary requirements can be catered for - just make this known to your host on booking.
What is the accommodation like?
Puerto Natales
Whilst in Puerto Natales you'll stay in a small boutique hotel (such as Hotel Big Sur or similar), in the heart of the town and close to all amenities.
Torres del Paine National Park
You'll camp in stunning locations across the National Park. Tents and sleeping mats are provided and your porters will pitch camp ready for your arrival each day. Facilities depend on the section of the park, with Lago Bruch and Bader Valley overnights being wild camping experiences. Bader Valley in particular involves a very basic overnight, pitching tents next to a climbers' base. All other campsites on the 'W' stretch have toilets and showers. Sleeping arrangements will be decided during the pre-trip meeting and you can decide who you want to share with or, if you prefer your own tent, that's fine as well.
Upgrades
If you're looking for your own space, private room and hotel upgrades are available - please enquire when booking.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
Whilst the trekking is not technically difficult, you'll be out in the wild for seven days covering a good distance each day. There will also be some steep sections, so this trip is designed for hikers who are in good physical condition and have some previous multi-day trekking experience. You will also be carrying your own sleeping bag and clothing, so you should feel comfortable carrying approx 7-9kg across uneven terrain. The strong winds and changeable weather in southern Chile add to the challenge of this trip.
What will I need to carry?
You will have to carry all of your own personal belongings during the trek. There will be local porters to carry the camping equipment and food.
The weather in southern Patagonia is famously changeable, and this region can frequently experience very strong winds and gusts of wind as well as fast-changing conditions. Come prepared for a bit of everything! Departures are scheduled throughout Chile's summer months (Oct-Apr) which are also the drier months, but you should come prepared for some rain showers as a possibility. Temperatures in the mid-summer can reach 20°C in the daytime and drop to around 5°C at nighttime. The early (Oct) and late (March-April) season departures have lower typical temperatures. It is possible that weather conditions could impact the running order of the itinerary, and the guide may decide to make changes with your safety and enjoyment in mind.
An awesome experience, location and
An awesome experience, location and trip. A couple of days in true patagonia wilderness then the truly awe inspiring beauty of Torres del Paine. Brilliantly led by local guides Andrés and Devi, and facilitated by MBA. Our first experience with MBA, it will not be our last! Well done and thanks
This was a fantastic trip with amazing views every day. The highlight was definitely hiking into the Bader Valley, even though it's a much more difficult hike than described.
I've been home for just over a week and I'm still absolutely buzzing about this fantastic trip! The scenery is spectacular, the hiking was so fun, the terrain/views changed every day and the campsites were really quirky and cool. I particularly loved the walk up to Bader Valley (just beware this is quite a bit steeper/more difficult than the itinerary makes out, even without wind!) and the night camping there - it felt like we were being let in on a secret that the hikers down below weren't privy to! I also have to mention our wonderful local guides, Christian and Andreas. Their knowledge of the area - from Geological info to the names of birds and trees - and their passion & respect for the Park made the experience all the more special. And Christian was also kind enough to arrange perfect weather for us haha! Overall, this was a great way to experience less-visited areas as well as getting to walk most of the W-Trek, so gives a great mix of remote and the cameraderie of the long-distance trail. Higjly recommend!
Lago Brush was great!
The guides were fantastic, as was the organisation. Even in the wild camps, the quality of food was very good.
The Bader Valley was my highlight, it was really worth the climb and I really enjoyed the hike up the Valley the next day.
Itinerary Activities
- Boat ride on the Ultima Esperanza Fjord
- Guided hike from Puerto Toro to Lago Bruch
- Guided hike from Lago Bruch to Río Serrano
- Boat ride to Glacier Grey
- Guided hike on the W Trek to Lake Pehoe
- Guided hike through the remote Bader Valley
- Guided hike along Lago Nordenskjold to Torre Central
- Guided hike through the Asencio Valley to the base of the Torres del Paine
Guides
- Expert, local, English-speaking guide
Accommodation
- 6 nights camping in the Torres del Paine National Park
- 2 nights in a boutique hotel in Puerto Natales
Meals
- 8 tasty breakfasts
- 7 packed lunches
- 6 hearty hot dinners
Transfers
- All transfers during the trip, from the start/end point in Puerto Natales
Equipment
- All your camping equipment
Permits
- All park entrance fees
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Airport transfers
This trip begins and ends in Puerto Natales, so you'll need to make your own way there – see the 'Getting There' section for more information.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we'd suggest:
$5-10 USD per staff member (porter or guide), per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- Tents and sleeping mats
What's available to hire?
- Sleeping bag
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Backpack (with sufficient capacity for carrying all personal luggage during the trek)
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Dry bags or heavy-duty bin liners, to keep kit dry inside your bag
CLOTHING
- Trekking boots (broken in)
- Lighter shoes for around camp
- Shower shoes/flip flops
- Windproof and waterproof jacket - Gore Tex or similar
- Fleece or pile coat
- Quick-dry long sleeve t-shirt
- Quick-dry short sleeve t-shirt
- Winter hat
- Light gloves
- Quick-dry hiking socks
- Quick-dry, lightweight long underwear bottoms
- Quick-dry/breathable windproof trousers
- Waterproof trousers
- Quick-dry/breathable shorts
SLEEPING & OTHER ITEMS
- Sleeping bag (-5°C for November-March trips; -15°C for April-October trips)
- Pyjamas/something to sleep in
- Toiletries
- Water bottle (1 litre minimum)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and chapstick with sun protection
- Sports watch
- Insect repellent
- Anti-bacterial hand gel
- Toilet paper
- Earplugs
- Headlamp/flashlight
- Camera
- Trekking poles (optional)
Sleeping Bag Hire
Payable Before Departure
Sleeping Bag Hire
… Per Person
Additional night accommodation in Puerto Natales (Double / Twin)
Payable Before Departure
Additional night accommodation in Puerto Natales (Double / Twin)
… Per Night
Additional night accommodation in Puerto Natales (Single)
Payable Before Departure
Additional night accommodation in Puerto Natales (Single)
… Per Night
Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Private Room Upgrade
…
Public bus El Calafate - Puerto Natales one way. Prices from
Payable Before Departure
Public bus El Calafate - Puerto Natales one way. Prices from
… Per Person
Public bus Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales one way. Prices from
Payable Before Departure
Public bus Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales one way. Prices from
… Per Person
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 163kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
You will have to carry your own drinking water, and your guide will ensure that you have access to drinking water and know where to fill up each day. Each campsite has water taps and there are points along the treks where you can fill up from streams. Should you want to use a water filter, then you may wish to read our guide to water filters here.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we'd suggest 5 to 10 USD per day per staff member (porter or guide).
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
For some of the hikes there will be the opportunity to leave some kit at camp, but on most you will be carrying your bag all day. Excess luggage can be left in Puerto Natales at the start of the trip.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Monday 17th February 2025
to Tuesday 25th February 2025
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