8-Day Patagonia Adventure: W Trek & Luxury Lodges

Fly into Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales and transfer to Puerto Natales, the main base for Torres del Paine. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Punta Arenas. Spend the afternoon picking up any last-minute gear and getting oriented. In the evening, you’ll meet your guide or tour operator to review the trek and check equipment. Spend the night in Puerto Natales.

Start the trek on the western side of the park. Transfer to the catamaran dock at Pudeto and cross Lago Pehoé by boat to Paine Grande. From there, hike north toward Glacier Grey, passing viewpoints where you can see icebergs floating in the lake and the glacier in the distance. At the viewpoint, you can add on a short hike for closer views or take an optional kayak or ice-hiking excursion. Return to Paine Grande in the afternoon and stay overnight at the refugio or campsite.

Today’s hike takes you into Valle Francés, one of the most scenic parts of the park. You’ll climb gradually through forest and rocky terrain to reach viewpoints where hanging glaciers and steep peaks surround you. If you’re feeling strong, continue to the Británico lookout for a full 360° mountain panorama. In the afternoon, return to the main trail and continue along the lakeshore to Refugio Los Cuernos, located right below the park’s distinctive horn-like peaks. Overnight at Los Cuernos.

Follow a scenic lakeside trail along Lago Nordenskjöld, with constant views of the Paine Massif behind you. The terrain is rolling and moderate, giving you a bit of a break before the big final day. This is a great day to slow down, take photos, and keep an eye out for condors riding the thermals. You’ll finish the day near Refugio Central or Refugio Chileno, your base for tomorrow’s hike to the Towers. Overnight in the Las Torres area.

The grand finale: an early start to hike to Mirador Las Torres, the park’s most famous viewpoint. The trail climbs through forest and up a rocky moraine to a turquoise glacial lake at the foot of the three granite towers. It’s a challenging ascent, but the view at the top is truly spectacular and a perfect way to end the trek. After soaking it all in and enjoying lunch at the top, hike back down and overnight at a nearby refugio or transfer out of the park in the afternoon.

After completing the trek, transfer to Explora or Awasi, two of Patagonia’s most exceptional lodges. Both properties are known for their stunning settings, thoughtful design, and personalized service that blends comfort with a sense of place. Settle into your room, enjoy the sweeping views of the Paine Massif, and take some time to truly relax—whether that’s soaking in a hot tub overlooking the steppe, indulging in spa treatments, or simply savoring the quiet after days on the trail. Over dinner, you’ll have the chance to discuss excursion options with the lodge’s expert guides and craft a plan for the following day. Spend the night at the lodge.

Today is all about exploring at your own pace and seeing the landscapes you just trekked through from a different perspective. With your lodge’s private guides, you can choose from a wide range of curated experiences—options include horseback rides across sweeping pampas, scenic drives to quieter corners of Torres del Paine, boat trips, and shorter hikes to panoramic viewpoints and waterfalls. One of the most memorable experiences is joining a puma tracking excursion, where skilled trackers take you to areas known for frequent sightings of these elusive cats. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best chances to quietly observe pumas in their natural habitat, along with guanacos, foxes, and diverse birdlife. After a day of exploration, return to the lodge for an elegant dinner and a final evening in the heart of Patagonia.

After breakfast, transfer back to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas for your flight. If time allows, spend a few extra hours in Puerto Natales to enjoy its laid-back charm. A great way to end the trip is with a visit to Last Hope Distillery, a small craft gin distillery offering tastings and tours that highlight local Patagonian botanicals. It’s the perfect final toast to your adventure before heading home.