“Nature immersion at its best”
8 Day Discover Chile and Patagonia Hiking Tour
Punta Arenas, Chile
Fully-Guided Hiking Holiday in Chile
Are you looking for an adventure that combines the best of Chilean culture with its stunning landscapes in Patagonia? We’ll start by getting to know an integral part of this region – its wildlife! We’ll head to the Strait of Magellan to visit the residents of Isla Magdalena – penguins! Then invoke your inner rancher at a quintessential Patagonian experience, an estancia visit complete with a horseback ride and barbeque. Then get ready for outdoor adventures as you head down to Torres del Paine National Park in stunning Patagonia for a 4-day Patagonia trek through landscapes and viewpoints that will leave you speechless. Finish off the adventure with a glacier boat cruise to the famous Glacier Grey.
Highlights
- Trek through diverse landscapes and challenge yourself on Patagonia’s W Trek
- See Glacier Grey up close on an exclusive catamaran cruise
- Experience the heart of the Patagonian culture through its nature, people, and wildlife
- Learn about rewilding efforts in Torres del Paine
- See penguins and seals off the Strait of Magellan
- 7 nights accommodation
7 days with instruction
Group size: 6-12 participants
Airport transfer included:
Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport
Accommodation
You will stay in boutique, centrally located hotels and camping in tents while trekking in Torres del Paine. You will be camping in high-quality, weather-protective, spacious two-person tents which are set up for you. You'll be paired with a roommate of your same gender unless you request your own room.
Program
Immerse in the Patagonian culture and hike the W trek in Torres del Paine
This will be a fully guided group trip. The group trip is with other travelers who have also selected the Chile small group trip travel dates, and you will have the same local guide throughout your stay.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Punta Arenas
Welcome to Chile! Fly into Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) with arrival by midafternoon. Most international flights will connect you through Santiago (SLC) where you’ll go through customs and catch your connecting flight. Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, your driver will transfer you to your local hotel.
Enjoy the afternoon exploring this historical city, founded in 1848 on the eastern shore of the Brunswick Peninsula of the Magellan Strait. This town was the home to famous pioneers in its heyday. This small port city is the main base for excursions into Torres de Paine National Park. It’s far less touristic than many other Patagonian hubs and thus retains its air of small-town tranquility.
You might Stroll the Plaza Muñoz Guerrero, surrounded by neoclassical mansions once owned by the monied sheep-ranching families of the 19th century. Don’t miss the Palacio Sara Braun, one of the imposing mansions fronting the plaza.
In the evening meet your local guide and enjoy a welcome dinner with your travel companions.
Here in Punta Arenas seafood is a staple, so sample some local specialties, like chupe de centolla (souffle of king crab), as well as oysters, scallops, and other shellfish. If seafood is not your friend, there are many other local dishes to be enjoyed ranging from lamb and guanaco steak to a plethora of vegetarian options.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Isla Magdalena penguin colony, travel to Puerto Natales
You’ll start bright and early this morning to get to a pier on the Strait of Magellan, at which point you'll board a vessel that will take you 18 miles (30 km) northeast to Isla Magdalena. On this island is Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, a protected area home to Chile's largest colony of penguins.
First, though, you will travel to Marta Island, located in the middle of the strait. It's home to a large colony of Patagonian sea lions whose numbers top a thousand. These aren't the only residents on this rocky outpost—you'll also find a number of seabirds, which include cormorants, skuas, arctic pigeons, and more.
Now it's time to arrive at Isla Magdalena, where you'll disembark and spend about one hour onshore. During this time, you'll follow a 2,624-foot (800 m) path to an old lighthouse that offers sweeping views of the Strait of Magellan.
On your way, be sure to enjoy the company of the island's residents: a Magellanic penguin colony that can reach up to 170,000 in number. There's no experience on earth quite like hiking alongside penguins near Patagonian waters first mapped by Magellan and made famous by Charles Darwin.
You will be back to Punta Arenas by midday at which time you’ll have some free time to grab some lunch before heading back to Puerto Natales for a relaxed evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Visit a typical Patagonian estancia + community partner
This morning, you head to the docks along the Ultima Esperanza Fjord. Here you will board a boat to visit the beautiful Estancia La Peninsula. This full-day experience is the perfect way to live and learn about life at a Patagonian ranch. You will start by taking a 30-minute boat navigation through the fjords ultimately arriving at the ranch for a welcoming coffee and pastry.
Then, you will have the chance to choose between hiking or horseback riding as part of your experience. Following you will have one of the best Patagonian lamb barbecues in the area, followed by a demonstration on sheep sheering and wool classification. You will also have the chance to meet the estancia's incredibly intelligent sheepdogs! Following a full day of activities you will be brought back by boat to Puerto Natales.
In the evening, you’ll meet up with our fantastic Community Partner, Torres del Paine Legacy Fund, to learn about the rewinding efforts they are doing for the endangered huemul or South Andean deer, an animal under threat from unmanaged tourism in Torres del Paine National Park.
Their community-led action is working to conserve the huemul through tourism to preserve its cultural heritage and address conflict with domestic livestock owners near TDP National Park. They’re also working with local volunteers to rebuild the public portion of the Base of the Towers trail to conserve the huemul’s habitat and create touch points for interpretation.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 4: W trek day 1
In the morning, you'll hop a bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park (Laguna Amarga Main Entrance). The total distance is 70 miles/112 km, and the drive takes about two hours, with a short stop at Cerro Castillo Village. The scenery along the way will be incredible, as you'll get your first glimpses of Torres del Paine's massive peaks as well as some of the local fauna, like guanacos.
You'll arrive at the Laguna Amarga main entrance and register with the park office (the entry fee is already included). Then it's a quick shuttle ride to the Las Torres sector. From here the group trip will start the trek alongside your local guide. Self-guided will follow the W Trek route per your briefing on Day 2.
You'll hike up Mt. Almirante Nieto, which features stunning views of the Asencio Valley below and Lake Nordenskjold. After two hours of hiking, you'll reach Refugio & Camping Chileno, this is a good place to have your lunch before continuing up.
It's another hour of hiking past ancient lenga forests until you arrive at a moraine. The next part is a challenging steep ascent for 45 minutes until you reach the top, which is known as Mirador Base Torres. "Mirador" in English means "viewpoint," and this little section of the mountain, with the Torres del Paine looming over a green lagoon, is the best view in the park. From here you can also marvel at the towering peaks of nearby Torre Sur, Central Tower, North Tower, Condor's Nest, and Glacier Torre, all set amidst the sweeping backdrop of the Patagonian highlands.
After spending some time enjoying the views at Base Torres, you'll then hike back to Refugio & Camping el Central to rest up for the evening.
- Hike: Hotel Las Torres - Las Torres Lookout - Hotel Las Torres
- Total distance: 18 Kilometers / 11.2 Miles
- Average time: 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: W trek day 2
In the morning you will have breakfast and then prepare to hike again. You will leave Refugio & Camping Central and walk for four hours towards Refugio & Camping Cuernos, located on the shore of Lake Nordenskjold and at the foot of the Cuernos. Along the way, you will walk along the skirt of Almirante Nieto and pass by Lake Nordenskjold. There will be a few rivers you will pass over by hopping across rocks. As you hike you will catch glimpses of glaciers and the mountaintops hovering over you. Finally, you will see the monstrous peaks of the Cuernos. You will spend the night at the foot of them at Refugio & Camping Cuernos.
- Hike: Sector Las Torres - Sector Cuernos
- Total distance: 11 Kilometers / 6.8 Miles
- Average Time: 4.5 Hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Note Refugio & Camping Cuernos may be swapped for Refugio & Camping Frances, based on availability
Day 6: W trek day 3
Shortly after breakfast, you will begin hiking towards Campamento Italiano, about 2.5 hours away. You will trek across a windy beach and finally escape into the valley where the wind is a little calmer. Once you arrive at Campamento Italiano you can leave your large pack and continue into the French Valley with just a small daypack.
You will hike across a moraine and through a forest until you come to a clearing. Here you will be blown away by both the wind and the spectacular views of Lake Nordenskjold, Skottsberg and Pehoe behind you, the hanging French Glacier just ahead of you and by many other peaks.
After leaving the lookout you will return to gather your large pack and continue onto Refugio & Camping Paine Grande on the shore of the beautiful Lake Pehoe.
- Hike: Sector Cuernos - Sector Paine Grande
- Total distance: 17.3 Kilometers / 10.7 Miles
- Average Time: 7 Hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: W trek day 4
After a restful night and an energizing breakfast, you will begin a four-hour hike through a small forest and then along Lake Grey. Most days this section of the park is very windy, due to the openness provided by Lake Grey, Glacier Grey, and the Southern Ice Field. After about two hours of hiking, you will get your first glimpse of Glacier Grey.
You will continue hiking for two more hours until arriving at Refugio & Camping Grey where you will take a short rest before boarding the Grey III glacier boat cruise, which will take you to admire the glacier up-close and take remarkable photographs of the surroundings. After arriving at the other side of Lake Grey you will be met by your transfer which will take you back to Puerto Natales.
After returning to town, check into your hotel and shower or rest.
In the evening, you’ll meet up for a farewell dinner and reflect on the adventure we just had together!
- Hike: Refugio Paine Grande - Refugio Grey
- Total distance: 11 Kilometers / 6.8 Miles
- Average time: 4 Hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: Farewell, Patagonia!
Today you will look back on all of the memories you've made and say good-bye to your Patagonian adventure companions. Depart any time from Puerto Natales (PNT) for your onward travels. Or do a stopover for the Santiago Add-on! See below for the details!
Meals: Breakfast
Santiago extension (extra cost)
If you’re adding on the Santiago extension (2 nights, 3 days’ activities), we’ll fly from Puerto Natales (PNT) to Santiago (SCL). Traverse Journeys can help you coordinate your stopover flight to ensure that everyone joining the excursion arrives at or around the same time.
You’ll enjoy 2 nights’ boutique accommodations, daily breakfast, airport transfers, a local guide, and the following excursions:
Vineyard tour and wine tasting: The team will whisk you away a mere hour west to the Valle de Casablanca. This fertile valley near the Pacific coast is ideal for growing grapes, and it's famous for producing all-natural wine grapes. Today you will be spending the day at the estate of one of the leaders in coastal, cool climate wines in Chile.
Upon arrival at the vineyard, you will embark on a tour of the winery from one of their sommeliers, strolling around the grounds and facilities to get a sense of the ambiance and to learn about the wineries unique wines and styles. After your tour, you will enjoy a tasting of 4 of their most popular wines along with some snacks to accompany each wine.
Valparaíso guided visit: Not far from Santiago is the port city of Valparaiso. This colorful metropolis is the artistic and bohemian soul of the country and is filled with street art, music, and poetry. Moreover, it's a throwback to the turn of the 20th century when electric trollies coasted along the waterfront and lurching funicular elevators carried passengers to the highest points in the city.
You’ll enjoy a guided walk in the Cerros of Valparaiso to explore the endless matrix of art, culture, and food that make up this unique city. The tour is a great jumping off point for any self-exploration you may want to indulge in your free time here. Wander the mural-filled alleyways, stroll along the seaside, pop in to art galleries and cafes, and taste the local treats.
Valparaiso is a treasure-trove of kodak moments with seemingly limitless picture-perfect backdrops! Find the perfect empanada, visit the traditional fishing caleta, take a peek around Pablo Neruda’s house, and wander the chaotic food market. And don’t worry - while you explore there’s no need to huff and puff your way up and down the 40+ hills when there are funiculars in abundance!
Chilean cooking class: Dive deeper into Chilean culture by way of its food! We’ll start by learning about market-fresh ingredients to use in creating your typical dishes. From there you will get some hands-on practice. The ingredients used in this tour are easily obtainable or substitutable all over the world, so you’ll be able to share your new skills with your friends back home. Along with a classic pisco sour, you’ll enjoy preparing and tasting some classic appetizers, a main dish, and a dessert to top it off!
Santiago walking tour: Most flights back to the US and Europe leave in the evening from SCL, so the team has planned some fun for you! You’ll enjoy a half-day walking tour to see key sites in the city with your local guide. It will be arranged so that it coordinates well with your hotel check-out time and if needed you can store your luggage at the hotel even if you leave late. You’ll receive a transfer to the airport according to your flight departure time.
FAQ
How far ahead should I book my trip?
Traverse Journeys recommends booking this trip 6-8 months in advance to ensure your space, as camping spots along the W Trek route are limited. Traverse Journeys can often add more people in up to 60 days prior to departure; however, they can’t guarantee there will be spots left.
How fit do I need to be on this trip?
On the W Trek, you'll be hiking 6-12 miles each day (6-8 hours of hiking each day). You can carry your bag yourself, or you can hire a porter on a day-to-day basis. There are a lot of inclines and declines throughout the trail, however the entire trek is at a relatively low altitude, with the highest elevation being 3900 ft (1190 meters). While your fitness level doesn't have to be like an athlete, you should be able to hike for multiple hours at a time through diverse terrain.
Are sleeping bags included?
Yes, the package includes sleeping bags and mats in your reservation. They are pre-assembled at each site so that you don’t have to carry them from camp to camp.
Location
Food
The package includes daily breakfast, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners made with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
Upgrade options
- +295 USD - Refugios, lodge-like accommodations in bunk rooms at the camp sites rather than tents Subject to availability
- +110 USD - 4-star hotel upgrade in Puerto Natales (2 nights), price per person
- +185 USD - Personal porter for a 15 kg backpack, price per day (you can specify which/how many days)
- +215 USD - Kayak on Glacier Grey, per person
- Hiking poles - price on request, quite helpful for water crossings
3-day Santiago add-on trip
Add on to soak in the bohemian heart of Valparaíso and taste Chilean wines and cuisine. Prices start at 1295 USD per person. +$210 “my own room” option
Includes:
- 1 night in Valparaiso, 1 night in Santiago with daily breakfast
- Arrival & departure transfer + transit between activities
- Valparaiso street art walking tour with a local guide
- Santiago half-day walking tour with a local guide
- Tour and tasting at a coastal vineyard
- Chilean cooking class experience and dinner
What's included
- 4 nights accommodations in boutique, centrally located hotels
- 3 nights camping in tents in Torres del Paine
- Arrival transfer in Punta Arenas (PUQ) / departure transfer from Puerto Natales (PNT)
- Excursion transit including private vehicles, boat, and bus/shuttle transfers including:
- Bus to and from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine
- Round-trip catamaran between Pudeto and Paine Grande
- Bus from Pudeto to Laguna Amarga
- Shuttle to/from Las Torres and Laguna Amarga
- W Trek hiking & tent reservations + detailed itinerary and all meals while trekking
- High quality sleeping bag + sleeping mat, pre-assembled at each location
- Informative and safety briefing in Puerto Natales prior to your departure
- Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park
- Learn about rewilding in the Patagonia region
- Isla Magdalena Penguin Colony excursion
- Excursion to a Chilean Estancia with hiking or horseback riding + traditional barbecue
- Grey III glacier boat tour
- Licensed trekking guide during your W Trek
- Daily breakfast + 5 lunches + 5 dinners made with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients
- Detailed itinerary with complete self-guided instructions, packing & gear advice, local recommendations, cultural tips & more
- Visit a local Community Partner to learn about rewilding efforts in Patagonia + donation to their organization
- Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure
What's not included
- Personal porter, by the day
- Kayak on Lago Grey
- Hiking poles
- Upgrades to refugios instead of tents (subject to availability)
- 3-day extension trip to Santiago
- International airfare
- Additional meals, excursions and activities not listed
- Tips to your local guides and drivers
- Alcohol or other drinks, unless specified
- Required travel insurance
How to get there
Recommended Airports
PUQ
Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport
18 km
Transfer included
Airport: Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport
Airport transfer included: Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport
No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.
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