EcoCamp is situated in the very heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile, and provides the region’s first fully sustainable accommodation, complete with green technology and individual geodesic domes.
Torres Del Paine Trek
The trails amongst the famous Torres del Paine craggy mountains are among the world's classic trekking routes. By day, explore nature in its raw form while winding through these exceptional mountains. By night, enjoy the cozy luxury of EcoCamp's unique dome accommodations, or camping.
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At the far south of the Andes is the Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most impressive sights in the Southern Hemisphere. The dramatic mountain formations crowded with glaciers, lakes, fjords, ancient forests and wildlife such as guanacos, flamingos, condors, ñandus and huemules also offer some of the most magnificent trekking and nature in the world. This 7-day trek will take you through these wonderful hot spots on a tour you will never forget.
The visually stunning W Trek highlights the best of Torres del Paine including Grey Glacier, French Valley and the Tower base—a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Team up with highly experienced and knowledgeable guides and head off on one of the most famous treks in the world. Enjoy the trek by only carrying your daypack while porters take your backpack. Also enjoy a relaxing boat ride to one of the park’s top attractions: Grey Glacier. Spend evenings at cozy campsites and EcoCamp Patagonia.
The award-winning EcoCamp, the world’s first geodesic dome hotel, combines revolutionary eco-living with delicious food, yoga and great company. This serene accommodation acts as home base, situated in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. At this fully sustainable accommodation, snack on tasty food made from local ingredients, mingle with new friends from around the world and sleep in your own geodesic dome equipped with a skylight for optimal viewing of the Patagonia night sky.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Patagonia tours and Patagonia trips.
Patagonia Torres Del Paine 7-Day W Trek Itinerary
Punta Arenas, Chile to EcoCamp PatagoniaEcoCamp Patagonia to Punta Arenas, Chile & Depart
The Torres Del Paine Trek operates round-trip from Punta Arenas, Chile, with an overland transfer to/from Torres Del Paine National Park. Hike to Los Cuernos; French Valley; Grey Glacier; Towers base; and Blue, Sarmiento and Amarga Lakes. Per the itinerary, each night camp in either a dome at EcoCamp or a trailside campsite.
The Torres del Paine Trek begins in Punta Arenas early morning, either at your hotel or at the airport. From Punta Arenas, drive to the EcoCamp Patagonia located in the world famous Torres del Paine National Park for briefing and your first night’s stay. On the way, stop at Puerto Natales, a small but lively town on the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza, “Last Hope Sound,” to enjoy a hearty lunch* with delicious local food. The journey is scenic and highly atmospheric, featuring many wild birds and wonderful Patagonian landscapes. The day ends with your arrival and overnight stay at EcoCamp Patagonia, nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park and with a prime view of the majestic Torres. Sunset is usually around 11:00pm during the summer months, leaving plenty of daylight to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon upon arrival.
*Please note: Buses leave El Calafate at 11:45am in October, rather than the typical 7:00-8:00am, and thus October departures do not stop for lunch and instead drive straight to EcoCamp for the briefing and dinner. This may affect Monday connections in November, please confirm with your Adventure Specialist upon booking.
Today’s adventure begins in the Torres del Paine National Park with a pleasant walk through the curly Cuernos trail located beside beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this warm-up walk admire the park’s exquisite flora and fauna, enjoy the magnificent views of the park’s central lakes and the Paine’s Horns – majestic black hornlike peaks of slate atop gray granite which crown the center of the Massif. The hike can end at Refugio Los Cuernos, a cozy mountain lodge located on the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld, or at Domo el Francés, between the Cuernos and Italiano camps, with incredible views of the lake. The afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure.
Walking Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Max Altitude: 800 feet (244m)
Elevation Gain: 1,148 feet (300m)
After breakfast the campsite, begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley) along a steep trail that leads to the very heart of the Paine Massif. The distance achieved today depends on the group’s trekking rhythm. A swifter walk will lead to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the south east face of the Massif, where you will be treated to fantastic views of the valley. Then continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley and marvel at the extensive mass of the valley’s geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). After your upward trek, pause for a picnic and relax a while. End the day descending through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest that lead to the next campsite. An optional trek to Mirador Britanico is also available.
Walking Distance: 16 miles (26km)
Trekking Time: 10 hours
Max Altitude: 2,250 feet (686m)
Elevation Gain: 2,690 feet (820m)
Today hike from the campsite along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern side of the glacially beautiful Lake Grey. Feast on a picnic lunch before boarding the boat that sails right to the huge, crystalline facade of Grey Glacier, where you will have plenty of time to marvel at the calving glacier. From the southern end of Glacier Grey transfer to EcoCamp. Due to the temperamental weather of the region, boat trips across the lake may occasionally be cancelled if the required minimum of 15 passengers is not reached. If either is the case, you will trek up to the sightseeing point and profit from wonderful, panoramic views of the Glacier instead. Then return on foot to Paine Grande and take a catamaran to Pudeto’s dock, where you will be picked up and driven to EcoCamp.
*Please note there is an optional kayaking excursion around Glacier Grey that starts at 1:00pm and lasts 2.5 hours. Discover the amazing glacier by kayaking around huge floating icebergs to get closer to the giant ice wall. There is a minimum age of 15 and maximum age of 65. Kayaking option is only available until March 19th.
Walking Distance: 6.8 miles (11km)
Trekking Time: 4 hours
Max Altitude: 800 feet (244m)
Elevation Gain: 889 feet (271m)
The goal of today is to complete the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine National Park! Walk from EcoCamp towards Hostería Las Torres before ascending to Ascencio Valley on the Tower’s eastern face. Mountain ridges, beech forests and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. Your big challenge comes in the form of the steep moraine, a huge mass of boulders that lead you to that iconic base-view of the Towers. Three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After a tough uphill climb, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before you with the glacial lake visible below. What a perfect place to have lunch. After devouring the picnic and view, you will backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp for a well-deserved dinner.
Walking Distance: 14 miles (22km)
Trekking Time: 9 hours
Max Altitude: 3,000 feet (914m)
Elevation Gain: 3,766 feet (1,148m)
After yesterday’s worthy but strenuous trek, wake up today to breakfast and take a leisurely car journey towards Laguna Azul, passing Cañadón Macho, home to many wild guanacos and ñandúes. You will pause occasionally to admire the views of the Patagonian steppe and the towers from a different perspetive. At Laguna Azul, hike to the lookout point where you will be treated to a gorgeous view of both the lagoon and granite towers. After lunch, drive to the northern shore of Sarmiento Lake where the Fauna Trail begins. As you hike northbound, you will spot an impressive range of Patagonian fauna on the vast plains, including guanacos, ostrich-like ñandús and maybe the occasional puma print! Pass the charming Goic lagoon and after approximately 5km of relaxed walking, you will reach the Laguna Amarga ranger station where you will be picked up and driven back to Ecocamp to celebrate over a farewell dinner.
*Please note that if there are more than 6 travelers in the group there’s an option to split into two groups, with one group (or the whole group if everybody’s in the mood!) cycling to Laguna Azul.
Walking Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Trekking Time: 3 hours
Max Altitude: 984 feet (300m)
Elevation Gain: 876 feet (267m)
Early in the morning, board a vehicle, sit back, and relax while enjoying the scenic drive back to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas in time for afternoon flights. Alternatively, transportation to El Calafate can also be arranged.
Included
All ground transport private and domestic as indicated in the itinerary; transportation to/from El Calafate (this includes public bus tickets and van transportation between hotels and the bus terminal); boat crossing on Grey Lake (depending on season); 4 nights accommodation in EcoCamp; 1 night accommodation at two different campsites (TBA); park fees for Torres del Paine National Park; one expert English speaking trekking guide; sleeping bag for campsites if needed; transportation for your luggage within the Park (note that while trekking you will carry just your daypack); meals as indicated in itinerary.
Exclusions
Airfare; insurance (it is mandatory that you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip); voluntary tipping to guides and staff; soft drinks or snacks not served with the meals included at the EcoCamp or campsites (bringing USD$ cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP is suggested); items of a personal nature.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days – 100% of deposit
90 to 50 days – 50% of total trip cost
49 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The Torres Del Paine Trek begins and ends in either Punta Arenas (PUQ) or Puerto Natales (PNT). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Via Punta Arenas, there is one daily arrival transfer in the morning; via Puerto Natales, there are two. Plan flights to arrive to Punta Arenas on Day 1 before 11:00am. For pick up in Puerto Natales, plan flights to arrive on Day 1 before 2:40pm for the morning transfer, or before 4:30pm for the afternoon transfer. There is one daily departure transfer. Plan flights to depart Puerto Natales no earlier than 12:30pm on the final day. For drop off in Punta Arenas, plan flights to depart on the final day no earlier than 3:30pm. Transfers between Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales/El Calafate and EcoCamp are provided (inquire for details on arrival from or departure to El Calafate). Earlier, private transfers can be arranged for a fee. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
The Torres del Paine Trek involves extensive hikes and an opportunity to cycle on Day 6 if enough travelers are interested. The following table can give you an idea of what to expect, listed in order of walking time, distance and max altitude:
Day 2: 4-5 hours, 7.5 miles, reaching 800 feet above sea level
Day 3: 10 hours, 12.4 miles, reaching 2,250 feet above sea level
Day 4: 4 hours, 6.8 miles, reaching 800 feet above sea level
Day 5: 9 hours, 14 miles, reaching 2,942 feet above sea level
Day 6: 3 hours, 4 miles, reaching 984 feet above sea level
Room Configuration
All domes may be booked for single occupancy at an added cost; Suite Domes may also be booked for triple or quad occupancy. If you are a solo traveler you will be expected to share a dome with another traveler of the same gender. If there is availability at EcoCamp, most likely in low season, you may be allocated your own dome. EcoCamp follows this sharing policy in order to keep dome numbers to a minimum and preserve the surrounding wilderness as much as possible. Of course, you are entitled to pay for the whole dome to avoid sharing. Contact AdventureSmith for single rates at EcoCamp. Please note Standard Domes do not have electricity.
Families & Children
Children who are 13 years of age or older are welcome and are considered adults. Children between the ages of 10 and 12 can only participate in this trip if their parent or legal guardian hires an independent, private guide to accompany the child during excursions, as well as signs a legal waiver from the trip operator stating that the child is prepared for such an intense trekking trip, and includes information about the independently hired guide. Children under 10 years of age cannot participate in this trip. There is no special discount for children.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
The weather in Patagonia can be difficult to deal with at times. The operator reserves the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations. During Shoulder Season (October and April) the Towers Trek excursion might be cancelled because of weather conditions and safety considerations and the boat trip to Glacier Grey may be cancelled. If this is the case, good alternative excursions will be offered. The ability to be spontaneous makes this style of adventure travel unique.
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EcoCamp is situated in the very heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile, and provides the region’s first fully sustainable accommodation, complete with green technology. Enjoy guided treks and wildlife excursions by day and share evening meals with new friends, before falling asleep gazing up at the famed Towers from your EcoCamp dome. Wake up in the middle of the Patagonian wilderness in a cozy geodesic dome, with a panoramic view of the majestic Torres del Paine, ready to hit the hiking trail.
Why Choose EcoCamp Patagonia
Choose EcoCamp for its access, unique structures, incredible scenery, sustainable design and opportunity for digital detox (no WiFi or cell phone service on site). This multi-dome lodge is situated at the foot of the Base Towers, so you can walk to this famous hiking trail right from the lodge; most other properties within Torres del Paine require a drive to access hikes.
AdventureSmith Explorations has had multiple staff stay at EcoCamp to inspect the property over the past two decades. Read our EcoCamp Patagonia review for more firsthand insights. We can help compare the EcoCamp domes with other adventure lodging and Patagonia tours and book you into the best lodge for your needs.
Activities & Accessibility at EcoCamp Patagonia
Travel packages at EcoCamp include various activities like hiking and kayaking depending on the tour. Patagonia fly-fishing, puma tracking and a day trip to the famous Perito Moreno glacier near El Calafate, Argentina, are also EcoCamp extras that you can book as an extension to your stay.
There are a number of social activities offered each night, such as Chilean wine tasting, pisco sour making classes, film showings, live music and wildlife talks. EcoCamp also features a yoga dome, with complimentary twice-daily yoga sessions, and a massage dome where you can schedule treatments at an added cost.
With ramps throughout the property and a special all-terrain wheelchair available for assisted trail access, this lodge makes accessibility through Torres del Paine possible.
Dining at EcoCamp Patagonia
One of the most popular features of EcoCamp is its delicious and plentiful food. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals can be made available if indicated in advance when booking. Juices, sodas, beer, wine and alcholic drinks are available for purchase. Following is a short description of the meals served:
BREAKFAST: All that you will find at home: fruits, whole grain and white bread toast, cheese, scrambled eggs, butter, peanut butter, jam, cereals, granola, yogurt, milk, juice, honey, ham, coffee, tea, herb teas, and much more served buffet style.
BOX LUNCH: Called a buffet box lunch, it is prepared after breakfast by each client before starting the excursion. Find a large table full of tasty elements to prepare a great sandwich, wrap or bowl into reusable stainless steel containers: whole grain and white bread, cheeses, tuna, chicken, turkey, ham, beef, salami, sauces, variety of vegetables, hard boiled eggs, and more; additionally find chocolate and granola bars, nuts and fruits.
DINNER: It starts with a cocktail consisting of Chile's famous pisco sour or cocktail of the day and different small appetizers while you guide goes over the next day's plans. Then the meal starts with a first course selection followed by a piece of white or red meat with rice, potatoes or vegetables. Everything is accompanied by good Chilean wine. Finally a cup of coffee or herb teas with a delicious dessert will crown the meal. The meals often vary to provide travelers with different flavors and local preparations.
Domes & the Layout at EcoCamp Patagonia
All EcoCamp domes are immersed in nature, resistant to the fierce Patagonian wind and have windows to look up at the stars or out at the Towers as you fall asleep. While many domes have private bathrooms, guests staying in Standard Domes use a shared bathroom, for several environmental reasons: minimizing constructed areas, controlling water and heating consumption and collecting waste in a central heated composting chamber. Electricity is very limited inside the domes, meaning hairdryers are not permitted, but laptops and cameras can be charged.
Core Domes
Core Domes are where you go for meals and gatherings. There are three Core Domes interconnected via raised wooden walkways. Dining takes place at two connected Giant Domes 9m/ 30ft in diameter and 4.5m/13.5ft tall. The space inside is bright and airy with large windows offering a panoramic view of the Paine granite towers. Each of the Core Domes has a low-emission wood stove. There is a bar, three different resting areas, and a small shop.
Design Inspiration
Patagonia EcoCamp's design was inspired by the traditional Kawesqar hut resembling an igloo and a dome at the same time. The semi-hemispherical structure of the EcoCamp domes is formed by a number of isosceles triangles that provides uniform distribution of the stress caused by severe wind loads. Wind speed in Patagonia often surpasses 160-180 kilometers per hour which makes traditional straight and flat walls extremely vulnerable if the structure is meant to be light. Another significant aspect is that the domes' rounded bodies minimize the external surface in contact with the cold environment allowing less exchange of temperature with the warm interiors. Finally, semi-hemisphere gave Kawesqars the maximum internal space in relation to the surface they had to cover with valuable and sometimes scarce animal skins. Patagonia EcoCamp is a tribute to the Kawesqar way of life and is a charming, immersive way to experience the natural beauty of Torres del Paine National Park.
Learn About the Lodge on Your Itinerary
Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect
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Expert Review: EcoCamp Patagonia & Why It’s Premier for the Towers Base Hike
Two of our experts share their firsthand insight over a decade of multiple visits to EcoCamp and Torres del Paine National Park. See what it's like at this eco-lodge and why it's the best basecamp for the famous Towers Base hike.
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