Trip Overview
Departures
Trip Dates + Prices
Duration
9 Days
Activities
Boating/Rafting
Hiking
Wildlife Viewing
Yoga
Physical Rating
Challenging
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Photo Credit: Jenny Rae Bateman
Experience Torres Del Paine National Park
This challenging hut-to-hut hike through the all-encompassing wilds of Patagonia’s national park is a never ending panorama of granite peaks, bottomless teal lakes and glaciers. Our supernatural adventure revolves around incredible forest trails, surreal picnic spots and nights of camaraderie in the refugios (mountain huts) along the W Trek. Feel the pure power of the elements, deep wilderness and the vertical demands of Chile’s famed hiking route.
Hike Patagonia’s Famed W Trek
Sleep in the World’s First Geodesic Dome Hotel
On Magdalena Island, we observe the antics of the knee-high Magellanic penguin rookery. We also spend a day tracking pumas and learning about their behavior, habitat and resilience. At a working sheep station we have an authentic Patagonian BBQ, sheep-shearing lesson and demonstration by the sheepdogs. We can expect a cozy, rejuvenating experience in the suite domes at Patagonia EcoCamp with opportunities to stretch our minds and body through meditation and yoga sessions.
Trip of a lifetime with a fabulous group of women that I was privileged to meet and share it with. We laughed so hard. I feel very fortunate.”
Melissa B.
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Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival
Due South
Plan to arrive in the world’s most southern city, Punta Arenas (PUQ), in the early afternoon. A short transfer will be provided to Hotel Almasur. Conveniently located two blocks from the main square, it’s easy to strike off and explore the streets.
There are no scheduled activities this afternoon, but there’s lots to see in “Sandy Point.” The waterfront promenade is the ideal place to start.
Later, gather in the evening in the hotel lobby for the welcome dinner (at the hotel) for a trip briefing with our Wild Women guide.
Included Meals
Dinner
Accommodations
Hotel Almasur or similar
Photo Credit: Jenny Rae Bateman
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Day 2
Isla Magdalena Penguin Reserve
A Knee-High Rookery
We take a short bus ride to the boat dock. As we navigate the dark denim-blue waters of the Strait of Magellan, we may spot austral or piebald dolphins and sei whales en route.
On the windswept expanse of Isla Magdalena, we are instantly charmed by the presence of over 120,000 penguins—it’s the second largest Magellanic penguin colony in South America. We spend one hour on the island, following a marked trail (and penguins) to the lighthouse built in 1902.
Upon return to shore, we head to Torres del Paine National Park via private shuttle. The journey is peppered with sheep herds, gauchos, guanacos, raptors, ostrich-like rhea and the classic Patagonian steppe.
Before dinner, our guide will provide a debrief about how to prepare for the W Trek tomorrow. Tonight we sleep in sustainable style in the EcoCamp domes with wood-fired stoves to keep us cozy.
Included Meals
Breakfast, boxed lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Suite Domes, EcoCamp Patagonia
Travel
Boat (1 hour, return), private shuttle (5–6 hours)
Photo Credit: Jenny Rae Bateman
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Day 3
Hike to Los Cuernos
Peak Moments
Today we will follow the snaking Cuernos Trail that skirts Lake Nordenskjold. On this 7.5 mile (12 km) walk we will have the opportunity to admire the park’s dynamic flora and fauna, the deep lakes and Cuernos del Paine (Paine’s Horns). The black spiked peaks of slate have been appropriately named the Shark’s Fin (Aleta de Tiburón) and the Fortress (Fortaleza). Our guide will point out all the peaks as we picnic.
Our four to five-hour trek will end at Refugio Los Cuernos, a mountain refuge on Lake Nordenskjold’s shores. Depending on our group’s pace and the weather, we may opt to stay at Refugio Frances instead. Tonight is all about chilling out and sharing stories and laughs over dinner. An integral part of the W-Trek’s atmosphere is mingling with other hikers from around the world in the communal dining and bar area.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Refugio Los Cuernos or Refugio Frances (Please note: Our group will stay in shared dorm rooms with six or 12 bunk beds or will be tent camping, depending on availability. Every effort will be made to secure rooms just for Wild Women. The refugios are co-ed.)
The Hike
The hike is 7.5 miles (12 km), reaching a maximum altitude of 800 feet (244 m), which takes about 4 to 5 hours depending on our group’s pace.
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Day 4
Hike to French Valley
A Time-Carved Landscape
After a nourishing breakfast at Refugio Los Cuernos (or Frances), we begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley) along a steep trail into the heart of Paine Massif. We cross the famed suspension bridge over the French River—the reward is an unmatched view of the valley and a big spike of adrenalin!
We continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley to absorb the extensive mass of the valley’s time-carved geological formations.
After our upward trek, we take five and stretch out with a boxed-lunch picnic. After a descent through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and sparse forest, we reach our basecamp at Refugio Paine Grande. We will spend the night under the roof in bunk beds, depending on availability. Otherwise we will be tent camping. Refugio Paine Grande is located on the postcard-perfect shores of Lake Pehoé with uninterrupted views of Cuernos del Paine and Cerro Paine Grande.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Dorm room bunk beds or tent camping at Refugio Paine Grande
The Hike
Between 8–16 miles (13–26 km) depending on the route taken, with a maximum altitude of 2,250 feet (686 m)
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Day 5
Paine Grande to Glacier Grey
A Soul-hugging Walk
Today we hike along Lake Pehoé to the northern side of Glacier Grey. The icebergs and crystalline facade of Glacier Grey are a sudden surprise. This 98-foot-tall (30 m) glacier is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and measures around 3.7 miles (6 km) wide.
Here, we board a boat to see the glacier up close while clinking drinks chilled by genuine iceberg ice.
We then transfer back to EcoCamp by vehicle. If time and weather permit, we can stop at Salto Grande falls and Mirador Cuernos (“the viewpoint of the horns”).
From the falls, it’s a short walk to the dramatic viewpoint of the mighty Horns and blue-as-husky-eyes lake. On this low-key walk through the steppe vegetation we learn about the resilience of the local flora. It’s easy to re-energize while taking in the enormous Paine Mountain range in this soul-hugging region.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Suite Domes, EcoCamp Patagonia
Travel
One-hour by boat (Please note: In the event that the glacier tour is canceled due to weather, we will have to hike back to Paine Grande refugio (7 miles/11 km) and take a catamaran to the dock where we will be picked up by our shuttle.)
The Hike
Seven miles (11 km) or approximately 4 hours, with a maximum altitude of 800 feet (244 m)
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Day 6
The Towers
Moving Mountains
Today we leave EcoCamp and head towards Hostería Las Torres before ascending to Ascencio Valley on the looming Tower’s eastern face. The trail slips through beech forest and hugs a small silver serpentine river before our biggest challenge—the steep and slippery moraine.
It’s a long, slow and steady kind of day as we take on the last section of the famed W trek route. A huge mass of boulders (it feels like a non-stop boulder climb to the top!) lead us to the iconic base view of the three gigantic glacial ice-sheared granite monoliths. The Towers eventually come into full view, rising grandly before us as we follow the winding trail to the pocket glacial lake hidden below.
We take advantage of the vantage point and stretch out with a picnic before backtracking along the same trail to EcoCamp for a well-deserved pisco sour and decadent dinner.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Suite Domes, EcoCamp Patagonia
The Hike
14 miles (22 km) or 9–10 hours, with a maximum elevation of 3,000 feet (914 m)
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Day 7
Puma Tracking
The Cat’s Meow
Our start time (between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m.) will depend on the month and sunrise. We scout areas in the northeast region of the park by vehicle, learning about puma behavior and movement. If our guide sees an opportunity, we may follow tracks on foot.
Around noon, we return to EcoCamp for a lingering lunch together. An optional puma tracking session will begin around 4 p.m. when pumas (and humans) are known to be more active. You may choose to remain at EcoCamp and unwind with a complimentary yoga, meditation or sound therapy session. A massage therapist is also available (this is an additional expense).
The stealth puma trackers will return around 8:30 p.m. Dinner may be together or separate for those who wish to eat earlier. Then, it’s time to return to our domes to stoke the fire and pack!
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Suite domes, EcoCamp Patagonia
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Day 8
Estancia Dos Elianas
Counting Sheep
After one last awesome EcoCamp breakfast, we head to the rustic Estancia Dos Elianas to learn about the deep traditions of ranch life. In the livestock area, we visit the corrals, shearing sheds, mangers and displays of vintage tools and antiques of the generational farm. Around noon, we pull up seats to a classic Patagonian BBQ.
The arrieros (muleteers) will be in full action, tending to their flock on horseback and later, shearing a sheep. We also learn about the gaucho’s most loyal companion, the sheepdog, through demonstrations of the dog’s skills in herding and working in the corrals with both sheep and cows. Our visit is capped with a local favorite: savory sopaipillas (fried bread) served with jam and cheese.
We stop at EcoCamp headquarters in Puerto Natales before carrying on to our hotel. Our farewell dinner (sigh) will be at a popular local restaurant.
Included Meals
Breakfast, Patagonian BBQ, dinner
Accommodations
Hotel Almasur
Travel
Private shuttle (5–6 hours)
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Day 9
Adios Patagonia
W Trek: Check!
After breakfast at the hotel (at your leisure, within the hotel’s breakfast hours) a group shuttle will be provided in the morning to the Punta Arenas airport for those who are flying to Santiago and onward. Swap stories, Airdrop iPhone pics and trade contact info with your fellow Wild Women—most importantly, decide where next!
You may choose to spend a few more nights in Punta Arenas to take advantage of a guided sail to Cape Froward, join a local whale watching excursion or see the King penguins on a Tierra del Fuego tour!
Included Meals
Breakfast
Take a Deeper Dive
Want all the details in one handy package? Download the full itinerary here.
What’s Included
- Awesome English-speaking female guide(s)
- Two nights at Hotel Almasur in Punta Arenas, four nights’ shared accommodations in EcoCamp Patagonia Suite Domes (two women per dome with ensuite, wood stove) and two nights in shared dorms (bunk beds) or two nights camping (depending on availability) at the refugios on the W Trek
- Single supplement is offered for Days 1 and 8 only
- All decadent meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 9
- All ground transportation
- Female porters to assist with the W Trek portion of the trip
- One 20 L dry bag for use during the W Trek
- Hiking sticks are available for free at the lodge, but we strongly recommend you bring your own set of lightweight hiking poles as the provided sticks are truly that—wooden sticks, not poles (rentals are available in Punta Natales en route to the EcoCamp)
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour (entry to penguin reserve and boat)
- Grey Glacier Boat Tour (one hour)
- Estancia Dos Elianas experience
Please Note:
There is no electricity, cell reception or WiFi access in the EcoCamp domes (WiFi is available but not reliable in the refugios)
All applicable taxes are included in the trip price.
Itineraries may be subject to change without notice due to weather and other environmental conditions. Please review our Booking Terms.
Trip Details
Know Before You Go
Click HERE for all of the logistical details you’ll need to know prior to departure—including the packing list, arrival and departure details and suggested tipping information.
This trip starts in Punta Arenas, Chile (airport code: PUQ) and finishes in Punta Arenas, Chile (airport code: PUQ).
Repacking for the W Trek
Our guide will provide each of us with a 20L dry bag which our porters will carry over the course of the three day trek. Don’t worry, there will be instruction and discussion on what to pack for this leg of the trip. We will also be carrying a daypack for immediate essentials during the hike (rain jacket, gloves, hat, sunglasses, boxed lunch, water). Luggage not required during the trek will be safely secured at Patagonia EcoCamp.
Please note: the porters walk ahead of our group, so we won’t have access to any items we pack in our dry bags until we reach the refugio.
The Wild Women Way
If you’re wondering how we roll, it’s together. The Wild Women Way is our modus operandi, our mantra and our rock solid foundation. You can learn more about our Wild Ways HERE.
How We Support You
Ready for a big adventure? We’re in it together. On this trip, we hike many hours a day for multiple days and reach impressive altitudes. Yes, it’s a challenge, but you’re never alone. Like thousands of women before you, you’ll draw on strength you didn’t know you had and come out feeling like the goddess you are.
Still have questions or concerns? Let’s talk about it.
What the Trip Entails
This is an active hiking adventure. We would like you to be comfortable with the following:
- Hiking over rough and uneven terrain for 6–9 hours, covering distances of 7.4–15.5 miles (12–25 km) and hiking uphill to elevations of 3,000 feet (914 m)
- Be prepared for strenuous physical activity and unpredictable weather
- Be able to trek with a 20 L daypack
- Sharing space in co-ed refugios (mountain huts), or tent camping, depending on availability
- Sleeping in dorm rooms (in bunk beds)
- Being in a boat in open, choppy waters
- Physical Rating: Challenging (Serious fitness level required. Trips are the most physically challenging with approximately 5 to 10 hours of physical activity each day. These trips require a high degree of fitness and even if you exercise regularly, they typically will require more specific conditioning and a specialized training routine depending on the trip.)