Are You Ready for Extreme Patagonia?

During the southern hemisphere winter, the famous “W” Circuit hiking trail in Torres del Paine National Park transforms into extreme Patagonia, a journey through otherworldly beauty that feels like you really have reached the end of the Earth.

Undertake the adventure on Fantástico Sur’s unique “W” in Winter programs — two five-day, four-night itineraries to discover one of the most impressive places on our planet.

During the cold, crisp, blue-sky days between May 1 and August 30 — when the park is nearly empty — you’re sure to come across many surprises. Perhaps a herd of young guanacos, a glacier-fed stream flowing “backwards” or an unknown or little-used side trail to a remote lakeshore, hidden valley or panoramic viewpoint.

The “W” in Winter itineraries give trekkers the opportunity to marvel at the imposing granite towers that give the park its name, as well as the “horns” of Los Cuernos, the stunning aqua-blue waters of Nordenskjöld Lake, the lofty lookouts above French Valley, and magnificent Grey Glacier — the southernmost tip of Patagonia’s massive Southern Ice Field.

All of this while over-nighting and enjoying meals in the warm, comfy mountain refugios operated by Fantástico Sur along the circuit.

One itinerary starts near Base Las Torres and ends near Grey Glacier; the other version starts near Grey Glacier and ends near Base Las Torres.

Program Base Torres:

Program Base Torres Route

Day 1: Transfer from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine; lodging at the Estancia Sector campsite.

Day 2: Hike to Base Torres; lodging at the Estancia Sector campsite.

Day 3: Hike to Francés Sector; lodging at Francés campsite.

Day 4: Hike to Valle Francés; lodging at Refugio Paine Grande.

Day 5: Hike to Grey Glacier lookout, catamaran across Grey Lake, transfer to Puerto Natales.

Program Grey:

Day 1: Transfer from Puerto Natales to Grey Lake Pier, hike to the Suspension Bridges, lodging at Grey Mountain Refuge.

Day 2: Hikes to Paine Grande and Francés Sector, lodging at the Francés campsite.

Day 3: Hike the Francés Valley, lodging at the Francés campsite.

Day 4: Hike to Estancia Sector, lodging at the Estancia Sector campsite.

Program Grey Route

Day 5: Hike to Base Las Torres, return to Puerto Natales.

The “W” in Winter programs start at just US$1,255 per person. Minimum of two and up to six people per trek. Tuesday departures. Prices subject to currency fluctuations.