Ok. I will not say I am the most knowledgeable, passionate or enduring hiker. But this trek made me smile. Right through. Blisters, trembling knees, screaming toes, stinging sunshine & tears with laughter: We’ve had it all. Read on if you want to find out how you, too, could enjoy the hike of a lifetime. In amazing, beautiful Torres del Paine National Park. With the most amazing friends: World Travelers Anne-Laure & Julien, complete with “Pins And Needles” in their legs 😀
Hiking the W-Trek with my like-minded travel buddies from France, Julien & Anne-Laure!
The Arrival: EcoCamp Patagonia
For anyone with a budget and an appetite for a once-in-a-lifetime, “glamping” (glamorous camping) experience, I shall definitely recommend EcoCamp Patagonia. Their strong environmental mission sets them apart from all other accommodation in rural Chile, and their staff is ever so kind making sure we feel absolutely comfortable. Camping huts such as the luxurious, top-notch suite dome we are invited to stay in are unlike anything I have ever experienced before. A must-do for avid luxury travellers in Torres del Paine!
We sleep so well here: A luxurious welcome to our trek at EcoCamp Patagonia.
Toasting to our hiking trip: Pisco Sour definitely makes for great vibes prior to starting 😉
EcoCamp Patagonia welcomes and treats us with lovely food and attention, such as this beautifully set table in their large dinner tent.
We are all so thrilled about staying here and starting our hike together, it is like having “the time of our lives”!
Day 1: Hiking into Las Torres del Paine Mountains
It pays to get up for sunrise. Seriously. I know it might seem hard, but let’s put it this way: When was the last time your goal for the day beckoned you so nicely … ? On our way up the mountain, we are blessed with ever-improving weather conditions: Both spirits and clouds are lifting!
Tip of the day: Leave your luggage (trekking pack / camping gear) at Campamento Chileno and climb the world-famous Torres del Paine with just a bottle of water, some snacks & a great camera to celebrate. An experience you will never forget!!!
This sunrise is just worth it: Getting up just before seven in the morning at Torres del Paine.
Up, up and away: More than 700 metres of altitude separate us from our goal of the day, the famous “Base de Las Torres”! We are starting in good spirits.
Reaching the top after many hours of climbing is an amazingly beautiful experience, both for the heart, body and the soul: This place is pure magic. Arrival at the pinnacles of Las Torres del Paine, yay!
This alpine fox, called “zorro” in Spanish, is curious enough to come out and greet us at the top … almost as if treating us after our hiking efforts 🙂
Day 2: From Campamento Chileno to Refugio Los Cuernos
For this day, I will start straight with the tip of the day: Be wary of other people’s tips! This might sound contradictory, but remember: Enjoying this trek pretty much depends on your individual physical ability and preparation, regardless of what other (fitter / faster / more experienced) hikers may say. So go prepared: Scarfs for intense sun or cold wind & rain, flip flops to wear in the evening (remember those “screaming toes”!), iPhone that doubles as a mirror & alarm, a charger for your camera. Oh and the chocolate. Oh, and the money to buy extra wine from the huts … or else 😉
On this second day, we gradually move downhill from Las Torres to amazing Los Cuernos Mountains, managing sticks and stones, shaping our legs, sharing stories, watching wildlife, eating heaps, smelling er going strong, and sleeping early. It’s a hiker’s life !
Trekking can be so much fun, even when improvising (like me) with sunscreen & natural hiking sticks!
The fascinating mountain landscape of Las Torres del Paine is constantly keeping us in awe, especially when enjoying it in such good weather conditions! Here, we camp at the foot of these famous Los Cuernos mountains.
Again and again, we are able to observe magnificent wildlife, both fauna & flora such as these native birds happily picking away in front of us.
During the first two nights in the park, I have booked a “carpa armada” (organized tent) complete with sleeping bag and already set up … It pays to afford this since it means less carrying and still having the fun of a true camper’s experience. Nice!
Finally, don’t forget to spare some money for buying a “bottle” of wine … Also (or especially) out in the nature, you are allowed to treat yourself!
Day 3: Valle Francés & Paine Grande
For those of you who may have wondered so far: The “W-Trek” actually is shaped like a W, yes! On our third day hiking, we make it to the “centre of the W”, or into the French Valley – spot on for my friends from “La Grande Nation”! We are just about in time to appreciate the giant French Valley Glacier before the mist descends and rain chases us towards our last hut at Paine Grande. With the weather turning, we are even more appreciative of just how lucky we were on the whole trek so far. Wow !
As our last tip of the day, we recommend sharing your experience of hiking in Patagonia with friends, either long-term or more recent, like-minded travellers from the road. It is just so much more amazing walking “the Camino” together – and yes, those “caminos” are everywhere, not only in Spain. Nature wields its own power and spirituality, and much of this can be felt here in Torres del Paine. Be sure to check it out !
Trekking along the “W” in famous Torres del Paine national park.
Lucky enough to reach the Valle Frances glacier before the clouds are closing in on us on the third day of our hike.
Introducing … Anne-Laure, my wonderful travel friend from France whose round the world trip prompted our meeting here in spectacular Torres del Paine national park … Sooo good!
Her boyfriend Julien, who has joined her for the last few months travelling through Australia, New Zealand, Oceania and South America, is a passionate photographer and ornithologist, helping out with his “Swarovski-eyes” to see and spot amazing wildlife.
For any more tips on hiking & trekking in Torres del Paine, please feel free to leave me a message here! My friends and I will be very glad to help 😀
We hope you enjoyed our impressions of hiking in Torres del Paine … Saludos! 😉