Torres del Paine W Trekking Part 1

A 3-night, 4-day journey in the heart of Patagonia: The story of the first two days

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🛫 Starting Point: Arrival in Puerto Natales

Departing early morning from El Calafate, Argentina, crossing the Chilean border, and arriving at Puerto Natales, the gateway to the W Trek. This small fishing village is perfect for a one-night stay before the trek, offering easy access to essential camping gear and food supplies.

💡 Travel Tips

- Prices are relatively high, so sharing the cost of gear and food with companions can help save money.
- The bus terminal is a 20-minute walk from the town center, so taxis are unnecessary.

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🚢 Day 1: Starting the W Trek from the West

After paying the entrance fee at the national park, we chose the westward starting route. The ferry ride offered breathtaking views of Patagonia's majestic landscapes, a moving experience in itself.

First Trek: 11 km (one way), gentle slopes, approximately 3–4 hours.

After reaching the campsite, we went on a day hike to the Grey Glacier viewpoint.

💡 Highlights

- Beware of the extremely windy sections—hats are a must!
- The glacier and massive icebergs seen from the viewpoint were like scenes from a movie.
- The charred forest and closed-off areas due to past wildfires were a somber sight.

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🏕 Camping Under the Stars

Dinner consisted of ramen and beer brought from El Calafate, paired with a glass of local boxed wine. The campsite showers were either scalding hot or freezing cold—no in-between! 😂

We even found Made in Korea gas canisters—a delightful surprise on the other side of the globe.

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🚶♂️ Day 2: A Relaxed Route on Mostly Flat Terrain

The day began with a downhill section, followed by a 7.6 km trek to the free Italiano campsite. Although the total distance for the day was 18.6 km, the flat terrain made it less physically demanding.

Leaving the glacier behind, we were greeted by clear blue skies and the vast, awe-inspiring landscapes of Patagonia.

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📍 To be continued…

The next installment will cover the third day and the grand journey toward the Paine peaks.