The Original Torres Del Paine W Trek Reviews

Choosing one memorable moment is like asking me which child is my favourite. Difficult because I had so many wow moments however, it wasn’t all about the mountains and grand glaciers, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting fellow hikers and my guides.

Sunrise hike with beautiful pink/orange hues cast upon Cuernos. Magical.

Watching carvings come down in the French valley.

The "W" (your part of our trip to Patagonia) exceeded our expectations. We were prepared for, as you must be, autumn Patagonia rain and were delightfully surprised by shorts and t-shirt weather. The guides were terrific, the other hikers a real joy to be around, and the refugios quite comfortable. Food was both healthy and plentiful. We hike around big rock piles all the time (Bend, OR), so the reason we take these trips is to have new experiences and meet other people. Everyone could not have been any nicer or (for the most part) polite. The only advice we might add is: take your time, don't allow yourself to get sucked into a "got-to-get-there-now" attitude. Amble, turn around once in a while, then amble some more: the view is everywhere. Food, showers and conversation come soon enough; most of the magic happens on the trail.

Sitting at the French Lookout, watching hanging glaciers calve ice into the valley below them.

The best part of the trip was the Perito Moreno glacier, words cannot describe how impressive and monumental it is. I also loved hiking in El Chalten.

The second and third day were a really pleasant surprise. The first day to the towers was expected but really liked the days after that. The weather was amazing which was lucky.

The overall experience, especially the views and the nature of course.

There were so many facets of this trip that were exceptional. The beauty of the park and being immersed in it is unlike anything I have ever experienced before. The combination of medium to hard physical exertion hiking the W Trek, alongside our great (random) group of people that you organically get to know well while completing this together, and total faith in our guides- honestly lead to this being an experience I would recommend to everyone.

Ascending the long, arduous rocky trail to view the majestic towers and clear, blue lake of Torres de Paine

The third day allowed us the opportunity to hike 18 miles to Britanica. The hike was challenging, but but both the company, vistas, and weather were spectacular.

I loved every aspect of the trip. The level of the trekking was exactly for my physical abilities, not too challenging, yet providing enough physical effort. The landscapes are gorgeous, the trek was very well organized.

We got a Chilean guide and got to know her, the ecosystem, and the people of Chile. The views and land of Patagonia are beautiful and breathtaking. My partner and I got to know each other better and were laughing every day. We woke up to gusting winds inside a tent.

Positive: seeing the towers and the lake at the end of the first day Negative: crippling fear after a couple scary moments with the wind, including being thrown 15 feet off the trail along with my friend

There were several. As an older male, I did not know if I had the stamina to complete the climb associated with the Torres del Paine. The guides were encouraging and a long held wish was accomplished. Secondly, for many years I have wanted to experience the cultures of Chile and Argentina. The trip far exceeded my expectations. It was wonderful to listen to the stories of local guides and listen to their dreams and passions. Thirdly, Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil was breathtaking. Never have I seen such a commanding sight. The enthusiasm of our guide Emanuel will remain in my memory.

Relationships developed with our guides

The trip was extremely very well pieced together by Swoop and then by Chile Nativo. The people I met were incredibly beautiful and helpful. I unfortunately twisted my knee very badly on Day one of the trek up at the Towers and I literally staggered down the mountain back to Las Torres Refugio. The next day I bought trekking poles and ended up soing the entire trek on one leg using the poles as crutches. On day two there was a young Chilean girl who was also trekking alone and she insisted on accompanying me for eight hours all the way to Cuernos. I am home mow and we chat eveyday like sisters - I cannot say ENOUGH good about the Chilean people.

The breathtaking view of the towers after a challenging hike up!

On the third day there was an option for extending the hike. Those of us who wanted to go to the next lookout split off and we had so much fun with our guide (Matti) trying to beat the clock and make it to the look out and back to the refugio for dinner time. We ended up having plenty of time and it was a fun day of bonding with the group and our guide, and of course taking in the great views!!

Telling stories and laughing with my crew and guide on the trail and in the refugios.