The Ultimate Chile and W Trek Itinerary
Planning a trip to Chile and want to include the W Trek in Patagonia, a four or five day midlevel trek? You’re in the right place! We’ve planned the perfect 9 days in Chile itinerary for you that gives you a bit of city and seascapes as well as folding in some trekking time in Patagonia!
From sandy beaches and fertile wine valleys to glacier-riddled national parks, Chile beckons with its remarkable diversity. Nestled along the western edge of South America, this extraordinary country stretches from the arid Atacama Desert in the north to the rugged fjords of Patagonia in the south. Within its borders, you'll find a breathtaking array of landscapes, each one more awe-inspiring than the last.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a food lover, or an adventurer at heart, Chile is an exciting destination that does not disappoint. Join us as we guide you through 9 days in Chile on an itinerary that includes Santiago, Valparaíso and the W Trek in Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
The Ultimate Chile and W Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the Vibrant Capital of Santiago
When planning your trip to Chile, it’s most likely that you’ll fly into the Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCL). Since many flights to Chile from the US and Europe are redeyes, it’s likely that you’ll arrive in the morning giving you the whole day to explore!
One not-to-miss activity in Santiago is climbing up Cerro San Cristobal for stunning views of the city from the top. If you’re tired from your flight, you can take a cable car ride to the top!
Once you’ve descended from Cerro San Cristobal, take a leisurely stroll through the bohemian district of Barrio Bellavista lined with colorful houses, art galleries, and trendy boutiques. Don't forget to stop by the iconic Plaza de Armas and take a few snaps in front of the Palacio de La Moneda.
For your afternoon, we recommend immersing yourself in the local culinary scene of Santiago by indulging in a local food tour. What better way to get to know a culture than through its cuisine!
Pro tip: If you do indeed have a red-eye flight, contact your hotel ahead of time to see if you can arrange early check in, or at the very least, store your bags so you can get out and explore!
Santiago town square - Chile
Day 2: Discover the Flavors and Colors of Casablanca and Valparaíso
Now that you’ve spent some time exploring Santiago, pack up your bags and head northwest up to the coast to the beautiful seaside town of Valparaíso. Known for its bohemian spirit and vibrant street art, Valparaíso is a haven for artists, musicians, and poets. Spend the morning getting lost in the winding streets and steep hills (called cerros) while admiring the multicolored murals and captivating graffiti.
Then in the afternoon, spring for a visit to a local winery nestled in the picturesque Valle de Casablanca. This region has gained international acclaim for its organic and all-natural wine grapes, producing some of the finest wines in Chile. Immerse yourself in the vineyard's scenic beauty as you take a guided tour, sip on some local wines and sample carefully selected snacks that perfectly complement each variety.
Pro Tip: Valparaíso is about 1½ hours from Santiago by car. If you prefer not to drive, there are a range of options from a local bus (less than $10 each way) to a private vehicle (around $200).
Day 3: Immerse Yourself in Valparaíso’s Culinary and Artistic Delights
Now that you’ve gotten to know more about Chile’s food and wine, it’s time to get some hands-on experience with a cooking class. Cooking classes in Chile typically start with a visit to a local market where you’ll be introduced to aromatic spices, exotic fruits, and the ingredients used in the local cuisine. From there you’ll step into the kitchen and roll up your sleeves to create mouthwatering dishes that embody the flavors of Chile (under the guidance of your instructor, of course!).
Take the rest of the afternoon to explore Valparaíso’s hidden corners. We recommend popping into art galleries, relaxing at one of the many charming cafes, or venturing down to Playa Ancha or Viña del Mar to enjoy some fun in the sun and sand.
Pro tip: One of the coolest things to do in Valparaíso is, truly, wandering its beautiful streets. So don’t overpack your schedule this day and leave room for some surprises!
Day 4: Travel to Patagonia
Now that you’ve gotten your feet wet (literally, most likely!) in Chilean culture, it’s time to go deeper - south to Patagonia! Torres del Paine National Park is the home of the famous W Trek and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. If you’re planning to do the famous W Trek, the best spot to fly into is Puerto Natales. You’ll get there from the Santiago airport, which you can take a taxi, shuttle or bus to from Valparaíso. It’s about a two-hour bus drive to get to Torres del Paine from Puerto Natales. It will take you most of the day to get to your accommodations, so once you arrive get settled and take this time to relax and read up on tips for hiking the Torres del Paine.
Pro tip: You’ll need to secure your W Trek trail reservations well in advance (ideally at least 3-4 months), which can be done on the official Torres del Paine National Park website or through various outfitters. Or check out our small group W Trek Tour - all planned for you!
Day 5: W Trek Day 1 - Las Torre Lookout
Torres de Paine
This is the first day of what is bound to be one of the most epic outdoor adventures of your life! Day 1 of the W Trek will take you through the hike up Almirante Nieto, a mountain with incredible views of Lake Nordenskjöld and the Asencio Valley. From there, you can hike an hour further through a dense Lenga forest to witness the iconic granite peaks known as the Torres.
In the evenings, you’ll stay at W Trek refugios. These rustic accommodations have dorm style rooms and shared bathrooms, with an added bonus of full-board meals (meaning breakfast, lunch and dinner). So that means that you don’t have to pack all your food and equipment, unless you want to of course!
Total Distance: 9.6 Miles / 15.5 km Average Time: 6.5 Hours
Pro tip: If you prefer to sleep under the stars, you can also opt to stay at campsites - just don’t forget to pack in all of your equipment! Also be sure to check out these Patagonia trekking tips for hiking the Chile W Trek.
Day 6: W Trek Day 2 - Lake Nordenskjöld
Your second day of the “W” Trek will be filled with rivers, rocks, and glaciers. You’ll hike along the skirt of Almirante Nieto and pass by Lake Nordenskjöld (meaning “north shield”). Named in the beginning of the 20th century after the Swedish hiker Otto Nordenskiöld, the lake is a magnificent turquoise hue and home to an abundance of wildlife, including the wild guanaco, a member of the camelid family like the llama and vicuña, which is found at higher altitudes. The outfall of Nordenskjöld Lake consists of a waterfall known as Salto Grande.
Total Distance: 6.8 Miles / 11 km Average Time: 4.5 Hours
Pro tip: Have your camera ready because there will be plenty of spectacular photo ops during this part of the trek - be sure to capture the monstrous peaks of the Cuernos!
Day 7: W Trek Itinerary Day 3 - French Valley
Today you’ll hike towards Campamento Italiano, a beautiful campsite set in the woodlands. From there you’ll journey through the French Valley for a round trip day hike to see the spectacular French Glacier. Along the way, the trail takes you across a moraine and through a forest before reaching a jaw-dropping lookout point featuring views of Lake Nordenskjöld.
Total Distance: 10.7 Miles / 17.3 km Average Time: 7 Hours
Day 8: W Trek Day 4 - Glacier Grey
On your final day of the W Trek, you’ll get to hike to one of the highlights of this entire trip, Glacier Grey, one of the largest and most iconic glaciers in Patagonia. Glacier Grey is approximately 3.75 miles and about 98 feet high. In 1996 it was measured to take up 100 square miles, though a portion of it has since broken off. If you’re lucky, you might even witness the dramatic calving of ice from the glacier’s face, a breathtaking phenomenon that occurs when massive chunks of ice break away from the glacier!
From here, you will have completed the W Trek and the best spot for your final night is Puerto Natales. Be sure to celebrate your accomplishment with your fellow travel companions!
Total Distance: 6.8 miles / 11 km Average Time: 4 hours.
Pro tip: To fully appreciate the magnificence of Glacier Grey, we recommend taking a boat ride across the glacial waters of Lake Grey.
Grey Glacier, Patagonia
Day 9: Depart to Santiago
Budget ample time this morning to get to Puerto Natales Airport. From there, it’s typically easiest to fly back to Santiago where you can either opt for more time in the city or stay at the airport for (another!) red-eye flight home this evening. Take a moment to relax and reflect on your adventures over the last 9 days as it has certainly been one unforgettable journey!
We hope that our Chile and W Trek itinerary has sparked your wanderlust and provided a glimpse into the wonders that await you in this beautiful country. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or a curious traveler, Chile has something to captivate your heart and soul.
Planning a trip to Chile can be daunting, so why not join our small group Chile and W Trek guided tour? Let us take care of the planning while you focus on having fun with your new adventure-loving friends!