Patagonia W Trek — Torres del Paine

Puerto Natales. Pre-trek accommodation Oct 30-31.

Nov 1. Arrived 8:45am, walked on beach to ferry at 9:20. Views: Grey Mountain, Paine Grande, Cuernos, path to French Valley. Ferry on Lake Grey 40 min — water has sediments (no light penetration), water temp -3°C.

Nov 1. Arrived 11am, nothing to do until 1pm check-in — had lunch and beers. Relaxed evening. Roommates: Chilean couple (45 years married!), elderly couple from LA who hiked the entire trek with D&G.

Nov 2. 6km round trip hike from Grey Refugio.

Nov 2. First real hike. Ups and downs, stopped for photos, didn't find rhythm. Took 4-5 hours (usually 3.5). Took Gu energy gel twice. Pooped out by arrival. Beautiful — glacier behind, walking through the valley.

Nov 2-3. Hub for all hikes (300-400 people). Shared room with Canadian couple (East to West) and a snorer. Wine & buffet dinner.

Nov 3. Left bags at Italiano, hiked up to mirador (midpoint). Deepthi's leg was hurting. Hike out of Paine Grande not impressive but hike to Italiano was beautiful — Paine Grande to the left, Cuernos in front.

Nov 3-4. BEST refugio! Beer, wine, met lots of people. Private cabin with private bathrooms. Last 1km to arrive — bodies shutting down. Hike along the beach was nice.

Nov 4. First 10-11km beautiful along the lake, ups and downs. Last 3km to Chileno was BRUTAL — all uphill, 2-3 hours. Saw horses coming up. Met Naomi and Bjorn again (first met at Grey). Spent evening with them — excellent time.

Nov 4-6. Rest day Nov 5 (snowing 7am-1pm, right ankle not working).

Nov 6. 3:00am start! Right ankle still bad. Hiked in dark — 3km ups/downs, 2km boulders (just up), last stretch snow and ice. REACHED BASE TORRES ~6:15am — SAW THE SUNRISE 🌅. By 6:40 cloudy again (lucky timing!). Coming down very difficult — ice, on all fours sometimes. Back to Chileno by 9:30.

Puerto Natales. Post-trek accommodation Nov 6.

Puerto Natales. Went twice — arrival + post-trek. Good enough to bookend the trip!

Puerto Natales. Shrimp pizza and salmon salad.

Rented 55L and 35L bags for the trek.

Puerto Natales. Seafood stew and lamb ravioli for dinner.