Team Cascada Insights: Carlos discovered the W Trek Brush Variant

Did you know there is another multiday hike besides the W Trek and O Trek in Torres del Paine National Park? In fact, you can opt for a variant of the famous W Trek, which shows you Bernardo O’Higgins National Park and Brush Lake. 

Carlos Valcarcel, Travel Experience Designer at our affiliated company Cascada Expediciones, recently embarked on this new 7-day adventure. He’s excited to share his journey!

W Brush in a nutshell

On this route, you enter Torres del Paine National Park from the southwest. On the first day, you'll take a boat ride from Puerto Natales, enjoying breathtaking views of the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, as well as Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. After the boat ride, the hike begins through a forest leading to Brush Lake. You'll be retracing the steps of explorers who first reached Torres del Paine by sea. This is the part that most people don’t know: It’s an unexplored, remote area with virgin lands and trails in between forests and lakes. You will feel like a true explorer!

On the second day, the trek continues along Jote Lake and the Serrano River, leading to Grey Lake. At this point, you'll arrive at the beginning of the classic W Trek route. Over the next several days, you'll hike this iconic path, featuring highlights like the French Valley, Paine’s Horns and the Towers viewpoint.

In total, you'll hike approximately 100 kilometers / 62 miles over six days. The 7th day is reserved for departure. Accommodations vary, including huts, domes, tents, hotels, and EcoCamp Patagonia. All meals, sleeping bags, mats, and tents are provided. With porters included in this program, you'll only need to carry a daypack.

Carlos, how did you prepare for this trek, both in terms of physical training and gear selection?

Carlos: “I am a moderate to active hiker. Since I read online that such a trip is all about endurance, I tried to walk constantly. That’s the first step into getting your legs comfortable. I bought new shoes and rain jackets and tried hiking with them to get used to them and ensure they were ready for the trek.

It is essential to bring gaiters with you; they are a big help if you encounter rain and mud! And don't forget your trekking poles."

What surprised you about the route or the place?

Carlos: “What struck me the most was the emptiness and the untouched areas of Brush Lake. I really felt like an explorer in uncharted territory. You rarely encounter other tourists here, making it feel like a premium, exclusive tour.

Another highlight is the views from the southwest of the park; they are truly breathtaking and one of a kind. You get a full 360-degree view of the entire park. Plus, seeing the Paine Massif in its true form was remarkable. I took a mental photograph that I will never forget.”

Did you encounter wildlife?

Carlos: “Yes, mostly guanacos, but we also saw lots of birds like condors in the Brush Area, over the lake, and some foxes. Sadly, we didn’t see pumas up close, but our guide pointed to one over the hill. It was far away, but seeing it through binoculars in its natural glory was amazing.”

What was your most memorable sleeping place and why did it stand out?

Carlos: “Although I love sleeping in my tent out in nature, I also really enjoyed our stay at Pampa Lodge on day 2. It was an amazing accommodation with an incredible view of the entire Paine Massif. There, you should try the calafate berry,  and drink calafate beer; you will not be disappointed!”

What was the impact of the weather?

Carlos: “It rained and was cloudy for the first three days, but that didn’t stop us! I like hiking in those conditions because of the smell of the trees with the rain, such a perfect way to hike in the forest. We were wet most of the day, but it was totally worth it. The contrast of the mountains and lakes was stunning.”

How did you experience the rather difficult or exhausting parts of the trek? How did you stay motivated?

Carlos: “The group kept me motivated. We were all really excited to be there, so the positives outweighed the negatives. The hardest part was day two, a very long day of walking (up to 12 hours). Thankfully, we made frequent stops to take pictures, refill water bottles, and chat with each other.”

What feeling prevails after this adventure?

Carlos: “Hiking in unknown areas was a first-time experience for me. I didn't realize that Torres del Paine National Park offered more than just the famous W and O circuits. I felt very lucky to be traveling with Cascada Expediciones, which gave me a different perspective of the park. I hope more people get to see this part of Torres del Paine.”

Would you do anything differently if you could do this trek again?

Carlos: “Given the rain, it would have been better if my waterproof clothing, like my jacket, raincoat, and pants, were more water resistant and if I had packed more pairs of socks. I recommend other hikers to travel in early March, just after summer, because there are fewer crowds and the weather is still good."

Some last, short questions ...

Unnecessary item in your backpack?  Sweatshirts, you only need thin layers because you are walking so much. Thick clothing is not so useful because it dries slowly while you sweat a lot.

Most rewarding climb? Británico Lookout in the French Valley and, of course, the base of the towers - a must-see.

Best fellow hiker you met? Honestly, everyone in my group! We were very different in age, but our conversations were very educational, especially since we were from different parts of the world.

Helpful advice that you received? Enjoy it now, regret later.

Highlight of this trip? Brush Lake and the view of the entire Paine Massif at sunset—wow!

Thanks for sharing your insights, Carlos!

Interested in hiking the W Trek Brush variant? Check out our program and book your spot!