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HIKING in PATAGONIA – The Ultimate Guide to the Best Treks

Calumn Hockey

  • Last Updated: February 5, 2024

Everything you need to know about hiking in Patagonia. From trekking in Torres del Paine to El Chalten and everywhere in between, this list of the best hikes in Patagonia will help you plan your big adventure!

Often and widely considered as having the most breathtaking, scenic landscapes in the world, trekking in Patagonia is every hiker’s dream, whether it is for the avid day hiker to the seasoned, experienced multi-day trekker.

Patagonia is a land of dreams, ranging from the raging rivers of the Rio Moscu to the iceberg glacial lakes of Tigre Sur.

Fitz Roy Hiking In Patagonia

The hiking routes take you from lush meadows of wild flowers to snowy-rugged peaks at the base of the world famous Mount Fitz Roy.

Just the thought of hiking in Torres Del Paine National Park sends shivers down my spine. Ever wanted to visit one of the world’s most famous granite peaks? Cerro Torre in Patagonia is your place to do so.

There are literally endless kilometres of hikes to do, but it can be very difficult to choose just one when everything looks like it’s worthy of being on a postcard.

Patagonia truly is one if not the most beautiful places on earth, so where do you begin?

It’s every adventurer’s desire to get a taste of what trekking and hiking in Patagonia is like, so I have established a list of the best day hikes to the some of the world’s most stunning multi-day treks.

READ MORE: Don’t miss our guide on backpacking in Patagonia on a budget.

El Chalten Trekking In Patagonia

Table of Contents

Hiking to Mirador Las Torres

Lago grey (grey glacier), the french valley – valle del frances, los cuernos trail, the “o” circuit, short hike to condor lookout, day hike to the base of mount fitz roy – laguna de los tres, day hike to cerro torre, the huemul circuit, laguna esmeralda, glaciar vinciguerra, sierra valdivieso circuit, laguna tigre sur, valle rio moscu, cerro castillo, pumalin park – cascadas waterfalls hike (escondidas), save this pin for later, the best time to go hiking in patagonia.

Early November until late April are generally the best times to go hiking in Patagonia, however this can change from year to year due to varying amounts of snowfall.

Not a fan of the cold? Try and head there in February and March for the warmer months for some great Patagonia trekking.

Also it’s necessary to know that weather in Patagonia is so varied and can change at any time, which can very quickly alter your Patagonia hiking trip. Keep that in mind when planning your adventure.

Hiking according to the seasons in Patagonia has both pros and cons no matter what time of year you decide to go, so if you were going to pick a time, aim for the end of March to mid-April, where weather seems to be slightly cooler but more stable allowing you to enjoy Patagonia in all its glory.

But the best reason for visiting Patagonia at that time of year is to see the entire region in autumn colours! Simply breathtaking.

Autumn Colours Patagonia

Hiking In Torres del Paine National Park

When it come to hiking in Patagonia, no trip would be complete without spending at least a few days in Torres del Paine National Park, the crown jewel of Chile.

Whether you’re interested in just heading into the park for a day hike, using one of the accommodations inside the park as a base (we personally recommend EcoCamp ), or carrying all of your camping gear and completing the famous O Circuit, you definitely won’t be disappointed with the trekking here.

  • Time Required: 8 to 9 hours
  • Distance:  18km
  • Difficulty:   Hard
  • Start / Finish Points:  Hotel Las Torres

Widely considered to be the most popular day hike in Torres del Paine, Mirador Las Torres is just one of the magical places you can hike to when in Torres del Paine.

Las Torres translated to English means ‘The Towers’, and mirador means ‘Lookout’ , so you should have an idea of what to expect up there.

The Towers are a series of 3 jagged peaks that literally tower over a turquoise lake below, and chances are you’ve already seen a photo of them at least once in your life.

This particular trek is 18 kilometres of visual delights, despite it being considered as a difficult hike, and the views once you reach the top are just awesome!

Most of the trek is uphill, but don’t let that put you off this classic day hike, as cascading waterfalls, forests beaming with life and boulder fields dominating the higher landscapes and just waiting for you to enjoy.

The last hour is extremely steep, so make sure you save some energy for the final slog.

If you are after a really magical experience spend the night in the park and start hiking up in the dark. If the weather cooperates you’ll be rewarded with Las Torres looking as though they’re on fire with the red sun lighting them up at sunrise.

Las Torres is a hiker’s dream, and if you could only choose one trek in the whole of Patagonia, this would be it! Return via the same way you climbed, starting and finishing at the Hotel Las Torres.

Prefer to hike with a guide? Book your Mirador Las Torres tour here with Get Your Guide.

Las Torres View

  • Time Required:  3 to 4 hours
  • Distance:  11 kilometres
  • Difficulty:  Easy to moderate
  • Start / Finish Points:  Mountain Lodge Paine Grande to Refugio Grey

As you might know there are quite a few glaciers in Patagonia (you can even visit some on an amazing glacier cruise in the Chilean fjords ), but this one takes the cake as the best of the best.

Along the famous “W” Trek, towards the western part of the hike, is a long section that follows the Lago Grey lake, which is gradually fed by a huge glacier known as Glaciar Grey.

Here you can expect to see pale blue icebergs floating around in the Lago Grey, as parts of Glaciar Grey collapse into the lake below and it’s a spectacular sight to see!

From Refugio Grey to Mountain Lodge Paine Grande is a 3 to 4 hour hike spanning over 11 kilometres, with little ascent or descent making it a fairly easy day out.

Expect to see vast areas of vegetation, wild flowers and the odd section of track that requires a tricky traverse but nothing too major. Keep an eye out for the majestic Cerro Torre piercing the sky.

Camping is available at Mountain Lodge Paine Grande and Refugio Grey if you want to spend the night there. Otherwise take the ferry to Paine Grande or Refugio Grey and start walking.

Grey Glacier Torres Del Paine National Park

Alesha enjoying the view over Grey Glacier.

  • Time Required:  3 to 4 hours
  • Distance:  12km
  • Difficulty:  Moderate
  • Start / Finish Points:  Refugio Los Cuernos

You always have energy in Patagonia, even when you are literally falling asleep, so don’t miss this epic side trip that takes you between the Cerro Paine Grande and the Cuernos del Paine following the flowing river of the Rio Frances.

Why this hike is the one of the most spectacular side trips is because it has frozen waterfalls…how cool is that?!

READ MORE: We’ve just published our best hiking tips after 15 years trekking!

Also pretty dangerous though, so don’t be getting your ice picks out too soon, because there are views much higher up that you can enjoy, such as the 15 minute trek past the Campamento Britanico placing you in an almost cathedral of mountains.

The Mirador right towards the end is complete with a series of tarns beaming the reflections of the surrounding mountains making it that ideal moment to getting that camera of yours out! Camping is available (minus the facilities of toilets etc). Return the same way you came.

French Valley Torres Del Paine National Park

  • Time Required:  6 hours
  • Distance: 22km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start / Finish Points:  Hotel Las Torres to Refugio Los Cuernos

Based along the front half of the park, home to the W Trek, is a fantastic day hike weaving around a series of steep banks perched along the edges of the Lago Nordenskjold.

Los Cuernos Trail, which means ‘The Horns’ in English and named after the mountains you can see that are shaped like horns, is a beautiful stretch offering views of the Cuernos del Paine, which never cease to amaze, and gorgeous vistas over the lake.

If you still have bounce in your step when you finish the trail, consider a side trips up the Valle del Frances, an additional 12 kilometre stunning section of track.

Plenty of camping is available on the south side of Cuernos Del Paine if you prefer to take more time on this hike (just keep in mind it gets quite windy in these camp spots).

Los Cuernos Lake Torres Del Paine

  • Time Required:  6-8 days
  • Distance:  135km
  • Difficulty:  Hard
  • Start / Finish Points – Hotel Las Torres

Defined as one of the best treks on earth, the Paine Circuit, commonly known to the hiking world as the “O” Circuit due to its shape on a map, is a must do if you have a sense of adventure.

The circuit literally has it all, from pristine forests, meadows of native wild flowers to the grand peaks of Cerro Paine and Cuernos del Paine…and let’s not forget the addition of Las Torres along the eastern side of the trek.

You are best off starting at Hotel Las Torres and heading to Campamento Seron, where views of Cerro Paine (1,508 metres) dominate your surrounds along with rivers flowing off Lago Paine.

Once you connect with the track along the Rio de los Perros, mountains begin to pop-up more frequently along with glaciers, but be sure to pitch your tent at the campsite on Lago Dickinson, as views here are some of the best along the hike.

As you continue to be blown away by Grey Glacier in Torres del Paine (hopefully not by the wind), you find yourself on the trail that begins the “W” trek, which is the shorter, more popular sister of the O Circuit, which begins at Refugio Grey camping area.

Finishing the “O” circuit adds side trips along the French Valley (a must-do hike) and up to Las Torres to watch the sunrise, then heading back down to where you started.

If you want to finish on an alternative route, from Mountain Lodge Paine Grande you can hike along the Rio Grey to the Lago del Toro administration centre.

O Circuit Torres Del Paine

Trekking In El Chalten

While Torres del Paine is the most popular place to go hiking in Patagonia, the truth is El Chalten is the place that will steal most people’s hearts.

Across the border in Argentina, further north of Perito Moreno and its amazing glacier, is a tiny village called El Chalten that sits in the middle of Los Glaciares National Park.

What makes El Chalten so epic is that not only is entrance to the national park free (yes!!!), all of the hikes start from right in the middle of the village.

So once you’ve finished ticking off the quintessential Torres del Paine treks, head off to tackle some of the best hikes in El Chalten!

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  • Time Required:  1 hour
  • Distance:  2km
  • Difficulty :   Easy
  • Start / Finish Points: El Chaten

Based out of El Chaten is one of the shortest hikes in Patagonia, which mostly consists of a gradual ascent to views from Las Aguilas.

Just because it’s short doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing. The views are quite unexpected, as Viedma Lake appears with a backdrop of stunning, ever-covered mountains of snow.

This is a great hike to do for sunrise in case you don’t feel like camping out in the middle of the park. Return the same way you came.

Mt Fitzroy Condor Lookout Hiking In El Chalten

  • Time Required:  8 hours
  • Distance:  26km
  • Difficulty:   Moderate to hard
  • Start / Finish Points:  Northwest end of El Chalten

This hike will be the one that takes you as close as you can get to the foothill of Mt Fitz Roy, and one of the best hikes in El Chalten.

It’s best off to start early to enjoy the morning alpine glow on the peaks above, but that could be said of most treks in Patagonia.

The trail is pretty mellow to begin with, and there are a few narrow sections through forests which are lovely. Then the hard part comes.

Zig-zagging up and up for the last hour, you will finally reach Laguna de los Tres, with the most epic views of Mt Fitz Roy soaring above you!

Depending how skilled you are in the mountains, there is a climb that proceeds up the peak of Cerro Madsen (1,806 metres) for even better views of Fitz Roy.

Return the same way you came to head back to El Chalten, unless you are deciding to camp at Campamento Poincenot.

Prefer to have a guide? Book your Mount Fitz Roy tour here with Get Your Guide. 

Fitz Roy El Chalten

  • Time Required: 2 days (can be done as a day hike)
  • Distance:  19km
  • Difficulty:  Easy
  • Start / Finish Points: El Chalten

A perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with Cerro Torre, reaching into the sky at 3102 metres, can be done as a day hike, but I think it’s pretty cool to take refuge at Campamento de Agostini at the base of Laguna Torre.

This 2-day trek is a culmination of lush meadows, rugged ever-changing glaciers and stunning views of Cerro Torre and its surround snowcapped peaks.

As a side trip, opt for the Mirador Maestri lookout which will add an additional 5 kilometres to your adventure. At Mirador Maestri be prepared for uninterrupted views of Cerro Torre in all its glory!

On return, head back the same way you came with views looking down the Rio Fitz Roy (a glaciated river from Glaciar Torre).

Prefer to have a guide? Book your Cerro Torre tour here with Get Your Guide.

Trekking In El Chalten

  • Days Required:  4 days
  • Distance:  63km
  • Difficulty:  Very difficult

This one is up there as one of the most difficult treks in Patagonia, so be prepared to be fully tested in this stunning lesser-known area of El Chalten.

This Patagonian trek, while demanding in nature, takes you into areas where Cerro Solo can be seen almost standing alone, hence the name ‘solo’.

Mount Huemul is also just as impressive as the contrast between the forest floor, fields of green pastures and rocky spires mix to create stunning views.

The Huemul track puts you to the test with a river crossing almost chest deep as you navigate the Rio Tunel with majestic mountain backdrops.

It only gets harder from here as the Southern Patagonian Ice Field nears, with a climb to Paso del Viento, which is sure to get your blood pumping.

But that’s not all, with a demanding climb to Passo Huemul presenting the clash of Lago Videma (lake) and the walls of the Videma Glaciar.

Views here are gobsmackingly awesome! Take your time to breathe in the fresh air before descending back the way you came.

The Huemul Circuit is considered as a very difficult trek, so its best off to hire a local guide who can help you navigate the rivers and provide insights into one of Patagonia’s most magical areas if you aren’t experienced.

Either way you’ll need a harness and know how to use it, so all hikers on the Huemul Circuit must check in at the information centre before departure to prove they know what they’re doing.

El Chalten Views

The Best Hikes in Ushuaia

Located at the bottom of Argentina and known as being ‘the end of the world’, Ushuaia is a place that often draws visitors looking to hang out at the bottom of South America. (Click here to read about our experience there.)

It also is a departure point for many people heading off on an expedition to Antarctica.

For those of us that love the outdoors, Ushuaia offers so much more though, and it’s worth spending a few days here to get in some good treks. These are some of the favourite hikes in Ushuaia!

  • Distance:  9km
  • Start / Finish Points:  Refugio Valle Los Lobos

Patagonia isn’t all about multi-day treks, as sometimes the shorter it is the sweeter it tastes. Laguna Esmeralda is an easy 9 kilometre hike to the base of a glacier known as Glaciar Del Albino.

If you prefer to spend extra time taking in the stunning views, a refugios ‘ campsite’ is available near the lake towards the end of the hike allowing you to absorb your surrounds.

At the top, be rewarded with mesmerising views of the Esmeralda Valley down below.

Although this day hike is short, there is an opportunity to put on your crampons and go for a walk along Glaciar del Albino.

The walk on Glaciar del Albino does require advanced hiking skills and that extra bounce in your step, so add up to 4 hours on to your day.

If you’re not fully prepared for it and know what you are doing, don’t go past the 50 metre marker unless your name is Jimmy Chin.  

  • Days Required:  5 to 6 hours
  • Distance:  13km
  • Difficulty:  Moderate
  • Start / Finish Points:  Tubera Valle Andorra

This moderately difficult Patagonian trek takes you to a series of glacial lakes with a few steep ascents, making this hike a worthy challenge for avid single day trekkers.

After a series of gradual/steep ascents, Laguna Encatada is finally reached, which is surrounded by lush meadows of grass with reflections of rugged peaks glimmering off its surface.

Hiking to Laguna Encatada provides a unique opportunity to climb the steady peak of Cerro Esfinge, rising to 1275 metres. At the top, the views are breathtaking!

When I think of this hike, I see rugged peaks, flowing hills of dark green grass blowing in the wind with cascading streams of water, and that’s exactly what it is!

The Glaciar Vinciguerra hike sees glaciers precariously wedged between the mountains you are hiking around, as glacial melt trickles past fields of wild flowers.

The water from the glaciers ends up accumulating in glacial lakes where the odd chunk of ice sits bobbing in the freezing waters.

Return the same way you came.

  • Time Required:  4 Days
  • Distance:  48.5km
  • Difficulty:  Demanding
  • Start / Finish Points:  Ruta Nacional 3 or Posada del Peregrine

Deep within the heart of the Fuegian Andes lays one of the more challenging treks in Argentina, but one that you definitely need to consider as a must do hike in Patagonia.

Trekking in the Patagonian Andes wouldn’t be complete with just lush-rugged forests; allow some icy peaks extending from the area’s many glaciers and crystal clear lakes (probably not ideal for swimming) to encompass your surrounds.

This particular trek is a lot quieter than some like the “O” Circuit, as tracks remain barely trodden, so a good sense of direction is always appreciated before attempting this 4 day, 48.5 kilometre trek.

Due to unstable weather conditions in this part of Argentina, it’s always appropriate to take more supplies than you think you will need.

Sierra Valdivieso is a culmination of muddy paths with contrasting streams of blue glimmering glacial water and is something that will acquire your sense of adventure.

This hike in the Fuegian Andes is a classic mix of snow, ice and scree which can be difficult in parts, but once you ascend to the high passes it all makes getting dirty worth it!

Prefer to have a guide? Book your Ushuaia hiking tour with Get Your Guide.

Hiking In Ushuaia Patagonia

The Best Hikes Along The Carretera Austral

One of the least-visited parts of Patagonia is the long, narrow strip of coastline that makes up the bottom part of Chile.

While most people will make it to Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales , few cross back into the country and continue along the epic highway known as the Carretera Austral.

Public transport is just about non-existent along this long, rugged road, which leaves people to either hitchhike or self-drive between the towns.

When winter comes the place all but shuts down, so that leaves a big part of Chile that not many people see. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check it out!

The Carretera Austral has some insane landscapes and gorgeous mountains and lakes. The coastline is as dramatic as you could imagine, and that all ads up for some amazing hiking!

  • Time Required:  4 hours to 2 days (depending on side trips)
  • Distance:  8km
  • Start / Finish Points:  Villa O’Higgins

Patagonia is known for its spectacular glacial landscapes and what better opportunity than to view them by hiking the Laguna Tigre Sur, a moderately difficult hike into some of the most densely populated region of glaciers.

This particular hike is best undertaken with the expertise of a local guide due to it being slightly confusing in regards to finding the correct track to take.

But don’t let that put you off visiting this glaciated area, as Laguna Tigre Sur offers a look into the wilder side of Patagonia, with the odd tricky ridge walk leading you to nearly undiscovered views, glaciers and mountain peaks.

High above the Glaciar Tigre is the Cordon Nevado where chilling winds and extreme temperatures can make things difficult so come prepared for the cold.

There are two side trips to choose from or you can do both with camping spots available. The first side trip leads to the base of the larger Glaciar Tigre Sur where wild flowers thrive in small pockets.

There are a few sections which require the use of your hands to navigate smaller gaps in the larger boulders. At the end of the trail its icebergs galore! Allow 2 hours for this side trip.

The 2 nd  side trip continues onto the smaller glacier known as Glaciar Tigre, taking you past large gorges, pristine streams and colourful meadows. Allow 3 hours for this side trip and return the same way you came.

  • Time Required:  2 days
  • Start / Finish Points:  Villa O’Higgins

Similar to what Laguna Tigre Sur provides in terms of glacial views, Valle Rio Moscu is an easy walk generally hiked in 2 days in order to explore a heavily glaciated valley towered by Patagonia’s famous jagged mountain tops.

Hiking at Valle Rio Moscu has a few tricky components such as small stream crossings, best to be taken when the river is low (check with local guides when this is).

The Rio Moscu is a fast-flowing river fed by smaller streams originating from the Cordon de Villa O’Higgins range, while glacial melt from the Ventisquero Rio Moscu contributes an overwhelming amount of water to the raging river.

Ideally it’s best to spend 2 days in the valley as you can explore a spectacular frozen world sitting high in the mountains above.

Camping is available at Refugio Rio Moscu, approximately halfway along the Rio Moscu.

Torres Del Paine Trekking In Patagonia

  • Days Required:  4 days
  • Distance:  62km
  • Difficulty:  Moderate to demanding
  • Start / Finish Points:  Las Horquetas Grandes to Villa Cerro Castillo

This 4-day trek will take you through majestic alpine landscapes guaranteed to lead you to plummeting waterfalls, isolated glaciers tucked away into the mountainous backdrops which you will find yourself immersed.

Cerro Castillo is a culmination of everything you think Patagonia is, all jam packed into this one epic Patagonian trek.

It will put you to the test with river crossings in freezing glacial waters, and parts of it needing spot-on navigational skills. Although tracks are well-trodden, they can be impeded by Patagonia’s wild untamed weather.

The whole hike consists of weaving in and out of a valley where mountains range from 1500 metres to a massive 2,675 metres of Cerro Castillo.

Camping is available the whole way along the trek, allowing you to take your time on one of Patagonia’s lesser known hikes which is increasing in popularity.

To gain a different perspective of Cerro Castillo, opt for the side trip into Upper Valle Parada, adding an additional 3 kilometres to your trek, where small lakes such as Laguna Duff remain hidden gems and well worth the extra few hours’ efforts.

The hike finishes at Villa Cerro Castillo, which can be taken by following either the Rio Ibanez or the adjacent path at Morro Rojo peak.  

  • Days Required:  1 to 2 hours
  • Distance: 3.5km
  • Start / Finish Points: Caleta Gonzalo

Pumalin Park is one of the world’s most remarkable nature reserves, not just because it is absolutely stunning, but because it would have been wiped off the planet if it wasn’t for a one awesome human being.

Doug Tompkins, the founder of the adventure gear company North Face, bought 400’000 hectares of land that was under threat from logging companies and turned it into a privately-owned by public-accessed park.

He later donated it to the Chilean government under the condition it would continue to be protected. The government agreed, adding more land to it, and today it is South America’s largest national park.

Pumalin Park can be kayaked if you prefer water, as 4 to 10-day kayak trips are available in this stunning part of the world.

However this article is all about hiking in Patagonia, so your best bet is to go for either those shorter hikes taking up to 30 minutes to the more demanding 8-hour plus hikes.

Cascadas is the one to go for as it showcases  (as the name suggests) ‘cascading’ waterfalls. You will have to navigate through dense forests and wobbly wooden bridges and ladders before you reach the prize at the end of the trail, being the majestic Cascadas Bajas waterfall.

Camping is available at Rio Gonzalo.

Paine Massif Chile Hiking In Patagonia

The Ultimate Trekking in Patagonia Packing List

Patagonia is certainly one of the most extreme, potentially harsh climates on earth, therefore it’s necessary to be prepared for all conditions months before you venture to the South American continent.

Hiking gear in Patagonia is quite expensive therefore it’s better to have your gear sorted before you travel to your destination. This packing list for hiking in Patagonia should give you a good idea on what to bring.

  • Good quality, lightweight tent. Check out our guide to the best backpacking tents to find one that suits your style and budget.
  • Thermal layering including top and pants
  • Hiking pants, both long and short, or get convertible pants. These should be waterproof, otherwise get a pair of slip-over waterproof pants as well
  • Gore-Tex (waterproof) hiking boots
  • Quality backpack for hiking
  • Down jacket – these puffy jackets are essential for keeping your torso warm
  • Rain and wind jacket – make sure you get a quality jacket that doesn’t leak
  • Sleeping bag and silk liner – The warmer the sleeping bag the better
  • Cold weather gloves – you will need waterproof gloves aswell as a pair of inner gloves to keep your fingers warm
  • Plenty of socks (dry socks are the best)
  • A beanie – keeping your head warm is essential
  • Hiking poles – if you’re carrying a heavy bag, hiking poles will help you balance. They also provide support for your knees.
  • Ability to carry sufficient water (5 litres is ideal)
  • Food to last the entire hike. You can pre-order food in some of the refugios in Torres del Paine, but that’s about it. Better to be over-prepared and over-fed then the other way around when hiking.

[box] Have you ever been hiking in Patagonia? Leave a comment below and tell us what your favourite trek was![/box]

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Calumn Hockey

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Happy to read your post. I found your blog is very useful and informative. Thank you for sharing with us.

Actually, I am planning to hike in Patagonia in December. I hope I will have good weather. I loved your article; fascinating and helpful.

Patagonia is such a special place. Hope you get good weather. Even if you don’t it is still so beautiful in the rain or snow. Happy travels

Why you keep lying that Patagonia is chilean? Patagonia is ONLY on the Argentinian side (EAST of Los Andes.

Mt. Fitz has been high on our list since we saw Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold do the traverse there. I don’t think we’re up to the standards of the traverse but we’d definitely like to do some hiking around there, looks epic!

Great article guys, thanks!

Glad you enjoyed the article. Hope you get to climb Mt Fitz one day. 🙂

Great work guys, will definitely follow you in instagram, could you recommend some good travel companies who can help me with these hiking circuits, will be a solo traveller.

Hi Basu, thank you so much. We did our hikes through Eco Camp and they were brilliant. They have nice accommodation. We did not go with any other agent. 🙂

Thanks for this comprehensive list of treks near El Chalten. Could you tell me how is the biking scene in the town? I am a cyclist and love to ride in new places I visit. I was planning to take my bike on my trip to El Chalten, but not sure if it will be a good idea.

Glad this article could help. We didn’t go biking ourselves in El Chalten so we can not say about the treks. We are sure there is some in the area. If you contact one of the adventure tour companies they may be able to help. All the best and have a great time.

Fantastic blog! For the short hikes ie. <5 hours, are the trails easy to follow or well marked or do we need to know how to navigate? Thank you!

Thank you so much. Yes the paths are easy to follow and there are signage. You do have to have your own wheels to get to some of the hikes as the tourist shuttle doesn’t go near the beginning of them. Have a great time

This was great! Thanks! I know the answer to this, but I’m going to ask it anyways. Since there are camping spots along the way, are there toilets? Should we buy biodegradable TP for the day hikes?

Hi Sam, there are toilets at the campgrounds. Surprisingly all of them are flush toilets. Toilet paper is provided but always bring your own as the toilets run out. When you are hiking and need to use the bush toilet. Please bury your business and pick up your toilet paper. Thanks

Great Post, looking forward to exploring Patagonia.

Thank you so much

Love your blog 🙂 I wish I had more money to travel, cos nothing is better then collecting memories while traveling.

Thank you so much Miljan. Collecting memories is beautiful

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24 Things to Know Before You Trek in Patagonia

07/13/2021 by Kristin Addis 66 Comments

For a few years running now, I’ve explored Patagonia slowly, switching between Chile and Argentina and making hiking my main activity.

It was mind-blowing. I’ve never seen so many glaciers, waterfalls, and rainbows all in one place. It’s rugged and tough landscape that tested my limits but was so easy to fall in love with at the same time.

I did several treks, some were just one day and others spanned several days or even more than a week. With the right gear and knowledge, Patagonia can be enjoyable despite the elements and without many mishaps.

Here’s what I learned about trekking and camping in Patagonia:

Table of Contents

How to Prepare for Trekking in Patagonia

1. you seriously do need hiking boots.

I’ve trekked in Nepal , China , and all over the States in running shoes and thought they were great. The biggest difference is in Patagonia the trail is often super muddy, very rocky, or totally wet. Sometimes there isn’t really even a trail and you have to go by GPS.

There were SO many times when I was really glad to have waterproof shoes that I could just trek through the mud with and not care. They were one of the most important things to bring along. Here are the ones I recommend .

huemul circuit

2. … and thick socks

The easiest way to avoid blisters is to reduce friction. That meant wearing thick socks and tying my boots very snugly when I trekked. When I did develop blisters, it really helped to keep my shoes tight and my socks thick to keep them from getting bigger or worse, tearing.

3. Bring Compeed

Compeed is so much better than Band Aids! These blister bandages are the best I’ve found, and they stay on for several days as well. You can get them at your local pharmacy, or a similar product at REI . Bring them with you as they may not be possible to replace everywhere in Patagonia (I actually never found them when I looked for them there).

4. Bring the right clothing with you

You can experience all kinds of different weather within the span of a few hours in Patagonia. I trekked through tons of rain, very heavy winds, and even snow over the two months that I was there. It can feel quite extreme at first, but in time you do get used to it and it even becomes part of the enjoyment of Patagonia.

However, it’s only fun if you have warm, waterproof clothing. Here’s my packing list for Patagonia to help !

ohigginsglacier

5. Get a tent suited for Patagonian weather

A normal tent isn’t going to be a good choice in Patagonia, where winds can reach upwards of 100km/hour. That is some serious wind and the shape of the tent, plus strength of the tent poles, both matter a lot so that nothing breaks while you’re midway through a trek.

I used an MSR tent that was resilient and super light to carry at the same time. The shape is designed for wind and the rain jacket kept us dry, except for one occasion when the rain was so heavy that everyone woke up wet (it does happen).

patagonia tent

6. For the love of God, do NOT buy your camping gear in Argentina

In the past I’ve bought a bunch of my camping equipment in the local country before the trek. It saved me a lot of money and the trouble of carrying the equipment around. This is not true at all in Argentina. Seriously do not buy any of your gear there!

I saw a North Face bag on sale for $300 that would have been $50 back home. Absolutely everything was overpriced in every single store I checked. This is likely even more exuberant now that the country’s economy has plummeted. Just bring it from home, seriously.

trek sport patagonia

7. But honestly, Chile isn’t that much better

There were a few things that I had to buy in Chile, like my sleeping bag and hiking poles. The price was closer to what I would pay back home, but I think I could have saved more by ordering stuff on REI and just bringing it with me.

8. Get lightweight cooking gear

Trekking with pots and pans is not a possibility for me. It’s just way too much weight and when you have to carry a week’s worth of food on your back, it’s already heavy so why make it worse?

I found this foldable pot that doubles as a pasta strainer and thought it was great. It’s super light and the quality is good. I used it for cooking everything I ate.

9. Hiking sticks are here to help you

Some people think hiking poles make them look dorky. I don’t care. I like the idea of protecting my knees and redistributing the weight. Plus, hiking poles saved me from face-planting into rocks more than once when wind gusts caught me by surprise.

It’s also good to have poles that aren’t super heavy, and as they get lighter, the cost usually goes up. Here’s a post to help you pick which trekking poles are best.

hiking poles

10. Avoid those dumb sporks

When you’re looking at stuff to buy for your trek, you’ll see these half-fork, half-spoon with a knife at the end of one of the fork blades. It looks like a great idea. You can slice your food then pick it up with the fork to eat it!

False – it’s really hard not to cut your face on the knife part. Why was it designed that way, and how did I fall for it?

11. Life will be so much better with powder, not cans

It’s hard to resist easy things like canned tuna (btw, not for me, ew) and sauces. You have to pack those cans up and back out, though. That’s a lot of extra weight for not much gain.

My milk was powdered, as was all of the sauce and soup that I used for cooking. Some people even bring entire meals made out of powder that you just add water to. When water is as easy to get as it is in Patagonia, why not get things that are light until you add water?

pack food pagatonia

12. Rain-proof your stuff

Rain covers tend to blow off or just be incredibly annoying when the wind catches them, making tons of noise right in your ear.

I didn’t bring a rain cover. I lined my bag with a bin liner and put my clothes, food, and electronics all in their own plastic bags as well. The backpack could get wet – no problem, and the stuff inside stayed dry.

13. Get a hat that won’t blow away easily

Go for a hat that keeps your head warm, your face covered from the sun, and your ears warm in the wind. This hat ticks all the boxes.

I kind of felt like a dweeb wearing it but then again, my face was protected and my ears were covered. Two birds, one stone, really.

huemul circuit

14. It’s pretty nice to have a lightweight, warm sleeping bag

It gets seriously cold when you’re sleeping next to a glacier. I got snowed on as well in Torres del Paine, so having a warm sleeping bag that was also super lightweight was a life-saver. This is a non-negotiable item, along with a good tent, in order to enjoy the camping part of trekking in Patagonia. You’ll want it to be at least comfort level of 0-degrees Celsius .

15. It’s worth it to get a thick sleeping mat

I spent around $20 on a mat that was lightweight but also pretty useless on bad ground. I encountered a lot of roots and rock and think things would have been a lot better if I’d brought a thicker mattress. They do weigh more but only slightly and that’s something I would probably have been willing to carry.

I would probably use something like this in the future.

16. Most water on the trails is clean, but when it’s not, sterilize it with this

Most of the water is glacier water in Patagonia and it’s some of the cleanest on earth. However, especially in Torres del Paine, some campgrounds have had trouble with the increase in tourism and due to some campers doing things like washing in the streams or worse, some of the water has been making people sick.

I bring a steripen along on long treks. I never want to worry about the water or be without it, so I just sterilize it with a Steripen .

PLEASE:  It’s up to everyone who hikes in Patagonia to work together to keep the water safe. Too often I saw idiots jumping into the glacial lakes, swimming in streams, or washing their bowls directly in the water. This water trickles down and effectively makes campers drink your bathing or dirty dish water. That’s not cool. Take water into a clean bowl and walk at least 100 paces away before washing, same goes for using the bush toilet. Please think twice before getting that swimming selfie – it’s incredibly selfish.

17. You can eat the Calafate berries

They have thorns and are not to be confused with the little red berries also growing on the ground, but Calfate berries, as long as you know what they look like , are nice snacks to have along the trails, especially on the Huemul Circuit .

Picking berries

18. Here’s a useful camping food list:

Powder, carbs, nuts, oatmeal, chocolate, and fruits. Those are always in my trekking pack because they weigh the least and give me the most energy.

A day’s packing list:

  • one portion oatmeal with milk powder and chocolate powder to taste
  • 100 grams of dried fruit and dried nuts
  • 1 small chocolate bar
  • one portion pasta and powdered sauce plus slices of salami and/or cheese for dinner

For lunch, I pretty much always ate nuts and dried fruit. That way I could just keep going without having to stop. Dinners always had a treat in them of salami or a cheesy sauce (yes, a rare moment when I was willing to eat cheese) just to keep it nice and interesting. I also experimented with cous cous and powdered potatoes and think they’re both great options for hot dinners as well.

packtentpatagonia

Since I was going to Patagonia with my friend Steve who has been there before and already knew that powder was the way to go, I was able to lighten my food load significantly by not bringing cans or liquid sauces. I’m so glad that we didn’t make the mistake of bringing all that weight!

Also, Steve has a pretty helpful guide specifically for Torres del Paine hiking here , with park entrance prices and campground info, that I’d suggest in conjunction with this post!

19. You’ll need this kind of cooking grill

It’s forbidden to have open fire in just about every national park in Patagonia, at least that I’m aware of.

A little camping stove that you attach to gas cans, available in the sporting goods stores in Patagonia, is best for trekking.

20. Bring a headlamp!

Because using your phone as a flashlight is going to get annoying really quickly. I like this waterproof one .

Plus they're cool props for night sky photos

21. …and a portable charger

So that you can recharge your phone and cameras. This is the one that I use. (click here for more info on my camera gear ).

22. Don’t forget mosquito repellant

Yep, they do exist sometimes in Patagonia.

23. …and sunscreen!

Make sure to always lather up when trekking in Patagonia, or anywhere for that matter. A sunburn when trekking is the worst! I like Sun Bum best.

exploradoresglacier

24. Get ready for the best trip ever

Patagonia is seriously awesome to trek through. The landscape keeps getting more and more dramatic as you go through, providing constant surprises and little challenges. It’s one of the most rugged and lovely places I’ve traveled through, and if you’re planning to do the same, get ready for one of the best trips, ever, period.

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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07/13/2016 at 6:56 pm

I’ve been waiting for this..great post! I’m heading to Patagonia around Christmas (after I backpack Central America and the rest of South America) so wouldn’t buy a lot of things at home. Hopefully I can find some cheap gear in Peru or somewhere. Awesome tips, thanks again!

Kristin says

07/14/2016 at 1:49 am

And if you can’t in Peru, opt for buying in Chile rather than Argentina. Have fun!

Patricia says

07/15/2016 at 2:41 am

Hi Kristin, thank you so much for your post, it’s gonna be very useful on our trip to Patagonia in January. We are very excited, can’t wait for this!!!!

07/15/2016 at 7:24 am

Yay glad to have been helpful! You’re going to love it

John @ Pretravels says

07/15/2016 at 2:58 am

Great images and fantastic tips! If you’re not used with this type of terrains you might end up with the wrong gear and nothing spoils hike more than this.

07/15/2016 at 5:32 am

This is precious – perfect timing, it will help me in my preparations immensely. Thank you for this post and wonderful photos 🙂

07/16/2016 at 12:00 am

For me Patagonia seems so far away … But who knows, maybe someday! 🙂

Mishelle says

07/16/2016 at 9:38 am

Great post! I have this destination on my bucket list. Hope I go there one time.

Nicole says

08/03/2016 at 4:21 pm

I am so happy that I friend of mine ran across this article!!! I am gearing up for a 5 week trek the middle of Oct. and although I have read literally everything, it’s nice to have a first hand account!!! How easy is it to find the powered foods/dehydrated things in towns? This is hands down my biggest concern! I am an avid hiker and love to do ziplock cooking but I for the life of me can not find any info on actual food purchases while I am there!!! Thank you so much!!!

08/03/2016 at 4:28 pm

You won’t easily find those whole dehydrated meals that some people bring. I don’t find that they taste all that great and I prefer just having real food like pasta with a powdered sauce. I had no problems getting powdered milk, dried fruit, powdered chocolate milk (essential), and soups. I went into more detail on my trekking food in this article: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/torres-del-paine-circuit/

Crystal says

09/30/2016 at 12:55 pm

I’ve heard from a few people that it’s best to rent gear outside of TDP rather than buying at home – honestly not sure I’ll use it again (outside hiking boots). Do you know anyone who has used rented gear – tents, sleeping bag, mats, stove – and if they found it adequate for the conditions?

Marijke says

10/11/2016 at 5:58 am

Hi Kristin, Thanks for the useful post. I’ll be backpacking through South-America from March until June and Patagonia is definitely on my list! What was your itineray in & how did you travelled to Patagonia? thanks! Marijke

10/13/2016 at 11:54 am

This should help: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/patagonia-itinerary/

You can also check out these two guides with interactive maps. I started in the north and moved south, switching regularly between Chile and Argentina https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/argentina-guide/ and https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/chile-guide/

Georgia Tucker says

11/01/2016 at 9:54 am

Hi, this is really helpful. Roughly how much did you spend? How much were camp sites per night for a 2 man tent roughly?

11/01/2016 at 2:25 pm

Budget anywhere from $5-$20, as it can really vary depending on the campsite’s location and popularity

Genevieve says

01/08/2017 at 10:02 pm

Hi Kristin this is really beautiful!! How did you guys keep up with the good path when Steve say there was no trail? And how did you get the gps on the phone if there is no good SIM card? Thank you! this looks incredible! Genevieve

01/09/2017 at 12:15 pm

We downloaded maps.me for offline maps and plotted the points ahead of time. That’s how we figured out the trail 🙂

kimberly says

01/10/2017 at 6:50 am

hello Kristin, thank you so much for this info.. I see in one pic you are wearing a tank top.. what time of year was this.. I’m going back and forth on clothing for some pieces.. we will be going from santiago , hiking through panes del torres , end of february into early march for 2 weeks. Ive got a couple questions … did you get rocks in your shoes.. did you need small gators, did you wear darn tough socks? and were they to the calve but not over? which boots did you go with, were they gortex? did you need shake and warms, did you bring extra hike shoe what did you wear in the refugio? we won’t be camping some males have a different vision of what to bring.. i need a womens perspective.. what type of sport bra did you feel worked what type of long johns did you wear.. and what did you wear on your feet in the refugio if you stayed in any..

01/10/2017 at 9:08 am

Hey Kimberly – I was there February to late March. I suggest layers (more here about what to pack: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/womens-patagonia-packing-list/ ) – No but I had boots on that were well-sealed and waterproof so that kept them out. They’re made for trekking in those conditions – Sorry, what are small gators? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ – Yes wear thick socks and mine were mid-calf – Boots are linked in the packing list – It’s not cold enough to need hand warmers – No just brought one pair – You can wear what you wear hiking in the refugio. It’ll be cold! – you can bring flip flops for the refugio and wear them with socks. Give your feet a break from the hiking boots. Sports bra-wise just wear what you’d wear to the gym!

04/25/2018 at 6:57 am

Gators are actually gaiters and are best described as: “Adjustable elastic band for convenient and firm bundling, front opening Velcro design for easier putting on and taking off, firm hook fasten to shoelace and durable strap to keep the gaiters from coming loose FUNCTION: To protect your boots and trousers from rain, water and mud. Pair there gaiters with hiking boots or ski boots to keep rocks, dirt and snow from getting into your footwear OCCASION :This gaiters good for skiing, backpacking, hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor adventures” So essentially when wearing boots these are fabric covers that further protect any water, dirt or snow to get into your boots. They look a little like shin protection when you play hockey or other similar sports.

Aria Srinivasan says

01/15/2017 at 1:10 pm

I’m only going for a week to Patagonia.. would you still recommend the hiking boots?

01/15/2017 at 4:15 pm

If you want to hike, they’d be incredibly helpful. It’s super rocky and often wet terrain.

Taylor says

02/07/2017 at 7:38 am

Where can I find your “dorky” hat; I’ve been searching everywhere! It seems so practical!

02/08/2017 at 11:03 pm

I can’t find it either! I bought it in a rural area of China years ago.

Connie says

02/13/2017 at 5:17 am

Hi! Sorry to ask something trip-specific, but I’m having trouble finding this anywhere. I’m going to do the W trek next week and was originally planning on checking my backpack with the tent.

But I’m paranoid about it getting lost with 3 transfers, so I figure if I bring everything except the stakes, I can take everything as a carry-on. But are there places to purchase decent stakes in Puerto Natales upon arrival? I see there are a lot of places to rent equipment, but I wasn’t sure if I would be able to only purchase stakes.

Thanks in advance!

02/13/2017 at 7:22 am

Hey Connie, to be honest I have no idea. I’d email erratic rock and ask what they suggest!

03/07/2017 at 2:38 am

Hiya, we booked our tickets to arrive in Chile in January, thinking this would give us plenty of time to book campsites for Torres Del Paine but they all seem to be booked up already?! A year ahead? Does this mean we can’t visit the park..? Any advice so welcome, this is quite shocking… 🙁

Joanna says

04/04/2017 at 4:37 pm

I love your blog!! I was wondering about the photos you take..how do you take the photos of yourself since you’re a solo traveler?

04/05/2017 at 12:22 am

Selfies! I’ve written about how here: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-take-travel-selfies/

vikram says

04/05/2017 at 4:14 am

rofl at the comment on snickers ! but these are pretty awesome tips. How much Spanish would i need to know though ? also i love climbing, so any recommendations on decent bouldering not too far off the hiking trails ? any pointers would be like manna from the heavens .. all the best for your future adventures

04/05/2017 at 4:52 am

My Spanish is no bueno. I only know what I picked up growing up in California, which is restaurant Spanish. It would really help to know some as you won’t encounter a lot of locals in Patagonia who speak English, but I survived.

I did some bouldering in Bariloche in the north of Patagonia: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/things-to-do-in-bariloche/

Jyotsna says

08/20/2017 at 9:58 pm

Amazing post! The hat you mentioned which serves as a beanie as well as a sun protector looks great, where did you get that from? Searched all over but could not find it.

08/21/2017 at 12:52 am

China like soooo long ago but putting a beanie over a baseball cap works similarly well

Teresa says

09/07/2017 at 10:34 am

I’ve just started planning a trip to Patagonia for around a month, what are your thoughts on doing a month long trekking trip solo as a female? Some say go for it and some say its a big no no. I’m aware common sense goes a long way if you’re travelling solo but is it something you’d recommend on a trekking tip in Patagonia? Love the blog by the way – so much seriously helpful info!

09/07/2017 at 2:08 pm

I think you’ll meet lots of people. You’ll meet people in town who will want to go with you, you’ll meet people on the trail, and you’ll meet locals too. I love solo traveling so that’s my feelings towards it!

09/19/2017 at 4:30 pm

Looks so exciting! I am planning a trip for March 2018. I love your “dorky hat,” the white one that is a headband with a visor. What brand is it? I want one!!!!

09/20/2017 at 3:53 am

So many people have asked and I wish I could find one online! I bought it in a tiny town in China. However now I put a thin neckwarmer over my rainbow had and it works similarly well 🙂

09/28/2017 at 6:13 pm

Thank you so much for posting! I’m hoping to plan my trip to Patagonia for a departure in the next 6 months – I’m very active and an avid hiker, but will be likely going solo. Do you have a guide you’d recommend? Thank you,

09/29/2017 at 5:19 am

I didn’t use any guides, but for most of these hikes you can find people to hike with in town, or even along the trail.

P. Sanchez says

11/07/2017 at 5:19 am

I recently came across your article on trekking in Patagonia. I enjoyed reading your guide and found it quite helpful, up to where you condemned people and called them idiots for wanting to swim in the lakes/rivers. Discarding dirty/soapy water into a river is one thing (I’m a marine biologist/coastal ecologist so I understand and respect nature), but jumping in for a swim? No, I would not jump into a 2 metre wide stream for a swim at a campsite where people will be collecting water further down, but no amount of dirty stares and silent (or even verbal) judgement will stop me from having a swim in a lake/larger river. Maybe you should consider editing that part out of your guide. It’s definitely on my mind to take a swim there, and the only thing that would stop me is if CONAF or a carabinero told me its forbidden to do so (haven’t found anything of the sort). If someone is a germophobe, then that’s on them to decide if they want to drink the water with or without disinfecting it, but don’t ruin other peoples experience just because you don’t agree with their idea of fun.

There’s a saying that goes “dilution is the solution to pollution”, and I can guarantee you dirtier things have been in your mouth (with or without you being aware of it) than a mouthful of water collected from a lake where someone has bathed in.

11/07/2017 at 6:13 am

Thanks for weighing in. The water in Patagonia is the cleanest on earth. That glacial water is 10k years old and when you jump in right at the source, it makes everyone also at that lake need to drink that water too. I just didn’t think it was cool to wash off 8-days of sweat into water people are drinking. It was also freezing cold and a hypothermia risk, so I wasn’t tempted.

If everyone takes the attitude that it’s going to get diluted, then nobody can drink the water without filtering it first. It already happened in Torres del Paine at one of the more popular trails, and it’s the water coming right down very close to the source. Sad.

It’s just about respecting what we have so that everyone can enjoy it. When we all take the attitude of one little thing that I do will not affect the rest, or it’ll just get diluted, it adds up, and this is why we can’t have nice things.

It’s important to let people know, who may not have realized, the importance of treating the water as sacred and clean. This post has potentially informed people who might not have known what is OK and what isn’t when camping. My writing addresses keeping all of the water clean and respecting it everywhere without splitting hairs about where is OK and where isn’t, and also it’s my site, so I’ll write what I want 🙂

04/25/2018 at 7:12 am

“Dilution is a solution to pollution” is an illusion, this is a mistaken notion on all counts, please don’t use that :). A drinkable water body can be tainted by pollution hundreds of miles away. If it is a pristine area, the only considerate thing to do is leave it that way. There are SO many places in the world where you can dive in and have a blast, under waterfalls, in deep blue pools etc. There are SO few places that are pristine. As a scientist who works in the environmental field, I think it is awesome that Kristin provides these guides that challenge yourself when traveling while using common sense, preparation, and consideration of the places you visit. Preparation is the key. You never know what you might encounter so at least be prepared for the expected so you have that down to concentrate on anything else and enjoy yourself to the fullest. Being a good guest in the countries your visit is paramount in so many ways. I think it is great that Kristin mentions safety including sunscreen, repellent (if there’s water, there’s mosquitoes), proper footwear/gear and so on. I trust her more than most and when traveling will bring these guides with me to make sure I enjoy myself, am safe, and respect the places I go. Before her I wouldn’t visit many places in the world out of fear of exploiting them. She taught me you can enjoy the world and if you visit a place, you give back (to the locals) as much as you take. Thanks BTW for this post, it is very thorough with great advice and every link works even 2 years later.

11/08/2017 at 11:24 pm

Ok a few things I agree with. I personally wouldn’t wash my 8-days clothes directly in the water, but I wouldn’t lose my shit if I saw someone else doing it (unless they were adding products to it). As for 10k year old water and hypothermia… I think we’re picturing different lakes. The water at Torres del Paine doesn’t seem like it has good drainage (at least in front of Los Cuernos) so I can see how contaminants might build up there with bad flow (especially with the increasing number of visitors). As for the hyporthermia, so long as you have dry clothes to warm you up once you get out (and it isn’t too windy) it isn’t really that dangerous. Just don’t stay in too long…

Sure, the mentality of “it’s only me, it wont make a difference” is usually wrong and common among people that justify littering, since it adds up, but in the scenario I’m picturing, the lakes/rivers will have good water flow and and oil/skin/fecal matter that comes off your body will just wash away and be broken down. Lotion, insect repellant etc. wont, so yes, one should rinse before jumping in. We CAN have nice things if we are smart about it. It isn’t necessarily about splitting hairs, but being informed and unbiased. Let people know that if they absolutely must jump in, to take these precautions (rinse before as you would before jumping into a swimming pool, do not stay in too long, do not jump in if the stream is small and people nearby e.g. at camping grounds use it for drinking water). That being said, I appreciate tourists respecting the land, and it goes without saying; if I see a sign saying “no swimming” I will listen to it. Especially if it is by CONAF.

11/09/2017 at 2:10 am

Where are you supposed to rinse off the lotion and insect repellant? There aren’t showers nearby, or signs, or a bunch of rangers. Except for the really popular hikes, these are not like the national parks in North America. This is usually raw, unadulterated nature 🙂

I think once you get there you might understand where I’m coming from. I’m done arguing about this now 🙂

11/29/2017 at 5:22 pm

You just got me super excited planning my trip to Patagonia! So many useful info on here!!!

Thanks for sharing!

Melissa says

12/05/2017 at 8:19 pm

Hey Kristin! Thanks for the tips. I was curious if I need hiking pants for the trip (hiking the W in December) but saw that you wore tights which I prefer. How thick should they be – any suggestions where I could get some hard wearing ones? Thanks!

12/06/2017 at 12:57 am

I like LuLulemon. I always wear leggings when I hike. I just like them better! If you’re cold wear two – just make sure they’re roomy or you’ll constantly have to be pulling them up. I’ve had that happen before, it’s annoying!

Jennifer Duke says

12/07/2017 at 11:22 am

Thanks for the tips. I’m going on a Patagonia tour and there are some hikes planned. I sincerely thought my regular tennis shoes would cut it. Glad I read this first. Also, even though I’m not camping, I might pack some of those suggested food items to keep with me so I don’t separate from my group. Great article!

12/07/2017 at 2:09 pm

I would get boots! And yes snacks are always good to have along 🙂

01/05/2018 at 4:53 am

Thanks for this great post! What would you recommend for a coat/jacket and gloves? Going in March to the Chile side for a few days, but not camping.

01/05/2018 at 8:11 pm

I’ve got a packing list here, should help 🙂 https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/womens-patagonia-packing-list/

Sabrina says

06/02/2018 at 12:57 am

Where did you get that hat? Seems warm and functional and at the same time looks nice!

06/02/2018 at 1:46 am

China in a tiny little town. I have tried in vain to find it online since you’re about the 40th person to ask on here but haven’t been successful 🙁

Brianna says

08/14/2018 at 2:51 pm

Band-Aid Hydro Seal Blister are amazing!!! They don’t sell Compeed in the US anymore 🙁

08/16/2018 at 9:24 pm

Bummer! Not even on amazon?

Rob Pinckard says

03/11/2019 at 8:48 am

Great article. I’ve found that your comment about boots is spot-on; heavy packs need heavy boots. Running shoes or even mocassins are incredibly comfortable at camp, at the end of the day, and on a long trip, I’ll make room for them in my pack. But on an extended back country route of rocks and mud, water and ice? High quality, well designed boots are like a sports car in an urban environment. I’m older school than you, but wouldn’t backpack without moleskin for blisters…especially if the boots you’re wearing have less than several trips of wear on them. Carry a small pair of scissors to custom fit the bandage to the site, and the moleskin will remain in place for several days. I’ve found nothing, over the years, that works nearly as well.

03/13/2019 at 11:48 am

I love compeed personally but my goal Is just not to get blisters!

08/21/2018 at 3:43 am

Hi Kristen.

Great post, super helpful!

I’m in the start of planning my trip for the O. Firstly booking the campsites but do I need to pre book a permit to gain entry to the park? So if I was starting say on the 10th and finishing on the 18th would I pre book this permit for this amount of time? Just a little concerned with fitting the camp sites within selected dates and then wondering if I need the permit to cover the trip?

08/21/2018 at 9:43 pm

You will need a permit for the park but I think you can apply for that in person.

Pauline says

01/09/2019 at 4:51 pm

Hi Kristin! I’m very grateful for your guide as I’ve never done any multi day hike, especially not in the kind of harsh weather that can be encountered in Patagonia! With what kind of backpack did you travel (especially for the treks at e.g. Torres del Paine)? Is a 50L enough or will I need to upgrade to a bigger one? Thank you in advance! Pauline

01/09/2019 at 5:04 pm

I had a 75L and used every inch of it for the O. You could make a 50 work for more like a 5-day or shorter, though!

02/15/2019 at 5:54 am

Thanks for the nice detailed guide. I have a couple of questions, because I am planing in the beginning of 2020 to travel around the world with just a carry on. Since Patagonia is my 1st stop, is there an outfit that I can rent the camping gear? Also do you book your accommodation in advance? Thanks

02/16/2019 at 2:55 pm

Yes you can rent and for Torres del Paine yes book ahead, the other hikes don’t have campsites in the same sense. I just showed up personally.

02/04/2024 at 6:18 pm

Thanks for the article. I’m 60 and will be hiking with my 29 year old son in 9 months (Nov 2024). I’m in good health and have reasonable endurance and good balance. He is in exceptional physical condition. How strenuous and challenging is trekking in Patagonia? I’m starting to up my exercise for strength, endurance, and balance but I certainly don’t want to be surprised! Thanks, Mary

Kristin Addis says

02/10/2024 at 3:38 am

really depends on the trail you choose! But it can be steep and weather unpredictable.

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Ultimate W Trek Patagonia Map Guide: Tips, Routes, Distances and Essentials for Hikers

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Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable hiking journey in one of the most stunning landscapes on Earth? Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is home to the iconic W Trek, a five-day adventure that takes you through the heart of this breathtaking region. In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the W Trek Patagonia map, from the detailed day-by-day itinerary to essential tips on weather, accommodations, food, safety, and more. Get ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime!

Key Takeaways

  • Explore Patagonia’s wild beauty on the iconic W Trek with this comprehensive map overview
  • Challenge yourself by grasping distances between key points and enjoy an unforgettable journey
  • Prepare for your adventure with essential tips, trail distances, itinerary breakdowns & packing essentials!

W Trek Patagonia: A Comprehensive Map Overview

A map of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, showing the W Trek trail

The W Trek in Patagonia is a thrilling multi-day hiking route that takes you through the mesmerizing Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most remarkable hiking destinations in South America. This 80 km (50 mi) trail offers an exhilarating blend of spectacular scenery, challenging terrains, and unforgettable experiences.

This section offers a thorough trek map overview of the W Trek, covering key points of interest and trail distances, assisting in your adventure planning.

Key Points of Interest

The W Trek is famous for its iconic granite towers, the awe-inspiring French Valley, and the majestic Grey Glacier. These breathtaking landmarks will leave an indelible impression on you as you traverse the challenging yet rewarding trails through the national park.

One of the most exhilarating highlights of the W Trek is the French Valley, where you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at both majestic mountains and tranquil lakes. Another must-see is Grey Glacier, an imposing wall of ice that will leave you speechless as you take in its sheer scale and beauty. And let’s not forget Paine Grande, the grandest peak in the park, standing tall and proud as a testament to the incredible power of nature.

Trail Distances

An image of the W Trek Patagonia Map showcasing the trail distances and routes available for hikers.

Familiarizing yourself with the trail distances between key points is critical in planning your daily routes along the W Trek. The first day of the W Trek, for example, covers an impressive 22 km (13.6 mi) from Hotel Las Torres to Refugio Los Cuernos.

Throughout the trek, you’ll encounter invigorating hikes like the one up to the towers on the final day, boasting an elevation gain of 900 meters (2,956 ft). Along the way, you’ll also have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking Glacier Grey.

Grasping the trail distances paves the way for better preparedness in tackling the W Trek, optimizing your unforgettable journey through Patagonia’s wild and untamed beauty.

W Trek Itinerary: Day by Day Breakdown

W Trek Itinerary: Day by Day Breakdown

The best way to experience the awe-inspiring landscape of the Torres del Paine W Trek is by taking your time and enjoying it over 4 nights and 5 days. This section provides a detailed day-by-day itinerary for hiking the W Trek in Patagonia, inclusive of recommended stops and accommodations you’ll encounter on your journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-time hiker, this itinerary will help you make the most of your adventure in one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes.

Day 1: Hotel Las Torres to Refugio Los Cuernos

Day 1: Hotel Las Torres to Refugio Los Cuernos

Your first day on the W Trek includes:

  • Journey from Hotel Las Torres to Refugio Los Cuernos
  • Distance of 22 km (13.6 mi)
  • Takes around 6 hours
  • Follow the Ascencio River to enter the Ascencio Valley
  • Pass by the lookout point for the Towers at 900 meters
  • Refugio Los Cuernos is aptly named after “The horns,” a pair of stunning granite peaks in the area.

To kick off your adventure, you’ll take the Bus Sur bus from Puerto Natales to Pudeto at 3 pm the day before, arriving in time for the last ferry of the day at 6 pm. The bus fee is CLP 12,000 (US$14), and the ferry fee is CLP 20,000 (US$25). Alternatively, you can opt for a thrilling walk from Laguna Amarga entrance to Hotel Las Torres, and the bus fee from Laguna Amarga to Hotel Las Torres is CLP 5,000 (US$6).

Day 2: Refugio Los Cuernos to Paine Grande

trek sport patagonia

Day 2 of your W Trek adventure takes you from Refugio Los Cuernos to Paine Grande. This portion of the trek covers an impressive distance of 20 km (12.4 mi) and takes around 7 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll be able to take in the majestic view of the Grey Glacier from several different vantage points.

On this day, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the French Valley, one of the most breathtaking highlights of the W Trek. This lush, verdant valley offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes, making it a perfect spot to rest and soak in the beauty of Patagonia.

Day 3: Paine Grande to Grey Campsite

Screenshot 2023 11 24 at 15.40.17 Ultimate W Trek Patagonia Map Guide: Tips, Routes, Distances and Essentials for Hikers

On the third day of the W Trek, you’ll cover the hike from Paine Grande to Grey Campsite. This segment of the trek is a thrilling 19 km (11.8 mi) journey that takes around 8 hours to complete. You’ll start your day at Paine Grande, then head to the Italiano campsite, followed by the Mirador Frances.

If the weather is good, you’ll have the chance to take a detour to Mirador Britanico, where you’ll be able to admire a stunning ring of toothy granite peaks, including the park’s second most famous landmark, the three-horned Cuernos del Paine. Afterward, you’ll finish off the day in the beautiful Francés Valley and campsite.

Day 4: Grey Campsite to Paine Grande

On the fourth day of the W Trek, you’ll hike from Grey Campsite back to Paine Grande. This leg of the journey covers 11 km (6.8 mi) and takes around 3-4 hours to complete. Along the way, you can enjoy the magnificent views of the Grey Glacier and its surrounding landscapes. Once you arrive at the Paine Grande campsite, you can rest and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

As you make your way back to Paine Grande, take the time to appreciate the stunning vistas of Los Cuernos and the majestic mountains that surround you. This day offers a more relaxed pace, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Torres del Paine National Park.

Day 5: Paine Grande to Hotel Las Torres

The final day of the W Trek covers the hike from Paine Grande back to Hotel Las Torres. This leg of the journey includes a thrilling afternoon of kayaking, ice hiking, or a short hike to the hanging bridges. As you reflect on your incredible adventure through the wild and untamed beauty of Patagonia, take a moment to appreciate the unforgettable memories you’ve made along the way.

After completing your epic journey, you’ll return to Puerto Natales via bus and ferry. The bus fee from Laguna Amarga or Pudeto to Puerto Natales is US$14 (CLP 20,000/US$23 from Hotel Grey). With your W Trek adventure complete, you’ll head home with a heart full of memories and a newfound appreciation for the remarkable landscapes of Patagonia.

Essential Tips for Hiking the W Trek in Patagonia

A person wearing a waterproof jacket and hiking boots, standing in the rain in Torres del Paine National Park

Being well-prepared and well-informed is paramount for the best possible experience on the W Trek. This section shares essential tips for tackling the W Trek, covering aspects like:

  • Accommodations

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-time hiker, these tips will help you make the most of your adventure in one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes.

Weather and Clothing

trek sport patagonia

Patagonia’s unpredictable weather is one of the factors that make the W Trek such an exhilarating adventure. The best time to do the W Trek is from November to early March, when the average temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 18°C (64°F). Although it usually rains and snows throughout the hiking season, March and April are the peak months for precipitation, so it’s advisable to bring waterproof gear.

Selecting clothing and footwear for the W Trek requires consideration of factors like the terrain type, weather conditions, and the trek’s length. Be sure to pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece layer for insulation and warmth, and a waterproof jacket and pants to protect against rain and wind. This layering system will help you adjust your clothing quickly and efficiently as the weather changes on the trek.

Accommodation Booking

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Accommodations along the W Trek include paid campsites with basic mountain hotels (refugios) and one free campsite. Booking your accommodations in advance is advised, as spaces may fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Websites like Patagonline can help you check availability and book accommodations directly.

When booking accommodations, be sure to consider factors like location, price, and available facilities. For example, Refugio Los Cuernos offers a stunning location nestled between granite peaks, while Paine Grande and Grey campsites provide breathtaking views of Los Cuernos and the Grey Glacier, respectively. By researching and booking your accommodations ahead of time, you’ll ensure a seamless and enjoyable W Trek experience.

Food and Water

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Attending to food and water supplies during the W Trek is a significant aspect of your adventure. Most camping sites and refugios have shops and restaurants where you can stock up on supplies and enjoy a hot meal. However, cooking your own food can be a great way to save money and add an extra element of excitement to your trek.

To ensure you stay well-hydrated, remember to bring a reusable water bottle and a water filter or purification tablets. Drinking water can be found all around the park and is of excellent quality. By planning your meals and water supply, you’ll have the energy and stamina needed to conquer the challenging terrain and make the most of your W Trek adventure.

Safety and First Aid

Safety takes top priority when embarking on the W Trek. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Stay reachable and inform people back home about your plans.
  • Carry a charged phone with emergency numbers.
  • Consider carrying a satellite phone, a hiking guide, or a paper map for added peace of mind and navigation assistance.

It’s also a good idea to carry a small first aid kit, including items such as band-aids, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need. By taking these safety precautions and being prepared for minor injuries or ailments, you’ll ensure a successful and enjoyable W Trek experience.

Alternative Hiking Routes in Torres del Paine National Park

If you’re looking for alternative hiking options in Torres del Paine National Park, you’re in luck! In addition to the famous W Trek, there are several other exciting trails for you to explore. This section introduces:

  • The more challenging and longer O Circuit
  • A variety of day hikes
  • Shorter treks, perfect for those with time constraints or seeking a less strenuous park experience.

The O Circuit

The O Circuit

The O Circuit is an incredible full loop around the Cordillera del Paine, covering a distance of approximately 136 kilometers (85 miles) and taking around 6-10 days to complete. This challenging trek includes the popular ‘W’ route and the more remote backside, offering a unique and rewarding experience for adventurous hikers.

While the W Trek is great for those looking for a shorter and somewhat easier trek, the O Circuit is perfect for those seeking a more rugged and remote experience. The O Circuit takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, including dense forests, vast plains, and towering peaks, offering a true immersion into the wild and untamed beauty of Patagonia.

Day Hikes and Shorter Treks

Patagonia Glamping Torres del Paine

For those with limited time or seeking a less strenuous experience, Torres del Paine National Park offers a variety of day hikes and shorter treks, including the popular trek Torres del Paine. Some of the most popular day hikes in the park are:

  • Mirador Las Torres
  • Mirador Cuernos/Salto Grande
  • Laguna Azul
  • Salto Grande Waterfall

These trails provide stunning views of the park’s most famous landmarks and can be completed in just a few hours.

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll to take in the breathtaking scenery or a more challenging day hike to push your limits, Torres del Paine has something for everyone. With its diverse range of trails and breathtaking landscapes, the park is a hiker’s paradise just waiting to be explored.

Day Trek: Mirador Las Torres

Mirador Las Torres is one of the most popular day hikes in Torres del Paine National Park, and it’s easy to see why. This trail takes you to the base of the park’s iconic granite towers – the Torres del Paine – providing a close-up view that’s truly awe-inspiring.

Screenshot 2023 11 24 at 15.41.19 Ultimate W Trek Patagonia Map Guide: Tips, Routes, Distances and Essentials for Hikers

The trek is a challenging one, covering a distance of about 19 km (12 miles) round trip with a significant elevation gain. However, the effort is well worth it. As you ascend, you’ll pass through lush beech forests and across rushing rivers before finally reaching the turquoise lagoon at the base of the towers. The sight of the sun rising or setting on the towers is a spectacle not to be missed, making this trek a must-do for any visitor to the park.

Getting to Torres del Paine: Transportation Options

Bus Torres del Paine

Reaching Torres del Paine National Park is easier than you might think, with several transportation options available. This section offers information on bus services and car rentals, assisting in your journey planning to the park.

Whether you prefer the convenience of public transport or the flexibility of driving, there’s an option to suit every traveler’s needs.

Bus Services

There are several bus services available for reaching Torres del Paine from nearby cities like Puerto Natales. We highly recommend either Bus-Sur or Buses Fernandez for your travel to Torres del Paine. The bus ride from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine costs only $25 USD (return), and you can book your tickets online through websites such as:

When planning your bus journey, keep in mind that there are specific departure times from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales, such as:

By planning your bus journey in advance, you’ll ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip to Torres del Paine National Park.

Buses Inside Torres del Paine National Park

Once inside Torres del Paine National Park, there are shuttle buses available to transport you between key points along the W Trek. These buses run at regular intervals throughout the day, providing a convenient way to navigate the park and rest your legs between hikes. Be sure to check the timetable and plan your hikes accordingly to make the most of this service. The bus service within the park is an excellent way to save energy for the trail and allows you to cover more ground in a shorter time, enhancing your overall experience of this stunning landscape.

Buses Inside Torres del Paine National Park

Car Rentals

Car rentals

For those who prefer a more flexible and independent travel option, renting a car is a great choice. To rent a car in Patagonia, you must have a valid driver’s license from your country and be at least 21 years old. The general costs of renting a car in Patagonia can vary, but on average, you can expect to pay around $76 per day for a small car rental.

Top-rated car rental companies in Patagonia include:

  • Discover Cars

By renting a car, you’ll have the freedom to explore Torres del Paine National Park at your own pace and take breaks along the way to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery.

Packing Essentials for the W Trek

Packing the right gear is crucial for a successful and enjoyable W Trek experience. This section provides a comprehensive packing list for hikers embarking on the W Trek, encompassing clothing, camping gear, and electronics.

By ensuring you have all the essentials, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenging terrain and make the most of your adventure in the wild and untamed beauty of Patagonia.

Clothing and Footwear

Choosing clothing and footwear for the W Trek requires consideration of terrain type, weather conditions, and the trek’s length. Here are some recommendations:

  • Pack a moisture-wicking base layer
  • Bring a fleece layer for insulation and warmth
  • Don’t forget a waterproof jacket and pants to protect against rain and wind

This layering system will help you adjust your clothing quickly and efficiently as the weather changes on the trek.

The ideal footwear choices for the W Trek in Patagonia are waterproof all-leather boots with deep treads. Additionally, gaiters can be a great way to keep your feet dry and prevent water from slipping in over the top of the boots. By investing in the right clothing and footwear, you’ll ensure your comfort and safety on the W Trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the incredible landscape and adventure that awaits.

Camping Gear

Camping gear is essential for your W Trek adventure. Invest in:

  • A good tent, such as the Big Agnes Battle Mountain 2 or the ALPS Mountaineering Highlands Tent
  • A lightweight and compact sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures
  • A roll mat for sleeping
  • A mess kit for cooking

Additionally, don’t forget to pack:

  • Base layers
  • Trekking pants
  • Hiking socks
  • A waterproof backpack cover

By packing the right camping gear, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenging terrain and make the most of your W Trek adventure in the stunning landscapes of Patagonia.

Electronics and Navigation

Electronics and navigation tools can be invaluable during your W Trek adventure. A GPS device, such as the Garmin inReach Mini or handheld devices from Outdoor Gear Lab and Switchback Travel, can help you stay on track and navigate your way through the park. Additionally, smartphone GPS apps like Gaia GPS and AllTrails can also be useful for navigating your way on the trail.

Remember to bring a charged phone with emergency phone numbers, a satellite phone if available, and a head torch for early morning or late-night hikes. By packing the right electronics and navigation tools, you’ll ensure a safe and enjoyable W Trek experience, allowing you to fully explore the breathtaking landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park.

In conclusion, the W Trek in Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park offers an unforgettable adventure through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. By following our comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenging terrain, plan your accommodations and meals, and make the most of your time in this extraordinary region. So lace up your hiking boots, pack your bags, and get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the w trail in patagonia.

The W Trek in Patagonia is a moderately difficult hike covering 46 miles (76km) and typically takes 4-5 days to complete. It includes mainly gentle terrain with some challenging climbs of up to 800m. Be sure to come prepared for varying weather conditions.

Where do you sleep on the W trek in Patagonia?

On the W Trek in Patagonia, you can sleep in shared dormitories or upgrade to a private alternative. There are five refuges/campsites available along the route: Grey, Paine Grande, Frances, Cuernos and Central – check out our post for all the details!

What is the hardest trek in Patagonia?

The El Chaltén Trek in Patagonia is one of the most difficult treks to undertake, featuring demanding nature and views of Cerro Solo. So be prepared for a full test and take advantage of stunning scenery in this lesser-known area!

What is the best time of year to hike the W Trek?

The best time of year to hike the W Trek is from November to early March, when temperatures are mild and the weather is more stable for optimal trekking conditions.

How long does it take to complete the W Trek?

You can conquer the W Trek in 4-5 days, depending on how fast you go and what route you take.

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Hiking the W Trek in Patagonia Self-Guided: The Complete Details

Campsite at Paine Grande during the W Trek in Patagonia.

When you think of Patagonia, it’s hard not to imagine the picture of its most famous pristine peaks. Many avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts dream of one day visiting Chile and Argentina to explore the Patagonia region. One of the most famous hikes in Patagonia is the W Trek.

This is the smaller version of the O-trek, but even though it’s shorter, it still offers the adventure of a lifetime. These hikes are located in the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.

My dream finally came true in December 2024 when I visited Patagonia for the first time. There were beautiful landscapes everywhere, and I couldn’t stop staring at them.

In this guide, I’ll go over everything you need to know (and there’s a lot) about hiking the W Trek in Patagonia self-guided.

trek sport patagonia

What is the W Trek in Patagonia and Why You Should Hike it

What makes this hike unique is how well the trails are maintained, the excellent refugios, the people, and, of course, the views.

When traveling throughout Patagonia, it’s funny and cool to notice the same people repeatedly. Most people stick to a very similar itinerary.

There are options for individuals who want to camp and have gear, don’t have gear, or want to go all out and sleep in beds.

Where is the W Trek in Patagonia?

The W Trek is a four- to five-day hike in Torres del Paine National Park. Patagonia is located in Chile and Argentina , offering something different.

Most people who plan to visit Torres del Paine National Park stay in Puerto Natales . This town is easily accessible by bus if you’re coming from Calafate, where the famous Minitrekking on Perito Moreno Glacier is done.

We stopped by here shortly on our way south, where we decided to see Penguins in Punta Arenas before returning for the trek!

The trail during the W Trek in Patagonia

How to Get to Torres del Paines National Park

Getting to Torres del Paines National Park is relatively easy. We were one group of the many individuals who got to this park to do the W Trek alone, self-guided.

What does this mean? It means there’s a lot of bus options. I liked using Busbud to find bus times while traveling in Chile and Argentina.

This website didn’t have all the buses possible for every town, but it gave me a good idea of the times.

Bus From Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park

Depending on your path, either East to West or West to East, will determine which bus ticket you need to buy.

No matter what, you’ll stop and get off the bus at Laguna Amarga . This is the Entrance to the park and you’ll have to show your entrance ticket. More on that later.

After finding the bus ticket on Busbud, I always visit the bus company’s website. In this case, it’s Bus Sur .

If you’re starting from West to East like us, you’ll first need a bus ticket from Puerto Natales to Puedeto . When we got to the entrance, we showed our tickets, grabbed our bags, and switched buses.

Our bus driver took a break before taking us another 25 minutes up the road to the Pudeto dock. Keep asking the drivers as everyone seemed confused about what was happening.

If you’re going from East to West, the first ticket you’ll need is one to Laguna Amarga . To find these tickets, go to Bus Sur’s website and type in the destination of Torres del Paine.

In the description will be either Laguna Amarga or Pudeto. You’ll need one of each, but you will determine which you need first and last, depending on where you start.

A side note : YOU MUST PRINT OR SCREENSHOT YOUR TICKETS

Wi-fi is scarce or non-existent inside the park.

Bus Schedule

This might be confusing at first but it’ll all become clear soon. I suggest starting a notes page on your phone with your itinerary and all the needed documents in there.

Below is the bus schedule for Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia.

Puerto Natales to Laguna Amarga & Pudeto

Current Prices (one-way): ~12,000 Chilean Pesos

Laguna Amarga to Puerto Natales

Pudeto to puerto natales.

I get it if you don’t want to take a bus and would rather drive yourself! I suggest renting a car outside of Puerto Natales as the prices will be more expensive there.

I’m unsure about driving inside the park and to which miradors are possible, but there’s a parking lot behind the Welcome Center. This is next to Refugio Torre Norte.

The Torres del Paine park entrance when hiking the W Trek in Patagonia

Things to Know When Planning the W Trek in Patagonia

The W Trek in Patagonia is a long hike and Torres del Paine doesn’t make the information easy to find.

Below will be a plethora of extra details you need to complete the self-guided hike of the W Trek!

Overview: My Itinerary (West to East)

  • Take the bus from Puerto Natales to the Park Entrance (Laguna Amarga)
  • Switch buses to go to Puedeto
  • Take the ferry to Paine Grande ($25,000)
  • Hike to Grey (11km) and hike back to Paine Grande (11km)
  • Hike from Paine Grande to Mirador Britanico (13km)
  • From Mirador Britanico, hike to Cuernos (10km)
  • Hike from Cuernos to Chileno
  • Wake up early hike from Chileno to Mirador Torres del Paine
  • After spending time at the mirador, hike down to Torres Central and the Welcome Center
  • Purchase a ticket back to the park entrance ($5,000)
  • Take the bus back to Puerto Natales

our first views of Torres during our W Trek in Patagonia

Things to Bring

Patagonia is known for its huge mood swings of weather, and I wouldn’t change that for the world. It’s what makes this area unique. But it’s a good idea to come prepared.

During the peak season, between December and February, there will be warm, cold, and rainy weather. Here are some things I suggest bringing.

  • Hiking Boots
  • Grayl Water Filter
  • Insect Rep ellent
  • Patagonia Down Sweater

Do I have to Purchase a Camping Spot in Torres Del Paine?

Unfortunately, you can’t simply show up in Torres del Paine and expect to camp for free if you have your own gear. I’ve heard many stories of other travelers not doing their research and showing up with no purchased camping spot.

A few companies own these camping spots on the W Trek in Patagonia.

  • For tents/camping spots/beds at Paine Grande, you must book a spot through Vertice Travel .
  • If you’re looking to stay the night at Cuernos, Torres Central/Norte, or Chileno, you must book through Las Torres .

How Far in Advance to Book?

Hiking in Torres del Paine National Park is one of Chile’s most popular activities. This might seem obvious to some but what isn’t so obvious is how early you must book your reservation.

From experience, my girlfriend and I tried booking in early October for late November. There were spots, but many were limited, and not everything was available in three straight days.

We ended up booking our reservations for the park for the middle of December. I’d suggest booking your reservations for Torres del Paine at least two months in advance, if not further.

You don’t need to purchase the ferry ticket in advance as this can only be bought in person with cash.

trek sport patagonia

Entrance Fee

Unlike when doing hikes like Laguna de los Tres in El Chalten , there is an entrance fee for Torres del Paine National Park.

You can purchase the entrance tickets here . They are currently $12,000 for a 3-day or more pass.

You must download the QR code before getting on the bus, as there will be no signal once you get to the park.

How Many Days Does it Take to Hike the W Trek in Patagonia?

The days it takes to hike the W Trek in Patagonia will depend on your fitness level and if you want to take your time.

We did this trek in 3 nights and 4 days. This is the shortest time I’d ever suggest, even if you’re a fantastic hiker.

My suggestion would be to do 4 nights and 5 days. This will give you ample time to relax at the beautiful refugios and take it all in without feeling rushed.

w trek patagonia

Camping vs. Refugios

The amazing thing about this trek is that you have multiple options for your sleeping arrangements, depending on your budget.

We rented a tent and slept in the Refugio. On night one, we rented a tent with a mat, and it was honestly more comfortable than I thought it’d be!

For night two, we slept in a dorm room at the Refugio. This wasn’t too bad, but the price was almost triple that of renting a tent the previous night.

We were exhausted and wanted a good night’s sleep. We got that.

For the third night, we slept in another tent but it was large and elevated. I loved these! These were at Chileno Refuge next to Mirador Torres.

The main pros & cons for renting a tent or sleeping in the Refugio are money and if you can’t sleep well in a tent.

I’ll go over the prices of everything next.

trek sport patagonia

How Much Does the W Trek Cost?

Hiking the W Trek in Torres del Paine is expensive. Especially when compared to other places in Patagonia like Bariloche and El Chalten .

But there’s ways to make this experience cheaper like bringing our own food and camping gear.

Overview (per person) : Our Costs

  • This price includes mats & sleeping pads for both nights we camped.
  • This price is mainly from buying dinner on nights 2 & 3. We packed our food for every breakfast and lunch.
  • Tickets (Bus + Ferry + Entrance) : 61,000 Chilean Pesos or $62 USD
  • Total Cost Per Person : $537 USD

Food Costs :

  • Breakfast = $25
  • Lunch/Box Lunch = $25
  • Dinner = $40
  • Full Board = $80
  • Breakfast = $28
  • Box Lunch = $30
  • Lunch = $50
  • Dinner = $50
  • Full Board (Breakfast/Box Lunch/Dinner) = $100
  • Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner) = $70
  • Same price as Cuernos because they are the same company.

Campsite/Refugio

  • Campsite (with own equipment) = $13
  • Simple Bed = $65
  • Bed w/ Bedding = $100
  • Premium Campsite w/ Everything = $190 single/$220 double
  • Single Bed = $144
  • Premium Tent = $200 single/$288 double

trek sport patagonia

Which Direction is the Best for the W Trek?

This is one of the most asked questions about the W Trek in Patagonia. For me, it was quite simple.

I wanted to end this amazing adventure at the best view in the park, Mirador Torres.

Going from East to West might make more sense if you want to explore Lago Grey and do activities such as kayaking and ice trekking.

I personally loved going from West to East, and I’ll tell everyone to do this same route every time.

W Trek Patagonia Map

trek sport patagonia

Credit goes to the Torres del Paine Website . There’s a lot of maps out there if you want something better.

How to Make Campsite/Refugio Bookings in Torres del Paine

I mentioned this earlier, but there are two separate websites you must book your accommodation through before arriving.

If you plan on taking the same route we did and going from West to East, you’ll stay at Paine Grande, Cuernos, and finally, Chileno.

Below are the websites to book each night’s stay.

  • Paine Gr a nde

W Trek vs O-Trek in Patagonia

You will hear many people humbly bragging about completing the O-trek, and as they should. It’s definitely difficult, even compared to the W Trek!

The O-trek is much longer and less commercialized in the upper sections. You create a strong bond with everyone who completes it with you.

We did the W Trek because we were short on time and didn’t have our own gear. This meant the trip would be more expensive than we could budget.

trek sport patagonia

Is the W Trek Difficult?

Some might not agree, but the W Trek is difficult. You should only attempt it if you’re in decent hiking shape.

If you’re flying into Santiago first before completing this, there’s a hike called Cerro Manquehue . It’s one of the best views in all of Santiago!

W Trek in Patagonia Hiking Details

  • Distance:  This hike is a 45.5-mile point-to-point.
  • Duration: On average, it will take people 4 days to go up and back down. This depends on your fitness level and which route you take.
  • Difficulty:  I’d rank this hike as hard because of the amount of time it takes and the elevation gain.
  • Incline : The elevation for this hike is around 9,917 feet or 3022 meters.
  • Hiking Guide:  A guide is not needed for this hike and is easily accessible by the public

Best Places to Stay in Puerto Natales

  • Yogan House : This is the hostel we stayed at but it felt more like a really nice B&B. The rooms were amazing and it was by far the best breakfast I’ve ever had in South America.
  • Vinnhaus : If you’re looking for a stunning, centrally located hotel, this is it. There’s nothing bad I can say about this place. It honestly should cost more.
  • Hostal Boutique Factoria Patagonia : Looking for a cabin like experience in Puerto Natales? Then look no further than this spectacular Boutique hotel!

trek sport patagonia

My Experience Hiking the W Trek in Patagonia

Hiking the W Trek was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I met new people and made new friends, all while taking in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. It was priceless.

The first day was honestly one of the longest, if not the longest. We started by waking up at 6 a.m. and getting a ride to the bus station.

We took the earliest bus because we knew the day would be long. It was quite relaxing, actually, and most of the people on the bus slept.

Things started getting confusing when we arrived at the entrance two hours later. We were told to switch buses but different people kept telling us different buses.

Eventually, we found the right bus, and we were headed another 30 minutes to Pudeto.

We arrived at the dock, bought a cafe late, and waited for the ferry to arrive. You’ll pay the ferry in cash (25,000 CLP).

Once we arrived at Paine Grande, we unpacked, ate lunch and headed to see Lago Grey! We should have stayed the night here and then hiked in the morning because it was already late and we’ve been moving for quite some time now.

You can stop in different spots; you don’t have to go the entire way.

When we finally returned to Paine Grande, we cooked our dinner and immediately went to sleep.

trek sport patagonia

The next day was another long one. All of these days were going to be quite long but the first two were the longest.

We woke up, ate breakfast and hit the trail. Our first goal was to reach Mirador Britanico and then end at Cuernos.

The hike up to this mirador is steep and adds on a lot of mileage. I don’t think going all the way to the top is worth it. Instead, you can go halfway where the views are better and go back down. It’s stunning.

There’s a refugio here, and you can leave your bags at the bottom to hike up since you’ll be coming back down.

From here, we headed to Cuernos, where we then enjoyed a nice salmon meal and a couple of beers and relaxed.

Along this trail to Cuernos, you’ll go along a beach with black and white pebbles. It was raining and the feeling was surreal.

mirador frances during the w trek in patagonia

This was the shorter day and I was excited for that. We woke up, ate breakfast, and once again got on the trail early.

The trail was relatively flat for the early section until you met back up with the trail to Chileno from Torres Central.

This part became very steep but once we reached the top, you could see the refugio. We arrived early enough to have a couple beers, take a nap, shower, all before dinner.

After dinner, we washed up and went to bed early because the next day was going to be the best of them all.

trek sport patagonia

Day 4: The Final Day

This was it. This is what we’ve been waiting for. We woke up around 6am, ate a quick breakfast, and got on the trail.

We were actually late to the party as a lot of people who stay at Chileno end up going there for sunrise. I think there was more people there for sunrise then when we arrived around 9am.

The trail was easy at first but became steep and sometimes hard to follow. But once you make it, you’ll know.

I couldn’t stop staring at her. Torres was something from a storytale, and I didn’t want to leave.

We spent around an hour here taking photos and eating snacks before we headed down. As we started to descend, large groups were going up.

After resting at Chileno, we headed back towards Torres Central and the Welcome Center. We bought a shuttle ticket back to the entrance and that was it.

Just like that, it was over.

Mirador Torres Trail during the w trek in patagonia

Final Thoughts

I’ll be back. I told myself I needed to complete the O-trek, and I will. This hike wasn’t only about reaching Torres but everything in between, from making new friends to exploring a totally different part of the world. Patagonia is magical, and everyone should be able to explore this area one day.

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Hiking The W Trek In Patagonia: A Self-Guided Itinerary [2024]

26 mar 2024 11 nov 2023 | dan.

You can choose your own adventure when it comes to trekking in Chile, but if you like to plan ahead, here’s our tried-and-tested 5 day/4 night, east-to-west, self-guided itinerary for hiking the W Trek Patagonia .

Last updated on 26 March 2024 by Dan

Torres del Paine National Park is a place so epic and otherworldly, its name is often spoken with a kind of hushed reverence. This vast and dramatic stretch of Chilean Patagonia is home to some of the most mind-blowingly beautiful scenery on Earth, and hiking the W trek is one of the greatest ways to immerse in it.

This is Patagonian hiking at its very best, but  how you trek the W trail is entirely up to you .

You can go with a guide, or do the W trek self guided (in the warmer months anyway). You can stay in lodges and enjoy a cooked meal and a warm bed. You can carry your own gear and pitch your tent in one of the designated campsites along the way, or carry no gear and book a tent at each site. You can carry all your food, or add a half or full board meal package to your booking, or do a bit of both.

We opted to camp but rather than carry all the gear, we arranged for a pitched tent to be waiting for us each day. We packed food for most of the trek and booked a full board meal package (dinner, breakfast and packed lunch) at one of our overnight camping stays.

The direction you hike and the time you take to do the trek is also your call. As occasional hikers with temperamental knees, we opted for the typical self guided W trek itinerary of  5 days and 4 nights .

Many argue that hiking west to east, and saving the striking granite peaks of Las Torres for the last day is a fitting finale to this incredible hike. We took the opposite view though, starting with the awe-inspiring torres and  hiking the W trek east to west  so that we could tackle the toughest legs of the trail in the first couple of days, while we still had plenty of energy.

At the end of the day, no matter how you take on the W hike, you’re still trekking one of the most spectacular trails on the planet. And you’ll still get to enjoy the jaw-dropping vista of Las Torres. Twice even, if you’re keen.

Heading off into the wilds with a self-guided itinerary for hiking the W trek in Patagonia.

Hiking the W Trek Snapshot Location:  Torres del Paine National Park, Chile Nearest town:  Puerto Natales, Chile Getting to and from the park: Torres del Paine is easily accessible by bus from Puerto Natales. Park entry: Park entry tickets and overnight stays in the park (campsites and lodges) must be arranged before visiting the park. Start and finish:  The W Trek traverses a roughly w-shaped route through Torres del Paine National Park between Refugio Las Torres in the east and Refugio Paine Grande in the west. For this itinerary, we start in the east and hike west. Distance:  appx. 74 kilometres (46 miles) one-way Time:  This itinerary is 5 days and 4 nights Difficulty:  Moderately difficult, with some challenging stretches and steep climbs, plus highly changeable weather. We’re occasional hikers but with some preparation and a reasonable level of fitness, we found the W Trek very do-able (even if all our muscles were screaming for days afterwards!).

What’s in this post?

Preparing for hiking the W Trek Patagonia What time of year is best for hiking the W? Where to stay before and after the trek Entry to Torres del Paine National Park Booking Camping and Accommodation on the W Trail Bus tickets to and from Torres del Paine Packing for the W Trek Our Self-guided itinerary for hiking the W Trail Day 1 – Puerto Natales to Chileno via Las Torres Day 2 – Chileno to Francés Day 3 – Francés to Paine Grande via Francés Valley Day 4 – Paine Grande to Grey Day 5 – Grey to Paine Grande (and return to Puerto Natales)

This post contains affiliate links. If you find these links useful and you choose to purchase through these links we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, which helps us to keep this website running. Your support is much appreciated!  

Preparing for hiking the W Trek Patagonia

We aim to fully check and refresh this post for each trekking high season (October to April). Things can change without notice though, so we recommend also visiting the links below for information while you’re planning and before you go: 

  • For the latest updates on requirements for travel to Chile, visit the official  Chile tourism website .
  • Torres del Paine National Park is managed by the park agency CONAF. Visit the official national park website for park reports, park entry information and more.
  • When you check-in at the park for your trek, you’ll receive an information guide with a map showing the park’s trails, services and accommodations. The current brochure can be found here .

What time of year is best for hiking the W?

Patagonian weather will keep you on your toes no matter when you visit Torres del Paine National Park. Be ready for everything. However, there are two distinct periods to be aware of when planning your trip.

High Season – October to April

These are the warmer months in the southern hemisphere, and December to March is the busiest time of year to trek in the park, with visitation peaking over January and February. During this period, you can choose to do a self-guided hike or go with a guide .

If you’re travelling in high season, and particularly if you’re planning to visit during the peak months, be sure to reserve your place in the lodges or campgrounds as far in advance as possible . Torres del Paine is now one of the most popular places to trek in Chile and overnight places book up very quickly.

We hiked the W trail towards the end of March, and while sections were busy, like the path to Las Torres, there were stretches where we wouldn’t see more than a handful of people in hours.

That said, despite making our campsite reservations months prior to our visit, we initially struggled to find availability and had to change our trekking dates to suit what we were able to book.

Low Season – May to September

Many people say winter is even more magical in Torres del Paine.

The park entry fee drops during the low season and you’ll find far fewer people in the park. But temps will also be lower, daylight hours are shorter, rain is frequent and there can be snow and ice. Many of the mountain trails are closed, as are a number of the mountain lodges and services. Trails that are open can also close suddenly due to weather (though that can happen at any time of the year).

Most importantly, to do the W Trek or hike to the base of Las Torres during the low season, you must have a qualified guide . This period typically runs from 1 May to the end of August, but check the official Torres del Paine website for more information if you’re planning to visit over this time.

The bottom line: No matter what time of year you visit Torres del Paine, given the changeability of the weather there, you should check in with park agency CONAF for latest updates and closures.

Where to stay before and after the trek

The nearest major population centre, and the main jump-off point for a Torres del Paine trek is Puerto Natales , a low-key Patagonian town hugging the shores of the picturesque Última Esperanza Sound.

The drawcard of Torres del Paine’s trails has seen Puerto Natales develop a buzzing trekker scene.

We suggest giving yourself a couple of days in Puerto Natales before your trek to get organised, shop, hire any gear you need, and sort out transport to and from Torres del Paine if you haven’t already (see our section on sorting out bus tickets further on).

Just about everyone staying in Puerto Natales is out and about doing the same thing, so having extra time in town means you can stress less if you don’t find what you’re looking for in the first place you visit. 

Spending a couple of days here after your trek is also worthwhile – you can rest your weary bones and enjoy this charming little town.

A highlight of Patagonia travel is all about the epic views, like scene overlooking the sound in Puerto Natales.

Accommodation in Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales isn’t a big place, but you’ll find everything from budget hostels through to five-star luxury in and around the town.  

We stayed at the charming, centrally-located Hotel Aquaterra both before and after our trek. This is a great mid-range option and we really enjoyed our time here. They also stored our luggage for us while we were on the trail. 

For more accommodation options like this in Puerto Natales, take a look at Booking.com . Or, if you’re after something more in the budget range, you’ll find various hostel options here .

One place we’ve definitely got our eye on for a future stay is this unique domed apartment . It’s about eight kilometres (five miles) out of town, but with the views this place has, we wouldn’t be moving from the window seats anyway. Perfect for a post-trek, legs-up retreat!

Entry to Torres del Paine National Park

Entry to Torres del Paine National Park is ticketed and there are capacity limits in the mountain lodges and campgrounds. This is for the long-term care and protection of this wild and remote place, and for the safety of visitors to the park. So whether you’re planning to hike the W, trek the O circuit or visit for the day, you will need a ticket to get into the park.

You must now buy your entrance ticket for Torres del Paine National Park at least 24 hours in advance of your visit to the park. You can no longer buy an entry ticket at the park itself. Visit the CONAF website to buy your park entry ticket . 

Entry fees vary depending on whether you are Chilean or international, as well as your age, and whether you intend to stay in the park up to, or more than, three days. At last check, international adults 18 and over will pay CLP$31,200 (CLP is Chilean pesos) for up to three days in the park, and CLP$44,500 for more than three days.

Download your ticket to your phone before you head to the park (you won’t have reception there) and carry a printed copy just in case. You should also carry a copy of your passport as you may be asked to show your ID/nationality.

Booking Camping and Accommodation on the W Trail

There are various ways to stay overnight on the W trek in Torres del Paine National Park, but whether you’re planning a lodge stay, hiring camping equipment, or camping with all your own gear, you’ll need advance reservations to do so.

Overnight reservations are mandatory for Torres del Paine and, like park entry tickets, need to be made in advance . You cannot book camping or accommodation once you’re at the park, or camp outside the designated bookable camping zones.

You’ll also need to carry evidence of your overnight reservations as you may be asked to show proof at any time by a park ranger or when passing through checkpoints. We printed our reservation confirmations and carried these with us.  

With trekking in Torres del Paine becoming ever more popular, limited accommodation spots and advance booking necessary, sorting out campsites or lodge accommodation is – in our experience – probably the trickiest part of planning a self guided W trek itinerary. 

For this reason, we recommend booking your overnight stays as far in advance as possible , preferably as soon as bookings open for the season.  

It also pays to be flexible about where you stay, as you may find you need to rework your trekking dates and approach based on what’s available. 

Our final W trail hiking itinerary was the direct result of where and when we could get an overnight booking.

How to book your overnight stays in the park

There are a number of mountain lodges (refuges) and campsites in Torres del Paine, and you can only stay overnight in these designated zones.  

Broadly speaking, the zones in the east are managed by  Las Torres Patagonia  (formerly Fantástico Sur) and those in the west are managed by  Vertice Travel . 

There are also a couple of free campgrounds in the park which are managed by the Chilean park agency CONAF. However, these campgrounds are closed for the 2023-24 season – visit the CONAF website  for updates. 

You can book direct via the Las Torres Patagonia and Vertice Travel websites, however we know from experience that trying to align availability and book spots for a workable W circuit itinerary across different websites can be complicated and time-consuming. Another reason to plan well ahead.

We’re now aware of a new website called Booking Patagonia , which offers an integrated booking system for travel, tickets and accommodation for Torres del Paine. Tours can also be booked through this site. We haven’t used it yet so we can’t personally vouch for it, but if you do use it, we’d love to know how you go (one of our readers has recently provided some feedback about their experience in the comments at the end of this post).

Bus tickets to and from Torres del Paine National Park

We based ourselves in Puerto Natales, the nearest town to Torres del Paine, before and after our trek and most travellers do the same. From Puerto Natales, it’s an easy bus trip to and from the park.

If you’re travelling by bus, we recommend organising your bus tickets to and from Torres del Paine well in advance . Don’t leave this until the day you head to the park or you may find the buses already full. 

If you plan to buy your tickets when you arrive in Puerto Natales, aim to do so as soon as you arrive in town. You can buy bus tickets at the main bus station (Terminal Rodoviario), or through your hotel or hostel. We travelled to Puerto Natales by bus so we bought our tickets to Torres del Paine at the bus station the day we arrived. You can also search bus services and buy tickets online here .

It’s important to note that your bus drop-off/pick-up points at the park may vary depending on your final W trail itinerary, so keep this in mind when booking your bus ticket.

If you follow this itinerary and trek from east to west, you’ll start with the bus from Puerto Natales to Laguna Armaga . After your trek, you will board the bus at Pudeto for the return journey to Puerto Natales (this follows a catamaran ride across Lake Pehoe to Pudeto from Paine Grande). Vice versa if you’re hiking the W from west to east.  

To ensure you’re on the trail in good time (and in line with this itinerary), we recommend booking one of the earliest buses out of Puerto Natales on Day 1. 

Packing for the W Trek

Any hike, but especially a multi-day hike, can quickly lose its appeal if you’re carrying too much weight in your pack; something we can personally attest to. So we strongly recommend packing light and only carrying the clothes, gear and food you need for the trek.

If you’re travelling longer term and have more stuff with you – which was our situation – leave it in storage at your hotel. Your back will thank you for it.

You can find most of what you need to buy or rent in Puerto Natales for hiking into the surrounding landscapes, from sleeping bags, camping stoves and hiking poles to dried fruit and nuts for your trail mix.

That said, this is a small and relatively remote town and the local prices reflect it. We’re told there’s more choice and better prices at the supermarkets and shops in Punta Arenas, so if you’re coming from or via Punta Arenas, you might consider doing your trek shopping while in that town.

We’ve also read recent reports that it hasn’t been so easy to find dehydrated meals lately in Puerto Natales. If you’re planning your menu around these, you might think about sourcing them elsewhere.

It’s important to know that Chile has stringent rules around what foods you can and can’t bring into the country (fresh foods, fruits, honey, etc are a no-no). Be sure to declare any foodstuffs you do bring in and plan on buying most of what you need for trek meals and snacks once you’re in the country.

We had a tight meal plan for our spin on the W, but with hindsight, we would swap out some of the bulkier food stuffs we packed for lighter, more compact foods. Next visit, we’ll be looking to pack some dehydrated camping meals and light-weight but filling carbs like cous cous and oats.

The night before the trek, organise any food you’re carrying into daily packages of brekkie, lunch and dinner. Pre-bundling your meals saves scrabbling around in your pack for particular items on the trail). Then pack all the gear you’ll be taking with you in waterproof bags inside your backpack.

Cash, pesos or credit card? One question we get asked is whether to carry US dollars or Chilean pesos into the park, and whether the refuges accept credit cards. We carried all three. We paid for some things in pesos, like snacks and the shuttle to the trail head, and other things in USD, like the catamaran from Paine Grande to Pudeto. We also used our credit card at one of the refuges to buy beers. It’s our understanding that all of the refuges accept credit cards.

Food preparation for our W trek self guided trip.

Our self-guided itinerary for hiking the W Trail

Day 1 – puerto natales to chileno via las torres, total distance: appx. 13.8 km (8.5 miles) total time: appx. 8 hours overnight: camping chileno.

Let’s get trekking! Hopefully you’ve secured your seat on one of the earliest buses out of Puerto Natales this morning (see above regarding buying your bus tickets in advance).

Buses making the run to Torres del Paine National Park generally depart from Terminal Rodoviario in town. Find your bus and load your pack, then kick back until it’s time to go. It’s around two hours to Laguna Amarga, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, so settle in, this is a perfect excuse to grab some extra sleep before starting the hike. 

When you arrive at the Laguna Amarga Ranger Station, have your pre-purchased park entry ticket ready on your mobile phone or bring a printout. Here, you’ll check in and receive information about visiting the park, and its rules and regulations. 

Don’t forget to buy your entrance ticket for Torres del Paine in advance, and at least 24 hours before you head to the park . It’s no longer possible to buy entry tickets on arrival at at the park. Head to the CONAF website for more information .

At Laguna Amarga, hikers split into two groups: those starting their journey here at the eastern end of the park, and those heading to the western starting point at Paine Grande, which involves a further bus trip to Pudeto and a catamaran ride across Lake Pehoé (even if you’re hiking west to east, you’ll get off the bus here to check-in before reboarding the bus for Pudeto).

If, like us, you’re  hiking the W from east to west , your next step after check-in is to jump aboard the Hotel Las Torres public shuttle bus from Laguna Amarga to the Welcome Centre and the eastern starting point of the trek. This costs around US$5 per person and is paid in cash as you board (we paid this in pesos). 

Alternatively, you can start your hike here from Laguna Amarga. The shuttle will just spare you a dusty 7 kilometre walk along the gravel road. 

There’s a toilet at Laguna Amarga, and another at the Welcome Centre. This is a good chance to go before setting off into the mountains.

Trekking tip: We booked our first night’s accommodation at Camping Chileno, which is en route to today’s main destination – the towering granite peaks of Las Torres. We’ll be checking in at Chileno on the way and dropping off our packs ahead of the steep and challenging climb to the Las Torres mirador.  If, however, you’ve booked your first night at Hotel Las Torres or Central Refuge and Camping, then we’d suggest dropping off your packs there first, and setting out on today’s hike to Las Torres with a lighter load.

Signage marks the start of the W Trek in Torres del Paine.

1st Leg: Hotel Las Torres to Chileno ( appx.  5 km / 3.1 miles, around 2 hours)

We’re officially underway on the W trail around 10.30am and from the word go, the views are eye-popping. After a flat kilometre or so, the path starts to climb: get used to it, it’s pretty much uphill from here.

The hike is moderately steep in some spots, until about a kilometre (0.6 miles) or so from Camping Chileno, where the trail flattens out a little before descending into the campground.

Despite feeling like our hearts might explode for much of this first stretch, we cover the distance in around two muscle-busting hours, with frequent stops to take in the views, rehydrate, and give our racing pulses a break.

Hiking the W trail to Refugio Chileno.

Drinking water There’s no need to lug extra water with you on the Torres del Paine circuit. You’ll pass pristine mountain streams regularly throughout your journey. Bring a water bottle, fill up at nature’s tap and enjoy some of the purest water you’ll ever drink. Just remember to top up well away from the camps and upstream of the trails. 

We   haul our packs into Chileno around 12.30pm . This campground is operated by Las Torres Patagonia (formerly Fantástico Sur), and is the closest camp you can stay at to the famous Las Torres hike and mirador (the CONAF-managed campground near the base of the Las Torres climb has been closed for some time). 

The riverside setting at Chileno is truly stunning and the sheer peaks of the three granite towers – our ultimate goal today – rise tantalisingly above the forested mountains ahead.

The campground itself is a nice set-up of tiered camping platforms among the trees. There are shared bathrooms with hot showers, and a restaurant and bar with big windows, plus an outdoor terrace for soaking up the epic views.

Our tent is ready for us when we arrive at Chileno, so we check in, drop our bags in our tent, grab a smaller pack with snacks, water bottles and cameras, eat the lunch we prepared last night, and  set out for Las Torres around 1.30pm . Timings here may vary depending on your check-in.

2nd Leg: Chileno to Las Torres (appx. 4.4 km / 2.7 miles, around 2 hours)

This is without doubt today’s toughest leg, so there’s a huge bonus in not having to tote your full pack up the mountain.

From Chileno, you’ll hike for around 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) or so along a meandering path through pretty woodland, across rushing rivers, and through a wonderfully moody stretch of fallen forest that we dub the ‘tree cemetery’. It’s a lovely, moderate walk, and we have no sense of what’s ahead when we reach the sign that tells us ’45 minutes to Mirador Las Torres’.

My notes from this point in our trek simply state: ‘hiking hell starteth here’. A touch dramatic maybe, but as irregular hikers, this was probably the hardest section of the entire W for us. Maybe you’ll breeze through it, just be ready for it.

Shortly after the sign, the climb to Las Torres begins in earnest. It’s a gritty, rocky terrain of steep, gravelly inclines and large boulders. The panoramas as you climb are absolutely breathtaking, but so is the hike itself. There are moments while we’re in the throes of it, looking up and spotting the tiny trekkers far above, that this stretch feels like it will never end.

It does end though, about an hour later, and the scene that awaits as we round a final boulder and face the towering granite pillars of Las Torres makes every single breath-wrenching step worth it.

The three towers of Las Torres: a showcase site on the Torres del Paine circuit is Las Torres.

It’s buzzing at the top: hikers drape the rocks surrounding the glacier lake; a bushy-tailed Patagonian fox weaves its way between the boulders; there’s even a guy getting his hair cut at the water’s edge (one hairdresser’s quirky approach to memorialising his travels while promoting his business).

We spend some time taking pics before settling onto a boulder of our own to simply take in this awe-inspiring scene. Aim to spend around an hour at Las Torres .

The three peaks of Las Torres on the W Patagonia.

3rd Leg: Las Torres to Chileno (appx. 4.4 km /2.7 miles, around 2 hours)

The journey back down from Las Torres is in some respects even more challenging than the climb up. The constant down is tough on knees and the gravel makes the going slippery. We’re beyond grateful for our hiking poles, though we both still manage to pull off some memorable butt slides.

Trekking tip: Hiking poles made all the difference for us when we were trekking in Patagonia. We carried one each, which was ideal as it left us both with a hand free to grab branches and rocks, haul each other up and down, and catch our fall when we slipped. Which was often.

It takes us around two hours to get back to Chileno; we have time to shower, buy a couple of well-earned beers and watch the sunset burn the tips of Las Torres molten gold.

It was cloudy the entire time we were up at the base of the towers, so watching them all beautifully backlit now is a bit of a kicker, but if there’s one thing you’ll learn quickly hiking the W Patagonia, it’s that the weather doesn’t give a rats what you think.

Chileno's riverside setting, our first night's stopover on our self guided W trek.

Preparing for Patagonian weather If there’s one constant about the weather in Patagonia, it’s that there’s nothing constant about it. We were particularly lucky on our five days in Torres del Paine, but you should be ready for four seasons in a day. Layer up, have a rain jacket handy, and wear quick-dry clothes. Skip a rain cover for your bag though. While we never experienced the legendary winds that tear through the park from time to time, we heard plenty of stories of pack covers being whipped off suddenly and disappearing into the wilds.  Expect to get rained on, and pack your gear in bag liners or waterproof bags inside your backpack instead.

Cooking stoves are not allowed to be used in the Chileno zone, so we opted for the full board food package here, which includes dinner tonight, breakfast tomorrow and a packed lunch to take with us.

Later in the evening, we join a host of other hikers in the restaurant for a surprisingly tasty and filling three-course meal full of protein and carbs.  

We’re absolutely wrecked by the end of dinner, and we’re tucked up in our sleeping bags by 9.30pm. 

Sunrise at Las Torres When we originally planned our itinerary for hiking the W, we had every intention of doing a second trek to Las Torres for sunrise on Day 2. In late March, this would have entailed getting back on the track up the mountain by 5.30am. As we climbed into our sleeping bags that first night though, we decided to pull the pin: we were just too tired, and we were also a little wary of making the tricky climb again in the dark. It was a tough call at the time, and it didn’t help when we poked our heads out of our tent the next morning to see the torres erupting with golden light above the silhouetted foreground. As we watched though, the clouds rolled in and soon enough the peaks were shrouded in mist. There’s no accounting for Patagonian weather, or how your body may feel after a long day of hiking. The best you can do is plan, and be flexible on the day.

Day 2 – Chileno to Francés

Total distance: appx. 18 km / 11.2 miles total time: appx. 6 hours 45 minutes overnight: camping francés.

Sunrise is around 8am when we do the W trek in late March, and as we haven’t made the dawn hike to Las Torres, we enjoy a more leisurely start to the morning on Day 2. 

If you do decide to do the dawn hike up to Las Torres for sunrise, factor in around five hours this morning and adjust the following timings for today’s next legs accordingly.

As breakfast is part of our full board package at Camping Chileno, we pack up our gear and head to the dining room at 8.30am for a hearty kickstart to the day.

1st Leg: Chileno to Los Cuernos (appx.  15 km / 9.3 miles, around 4.5 hours)

We’re on the trail by 9.15am , heading back towards Hotel Las Torres. We won’t be going all the way to the hotel though as there’s a shortcut off to the right around half-an-hour after leaving Chileno. The shortcut is signposted and takes you along a mostly downward sloping path surrounded by undulating hills and lake views.

Rolling hills and lake views accompany the trekker on our second day on the W trail Patagonia.

We reach the end of the shortcut and  rejoin the main W route around 11am . At some point after this though, we suddenly find ourselves in what can only be described as the Patagonian Swamps of Mordor and we start to wonder whether we’ve veered off on to a secondary trail by mistake.

We can still glimpse the Nordernskjöld Lake off to left, and we know the official trail travels alongside it. To this day, we’re unsure if we did actually go off piste (though the number of bootprints in the mud suggests not).

Eventually, we seem to be back on track according to the map, just a little muddier for the experience (and even more grateful for our depth guage hiking poles).

Navigating through mud is common when hiking Torres del Paine.

The next stretch travels up and down through very pretty lakeside country, with the occasional steep section, before passing down into the valley at Los Cuernos.  We arrive at the Los Cuernos shelter and camping area around 1.45pm .

You could stop at any point along the stretch to Los Cuernos for a lunch break; we stop just past the shelter and find a nice rock with a view. We opted for the full board meal package with Camping Chileno so we’ve been provided with a packed lunch today as part of this. 

We chill for around 45 minutes and then  set off around 2.30pm for Camping Francés , where we’ll be staying tonight.

A swing bridge crosses a river on the W Trek in Torres del Paine.

2nd Leg: Los Cuernos to Francés (appx.   3 km / 1.9 miles, around 1.5 hours)

The trail to the Francés campground is up and down and rubbly, with some steep sections, and a pretty pebbly beach crossing. Today’s walk has been positively sedate compared to yesterday’s heart-starter climbs, but never fear, a leg-burning rise awaits just before the descent into the camp.

We arrive at Camping Francés around 4.00pm . The campground here is run by Las Torres Patagonia   (formerly Fantástico Sur).

The tent platforms are clustered between the trees and there’s a good shower and toilet block a short walk from the campsite. There’s also a small shop with basic amenities. 

By 5.15pm we’re checked in and set up on our platform. We’ve arranged for a tent at Camping Frances but we’re cooking our own food tonight.  

Sunset is close to 8pm in late March, and having made it through our second day on the W trail, we’re zipped up in our sleeping bags soon after.

Clouds reflect off the mirror-still lake at Camping Francés in Torres del Paine.

Day 3: Francés to Paine Grande via Francés Valley

Total distance: appx. 20.3 km / 12.6 miles t otal time: appx. 9 hours overnight: camping paine grande.

Despite our fatigue, neither of us sleeps particularly well on our second night and we’re both groggy when the alarm goes off at 7am.

Our restlessness is partly due to the strange soundtrack that has accompanied us throughout the night: sharp cracking sounds like distant shot gun blasts and deep, thunderous rumbles. It’s not until we set out on the trail through the Francés Valley today though, that the source of the unnerving noises becomes obvious.

On this itinerary, today is the longest day hiking the W, and based on our experience, we recommend getting on the trail by 8am at the latest to maximise your time in the Frances Valley. We departed later when we trekked, so we’ve adjusted the timings below to suit an earlier start.  

1st Leg: Francés to Italiano Ranger Station (appx. 2 km / 1.2 miles, around 30 minutes)

The first leg this morning is a rejuvenating, 30-minute leg-stretcher to Italiano Ranger Station. Aim to pack up and set out from camp by 8am. 

There’s a ranger at the Italiano Ranger Station when we arrive. He points to some racks opposite the office building; this is where we opt to leave our backpacks ahead of the challenging hike into Francés Valley.  

We sort our valuables and lunch into a smaller daypack, lock up the big packs, and get going again. Look to be back on the trail by 8.45am . 

2nd Leg: Italiano Ranger Station to Británico Lookout (appx. 5.4 km / 3.4 miles, around 3 hours)

The first kilometre (0.6 miles) out of Italiano is a flat trail through pleasant forest, after which the track starts to climb steeply through a rocky, rubbly stretch.

The scenery is seriously beautiful, serving up views of the ironically named Paine Grande Hill – 3,050 metres above sea level – and the Francés glacier that clings to it. This is the source of the crackshots and grumbles we’ve been hearing as the hanging ice shifts, melts and avalanches down the mountain.

Soon enough, you’ll reach a mirador offering spectacular panoramas over the ‘hill’ and its glacier; this is the perfect spot for a short break and a snack, as the next stretch is tough.

The mountain-and-glacier scene at Paine Grande Hill on the W trek itinerary.

From here, the trail to Británico Lookout is a challenging, rubble-strewn boulder dash with lots of climbing.

A flat, rocky clearance scattered with the parched white trunks of dead trees and overshadowed by the jaw-dropping Cuernos massif, marks the final stretch before a steep, 10-minute climb to the mirador itself.

The jaw-dropping Cuernos mountain range in Torres del Paine National Park.

Summitting the boulders of the Británico Lookout around three hours after setting out , we cast our eyes over what will become our favourite panorama of this epic journey: the vast and spectacular Francés Valley. Find a rock to perch on and settle in for lunch with this glorious scene at your feet.

The vast and spectacular Frances Valley is a highlight panorama of the W trail Patagonia.

We’ve come a long way, but there’s still a huge day of hiking the W ahead. To our eternal regret, we were only able to linger here for half an hour as we left camp too late on this morning. That’s why we recommend getting on the trail no later than 8am today – trust us, you’ll want as much time at Britanico as possible and by arriving around 11.45am, you’ll have close to an hour here.

We’ve promised ourselves that next time, we’ll spend an extra day or two in this valley so we can take in this view at our leisure. For us, this remains one of the most magnificent vistas we’ve come across in all our world travels.

Trekking tip: Get on the trail by 8am at latest this morning so you can hang out for at least an hour at Britanico, or better yet, stay an extra day in the Francés Valley. 

3rd Leg: Británico Lookout to Italiano Ranger Station (appx. 5.4 km / 3.4 miles, around 2 hours)

Aim to set off back down the trail to Italiano around 12.45pm . We find this a knee-buckling downward journey and our legs are screaming by the time we reach our packs back at the Italiano Ranger Station just over two hours later. 

Once we’ve retrieved our packs (now four-deep in a giant bag pile), re-sorted them, and stopped for a quick breather, we set out for the Paine Grande refuge and camping area, starting with a bridge crossing out of Italiano.  It’s around 3pm by this stage . 

Crossing a swing bridge en route from Italiano Ranger Station to Paine Grande Lodge on the W Trail.

4th Leg: Italiano Ranger Station to Paine Grande (appx. 7.5 km / 4.6 miles, around 2.5 hours)

The final stretch of the W trail today is a journey of around 7.5 kilometres (4.6 miles) and it’s mostly flat with some sloping ups and downs.

Travelling out of the valley and along the raised walkway as you head towards Sköttsberg Lake, remember to turn around and take in the mountain scene back the other way: it is immense.

Hiking the W Patagonia offers endless epic vistas like the Cuernos mountain range.

After some more steady rises, we make our final descent into Paine Grande Refuge and Camping around 5.30pm . By this stage, we’re seriously sore and tired and very ready for a beer from the lodge bar, which is the first thing we do once we’ve checked in and dropped our packs at our tent.

The campground at Paine Grande, which is managed by Vertice Travel, is large and separated into sections for campers carrying their own gear, and those like us who have booked a tent. A wooden walkway links the campgrounds with the lodge, the campers’ kitchen and bathrooms.

The campground at Paine Grande in Torres del Paine.

As Paine Grande is the western starting point for hiking the W and a transit point for O circuit trekkers, as well as for day trippers and short stay visitors, this is the largest and busiest lodge and campground in the park. 

There’s a good-sized kitchen building, which is heaving with trekkers when we make our way in there to cook dinner around 7pm. 

The camp shower and toilet facilities here are basic. We recommend getting your ablutions out of the way while everyone else is cooking dinner and before the post-meal rush. Paine Grande also has dorms, a restaurant and bar, and a mini-market. 

We’re tucked up in our tent just as a light rain begins to fall around 8.30pm. 

Day 4 – Paine Grande to Grey 

Total distance: appx. 11 km / 6.8 miles total time: appx. 3 hours 45 minutes overnight: camping grey.

Today is our shortest day so far on the W trail, so we decide to set out a little later as we’re definitely starting to feel the past three days’ hiking, and a strange kind of exhilarated fatigue. 

We’re up at 8am with plans to be on the trail by 9am. However the banshee-like screeches of a fox followed by the thrilling appearance of a large, tawny-coloured puma on the hill behind the camp has us – and everyone else – lingering for a while in hushed awe, until the sleek big cat disappears around a bend into the next valley. Which happens to be the same valley we’re about to trek into. 

After checking in at the ranger station for advice on what to do if we see the puma again, we set off through the narrow, pretty dell at around 10am . We’re both relieved (and maybe a touch disappointed) to find no further sign of our feline friend.

The big cats of Patagonia Don’t let the thought of pumas roaming the forests of Torres del Paine put you off trekking there. The fact is, these magnificent creatures are extremely shy and actively avoid humans. Seeing a puma is incredibly rare. Spotting one near camp as we did is apparently almost unheard of. However, it’s important to be across what to do and how to act if you do encounter a puma; you’ll find advice on this in the guide that you receive when you register for your Torres del Paine trek.

The valley walk is flat at first but soon begins to climb, and continues to serve up steady inclines followed by some steep descents into the Grey refuge and camping area.

The scenery on this leg is still epic, but maybe a touch more serene than the high drama mountainscapes of the last couple of days. Grey Lake is flat and still on the day we hike the trail, and dotted with blueish lumps of ice from the vast Grey Glacier at its head.

About halfway along the trail, a rocky lookout reveals the first glimpses of this immense glacier, a sea of ice six kilometres (3.7 miles) wide and 30 metres (98 feet) high in places.

Views over the Grey Glacier from the mirador on the W hike to Grey Lodge.

We arrive at the Grey Camping area around 1.45pm , a journey of 3 hours and 45 minutes, with plenty of photo and snack stops along the way.

Grey Refuge and Camping is also operated by Vertice Travel. The lodge has a lovely bar and lounge area in addition to its dorms, and the campground out front is overlooked by the stunning peaks of the Cordon Olguín. By the time we arrive, the clouds have cleared and the mountains burn golden as the sun drops.

Tents cluster under the golden glow of the Olguin mountains in Torres del Paine.

If you’ve got the energy, check in (or leave your pack with the office if check-in hasn’t opened yet), and then head back out to hike past the western tip of the W trail and on to the first leg of the O circuit towards Paso Ranger Station. This will bring you much closer to the glacier, but bear in mind, it’s a five hour, one-way hike to Paso itself.

Trekking tip: Leaving Paine Grande at 10am worked well for us, but if you do want to hike a stretch of the trail from Grey towards Paso and back to Grey today, consider starting out from Paine Grande earlier in the morning so you have more time to do this.

We opt to stop and enjoy our lunch with mountain views, then roll out our mats and nap in the sun until check-in opens. 

After getting our tent sorted, we hike to a rocky outcrop on the lake just 15 minutes from camp. The views from here towards the glacier’s terminus are gorgeous and we spend time here just soaking up the scene.

Grey Glacier marks the western tip of the W trail in Torres del Paine National Park.

On our return to camp, we head to the lodge for a drink at the bar before making dinner on one of the picnic benches outside the buzzing campers’ cooking area.

In addition to the bar, there’s a restaurant at Grey, and a small shop selling grocery basics. There’s an equally small toilet and shower block for campers (the showers only have certain hours of operation but the water is hot).  

We’re in bed by 9pm and prepped for a very early departure in the morning.

Day 5 – Grey to Paine Grande  (and return to Puerto Natales)

Total distance: appx. 11 km / 6.8 miles total time: 3 hours 15 minutes.

It’s our last day on the W hike! We’re on the trail early so we can get back to Paine Grande in time for the late morning catamaran across Lake Pehoe to Pudeto, where we’ll pick up the bus back to Puerto Natales. 

It shouldn’t take more than four hours to get back to Paine Grande from the Grey campground, but we’re feeling pretty exhausted by this stage and John has nurtured some nasty blisters, so we’re up and on the trail before sunrise . 

It’s freezing when we set out but as the sky starts to lighten, we’re treated to a stunning peach-tinted sky reflecting off the lake, and we stop often to snap pics.

Dawn turns the clouds orange over Grey Lake on the W trail Patagonia.

Despite John’s sore feet, we make good time on the return journey and while we’re climbing for much of the first half, it feels easier than the trek up from Paine Grande yesterday. Maybe it’s because we’re on the home run, even though the thought makes us sad.

Our journey back to Paine Grande takes us 3 hours and 15 minutes , 30 minutes less than yesterday’s hike in the opposite direction. 

We haven’t eaten breakfast and we’re starving by the time we arrive. We were planning to grab something to eat at the restaurant at Paine Grande, but we discover it’s closed between breakfast and lunch. 

We make do with our leftover trail mix instead, which is a bigger deal than you might think: we packed way too much of the bitty hiker’s snack and after five days we have a serious love/hate relationship with it. 

Fortunately, there’s now a mini market at Paine Grande, which is apparently open from 7am. But if you’re setting out really early like us, perhaps have something you can eat on the go for this final morning.

Tickets and times for the ferry between Paine Grande and Pudeto Ferry departure times from Paine Grande and Pudeto change throughout the year so be sure to check the schedule when you’re planning your w trek itinerary, and adjust your final day hiking start time to ensure you arrive back at Paine Grande at least 30 minutes before the ferry departs.   You don’t need to reserve a place on the boat, just hop aboard and buy your ticket with cash (at last check, it’s US$30 for internationals). The journey to Pudeto takes around 30 minutes.  

We board the late morning catamaran  for our return to the eastern side of the park. The boat trip across Lake Pehoé offers spectacular views of the entire mountainscape we’ve spent the last five days traversing. It’s an epic perspective of the W panorama and a mesmerising finale to our W trek itinerary. 

If the weather is nice, we totally recommend taking a seat outside on the catamaran so you can properly admire the breathtaking scenery. 

View of the mountain panorama of the W trail in Patagonia from Lake Pehoé.

Disembarking the ferry at Pudeto, we grab a coffee from the lakeside café (open from October throughout the trekking season), take a seat in the sun, and enjoy our last moments in Torres del Paine while we wait for our bus. 

Pudeto ferry and bus connections   In addition to checking ferry times for the catamaran between Paine Grande and Pudeto when you’re organising your trek, it’s also worth checking the bus connections to and from Pudeto, so you can work out the best approach for your final day on the trail.  

From Pudeto, the bus makes its way back to the Laguna Amarga Ranger Station to collect hikers finishing their trek at the eastern end of the park. From there,  we settle in for the return two hour bus journey to Puerto Natales . 

Tonight, back in Puerto Natales, after a good hot shower and a lamentation on the ridiculous amount of trail mix we’ve got left over, we head out for a celebratory drink.

Our legs might be seizing, our knees protesting and we’re beyond exhausted, but we’re buzzing with the sheer thrill of having completed this epic trek. We’re already talking about when we might come back and hike the W trail again, or better yet, take on the longer O circuit. 

However we do it, trekking in Torres del Paine is one nature experience we’re keeping firmly on our bucket list. 

Two For The World - Hiking the W Patagonia.

Got any questions? Have you trekked in Torres del Paine recently? We’d love to hear from you, drop us a message below.

For more exciting experiences and things to do in this incomparable part of the world, head to our Chile page or our South America section.

41 thoughts on “Hiking The W Trek In Patagonia: A Self-Guided Itinerary [2024]”

Do you have a map with the accommodations you booked or where you rented out tents/gears? Planning on doing this solo in June!

Hi Erika, thanks for your message! There’s a trail map available at the official Torres del Paine website: https://parquetorresdelpaine.cl/mapa-2023-2024/ – it shows all the accommodations/campsites along the trail. You can also find links in our post to the accommodation providers we booked our campsites and camping gear through.

As you’re considering a June trip, we’d also encourage you to check out the official Torres del Paine website for information about winter hiking regulations – https://parquetorresdelpaine.cl/permisos-especiales/ . Many of the accommodations and trails close over winter and while you can visit the park, we understand it’s mandatory to have a guide for the W Trek and the trek to the base of Las Torres between 1 May and 30 August (though the timeframes can change depending on weather). All the best with your planning! ~ Danielle

Hello Dan, What a great find this was. Thank you so much for writing it. I’m looking to mimic your trek with some modifications. I will very likely have a car rental when I arrive into Punta Arenas. My plan is to drive myself and 2 others into the park and leave the vehicle parked at the welcome center or hotel (unsure if this is allowed). At the end you mention that you ferry to Pudeto- then catch a bus that swings by Laguna Amarga into Puerto Natales. Is there a bus that goes directly back to the welcome center or hotel from Pudeto so we can get back in my rental? It looks like the Laguna Amarga ranger station is about 8.5 km from the welcome center. Or is it best to just shuttle from Puerto Natales for the whole thing and leave the rental somewhere in town?

Hi Bruce, thanks so much for your message and feedback! Very good question re. parking – based on our limited research into this, our understanding is that you can leave your car at Hotel Las Torres while you trek if you’re a guest there, otherwise, cars can be parked at the nearby Welcome Centre. We’ve also seen reference online to a small car parking area at Pudeto, so in theory you could arrange bus tickets from Pudeto to Laguna Amarga, and from there get the hotel shuttle to Hotel Las Torres/the Welcome Centre. I would suggest posting your question on Tripadvisor and hopefully someone has done something similar recently and can provide latest info. It might also be worth contacting Hotel Las Torres and asking their advice; no doubt they get questions like this frequently. All the very best for your trip planning and the trek itself – it’s an unforgettable experience! Cheers, Danielle & John

Thank you so much for the great information. I’m a long term planner and we’re looking to book for our family of four, Christmas 2024. I found this blog really really helpful in hiking cost effectively. Thanks Again!

Hi Melissa, thank you so much for your message, we’re really happy you’ve found our post helpful in your planning. Also very excited for you and your family – what a fantastic Christmas experience! We hope you have a really wonderful time hiking the W, it’s just such an incredible place! All the best and happy hiking! Danielle & John

Thanks for the article, I find it very useful. I have just booked the circuit trail for this April. About that: I looked into using Booking Patagonia for the reservations, and it works really well. Though, there is a downside: they charge an extra $90. You’ll notice this at the very and of the booking process, which I found quite frustrating. For me that was a reason to book directly at Vertice and Las Torres Patagonia, which works fine.

Hi Valentijn, thanks so much for this update, that’s really helpful to know! Thanks also for your feedback on our post, we’re pleased you’ve found it useful. All the best for your upcoming trip in April, have a sensational time and happy hiking! Cheers, Danielle & John

Thanks for the great write up. The details are useful and your descriptions are inspiring. I’m leaving for Chile in a couple days and your post just added to my excitement.

Hey Mike, thanks so much for your feedback, we hope you have a really fantastic trip. Chile is an incredible country, one of our faves!

Cheers, Danielle & John

Thank you for that informativ Blog! I have a question: are there any possibilities to heat up some water in the Refugiés without a stove?

All the best Sophie

Hi Sophie, thanks for your message!

As we had a cooking stove (and booked meals at Chileno where stoves can’t be used), we can’t personally say for sure whether hot water is currently available at all of the stops on the route. That said, we did find a trekker’s report online from late 2023 noting that they were able to access hot water (not boiling) through the coffee/tea dispensers at each of the refugios they stayed at, which they used for their dehydrated meals. Would suggest seeing if there are other trip reports from this season, or posting on a forum for latest updates. Or perhaps hire a stove in Puerto Natales and buy a gas canister just to be on the safe side! We’d love to know what you find out!

Have a magic time trekking the W!

Cheers, Dan & John

Hi guys. Thanks for all the detailed info. Just wondering if you could give an estimate of how much it cost for the W trek. I am being quoted $1180 per person for 4 nights and five days starting 12th February with this included:

•⁠ ⁠camping accommodation with all the equipment •⁠ ⁠all the meals •⁠ ⁠transportation from/to natales-park •⁠ ⁠park entrance •⁠ ⁠catamaran •⁠ ⁠welcome kit

Not sure if this price is really high or if it would work out as that much if I book everything myself separately anyway.

Many thanks

Thanks for your message and feedback – we’re really excited for your trek in Torres del Paine.

We were travelling long-term when we did the W Trek so we went out of our way to keep costs down by booking the campsites directly, carrying some of our own camping gear and bringing most of our own food. Travelling as a pair also helped as the single supplements can add quite a bit. We’d also note that, like everything, prices have hiked post-Covid.

We’ve included some costings in our post but not many as we’re conscious things can change quickly (plus there are so many potential cost combos for accommodation/food, it’s tricky to provide a general estimate). As the bulk of your costs will be in the camping, gear and food components, you might consider checking out the latest price lists for camping and food package options on the Vertice and Las Torres Patagonia websites; that would give you a sense of costs in the context of your quote. Given how quickly accomm/campsites book up for the season and the challenge of trying to coordinate an itinerary across multiple websites, having a third party making the arrangements, while costing more, would take the hassle out of that.

All the best with your planning and we hope you have a sensational time trekking!

Cheers Danielle & John

Your hikes sounded amazing. We are going in Feb and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Sounds like I should do some training! Do you recommend stiff hiking boots to navigate the big rocks or are light hikers enough support?

Thanks for sharing, Karen. Canada

Hi Karen, many thanks for your feedback! To be honest, if you’re a regular walker/hiker, you may find the W Trek a breeze – we met plenty of people who barely cracked a sweat, lol. As irregular hikers, we found some of the steeper sections a little more ‘breath-taking’ but still very do-able. We both wore regular lightweight hiking shoes and they were fine (apart from John developing blisters towards the end), but we also saw people in solid boots. I guess it depends on your preference. We did find having a hiking pole each was useful on some of the more uneven terrain like the rocky climb to Las Torres. We’d love to hear about your trek when you get back – have a fantastic time! Danielle

Going in February, cant wait. Did you know how anyone who did the kayak at Grey and talked about there experience?

Hi Efren, that’s so exciting! We don’t personally know anyone who has kayaked at Grey but we wish we’d had time for it – what an amazing experience! The lake is beautiful and the glacier is epic! If you do kayak, we’d love to hear about it! Have a fantastic time, Cheers, Danielle & John

Awesome Post!

I’m looking at doing this the same direction as you guys did around the same time in 2025.

You mentioned availibilty determined your campgrounds; that being said would you change any of your stays if you could in retrospect? Maybe saw some better campgrounds/lodges along the way that you wish you could have booked had there been availibilty?

Hi Chris, thanks for your message and good question! We were on a long travel stint when we did the W Trek so we opted for camping to keep our costs down, plus the campsites we ended up with proved to be very well located for a five-day itinerary. That said, all of the lodges and refuges looked quite nice so if we were to do it again (and we hope to!), we would consider adding some lodge/refuge stays, following the same itinerary. Location-wise, the Cuernos and French refuges would be good alternatives to camping (though these are beds in dorms, which is less appealing to us). We would definitely consider the Cuernos Cabins (2-3 people per cabin), especially if we were planning a longer stay in the French Valley! We’d also consider staying at the lodge at Grey next time as, of all the campgrounds, this was probably our least favourite (plus we were very ready for a bed by that stage!). Overall, the quality of the campgrounds/refuges throughout the park is very good and we were really happy with our camping experience and itinerary. Best of luck with your planning and we’d love to know how you go! Happy travels!

Wonderful description. We are going in Jan 2024! Looking forward to it.

Hi Kishore Joshi, thank you so much for your feedback, we hope you’ve found it helpful! Wishing you a fantastic W Trek, it really is the most incredible place! Happy travels!

Hi! How much cash would we need, knowing that the bus and entrance are paid for and also full board meal plan at the refugios is booked? So for snacks, water or other costs etc? Do they accept USD or should we have it exchanged? Thanks!

PS, did you also really use ‘poop bags’ for your used toilet paper along the way? 😅

Thanks for your message. We carried both USD and Chilean pesos with us just in case, and we were able to use credit cards at the refuges. We paid for the shuttle from Laguna Amarga and the catamaran from Paine Grande in pesos, though we have read that the catamaran operators may take USD in high season. It’s handy to have pesos for smaller purchases like snacks. We carried a refillable bottle and filled up in streams and at the refugios, so we didn’t purchase water.

We have packed degradable doggy bags for carrying out toilet paper on past hikes! 🙂 On the W Trek though, we carried a loo roll and some trusty Ziploc bags, but we mostly just made strategic use of the campground facilities!

Happy trekking!

Hi John and Dan Thanks for such good info. Is it safe doing it self guided ? Thanks

Hey Iris, thanks so much for your message, we hope you found the post helpful. We found going self-guided very easy – the trails are well trodden and during the peak season, there are plenty of other people hiking too (guides are mandatory in winter). Plus all trekkers have to stay in the designated camping and accomm areas so there are others around and you can stay in dorms if you’re not keen on camping. Conditions can vary dramatically though and it is the great outdoors, so having appropriate gear is essential and hiking with friends is good idea though we hear lots of people do it solo. Everyone we met en route were friendly, encouraging and helpful too. We absolutely loved the hiking the W and hope you get to experience it too! Happy travels! Dan & John

This is really helpful thank you so much. Did you have much hiking experience before you took this on? Would you recommend any training prior to going? What size backpack would you recommend taking?

Thank you so much

Hi Jo, thanks for your kind words, we’re glad you found the post useful! We’re casual hikers and while we’d done a bit of hiking before the W, it was certainly one of the ‘biggest’ hikes we’d done. We definitely tried to up our walking/hiking game before the W in preparation and glad we did as we personally found some of the steeper, sustained-climbing parts of the trek relatively tough – we just took our time and had lots of breaks; necessary anyway to take in the gorgeous views! I carried a 30L daypack and John carried a 50L backpack – between us we carried everything we needed for the five day hike, but I would note that we didn’t have to carry tents, sleeping bags or mats as we hired these. We hope you have the chance to hike the W trek, it remains at the very top of our hiking list! Happy travels!

Thank you all for this awesome breakdown and information! We followed it exactly to book our accommodations and plan to do the trek end of March. Thanks again!

Hi Kristen, thanks so much for your feedback! We’re stoked you found our post helpful and we’re very excited for your upcoming trip. Torres del Paine is sooooo spectacular, wishing you a fantastic trek – let us know how you go! ~ Danielle & John

Thanks Dan for the great details and info.

Hi Kristen. I am doing the trek around of march with a friend. We are travelling from Perth, Australia. Would be great to collaborate in planning.

Thanks Bikash

Hello! This page is fantastic, thank you so much. We are looking at November and can be flexible in terms of dates. Did you book your accommodation first? Are there any other considerations i.e. tickets or entry to the park? Or should we just arrange accommodation and go from there? Do you mind sharing how much you paid approximately for your camping accommodation? No worries if not. Thanks 🙂 Amie

Hi Amie, many thanks! We booked our accommodation first and a couple of months in advance. Site availability ended up driving our approach to the trek – so it’s good that you have flexibility! Would definitely get in as early as possible to book. Tickets for the park itself are arranged at the park entry office, but you will need to have the accomm bookings in place (and evidence of them) when you get to that point. So it’s important to book the accommodation and bus tickets to the park in advance. Bus tix you can buy when you get to Puerto Natales, but try and do that as soon as you arrive rather than on the day you intend to travel to the park. Prices for camping and cabins may have changed since we trekked, but if you head to the accomm links in our post, you’ll be able to find out the current prices as it’s all bookable online. Hope that helps and have a fantastic trek! Cheers, Dan & John

Thank you for the detailed information. We are trekking this exact route this March 2020!

Hi Jackie, thanks for your message, we’re really happy you’ve found it helpful for planning. Hope you have a sensational trek!

Thank you so much for the detailed guide! This is really helpful 🙂

Hi Katherine, thanks for getting in touch! We’re really pleased you found the guide useful – happy hiking!

How did you book the campsite ? I unable to locate the source to book just the campsite

Hey Rajesh, thanks for the message.

The Camping areas are run by three different operators in the park, and you can find links to all three operators in our post.

All three operators’ websites have information about their camp sites, and how to book.

Hope this helps.

John & Dan

Exactly what I’m looking for, thanks! Chileno and Los Torres always been there on my bucket list, now I know where and how to start.

Awesome, thanks Rika, we’re really pleased you’ve found it helpful. It is the most spectacular walk – even if you just did the one leg to Las Torres, you’d have photography opps galore! Happy travels!

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Trekking In Patagonia- Essential Info For Hiking Patagonia

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Argentina , Chile , Hikes , Patagonia , South & Central America

trekking in patagonia

Patagonia is an incredibly varied trekking destination. This is a true natural wonderland where condors soar and volcanos smoke. Patagonia hiking trails offer, in my opinion, some of the best treks in South America !

In 2022 I was lucky enough to spend a few months in Patagonia hiking and exploring.

Below I've provided an overview of useful information that will help you choose and plan your Patagonia hike. Where appropriate, you will find links to in-depth guidance articles on popular hikes like the Fitz Roy , W trek and O Circuit .

But before I jump in, let's briefly look at why I love Patagonia.

Why Go Hiking In Patagonia?

Patagonia is one of the leading trekking destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why! If you need any further motivation, read on. These are a few reasons why travelers rate Patagonia trekking so highly.

Patagonia Hiking Landscapes 

Lying on South America’s southern frontier and covering some 400,000 square miles, Patagonia is a wild landscape that is both barren and beautiful.

If you chose to trek in Patagonia, you will find wide open spaces, places with beautiful mountains , towering granite spires, and pristine rivers.

Patagonia-Torres-Del-Paine

Patagonia is without a doubt a land of extremes. In the west, the land is home to some of the most beautiful temperate rainforests on the planet whilst the east experiences some of the most ferocious winds in the Americas. Patagonia is also home – quite surprisingly – to the world’s seventh-largest desert.

Patagonia Wildlife

Guanacos

Guanacos in Patagonia National Park

Nature enthusiasts are no doubt wondering what animals you will see along the trails of Patagonia. The answer is a lot.

No matter where you hike in Patagonia, you are sure to see an abundance of birdlife. Look out for different woodpecker species in the forests and an abundance of waterbirds around the rivers and Lagunas. Massive condors are often spotted soaring above the desert.

The seemingly barren lands alongside the roads of southern Argentina are home to a surprising array of creatures. You can’t miss the thousands of shaggy guanacos. If you pay attention, you will probably also spot some foxes and even skunks.

I lucked out on my Patagonia backpacking trip. Not only did I get to see a Huemel (an endangered Chilean deer), but also had a face-to-face encounter with a Puma!

puma Chile Patagonia

I managed to take a -not very good- pic of the curious cat

You can increase your chances of animal sightings by getting out early and always paying attention to your surroundings. However, luck plays a big role!

Patagonia Hiking Trails Are Easy To Follow

Almost all major treks in Patagonia are on well-worn trails. There is very little chance of getting lost. Even the lesser-known routes had some of the clearest markings I’ve seen anywhere.

Trail marker outside O' Higgins, Chile

A trail marker along one of Chile's many hiking routes

Ranger huts are dotted along the bigger trails. The park authorities put a lot of effort into keeping the trails clear and taking care of the infrastructure. This is why you shouldn’t complain about paying the entrance fee required for most reserves.

Popular Hiking Routes in Patagonia

Being such a wild and beautiful landscape, Patagonia is packed with literally hundreds of trekking routes. There are hundreds of options for day hikes and multi-day treks.

The three most popular trekking routes in Patagonia are the Torres Del Paine Full Circuit Trek, the Torres W Trek, and the Fitz Roy Trek. All three treks offer something very different in terms of landscapes and difficulty.

Below is a brief description of each route.

Torres Del Paine Full Circuit Trek

Torres Del Paine, Patagonia, Argentina

Torres Del Paine National Park

One of the greatest and undiscovered treks on earth, the Torres Del Paine Full Circuit is a brilliant mix of stunning landscapes and unrivalled panoramic views.

The trail is 130km long and trekkers generally take 7 to 9 days to complete it, although often more experienced trekkers do it in less than 5 days!

Torres del Paine National Park was designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978 and is home to some of the most diverse flora and fauna in South America.

The Full Circuit leads trekkers on the standard W Trek before continuing around the back end of the park to Refugio Dickson. Hikers then climb up and over John Gardner Pass before descending back down to Campamento Grey.

See my complete guide to the Torres del Paine O trek.

Torres Del Paine W Trek

Grey Lake, Torres Del Paine, Hiking Patagonia

Grey Lake with Grey Glacier in the background, the start of the W Trek

Probably the most popular trek in Patagonia, the Torres Del Paine W Trek is fast becoming one of the most well-respected short hikes in the world due to the trail’s incredible scenery.

The trek generally takes in the region of 5 days to complete (depending on fitness) and leads visitors into the very heart of the national park through vibrant forests, soaring granite peaks, and colossal glaciers.

The trail is 100km long and begins with an excellent boat ride near the Grey Glacier and finishes with a beautiful sunrise at the famous Torres on the last morning.

Fitz Roy Trek

One of the most well-known mountains in South America , Mount Fitz Roy has been an emblem of Patagonia for many years.

At 3,375m, the jagged granite spines as you enter the small village of El Chaltén. Also known as Cerro Chaltén, Mount Fitz Roy is located on the border between Argentina and Chile on the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

The Fitz Roy hike is generally around 30km in length and takes 3-4 days to complete depending on how much walking you wish to do each day.

Best Short Hikes in Patagonia

Although Patagonia is home to some incredible multi-day hikes, there are actually countless shorter hikes available for visitors with a little less time on their hands.

Day hikes to Mount Fitz Roy are extremely popular as you can get the classic peak photo to take home!

Fitz Roy, El Chaten, Hiking Patagonia

Mount Fitzroy view from Laguna Los Tres. One of Patagonia's most famous sights!

There are also some fantastic short hikes if you want to visit a glacier, such as the Cerro Castillo Glacier walk and the El Morado Glacier Trek.

See our guide to Patagonia day hikes .

Planning Your Patagonia Trek

Here are some of the key considerations when hiking Patagonia.

Chilean Patagonia Vs Argentinian Patagonia

Hiking Patagonia, Ushuaia, Laguna Esmeralda

A short and popular trail to Laguna Esmeralda outside Ushuaia

Patagonia overlaps the border into the southernmost parts of Chile and Argentina. Despite being close to each other, the two sides are pretty distinct. Luckily, it is easy to cross the border and spend time in both countries. Patagonia Argentina is the more popular region for tourists. As a result, the trails get very busy over peak season (November-March). Between mountains, the landscape is surprisingly flat, dry, and rocky. Route 40 is a popular road for motorcyclists. Argentina is home to some of the most famous places for hiking in Patagonia. These include El Chalten (Fitz Roy) and Ushuaia. By contrast, Chilean Patagonia is much greener and more mountainous. The Caraterra Austral is the only main road through this region. It runs from Puerto Montt and ends in O’ Higgens. Along this route, you will find gushing waterfalls, fjords, thriving forests, and even volcanos. To be honest, I fell in love with the Chilean side of Patagonia. The trails are uncrowded and there are a ton of hidden gems to discover. The Caraterra Austral is probably also the safest and easiest road in the world for hitchhiking. This is a great way to meet people and practice your Spanish.

Torres Del Paine, probably the most famous Patagonian park, is on the Chilean side.

Do I Need To Book In Advance When Hiking In Patagonia?

The more popular routes often limit the number of trekkers and you’ll need to book early to avoid disappointment. Campsites also book up early and you’ll often need to prove you have a booking to obtain a permit – this is only necessary on certain treks, particularly in the Torres Del Paine region.

A good rule of thumb is to always assume you will need an advance booking. For small reserves, you can get these on the same day but often need to reserve online.

Where To Sleep When Hiking In Patagonia

If you have booked a multi-day trek in Patagonia, chances are your only accommodation options are in tents. Campsites along famous routes like the W and O Treks in Torres Del Paine need to be booked well in advance online.

camping patagonia

Camping is the cheapest form of accommodation in Patagonia - photo credit: Inacio Gueberoff

If you are on a tight budget, camping is the most affordable option to stay in towns close to the trails. Most official campsites cost around $10 a night and include bathrooms.

Some campsites have a small kitchen. However, I would recommend traveling with your own camp cooking equipment .

You can find a fair amount of free campsites throughout the region. If you download Maps Me app , you will see these free sites are marked. This is generally a great app to have while backpacking Patagonia. It shows many of the trails, even those which are not marked well.

Hostels, Hospedajes and Refugios

Hostels are always a great option for budget travelers. Most towns have some sort of hostel accommodation where you can spend the night before or after a hike. On hikes in Patagonia, you will be able to find refugios. These small, locally run accommodations are particularly common on the Argentina side. As well as being warmer and more comfortable than a tent, Refugio owners usually cook delicious local meals. This ‘luxury’ comes with a much higher price tag than a hostel. I’d recommend staying in a nice refugio at least once for the experience. If you are visiting Chilean Patagonia, you are bound to see hospedajes. Hostels are not so common in these parts. Hospedajes offer small and simple private rooms with access to a kitchen and bathroom. You can also usually buy meals at an extra cost. Chilean hospedajes were some of my favorite places to stay on my travels. The owners are welcoming and there is always a wood stove burning! These help a lot if you need to dry your soaked hiking gear.

When is the Best Time to Trek In Patagonia?

The brilliant thing about trekking in Patagonia is that all of the treks never reach high altitudes, therefore the region is made accessible all year round.

To give you a sense of the seasons, we have written an overview of each below. See more detailed information on the best time to hike Patagonia .

Spring - September to November 

If you want warm, clear weather but without crowds, this is the perfect time of year to visit the park.

Although it’s certainly not as warm as the high summer months, the skies during Spring are still clear and you’ll get incredible views across the wild landscapes.

Spring is also the best season to see flowering flora in the region as well as wildlife breeding season.

Summer - December to March

This is the high season for both temperatures and tourists. The trails are at their capacity during this period and the parks often feel quite busy.

However, the trade-off is fantastic weather to travel in. The summer months are also the time in which alternative activities such as horse riding, mountain biking, and kayaking are possible. Probably the best period for the active type or for inexperienced trekkers.

Kayaking, Patagonia Chile, Puyuhuapi

You can rent kayaks or book kayaking tours in some places in Patagonia - This was on a misty morning kayaking the fjord in Puyuhuapi, Chile

Fall - March to June

Probably my favourite season. The landscape simply comes alive with blazing colours as the trees and grasses begin their journey into winter.

The trails also begin to empty out during the Fall and the clear landscape views are still common. Be wary though, ferocious winds are frequent during this period and you’ll need to bring the appropriate gear.

Winter - June to August

Although the majority of refugios are closed during this period, this season is certainly the quietest and you’ll often have the trails to yourself.

This is also the coldest period with strong winds, frequent storms, and wintery nights. Most suitable for hardy trekkers who are looking for a quiet experience in the wilds of Patagonia.

Packing List: What Gear Do I need to Trek in Patagonia?

The trekking gear you choose to take with you to Patagonia will very much depend on what route you intend to take and what season you intend to trek in.

To help you prepare we have provided a comprehensive multi-day trek packing list . 

The packing list provided includes a number of essential trekking items. The gear we recommend has been tried and tested by countless trekkers and will serve you well on any multi-day trekking experience.

If you plan to trek in Patagonia independently then you’ll need to keep your backpack weight down. Many of these items such as sleeping bags, tents, trekking poles, etc. can be rented at park entrances across Patagonia. However, I strongly recommend bringing the the important pieces of kit

What Does Patagonia Trek Cost? What Permits Do I Need?

Tourists entering Chile and Argentina from America and the UK do NOT need a visa if the intended trip is under 90 days. If you plan to stay longer than three months then you will need to consult with your local embassy as to the policies regarding this.

Honestly, the easiest thing to do is make a quick border crossing to the other country and return for a renewed 90 days. The authorities are well aware that tourists do this and are not too bothered. However, things change quickly in these parts so best to double-check. Depending on where you plan to trek, a trekking or park permit may be needed. For instance, trekkers looking to hike in Torres Del Paine National Park are required to have a permit which needs to be booked and paid for online. You will also need to produce proof of campsite bookings. If trekking with an operator this should all be taken care of by them prior to your trip – always check though. For the Fitz Roy trekking region there is no permit required.

Recommended Patgonia Guidebook

The Lonely Planet Trekking in the Patagonian Andes (Travel Guide) is one of the most detailed, yet an easy-to-digest guide to the Patagonian Andes. It has most of the treks and routes in it.

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About the author 

Alison Macallister

With a degree in Nature Conservation and experience working with wildlife including the Big 5, Alison used to work as a guide for a 5-star safari reserve in South Africa. Today she is a full time traveller and editor for Mountain IQ. She has travelled and hiked extensively in South America, including many solo hikes in Patagonia, the Cusco region of Peru, Ecuador and Chile.

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simple and clear blog and the easiest I found yet after searching blogs and sites for nearly a month I am an experienced solo traveller with flexibility approach so the blog is perfect for me

Hi Ghada, glad that you have found this useful!

We work with local guides to offer great value adventures at unbeatable prices

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trek sport patagonia

In this page you will find our most recomendable overnight/multi-day programs . If you feel you would like something different, please contact us and let us provide you with information on other programs.

Meiling Mountain Hut. Mount TRONADOR

Difficulty / level of fitness (*): moderate. Around 5 hours of walking per day, covering some 22 kilometers total, with an elevation gain of 1000 meters / 3000 feet total.

Duration : two days, one night

Season : December to April

Guide : private English/Spanish speaking professional mountain guide

trek sport patagonia

Description : this is a different mountain from the others in the area of Bariloche. It´s by far the highest and has several glaciers, mighty peaks, beautiful waterfalls ... This trek starts 90 kilometers away from the city, leading us to the "Meiling" mountain hut, hiking up through a wonderful forest in the first part and then along a wide ridge of lunar characteristics (volcanic rock) with impressive views of the glaciers and waterfalls that soar for hundreds of meters.

The surrounding area of the Meiling Hut is one of the best places to watch the amazing Andean Condor gliding very close to us. Imagine a 3 meters / 10 feet wing-span flying a few meters away !!

trek sport patagonia

Gear list : please check it at the last of the programs, below.

trek sport patagonia

Laguna Negra (The black lake) and its mountain hut

Duration : two days, one night.

trek sport patagonia

MODERATE VERSION:

Difficulty / level of fitness (*): moderate. Around 5/6 hours of walking per day, covering some 30 kilometers total, with an elevation gain of 1000 meters / 3000 feet total.

Season : November to April

Description : starting at the “Swiss village” (800 meters above sea level, 2650 ft), just 25 km away from Bariloche, we hike up for about 5 or 6 hours (about 10 miles) to arrive to Mountain Hut “Italia-Manfredo Segre” 1650m (5450 ft.) located by the lake "Negra" shore end. After having dinner and spending the night in the hut. In the morning of the second day we ascend to a ridge with spectacular views. During the afternoon we hike down through the valley immersed in a beautifull forest with constant views of the plentiful stream and a couple of waterfalls, reaching the “Swiss Village” again in order to get our private transport back to town.

trek sport patagonia

HARD / CHALLENGING VERSION:

Depending on the group characteristics and the weather, we have the option of continuing from the ridge (in the morning of the second day) in a different direction, then descend to a valley, climb a mountain (the Cerro López, with 2030 meters above the sea level) and then descend by the other face. This alternative is nicer, but also harder.

Difficulty / level of fitness (*): hard. Around 5 hours of walking the first day and some 8 hours the second, covering some 35 kilometers total, with an elevation gain of 1500 meters / 4500 feet total.

trek sport patagonia

The “Frey – Jakob” trek

Season : late November to April

Duration : three days, two nights.

Difficulty / level of fitness (*): moderate / hard. Exposed steep rocky terrain in parts.

trek sport patagonia

Description : a classic and highly recommendable trekking involving visits to two mountain huts, both located in landscapes of fantasy: the "Frey" hut by

the shore of lake "Toncek" and "San Martin" hut by the lake "Jakob". We spend one night in each hut. Before the final stretch down from "San Martin" Hut, we visit the mountain lake "Tempanos", another place of indescribable beauty, a few minutes away.

The hike´s mid part require coordination skills navigating through loose and steep rocky terrain we would also find some snow.

trek sport patagonia

- Backpack (50 to 90 litters)

- Sleeping Bag into two plastic bags

- Trekking boots, if possible waterproof

- Waterproof jacket

- Shirt(s) light color if possible

- Sunscreen

- Sunglasses

Please bring:

trek sport patagonia

- Personal Toiletries

- Toilet paper

- Hat (warm and sun hat)

- Pants (synthetic and comfortable, light color if possible)

- Socks (two spare pairs)

- Pocket Knife if possible

- Telescopic trekking-poles if possible

trek sport patagonia

(*) "Difficulty / level of fitness" is supposed to reflect, at least in a comparative way the requirements that the trip presents to the trekker/mountaineer in terms of endurance, altitude gain, the distances to cover, backpack weight and the existence or not of technical climbing. Always having in mind that this parameters where thought for beginners.

All content © copyright by Facundo Jose / Trek Patagonia. All rights reserved.

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Journeys worth taking

trek sport patagonia

Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine, Chile

W-trek and multi-sport adventure in patagonia, self guided w-trek and highlights of magellan.

Hotels, Refugios

Trip Details

Self-Guided Hiking and Guided Excursions

From $2,600 to $3,600 USD per person

Pygmy miles

This tour combines hiking the self-guided W-Trek with other exhilarating activities in the area.

You'll navigate a kayak through icebergs, don crampons to tackle a glacier, sail amongst thousand year old glaciers, witness stunning wildlife and nature, and jump on the back of a trusty steed to explore the area around Puerto Natales. 

We have a range of accommodation options - from camping and inns to private cabanas and 5-star hotels. As with all of our trips, we customize it to fit your budget, fitness and taste. 

trek sport patagonia

You'll hike the W-Trek in it's entirety. See the Towers of Paine, Valley Frances and "Los Cuernos".

trek sport patagonia

Navigate around icebergs on Lago Grey.

trek sport patagonia

Horseback Riding

Hop on and ride to the top of Cerro Dorotea for a fantastic view of Puerto Natales and Last Hope Sound.

trek sport patagonia

Wildlife Viewing

Depart Punta Arenas in search of sea lions and penguins. Hop off at Isla Madalena and walk amongst the penguin colony.

trek sport patagonia

Mountaineering

Strap on your crampons and explore the gullies, rivers and ice caves of Glacier Grey.

For the anglers, there is an opportunity to add fly fishing to the itinerary. 

Torres del Paine is a national park in the Chilean part of southern Patagonia. The park is located 70 miles (112 km) south of Puerto Natales and 194 miles (312 km) from Punta Arenas, the largest city in the region and where most travelers arrive. The peaks of the Paine Massif, the centerpiece of the park, reach up to 9,462 feet (2,884 meters). Several different species of wildlife can be found in Torres del Paine, including guanaco, rheas(a large ostrich-like bird), south Andean deer and foxes.  The weather is unpredictable and it’s often possible to experience four seasons in a single day. Especially remarkable is when snow that is produced above the mountains is pushed down to lower altitude, where the temperature is warm enough for a t-shirt. Quite a rare experience.

Puerto Natales is the closes city to Torres del Paine. Located on the Last Hope Sound, this small city allows access to it's own jewels including stretching pampas, glacier filled waters and look out points. 

Punta Arenas is further south and is often the port of entry to Magellan Region. Here you can take several boat navigations to explore the wildlife at the end of the world. 

During your time in Patagonia, you will hike the W-trek in its entirety, catching views of the eponymous towers, Paine Massif horns, panoramic of Valley Frances and icy waters surrounding Glacier Grey.  A dditionally, you will see the penguins of Isla Magdalena, Ice Hike on Glacier Grey, kayak on Lago Grey and horseback ride to Cerro Dorotea.

Arrival in Punta Arenas

Today you arrive to the Magellan Region. You'll be picked up and transferred from the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle. Depending on when your flight arrives, there is an opportunity for a half day excursion. Otherwise, relax and get ready for your adventure tomorrow.

Isla Magdalena Tour

Today, you will navigate though the Strait of Magellan to Magdalena and Marta Island. Magdalena Island hosts more than 150,000 penguins every year and Marta Island hosts around 1000 sea lions. Both islands form an interesting ecosystem. In addition to sea lions, Marta Island counts Cormorants, Skuas, Austral seagull, Antartic pigeon and Sea elephants among its inhabitants. Duration of tour 4:30 hrs. Afterwards, you will be transported to Puerto Natales.

Puerto Natales is located at the opening of Ultima Esperanza sound, this port city is the largest in the region. The morning is at your leisure. In the afternoon, your driver will pick you up at 14:30 and drive you to your excursion at the base of Cerro Dorotea. The excursion will last three hours; you will be back to the hotel shortly before dinner.

Transfer, Navigation and Kayaking on Lago Grey

After a leisured breakfast, your private transfer will pick you up at you Hotel at 9:00 am. The transfer to the park will take approximately 2.5 hours. Once at the park, you will need to buy your entrance fee (21,000 CLP) and go through a short briefing. You’ll then carry on to Lago and check in for your boat navigation on Lago Grey at noon (13:00 departure). You will sail for around 45 minutes and then disembark near Refugio Grey. After checking in at Refugio Grey, you will head down to base camp for your kayaking adventure. You will then kayak on Lago Grey in search of ice bergs and pristine nature. Afterwards, you will return to refugio grey for a restful evening.

Ice Hike, then Hike from Refugio Grey to Paine Grande

After breakfast, you’ll head back to Base Camp for your Ice Hike excursion. The Ice hike lasts approximately 5 hours. You will fist walk on the island called Islatak for about one hour. There, your guide will help you to adjust your equipment correctly. Prepared with an ice axe, crampons, helmet and harness you can start your ice hike adventure, walking for around 2.5 hours onto the Grey Glacier. There you will observe cracks, rivers, lagoons and tunnels. After your ice hike, you can have a quick bite to eat, however do not delay too much. You still have to hike to Paine Grande. You’ll pass by floating ice bergs on this easy, yet undulating hike. After 3.5 hours, you will reach Paine Grande, your accommodation for the evening.

Paine Grande to Dome Frances via Mirador Britanico

Today you will hike along Lago Skottsberg and then into Valley Frances. It takes about 2.5 hours to reach Campamento Italiano and another 1.5 hours from there to reach the first lookout, high above Lago Nordenskjold. On your left, you will see Glacier Frances, where frequent small avalanches take place. The noise booms throughout the valley, although the ice that breaks away seems much smaller than it should considering the noise. After ducking in and out of the forest, with sporadic views of Rio Frances below, you will eventually reach Campemento Britanico. In another 25 minutes, you will reach the lookout point, which is a highlight of the trek. Return via the same track to Campamento Italiano; Dome Frances is another 30 minutes from there.

Dome Frances to Las Torres Base Area

After yesterday’s difficult hike, today starts off much easier. After leaving the refugio, to your right are the milky waters of Lago Nordenskjold, and to the left, the mighty Los Cuernos unfolds it’s horns, jagged peaks and dreamy waterfalls. Depending on your pace, you should arrive to Refugio Los Cuernos in around an hour and a half. From there, you’ll continue skirting the lake and in a little over three hours, you will reach the Las Torres Base Area. Perhaps take a load off at Hotel Las Torres in some comfy leather sofas, whilst you sip one of their signature cocktails using ingredients from the region. Whatever you do, make sure to relax, as you have the hardest hike of your trip tomorrow.

Trekking to Towers, Transfer to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas

Today you will be hiking to see the iconic Towers (the ones that the park are named after). It’s a challenging hike, since you will need to do a bit of light scrambling up some rocky areas. If it’s been raining, then things can get very slippery. Take you time and be purposeful with your steps. But it’s all worth it once you reach the towers, which rise magnificently into the cold, Chilean sky. After seeing the towers, head back down through Ascenscio valley to the las Torres Base Area. Your transfer is at 17:00. The transfer will depart from the Welcome Center, which is about 15 minutes from Hotel Las Torres.

Thanks for traveling with us. Make sure to grab a window seat on the flight to take in the magnificent Southern Patagonian Ice Field from a bird’s eye perspective.

Pygmy Miles Total

trek sport patagonia

You receive 1 Pygmy Mile for every $1 USD you spend with Pygmy Elephant.

You receive 10 Pygmy Miles for every 1 mile hiked with Pygmy Elephant.

Conquer the famed W-Trek and take part in exhilarating activities in Patagonia, including kayaking, horseback riding, and mountaineering.

Total Pygmy Miles

Accommodation.

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Remota Hotel

Puerto natales.

Our preferred four star partner in Puerto Natales, Remota is an upscale option located on the banks of the Ulimate Esperanza Sound. All of Remota's rooms invite guests to rest body and soul. The relaxing aroma of the lenga wood together with the light radiating from the heat-reflecting windows and the magnificent views of the fjord of Last Hope create perfect setting for comfort. Remota offers 72 wonderfully appointed, spacious rooms, all en suite, which measure 360 square feet / 34 square meters. Read more

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Paine Grande

Torres del paine.

Paine Grande is located at the drop-off point of the catamaran on Lago Pehoé. The building can accommodate 100 hikers in 22 dormitory rooms with bunk beds for 2, 4, or 6 people. The refugio has a restaurant, bar, lounge and shop with camping supplies. This refugio is a good overnight option if you choose to do an ice hike early on day 2.

trek sport patagonia

Dome Frances

Domos Frances is located approximately an hour west of Refugio Los Cuernos. It features 3 recently constructed domes with private bathroom for 8 people each (a shared bathroom and a dome). A nice feature of the domes are the individual outlets and reading lights attached to each bunk. Also, the view of Lago Nordenskjöld is perhaps the best view from any of the refugios.

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Hotel Las Torres

Situated close to the trailhead of the famous Towers Trek, Hotel Las Torres is a 4-star hotel in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. The bar and lounge area is perfect for resting weary muscles after a day’s hike, as is the onsite spa. Rooms range in size from 160 to 410 square feet (15 to 38 square meters). The view of the massif from the hotel will surely surprise even the most well traveled visitor.

trek sport patagonia

Hotel Cabo des Hornos

Punta arenas.

Located in the heart of the historic town of Punta Arenas, Chile, Cabo de Hornos Hotel blends avant-garde interiors, cozy ambiance and stylish guest rooms with marvelous views of the Punta Arenas cityscape and the Strait of Magellan

Practical info

Most people complete the W-Trek during the southern hemisphere's spring through fall months, between October and March. It is also possible to complete the trek in winter, but a guide is recommended. Peak travel is in January and February. Expect rain almost daily, along with sun, possible snow and high wind. In fact, just expect all four seasons in one day.

Self guided

Self guided does not mean you are alone. We help you coordinate and plan your trip beforehand. Once you are on the trail, we provide 24-hour customer service in case there are any urgent issues with your bookings.

We can also arrange private guides for this itinerary.

Service categories

Pygmy itineraries, pygmy itinerary benefits.

  • Price Transparency: see where your money is going with line-item pricing
  • Never Lose Your Deposit Guarantee : 50% refund, 50% credit to future trip
  • Customized Handbook with Journey Details : maps, elevation profiles, tips and more
  • Destination Book Digital Travel App : everything in your handbook, in digital form
  • One Year Premium GAIA GPS Membership : your GPS routes, on your phone
  • Complete Itinerary Customization : build the trip you want to take
  • Special Meal Requests : we'll help you stick to your diet of choice
  • Before-You-Go Email Series : helpful emails to get you prepared for your trek
  • Transportation Options Information : timetables, routes and contact info
  • 24/7 Phone Support for Urgent Issues : give us a call if anything goes wrong
  • WhatsApp Support (9 AM to 5 PM, ET) : rapid response to your inquiries
  • Email Support (24-hour turnaround) : answers for not-so-urgent questions
  • Virtual Pre-Hike Briefing : one-on-one briefing with your travel consultant
  • Baggage Transfers (where applicable) : your bags, delivered to your accommodation

Challenge Level

Technical ability.

Level : Low

Mental Strength

Physical conditioning.

Level : Medium

  • Paths are well marked, however previous hiking experience recommended as terrain is rocky and uneven. Those without experience may be more comfortable in a guided hike.
  • Mental strength is rated at low because of the high level of comfort involved in this itinerary. 
  • The hiking is challenging, however only treks into Valle del Frances, the towers and Fitz Roy have much elevation change. Still, only those in good physical health should book this trip.

Starting at $2,600 to $3,600 USD per person based on season, accommodation and transfer type 

Please ask for a quotation for an exact price! 

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A Full Backpacking Guide to the ‘O Trek’ in Patagonia: Where & How to Go

In the southern region of Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park's 'O Trek' combines European hostel-style accommodations with rugged Patagonian terrain. Here’s how to do it right.

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Exploring Patagonia is an adventure of all adventures, a premier spot for virtually every type of outdoor activity you could imagine. This region , located at the tip of South America, spans both Chile and Argentina and has rivers, mountains, vistas, and glaciers that are inscribed in the brains of dirtbag climbers and bucket-list travelers alike.

But logistically, exploring Patagonia (and the surrounding area) is far from convenient. Flights into the region are sparse, and the bus systems, while perfectly nice, take a long time and can be tricky to book. Cell service is even more unreliable. Exploring between both Chile and Argentina also requires border crossings (of course), currency exchanges (bring plenty of high-value USD bills), and a lot of squandered plans due to bad weather.

Regardless of inconveniences, one of the region’s most popular areas for recreation — Torres del Paine National Park — draws visitors of all walks of life to its entrance. The park, located in Chile, is markedly different from what you might find in U.S. National Parks.

Instead of a network of roads, there is a hiking loop spanning the majority of the park, creating a broad O shape. To see the whole expanse of the park, hiking the O Trek is the only way to do so, beyond getting a permit to rock climb some of the park’s famous peaks.

But for most, devoting dollars and logistics to an international climbing expedition is out of the question. Luckily, hiking the O Trek is accessible to a wider swath of outdoor recreators, with gear rentals and hostel stays available along the trail.

Guide to the ‘O Trek’ in Los Torres National Park

What is the o trek.

Sunrise on day four, hiking up to John Gardner Pass, before linking up with the W trek section of the O trek.

Put simply, the O Trek or O Circuit, is a trail that loops within Torres del Paine National Park (also known as ” Los Torres”). Visitors must book campsites in advance and walk counter-clockwise on the loop.

Most folks hike the trail in 8 days, offshooting to include famous lookout points like the Mirador Britanico and Mirador Base de Las Torres. One of the trail’s most famous and the most difficult sections, Los Perros to Glacier Grey, is a beautiful stretch with spanning views of the Southern Patagonian Icefield.

Overall, Torres del Paine is one of the largest and most popular national parks in Chile — and the O Trek is the picturesque, full treatment of what the park has to offer.

The trek also coincides with a shorter section of trail called the “W trek,” this section (the lower part of the “O”) connects Guardería Glacier Grey with Guardería Torres, the starting and ending point of the trail. Visitors can hike in either direction on the “W,” as a ferry services Refugio Paine Grande. This also means that visitors can hike the upper part of the “O” and end early at the ferry for a 5-day loop.

The best — and only — time to complete the O Circuit is in the Chilean summer, from late November to mid-March. Travel in the winter months is limited, but guided trips in the winter along the W-Trek are possible.

Getting There

The easiest and most direct way to get to Torres del Paine is by flying from Santiago, Chile, to Puerto Natales, the closest town to the park. From there, the bus ride into the park is about 2 hours to the Laguna Amarga ranger station, where you will pay your park entry fee (bring cash). From there, a small bus (bring cash for this, too) will take you to Hotel Las Torres/Ecocamp Patagonia where you will start the trek to Campamento Serón.

To clarify, there are no cars inside the majority of Torres del Paine National Park. Driving is limited to the hotel area near the Las Torres trailhead, and a small section near the O Trek start. Unlike what you might find in most U.S. National Parks, you will not be able to tour the loop by vehicle. It is highly suggested you take a bus into the park. It is far cheaper and almost everyone does it, especially other trekkers.

In our experience, the bus system in Patagonia was nice and reliable once there, although making reservations can be difficult. Busing from other destinations like El Calafate and Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales is possible as well. The day before our trek we flew into Puerto Natales and checked into our hostel. Our reservation was with Bus Sur, so we went to the Bus Sur office to get our tickets. Booking at the main bus depot is also an option.

Day-to-Day on the ‘O Trek’ Trail

trek sport patagonia

The O Trek is a 7-night route that covers roughly 80 miles with roughly 13,000 feet of elevation gain. If you plan to hike to Mirador Las Torres, plan to tack that onto your last day (day 8) before departing for your bus: it’s an early wakeup but well worth it. Note that posted distances (especially on the trail signs in the park) are often inaccurate, which makes for a fun guessing game while you hike!

The O Trek route is simple to book and follow for the first 4 days. There are only a select number of sites to camp at and no variations when hiking the first section of the trail, unless you stay an extra day at a refugio or decide to combine 2 days. (Hiking from Portería Laguna Amarga to Refugio Dickson, for example, would be a long day, but definitely feasible.)

Booking can get complicated when the O Trek begins to overlap with the W Trek. Here, a higher number of refugio options vary the distance that travelers may hike per day. The variations here are not drastic, but note that camping at Refugio Chileno on your last night will add elevation to your backpacking distance, but shorten your morning hike to Mirador Las Torres.

The most difficult day is from Refugío Los Perros over John Gardner’s Pass (the highest point of the loop at 4,000 feet) to Refugio Grey. The total day is roughly 15 miles with an elevation gain of roughly 700 feet and elevation loss of roughly 2,000 feet.

The climb is hard but steady; the descent is muddy and brutal. Hiker beware, there are three bridge crossings that’ll get your heart rate going, especially if you are scared of heights.

But while braving difficult terrain and weather, you will find a trail community on the O Trek like no other. I will always be grateful for the smattering of hikers from around the world who we met. Informally, our trail group would cook together and hike sections together. We still have a GroupMe chat to this day.

The first 4 days of the O Trek bonds folks. So, if you plan to hike solo, know that there will be plenty of other folks on the trail and at the campsites with you, but not such a large amount to make the experience crowded or unenjoyable.

trek sport patagonia

Accommodations and Food

At every stop along the O Trek there are “refugios” — think mountain huts and small ski lodges with bathrooms and small markets attached. Each site has a base price for folks who plan to set up their own tent and cook their own meals. Enclosed cooking huts are provided.

From there, hikers can upgrade and rent pre-erected tents, domes, hostel beds, and more depending on each site. Sleeping bags can also be rented at refugio sites.

Both my hiking partner and I were shocked by how well-stocked the refugio markets were. Even the most “rugged” hut (Guardería Los Perros) had basic items, like ramen and energy bars, stocked. This was the only hut without showers. Other huts provided beer, pizza, hamburgers, pay-for-Wi-Fi, and more.

Packing out enough food for 7 days is not necessary if you are willing to spend some money (roughly moderate ski lodge prices) for a meal or snacks here and there. Cooking-wise, a small canister of gas and a pocket rocket-style stove is ideal. We used an MSR International Stove . If you plan to pack out all of your own food, plan to shop in Puerto Natales; the grocery store is picked over but fine. We personally lugged our food in from Santiago, which was overkill.

The great thing about the O Trek is that gear is readily available for rent and purchase in Puerto Natales. For peace of mind, reserving gear in town (like tents and sleeping bags) before your arrival is easiest. Or, opt to spend more money and have a sleeping bag waiting for you at each refugio along the way.

We brought an MSR fuel canister along with us from Santiago, unsure of what options would be available in town. This was unnecessary; there were abundant fuel canisters (and stoves ) for purchase at many stores in Puerto Natales.

trek sport patagonia

Weather shifts fast in Patagonia. If you are hiking the O Trek, expect to brave torrential winds and all weather conditions. The westerly gales are often referred to as “Escoba de Dios” or God’s Broom. Have full rain gear (pants and jacket ), layers, and a sturdy tent ready for wind gusts.

If you are unsure if your tent can take the wind, rent an appropriate one in town. We saw enough tent disasters on the trail to know that taking a poorly built tent on the O Trek isn’t worth it. During the day, the weather can get hot, so a T-shirt and shorts are also nice to have.

Booking & Cost

Ready to take the plunge? Our total booking cost was $507 for two people and 7 nights of camping. This cost did not include groceries and food, our park pass, or travel to, or accommodations in, Puerto Natales. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially if you want to camp. Booking last minute is possible, but there may only be expensive lodging options (like a hostel bed) left.

The easiest way to book your campsites is through the site Booking Patagonia . Two different vendors operate the campsites within the park, which makes booking independently tricky and confusing. Booking Patagonia automatically checks availability at all of the campsites to create your itinerary on the loop. The site also books your bus ticket from Puerto Natales.

Ultimately, we never received a departure time so we went to the bus depot in person to solve the issue. Additionally, the booking site doesn’t include the shorter bus ride from the ranger station into the park. Bring extra cash for this and for snacks in the refugíos (the cheese empanadas in the park are * chef’s kiss* ).

‘O Circuit’ in Torres del Paine, Patagonia: Can I Do it?

View from the Grey Glacier Lookout Point of the surrounding mountains and glacial pieces floating in Grey Lake.

Broadly, if you are fit and have backpacked before, this loop is for you. You will also need the proper gear. We saw several people on the W Trek with traditional duffel bags and school backpacks. You will be miserable (and unable to hike the O) if you approach terrain like this without proper gear. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but backpacking-specific gear is a must. If you don’t know if your gear will work, rent in town.

Additionally, this loop is not for folks who refuse to brave bad weather. John Gardner’s Pass is no joke, especially in wind and rain. Plus, once you are on the loop, you are on the loop. Few rangers exist in the park, so if you get into trouble, it is not easy to get help. Know your limits. Opt to carry less and pay for gear at the refugíos if you are nervous about how much weight you can carry.

Overall, if you have the time and funds, definitely opt for the O Trek over the W Trek. The views from John Gardner’s Pass are worth it alone. Plus, the limited crowds on the O-Trek-only sections make the backpacking experience well worth the advance planning.

Waterfall

We Almost Died Trekking Nepal: Here’s What Went Wrong

A hapless guide, poison tea, and fatal flooding — these are the hard lessons we learned about the avoidable dangers of trekking in Nepal. After getting a glorious 105 miles through the Upper Mustang region of Nepal under our belts, the sky seemed the limit to our Himalayan hiking endeavors. Read more…

author Claire Barber in a hat, sunglasses, and overalls

Claire Barber calls the West and Southwest (Colorado mountains) home, though she grew up and spent her younger years in South Florida, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina. In the winter, you’ll find Claire on the skin track and chairlift, and writing. When the snow melts, you’ll find her traveling and chasing stories. She has expertise in van life, skiing, backpacking, camping, and more. Claire’s articles and gear reviews aim to highlight complex stories of conservation and innovation, often through the unique outdoor characters that call the mountains home.

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A guide to packing for the w trek in patagonia: expert tips and essentials.

The W Trek is a popular multi-day trek in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. The trek is known for its stunning scenery, including glaciers, lakes, and mountains. However, the W Trek is also known for its unpredictable weather, which can change in a matter of minutes.

That's why it's important to be prepared for anything when you're packing for the W Trek. In this blog post, I'll share my ultimate guide to packing for the W Trek, including a detailed list of the essential items to pack, packing tips, and advice on packing for different seasons, fitness levels, and budgets.

trek sport patagonia

Planning for the W Trek:

1. research and plan.

Before diving into the packing list, extensive research and meticulous planning are essential. Understand the W Trek's trail conditions, difficulty level, and weather patterns for the specific time of year you plan to visit. Torres del Paine experiences distinct seasons, each with its unique challenges. Summer (December to February) brings milder weather but larger crowds, while autumn (March to May) boasts beautiful foliage and fewer visitors but colder temperatures. Winter (June to August) is incredibly challenging due to heavy snow and limited services, while spring (September to November) offers a delicate balance between blooming landscapes and some snow-covered trails.

2. Clothing for Layering

Patagonia's weather is notorious for its unpredictability, even within a single day. Layering is key to staying comfortable and adapting to changing conditions. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin. A lightweight and quick-drying t-shirt or long-sleeve top works well. Add an insulating layer like a fleece or down jacket to retain body heat. For the outer shell, a waterproof and windproof jacket and pants are crucial to protect against rain, strong winds, and potential snow. Invest in quality gear that can withstand harsh elements and ensure your comfort during the trek.

3. Hiking Footwear

Choosing the right footwear is paramount for the W Trek. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are a must. Your footwear should be well-broken in before the trek to prevent blisters and discomfort. Additionally, bring a pair of lightweight camp shoes or sandals for relaxing at the end of each day and allowing your hiking boots to dry out.

4. Backpack

Selecting the appropriate backpack is vital, as it will carry all your essentials throughout the journey. Opt for a comfortable and durable backpack with a capacity of 50 to 70 liters (self supported) OR (35-50 liters - if you are choosing the Self Guided package program where your camping gear is setup on arrival each night -and you carry only your personal belongings - or you are choosing accommodation in the mountain huts/refugios where all the bedding and meals are provided.), depending on your personal needs and preferences. Ensure it has padded shoulder straps and a hip belt to distribute the weight evenly and reduce strain on your back.

5. Camping Gear

If you plan to camp along the W Trek, you'll need essential camping gear. A lightweight and compact tent is essential, as well as a warm sleeping bag rated for the season you're hiking in. Additionally, a sleeping pad will provide insulation from the cold ground and add extra comfort during your rest. When booking the he package self guided program you dont carry any of the camping gear as it is supplied and setup each night on your arrival to camp. Meals are also provided in these programs.

6. Food and Snacks

While there are some refugios (shelters) along the W Trek where you can purchase meals, it's essential to carry some food and snacks with you, especially for longer stretches between refugios. Lightweight and calorie-dense options like energy bars, nuts, dried fruits, and instant meals are excellent choices. Don't forget to pack a portable stove and cooking utensils if you plan to prepare your meals. (when booking the self guided package all meals are cooked and provided each night, you will only want to carry some snacks, however these can also be purchased in the refugios).

7. Water and Hydration

Access to clean water is abundant along the W Trek, as you can refill your water bottles at streams and rivers. However, to ensure your safety, carry a reliable water filter or purification tablets to eliminate any potential contaminants. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during physical exertion at high altitudes, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the trek.

8. Essential Toiletries and First Aid

Maintaining personal hygiene is essential during extended hikes. Pack biodegradable soap, a quick-drying towel, and eco-friendly toiletries to minimize your impact on the environment. A comprehensive first-aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers, blister pads, and any personal medications you may require.

9. Navigation Tools

While the W Trek is well-marked, carrying navigation tools is a wise precaution. A detailed map, compass, or GPS device will help you stay on course, especially in adverse weather conditions or low visibility. Familiarize yourself with the trail map and landmarks beforehand to boost your confidence on the hike. ( In the Self guided package trips a trip briefing is scheduled the day prior to your trip departure to familiarize yourself with the trails and the professionals staff can answer any questions ahead of time).

10. Miscellaneous Items

Apart from the essentials mentioned above, a few additional items can enhance your experience. A lightweight and compact camera will allow you to capture the breathtaking vistas and abundant wildlife. A portable charger or solar power bank will keep your electronic devices charged throughout the journey. Additionally, pack a headlamp, a multi-tool, and extra zip-lock bags for organizing and protecting your belongings.

ELECTRICAL & WIFI ACCESS

Power outlets in refugios are mainly found in common areas, with Refugio Grey being the exception, offering them in dorm rooms. Bring a portable charger, and utilize power strips at front desks. Activate airplane mode to save energy. Wi-Fi is available at all refugios for $10, providing 8 hours of access. Basic online tasks are feasible, excluding streaming.

11. Leave No Trace Principles

As you embark on this unforgettable adventure in Patagonia, remember the Leave No Trace principles. Respect the pristine wilderness, wildlife, and local communities by minimizing your impact. Dispose of waste responsibly, adhere to designated campsites, and avoid disturbing the flora and fauna. By adopting these principles, you contribute to preserving this natural wonder for future generations of trekkers.

The W Trek in Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park promises an extraordinary and life-changing journey for those willing to embrace its challenges and marvel at its splendor. By researching, planning, and packing carefully, you'll set yourself up for a successful and gratifying experience. Remember to be flexible and adapt to the ever-changing conditions of Patagonia, and above all, immerse yourself fully in the raw beauty of this magnificent region. Happy trekking!

trek sport patagonia

Packing Tips:

  • Pack light and efficiently. You'll be carrying your backpack on your back for several days, so it's important to pack light as possible. Only pack the essentials and leave anything non-essential at home.
  • Prepare your clothing for the unpredictable weather. Patagonia is known for its unpredictable weather, so it's important to pack clothing that can handle a variety of conditions. Pack layers so that you can add or remove layers as needed.
  • Pack for different seasons. The climate in Patagonia can vary depending on the time of year. If you're hiking in the summer, you'll need to pack lighter clothing. If you're hiking in the winter, you'll need to pack warmer clothing.
  • Pack for emergencies. It's always a good idea to pack for emergencies when you're hiking in the wilderness. Pack a first-aid kit, a headlamp, and a survival blanket.

What weather can be expected on the W Trail?

Patagonia's weather is notoriously unpredictable and can vary greatly depending on the season and location within the region. The W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park , being located in southern Chilean Patagonia, experiences distinct weather patterns throughout the year. Here's an overview of what weather you can generally expect during different seasons:

trek sport patagonia

Summer (December to February):

‍ Summer is considered the best time for trekking in Patagonia due to milder temperatures. However, it can still be quite variable. Daytime temperatures typically range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), but they can occasionally reach higher. Nights can get colder, dropping to around 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). During this time, you might experience more extended daylight hours, making it ideal for longer hikes. Be prepared for occasional rain showers, strong winds, and even some snowfall at higher elevations.

Autumn (March to May):

‍ Autumn in Patagonia is characterized by stunning foliage as the forests turn shades of orange and red. The temperatures begin to drop, with daytime highs ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) and nighttime lows hovering around 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F). While the crowds thin out compared to the summer months, you should be prepared for colder weather and increased chances of rain and wind.

Winter (June to August):

‍ Winter in Patagonia is harsh and inhospitable for most hikers. The W Trek is generally not recommended during this time due to heavy snow, extreme cold, and limited services. Daytime temperatures can hover around 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F), and nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing. Trails can be inaccessible or dangerous due to snow and ice, and many refugios and facilities may be closed. If you plan to visit during winter, be prepared for extreme conditions and consider alternative activities such as snowshoeing or skiing.

Spring (September to November):

‍ Spring is a transitional season when the landscape starts to come alive again after the winter freeze. Daytime temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), and nights are still chilly, with temperatures around 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F). Spring can be windy and prone to rain, but it also offers opportunities to witness blooming flora and newborn wildlife. Be prepared for varying weather conditions and potential trail closures due to melting snow and high rivers.

Regardless of the season, it's crucial to be prepared for sudden weather changes in Patagonia. Always carry proper rain gear, warm layers, and clothing suitable for different conditions. Check weather forecasts before your trip and be ready to adapt your plans if needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.

trek sport patagonia

How difficult is the W Trek in Patagonia?

The W Trek in Patagonia is considered to be of moderate to challenging difficulty, depending on your hiking experience, physical fitness, and the weather conditions during your trip. The trek covers a total distance of approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) and usually takes 4 to 5 days to complete. The difficulty level can be attributed to several factors:

The trail consists of varied terrain, including steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and muddy sections, especially after rain. Some parts of the trail involve traversing over boulder fields and river crossings, which can be challenging, especially in adverse weather.

Patagonia's weather is highly unpredictable and can change rapidly. Hikers should be prepared for strong winds, rain, and potentially even snow, regardless of the season. These weather conditions can add to the difficulty of the trek and require appropriate gear and clothing.

Length of Hiking Days:

Each day of the W Trek involves hiking for several hours, often with long stretches of continuous walking. This can be physically demanding, especially if you're not accustomed to long-distance hiking.

Weight of Backpack:

If you choose the self-supported option and carry your camping gear and supplies, your backpack's weight can significantly impact the difficulty of the trek. Properly packing and distributing weight in your backpack is crucial to prevent strain and discomfort.

While the W Trek doesn't involve extreme altitudes, the trail does reach elevations of up to 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) at certain points. Some hikers may experience mild altitude-related effects, such as shortness of breath, especially if they're not acclimated to higher elevations.

Despite these challenges, the W Trek is accessible to individuals with a moderate level of physical fitness and hiking experience. With proper preparation, training, and the right equipment, many adventurers of various skill levels successfully complete the trek and are rewarded with breathtaking views of Patagonia's stunning landscapes.

It's crucial to be well-prepared before attempting the W Trek. Prioritize physical fitness by engaging in regular exercise and hiking activities to build endurance and strength. Familiarize yourself with the trail, research weather conditions, and pack appropriate clothing and gear. Consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour if you're unsure about navigating the trail independently. By taking these precautions, you'll be better equipped to handle the challenges and fully enjoy the unforgettable experience of trekking through Patagonia's majestic wilderness.

Feel free to print this checklist and use it as a handy reference while preparing for your W Trek adventure in Torres del Paine National Park. Safe travels and enjoy your journey!

Your Printable W Trek Packing List:

Clothing Checklist:

  • ▢ Base Layer (1): Versatile for sleeping and relaxation.
  • ▢ Trekking Pants (1-2 pairs): Comfortable and durable for extended hikes.
  • ▢ Trekking Shorts (1 pair): For warmer weather and post hiking
  • ▢ Socks (2-5 pairs): Merino wool for odor resistance; wear one for daytime and air it out, use the other for nighttime comfort.
  • ▢ Moisture-Wicking Base Layers (top and bottom) (1, long-sleeve): Merino wool for odor control; consider an extra top layer and hiking base layer pants for colder weather.
  • ▢ Rain Pant (1) and Rain Jacket (1): Waterproof essentials for unexpected rain.
  • ▢ Synthetic Lightweight Jacket (1): Versatile for mild temperature drops.
  • ▢ Down Jacket (1): Added warmth for chilly evenings.
  • ▢ Footwear (1 pair of Sandals or Crocs): Versatile, suitable for wearing with socks in cooler weather.
  • ▢ Towel (1): Compact and multifunctional for various uses.
  • ▢ Underwear (5 pairs): Ensure freshness and comfort with a supply of five pairs.
  • ▢ Sports Bras (2): Two for added comfort and support.
  • ▢ Gloves (insulated and waterproof)
  • ▢ Hats (1 sun hat + 1 beanie): Sun protection during the day and warmth at night.
  • ▢ Buff/Facemask (1): Multifunctional; can double as an eye mask for better sleep.
  • ▢ Sunglasses with Croakies (sunglasses straps): Secure your sunglasses and prevent loss during your trek.
  • ▢ Hiking Boots
  • ▢ Gaiters (optional)

Toiletries Checklist:

  • ▢ Shampoo and Soap - Eco Friendly
  • ▢ Small Toothpaste: Compact for travel
  • ▢ Deodorant: Stay fresh and odor-free
  • ▢ Sunscreen & Lotion
  • ▢ Toothbrush: Compact
  • ▢ Comb: Maintain well-groomed hair on your trek
  • ▢ Hand Sanitizer
  • ▢ Lip balm with sun protection

Miscellaneous:

  • ▢ Small First Aid Kit
  • ▢ Head lamp and batteries
  • ▢ Water bottle (1 liter) or Bladder
  • ▢ Maps and Small GPS
  • ▢ Insect Repellent
  • ▢ External Battery Pack: Essential for charging your camera and phone on the go.
  • ▢ Phone: Loaded with videos, podcasts, and books to help you unwind on restless nights.
  • ▢ Cash: for small purchases in the refugios on the trail ie. snacks, beer, wine…

Permits and Documentation:

  • ▢ Park Permits (included in the self guided & guided packages)
  • ▢ Identification (copy of passport, driver's license, etc.)

Gear and Equipment:

  • ▢ Trekking Poles: Enhance stability and reduce leg strain during the trek.
  • ▢ Backpack 30-50L for supported trips Larger for self supported trips where you carry all camping gear, food and cooking supplies.
  • ▢ Rain Cover for Backpack
  • ▢ Sunglasses Polarized

*The following (gear & food suggestions) are ONLY needed for self supported trips, we recommend booking a supported guided or self guided trip where all of the meals, transportation, permits, accommodation refugios (mountain huts) or camping is included. If Camping, all of the gear (tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag..etc) is provided and set up each night for you on arrival to camp. If in Refugios all of the bedding is provided, rooms sleep 4-6 people in single bunk beds.

  • ▢ Sleeping Bag (cold weather rated)
  • ▢ Tent (if camping)
  • ▢ Cooking Equipment (stove, cookware, utensils, if camping)
  • ▢ Please note: Water Filtration System (purifier or tablets) - not necessary as all the streams in the park have potable water and drinking water can also be obtained at the refugios.

Food and Hydration:

  • ▢ Dehydrated Meals
  • ▢ Snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried fruits)
  • ▢ Water Bottles (multiple)
  • ▢ Hydration Reservoir (optional)

Final Tips:

  • ▢ Check the weather forecast before your trip
  • ▢ Test your gear to ensure it's in working order
  • ▢ Respect Leave No Trace principles

Map of Torres del Paine and the Trails:

W trek and O Circuit - Trail Map

Is a guide necessary for the W trek?

No, the trails are well marked the there are many people on the trails, so you wont get lost. The need for a guide on the W Trek in Patagonia depends on individual preferences and experience. Trekking with a guide offers expertise, safety, and logistics support, but it can be costly and less flexible. Trekking independently is budget-friendly and allows for more flexibility, but navigation challenges and limited local knowledge may arise. Whether with a guide or not, prioritize safety, respect the environment, and follow the Leave No Trace principles. We recommended most people arrange a self guided package in camping or refugios . These packages take out the logistical nightmare of trying to arrange everything independently. These self guided packages include all of the transportation from Puerto Natales to the park, the permits, and other necessary tickets, all meals, a trip briefing with maps, all the bedding for the mountain refugios - and if choosing camping we setup all the gear each night in your arrival, so no need to carry a tent, sleeping bag or mat.

trek sport patagonia

Additional Tips:

  • Research the weather forecast for the time of year you'll be hiking. This will help you pack the right clothing and gear.
  • Pack a variety of snacks and food. This will help you stay energized on the trail.
  • Bring plenty of water. It's important to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather.
  • Let someone know where you're going and when you expect to be back. This is a safety precaution in case something happens.
  • Enjoy the hike! The W Trek is a beautiful and challenging hike. Make sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Packing for the W Trek can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. By following these tips, you can be sure to be prepared for anything that the W Trek throws your way.

Looking for a custom trip, or would you like to talk with a local travel expert about Patagonia? Please contact us here - or Call/WhatsApp us +1 206-892-8877.

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DESIGN YOUR TRIP

Patagonia Torres del Paine Short W Trek

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  • Torres del Paine

Watch as Torres del Paine puts its best foot forward on this unforgettable 5-day exploration into Patagonia.

Feast your eyes on skyrocketing mountains, deep blue glaciers and hauntingly beautiful forests of Torres del Paine National Park on this shorter version of the world-renowned W Trek, complete with EcoCamp’s signature blend of adventure and comfort.

  • Trek the W and marvel at the top highlights of Torres del Paine on an active 5-day adventure.
  • Stay in the world’s first sustainable geodesic hotel EcoCamp Patagonia. It's a chance to make new friends, eat tasty food made from local ingredients and connect with nature.
  • Uncover local secrets from expert guides and discover unique flora and fauna. 
  • Enjoy the trek by only carrying your daypack while our staff takes care of your personal belongings.
  • Recommended trek for active hikers.

Day 1: The Patagonian Adventure Starts

In the morning, you’ll be picked up from the airport or your hotel in Punta Arenas and driven to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. On the way, we’ll make a stop in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of Last Hope Sound (Ultima Esperanza)"Seno de Ultima Esperanza," where we can enjoy a hearty  lunch of local food. The journey is scenic and highly atmospheric and, featuring many wild birds and wonderful Patagonian landscapes. The day ends with our arrival and overnight stay at EcoCamp Patagonia, nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park and with a prime view of the majestic Towers.

Overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia.

Day 2: The Paine Massif's Heart: French Valley

 Today is our first full day of adventures in Torres del Paine! We'll start with a filling breakfast and then drive towards  Pudeto dock where we will board the catamaran to Pehoe. From here, we'll begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley) along a steep trail that leads to the very heart of the Paine Massif. How far in we go depends on our group's trekking rhythm. A swifter walk will lead us to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the southeastern face of the Massif, where we will be treated to fantastic views of the valley. We'll keep heading towards the upper section of the valley where we will be able to marvel at the extensive mass of the valley's geological formations. After our upward trek, we'll pause for a picnic and relax next to the stunning views. This day's trek will end as we descend through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest, leading us  to Refugio Paine Grande which is located on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe.

Please note:  The excursion to French Valley varies throughout the season depending on the catamaran connecting Pudeto and Refugio Pehoe: From October 1st to 31st and from April 1st to 30th the navigation operates only once a day, therefore the hike will be limited and only reach Italian campsite depending on the passengers walking pace. From November 1st to March 30th the excursion operates on a regular basis.

  • Hiking Distance: 25 km/15 mi.
  • Hiking Time: 8 hrs.
  • Max. Altitude: 686 m./2250 ft.
  • Elevation gain: 663 m. / 2175 ft.

Overnight at Camping Paine Grande.

Day 3: Grey Glacier Trek & Boat Ride

In the morning, we'll hike from Paine Grande Refugio along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern side of the glacially beautiful Lake Grey.  We'll feast on a picnic lunch before boarding the boat that sails right to the facade of Glacier Grey. Take in the unreal views of this beautiful glacier, while sipping on a drink stocked with fresh glacier ice.  After finishing our boat ride, we'll take a transfer to EcoCamp.

*Please be aware that boat trips may be canceled if the minimum number of 10 passengers has not been reached. If this is the case, we will trek up to the sightseeing point to enjoy panoramic views of the glacier instead. Then we will return on foot to Paine Grande and take a catamaran to the dock, where we will be picked up and driven to EcoCamp.

  • Hiking Distance: 11 km./6.8 mi.
  • Hiking Time: 4 hrs. (40 min. by boat).
  • Max. Altitude: 244 m./800 ft.
  • Elevation gain: 836 m./2742 ft.

 Overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia.

Day 4: The Big Challenge: Torres del Paine

The goal of our fifth day will be to complete the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine National Park! It's a challenge, but definitely worth it! We'll walk from the campsite towards Hostería Las Torres before ascending to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. Mountain ridges, beech forests, and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. Our big challenge is the steep moraine, a huge mass of boulders which leads us to that iconic base-view of the Towers, three gigantic granite monoliths that are the remains of a great cirque sheared away by glacial ice. After a tough uphill climb, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before us with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting next to this beautiful view, we'll backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp for a well-deserved dinner and a glass of Chilean wine.

  • Hiking Distance: 21 km./13 mi.
  • Hiking Time: 10 hrs.
  • Max. Altitude: 914 m./3000 ft.
  • Elevation gain: 1023 m./3356 ft.

Day 5: Adiós Torres del Paine!

We will board an early morning vehicle, sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales in time to catch the evening flight. Alternatively, transportation to El Calafate can be arranged too.

We can customize the design of this itinerary and all the destinations in Chile and Argentina. You choose your preferred standard of accommodation category, travel dates and the amount of time to spend in the different locations along the way. With advance planning, we can match an expert guide specific to your group's interests.

Accommodation

Ecocamp Patagonia is located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, with a unique view of the majestic granite towers. The world's geodesic dome hotel, EcoCamp offers upscale camping in sustainable accommodation inspired by the region’s ancient nomadic inhabitants.

EcoCamp Patagonia Suite Dome (Heating & Private bathroom, 28m²/300ft²)

Suite domes were designed to further our goal of providing comfort in a natural setting with minimal environmental impact, and also maintain the hotel’s familiar and cozy vibe. The domes have comfortable double or twin beds, a wood stove and a private bathroom with a state-of-the-art composting toilet.

Suite Dome - INSIDE - Webp

EcoCamp Patagonia Suite Dome Loft (2 floors, Heating & Private bathroom, 37m²/398ft²)

Suite dome lofts are two-storey domes which fit up to four people and have comfortable double or twin beds both up and downstairs. These domes, ideal for families or groups of friends, come with a wood stove, a private terrace and a private bathroom with a state-of-the-art composting toilet.

Suite Dome Loft.webp

EcoCamp Patagonia Superior Dome (Heating & Private bathroom, 23m²/250ft²)

Spacious, comfortable and equipped with private bathrooms, Superior Domes are the optimum choice for trekkers wanting that bit more space and comfort at the end of a long day’s walk. Each Superior Dome has comfortable queen-size or twin beds, a propane heater, skylight windows and a private bathroom with a sophisticated composting toilet.

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EcoCamp Patagonia Standard Dome (Shared bathroom, 10m²/108ft²)

EcoCamp Standard domes were the world's first lodge accommodation in geodesic shape. They are resistant to the strong Patagonian winds, and come equipped with two single beds (doubles on request), cozy fleece blankets and feather quilts. There are windows in the ceiling for stargazing. Standard domes include shared bathrooms which are large, comfortable and gender divided.

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Overnight at Campsite in Paine Grande

On day 2, accommodation will be provided in tents. The campsite provides satisfactory bathroom facilities. Meals will be served inside the refugio.

PAT025 _ Torres del Paine _ Paine Grande Camp & Refuge-2

Paine Grande's Shared Dormitories

An optional upgrade to the shared dormitories inside Refugio Paine Grande can be requested. Please review availability and prices with your Travel Experience Designer.

Paine-Grande-_-HABITACION-1

All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary.

One expert English/Spanish speaking trekking guide.

Torres del Paine National Park fee.

3 nights accommodation at EcoCamp (dome of your choice).

1-night accommodation at Camping Paine Grande.

Boat crossing over Pehoe Lake and Grey Lake.

Sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, sleeping mat & tent.

Luggage transport (while trekking you will carry just your day pack).

Day 1: Lunch or Box Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5: Breakfast, Box Lunch.

Transportation to/from El Calafate (This includes bus tickets and van transportation between hotels and the bus terminal).

Important Notes:

During Shoulder and low season (October and April), some excursions are subject to the weather conditions and might be canceled or modified for reasons of security, for example, the Navigation on Grey Lake, the excursion to the French Valley and to the Tower base trek. In any case, we will either modify the original itinerary or offer you a good alternative of excursion within the park.

Not included

  • Flight tickets.
  • Insurance (appropriate health & travel insurance is mandatory).
  • Voluntary tipping to guides and staff.
  • Cash for buying extra drinks, snacks or souvenirs.
  • Personal items.

Regular Departures are available every Sunday from October to April.

Do you want a private departure for this trip? We can do it, please send us your request mentioning that you would like a private departure.

Starting / finishing point

The trip starts on Sunday and finishes on Thursday with pick-ups and drop-offs in Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or El Calafate. Please visit our Weekly Transfer Board for details of EcoCamp pick up and drop off times.

Physical demands

This is the right trip for energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. During this trek you will walk a total of 61kms /38mi. On the map, in the itinerary section, click on the walking person icon for daily information.

To enjoy this trek it is essential to be in shape before you arrive. It is not wise to regard this trek as a means of getting into shape or losing excess weight. Start a program of conditioning well before departure. 

Group size guiding staff

  • 9 travelers is the most typical group size, plus guiding staff.
  • Maximum 12 clients.
  • Guide to passenger ratio: 1:6

Children policy

Those aged 13 years or older are welcome and are considered adults. Children between 10 and 12 might be accepted in this program if their legal guardian sends a formal letter stating that the child is prepared for such an intense trekking trip and authorizes us to hire a private guide in case the child cannot perform well during the trek. Children under 10 years of age cannot participate in this trip.

This trip doesn’t offer a special discount for children.

In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia, transportation is in minivans that normally seat between 8 to 14 people. Pick up/drop off times shown in the Weekly Transfer Board are approximate and will be confirmed closer to the time by our local operations team. An exclusive toll-free emergency number will be available for anyone needing additional support while they are in Chile.

The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass.Fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and even snow. Even in summer (December to March), you should come prepared to find strong cold winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfall. Summer’s average temperature is 11ºC (52ºF), ranging between 2 to 24ºC (35 to 75ºF).

What you need to bring

Passengers need to be prepared for summer and winter all at once. We recommend the following:

  • A day backpack (30 liters - to carry camera, glasses, raincoat, etc).
  • Trekking or hiking boots.
  • Extra shoes for evenings or in case others get wet.
  • Waterproof jacket.
  • 2 pairs of woolen socks.
  • Fleece jacket or sweater.
  • Shorts or comfortable loose pants.
  • Sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm and screen).
  • Optional Capilene underwear for the upper and lower body.
  • Cash for buying extra drinks,snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine National Park.

Itinerary modifications

The weather in Patagonia can be difficult to plan around at times. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide based upon operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate parts of the itinerary based on these considerations.

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Cerro Castillo Trek

Fitz roy & cerro torre trek, awards & certifications.

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Torres del Paine

Updated October 4th, 2022

Dear Traveler,

We are very happy to announce that there are currently no travel restrictions in Chile. Together with the above mentioned, it is mandatory to comply with the following requirements:

  • You only have to present the vaccination certificate issued in your country when boarding to Chile. Those who do not have their vaccinations must present a negative result in a PCR test dated less than 48 hours from departure to enter Chile. Those who are under 18 years of age do not have any requirements to enter Chile
  • A negative PCR upon arrival is not compulsory any more but diagnostic tests will be carried out randomly at the entry point to Chile. Confirmed cases shall be isolated according to the general health regulations.
  • Medical insurance covering any expenses caused by COVID-19 is not compulsory any more
  • The use of a face mask is voluntary

In case you have any questions, we will be happy to help you!

The Team at Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia

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Patagonia Endless Run Shorts Review

I f you’re looking for a do-it-all pair of shorts no matter what the workout or distance, the Patagonia Endless Run shorts are for you. Made with trail running in mind, they have all the storage and comfort you need to go for endless miles. These shorts are simple yet have a lot of features that make them great for any type of activity. I tested the women’s version, and you can find the men’s here .

Patagonia Endless Run Shorts ( Women’s | Men’s ) At-a-Glance

trek sport patagonia

Intended Use & Circumstances of Review

These shorts are designed for trail running, but would work great for hiking or a general workout as well. I’ve worn them on several runs, day hikes, an overnight backpack, and even for at-home workouts. Whenever I was looking for a pair of shorts for any type of workout, I went with this versatile option.

Pockets Galore: Built for trail running, these shorts have all the pockets you could dream of. There is a center-back pocket which is great for keys, an ID card, etc. In addition, there are two no-bounce side pockets for a phone, snacks, headphones, and more. These types of fitted pockets have been a new trend in all kinds of women’s leggings and shorts and they can hold a heavy phone without issue.

Visibility in Low-Light: A reflective logo is included on the hem for the night hikers. Make sure you can be seen!

External Drawcord: The external drawcord is perfect to adjust the fit to exactly how you want it on any given day. This is a great feature and helps keep the shorts right where you want them. It would also be especially handy during a thru-hike as your body undergoes potentially drastic changes.

Fair Trade Certified sewn: This means the people who made it earned a premium for their labor, and we love it when workers are fairly compensated.

Fit & Comfort

trek sport patagonia

The sizing on these shorts was as expected, with plenty of adjustability due to the drawcord. They have a midrise and a shaped waistband which keeps them sitting at the perfect spot on the hips. Unlike the typical running shorts, they are formfitting — this is a great feature for those that chafe between the thighs.

I found that the 4″ inseam would ride up sometimes, but this was mostly a non-issue. I typically swear by at least a 6” inseam for chafing reasons, but was willing to give these a try and it worked out well. In terms of comfort, they were great — not too tight at all and the fabric material felt soft against the skin.

Pockets/Storage

The pockets on these shorts are truly awesome. They really shine on a trail run where you can fit snacks galore, potentially eliminating the need to carry a pack. They also hold a lot of weight without the items falling out or the shorts falling down. My oversized smartphone didn’t even weigh them down. Finally, the back pocket is great for smaller items, such as keys, when you’re on a run.

The fabric is heavy enough to hold shape and anything in your pockets in place. However, it’s also comfortably lightweight and relatively quick drying. I found that my sweat dried quicker with these than other similar styles of shorts. The fabric even has some odor-controlling properties, which is a huge plus especially when backpacking. Additionally, the fabric seems plenty durable and showed no signs of wear despite a lot of use and many wash cycles over the past couple of months.

Patagonia Endless Run Shorts Pros

Pockets: I’ve mentioned the pockets on these a few times now, but they’re honestly my favorite feature of the shorts and are fantastic.

Adjustability & Comfort: The drawstring on these shorts is another great feature that makes them fit super well and comfortably.

Anti-Chafing Style: The formfitting style and the 4” inseam are great for those of us who struggle with thigh chafing (definitely me).

Versatility: These shorts are perfect for any type of workout. Whether you’re churning out miles on the trail or just going to the gym, they’ll get the job done.

Patagonia Endless Run Shorts Cons

Cost: At $75 these shorts are definitely a bit pricey, but they are of good quality and have some great features that make it worth it.

Sometimes they ride up: I did find that these rode up sometimes, a little extra length could have fixed this for me. This is a common occurrence for me with shorts so some users might not even have this problem, and it was easy enough to fix when it happened.

Final Thoughts

trek sport patagonia

The Endless Run shorts offer a lot of features and versatility. They’re great for runners or hikers looking for a more fitted style of running shorts that can keep the chafing away for miles. Don’t forget about all the snacks the pockets can hold too! I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a quality pair of shorts for any activity that will hold up over time.

Shop the Women’s Patagonia Endless Run Shorts

Shop the Men’s Patagonia Endless Run Shorts

Comparable Shorts

REI Swiftland 5″ Running Shorts ( Women’s | Men’s ) MSRP: $59.95 Weight: 3.7 ounces Inseam: 5 inches

Outdoor Research Swiftlite Shorts ( Women’s | Men’s ) MSRP: $69 Weight: 2.8 ounces Inseam: 2.5 inches women’s | 5 inches men’s

Patagonia Baggies ( Women’s | Men’s ) MSRP: $59 Weight : 5 ounces Inseam: 5 inches

The Patagonia Endless Run Women’s shorts were donated for the purpose of review.

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The trains and stations of the Moscow Metro

2 Comments · Posted by Alex Smirnov in Cities , Travel , Video

The Moscow Metro is the third most intensive subway system in the world after Tokyo and Seoul subways. The first line was opened on May 15, 1935. Since 1955, the metro has the name of V.I. Lenin.

The system consists of 12 lines with a total length of 305.7 km. Forty four stations are recognized cultural heritage. The largest passenger traffic is in rush hours from 8:00 to 9:00 and from 18:00 to 19:00.

Cellular communication is available on most of the stations of the Moscow Metro. In March 2012, a free Wi-Fi appeared in the Circle Line train. The Moscow Metro is open to passengers from 5:20 to 01:00. The average interval between trains is 2.5 minutes.

The fare is paid by using contactless tickets and contactless smart cards, the passes to the stations are controlled by automatic turnstiles. Ticket offices and ticket vending machines can be found in station vestibules.

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Tags:  Moscow city

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Tomás · August 27, 2012 at 11:34 pm

The Moscow metro stations are the best That I know, cars do not.

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Alberto Calvo · September 25, 2016 at 8:57 pm

Great videos! Moscow Metro is just spectacular. I actually visited Moscow myself quite recently and wrote a post about my top 7 stations, please check it out and let me know what you think! :)

http://www.arwtravels.com/blog/moscow-metro-top-7-stations-you-cant-miss

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Lanette Mayes

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

40-facts-about-elektrostal

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

  • Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
  • With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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Elektrostal

Elektrostal Localisation : Country Russia , Oblast Moscow Oblast . Available Information : Geographical coordinates , Population, Area, Altitude, Weather and Hotel . Nearby cities and villages : Noginsk , Pavlovsky Posad and Staraya Kupavna .

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Elektrostal Geography

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Elektrostal Distance

Distance (in kilometers) between Elektrostal and the biggest cities of Russia.

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Elektrostal Nearby cities and villages

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Elektrostal Sunrise and sunset

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