w trek patagonia booking

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

01 apr 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.

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)

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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 in the poor dawn light.* 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. *PS. For safety reasons, hiking in the dark isn’t actually allowed in Torres del Paine. Trail sections have opening and closing times, check the park brochure for more info.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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 the Francés mirador, a lookout 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.

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.

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.

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 . 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 at dawn but as the day lightens, we’re treated to a stunning peach-tinted sky reflecting off the lake, and we stop often to snap pics.

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. 

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. 

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.

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

Thank you for sharing your Patagonia insights! I found it very thorough and incredibly helpful. I we are planning our trip for October 2024. I have a question. How did you book your meal plan? Thanks! Kim

Hi Kim, thanks for your feedback, we’re glad you’ve found our post helpful! When you go through the booking process for each accommodation (including camping) along the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to add meals as part of those bookings. Links to the accommodation providers are in the post. Good luck with your planning and happy trekking in October! Cheers, Danielle & John

Hi thank you so much for this detailed blog. It appears that one would have to stay at Frances camp if going east to west in order to shave hiking time on day 3. Is there a bus company through which we have to pre-book a bus ticket from Pudeto ferry to Las Amargo? Or is it a shuttle service? Do you have any idea if booking a guided tour via Las Torres means that they carry your heavy rucksacks?? Is the last day at Grey really worth it ? Or would you rather end the trek on day 4? Thank you!

Hi SK, thanks for your message. Until the CONAF Italiano camp reopens, Frances camp is the closest camp to the Frances Valley so yes, it is the best bet timing-wise for getting in and out of the Frances Valley and on to Paine Grande on Day 3 if travelling from east to west. You could also stay at Los Cuernos, but that would add around 1.5 hours to Day 3.

The buses running from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine drop off and pick-up from Laguna Amarga and Pudeto. When you buy your bus ticket to Torres del Paine, you’ll note where you’ll be getting off and on again (it will depend on your itinerary, but for us, travelling from east to west, we got off at Laguna Amarga and boarded at Pudeto on our return. Check out the section in our post on bus tickets to and from the park for more info. There’s a shuttle that runs between the Laguna Amarga ranger station and Hotel Las Torres for a fee.

We would suggest contacting the tour company you’re interested in for advice about whether porter services are available on their guided tours. We left most of our luggage in one of our backpacks at our hotel in Puerto Natales and carried only what we needed for the trek to keep the weight down.

We personally feel that every leg of the W is absolutely worth it – the scenery is superb throughout. Five days gave us just the right amount of time to enjoy the whole trail without pushing too hard. To do the trek in four days, you’d likely need to compromise on either the full hike into Frances Valley or the Grey leg in order to reach camps before dark, and we wouldn’t want to skip either. But that’s us. If four days was all we had to trek, we would possibly leave Grey but we’d have to make sure we did a boat tour out to the glacier instead! 🙂

All the best with your planning! Cheers, Danielle & John

This is seriously one of the best breakdowns I’ve read. Patagonia is one of three “Someday” treks I have on my list to head off on once my son is a little bigger and can carry more of his own gear. We’re building up now with longer and longer trips around Central/Eastern Europe

Love this site!

Thanks for your message Brian, we really appreciate your feedback. So cool that you and your son are already hiking together, and what an awesome bucket list adventure to look forward to with him! Happy trekking and thanks again! Danielle & John

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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W Classic Circuit

Welcome to the most famous trekking in torres del paine, accommodation options.

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Portada » Circuitos de Trekking » W Classic Circuit

One of the best hikes in the world

The W Circuit will make you to fall in love with Chile’s Patagonia. The pictures speak for themselves but could never do justice to the sights, feelings, excitement and pure awe that you will experience while hiking the W Circuit. Hiking through unbelievably big mountains, deep valleys, and dense, mysterious forests will leave you grateful for life and the exact moment you’re living.

The W Circuit is the most popular hike in Torres del Paine National Park for a reason – it’s stocked with all the highlights including Las Torres Base Viewpoint, Los Cuernos Mountains, Francés Valley, Paine Grande and Grey Glacier .

You can choose your adventure style, from camping immersed in nature to full room and board in shared mountain hostels or private hotel rooms. While still remaining a physically and mentally demanding experience, the W Circuit offers luxuries like comfy beds, hot showers, warm, hearty meals, and stock-up points along the way.

The W Circuit gets its name from the way it starts at one end of the Park, winds up and back down two spectacular mountain valleys, and then comes to a close at the other end, forming a W from a bird’s eye view.

The 5 day/4 night W Circuit option gives you the first day to relax and thoroughly explore the numerous sights of the Las Torres sector.

What will you see?

Amongst the most famous mountains in the world, these three towering, granite peaks soar in the blue sky at 2850m / 9350ft, 2800m / 9200ft, and 2600m / 8500ft. Molded by pure glacial force, these are the breath-taking towers that give the Park its name.

Los Cuernos

These three mountains put up a fight with the Las Torres Mountains over prettiest in the Park. Standing at 2600m / 8500ft, 2400m / 7900ft and 2200m / 7200ft, the different types of rocks that make up this massif create a stark, beautiful, and multi-colored contrast. A 700m / 3000ft wide slab of granite crosses the middle of these uniquely shaped mountains.

Francés Valley

This lookout in the middle of the W Circuit boasts unmatchable views. To the west, you can gaze at the Cuernos, Espada, Hoja and Máscara mountains. To the east, the Francés Glacier overhangs Mount Paine Grande. To the north, the jagged Fortaleza and Aleta de Tiburón (shark’s fin) peaks stand out against the sky. As if that wasn’t enough, the valley is immersed in a Nothofagus forest filled with many species of trees and vegetation that produce a variety of flowers and change colors during autumn.

Paine Grande

Made up of four summits, Paine Grande is recognized as one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. The highest peak towers at 3050m / 10000ft, making it the tallest mountain in the Macizo Paine Range and also the technically hardest mountain to climb in the entire Torres del Paine National Park.

Glaciar Grey

This is the largest glacier in Torres del Paine National Park, measuring 6km / 4mi wide, 30m / 100ft tall and 19km / 12mi long. Its floating icebergs and glacial moraines are just as picturesque as the glacier itself, which tumbles down from the massive Southern Ice Field. To see this gorgeous ice formation up close, you can take a boat ride, a kayak tour or an ice-hiking excurision.

How is the Circuit?

5 days/ 4 nights. The most popular circuit in Torres del Paine will surprise you with the Torres Base Viewpoint, Los Cuernos, Valle del Francés, Paine Grande and the Gray Glacier. Options: independent self-guided, group self-guided or private guide.

What does it include?

• Premium Camping - Fully Equipped
• RESERVATION AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Premium Camping - Fully Equipped Experience

Day 1: Transportation from Puerto Natales  to Torres del Paine, lodging at Central Sector. Day 2: Hike to Las Torres Base, lodging at Central Sector. Day 3: Hiking to Francés Sector (o Cuernos), lodging Francés Sector (o Cuernos). Day 4: Hike to the Francés Valley, lodging at Paine Grande Sector. Day 5: Hike to Grey Glaciar Lookout Point, then cross Pehoe Lake in catamaran and take transport back to Puerto Natales. 

Based on double occupancy – 2 people, 1 tent:

• USD $ 1,180 p/p

Single Suplement:

• The published rates and dates are valid from October 2023 until April 2024.
• If you would like this option with a group, please book through the form at the bottom of this page.
• During Christmas Eve and New Years Eve an extra of USD $40 is charged per dinner.
• Food service is limited in capacity
• If you wish to book this program with a private guide, complete the form at the bottom of this page.
• Lake Pehoé catamaran may be subject to changes, which could include modifications in the itinerary, in that case we will help you find the best alternative
• 1 5 day Epic Trekking Circuit
• 2 4 nights in Fully Equipped Camping (Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat)
• 3 All Meals
• 4 Transport to and from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park
• 5 Catamaran from Paine Grande
• 6 Park Entrance Fee
• 7 A hike of a lifetime

Mountain Hostel Experience

Day 1: Transportation from Puerto Natales  to Torres del Paine, lodging at Central Sector. Day 2: Hike to Las Torres Base, lodging at Central Sector. Day 3: Hiking to Francés Sector (o Cuernos), lodging Francés Sector (o Cuernos). Day 4: Hike to the Francés Valley, lodging at Paine Grande Sector. Day 5: Hike to Grey Glaciar Lookout Point, then cross the Pehoe Lake in catamaran and take transport back to Puerto Natales. 

Prices are per person based on 6 people per shared room:

• USD $ 1,490 p/p
• The published rates and dates are valid from October 2023 until april 2024.
• 2 4 nights in Mountain Hostel
• Prices valid until April 2024.
• Prices in USD are for foreign tourists only.
• If you would like to read our Reservation and Cancelation Policy please  click here .

Make an inquiry or a Reservation Here

Other circuits you might be interested in, o circuit from usd $1,750, w circuit express from usd $945.

Las Torres Patagonia

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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.

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

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.

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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W Trek Patagonia – Guide To The Most Popular Hike In Torres Del Paine

Chile , Hikes , Patagonia , South & Central America

The Torres Del Paine W Trek in Patagonia is a 5-day, 100km adventure that brings you to some of the best features of Torres Del Paine. Visit Grey Glacier, the base of the Towers, the French Valley, and much more on this epic trek.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll go through everything you need to know about planning for and hiking this trail. I’ve also thrown in some up-to-date tips and links for booking campsites in Torres Del Paine.

Get ready to embark on the trail of a lifetime!

Why Hike The Patagonia W Trek?

See the highlights of torres del paine.

One of the main reasons why the W Trek in Patagonia is so popular is the stunning scenery that hikers encounter along the way. The route takes visitors past the park’s most popular features. See the granite spires of Torres del Paine, the turquoise waters of Grey Lake, and the vast glaciers that dominate the landscape.

An Accessible Trail If You Have Limited Time

Another reason why the W Trek in Patagonia is so popular is its accessibility. Unlike many other remote treks in Patagonia, the W Trek is relatively easy to reach and can be completed in a week or less. This is great if your Patagonian backpacking trip has a time limit.

Additionally, the W Trek offers several options for accommodations, from camping to refugios (mountain huts), making it accessible to a wide range of budgets and experience levels.

W Trek Patagonia- Know Before You Go

W trek in patagonia- location.

The Torres Del Paine W Trek is situated in Chile near the southern tip of South America. The park itself is located 112 km north of Puerto Natales and 312 km north of Punta Arenas.

When is the best time to trek the W Hike Patagonia?

To highlight the pros and cons of each season, we have written a brief description of each below.

It’s worth also reading our articles on the best time to trek in Patagonia and, more specifically, when to hike in Torres Del Paine .

Spring - September to November

This is the perfect time of year to visit the park if you're wanting to experience warm, clear weather but without the huge crowds. Although not as warm as the summer months, the skies are often clear and you will get incredible views across the park. This is also the best season to see flowering flora in the region and witness the breeding season for wildlife.

Summer - December to March

This is the high season at Torres del Paine national park . Although the trails in Torres Del Paine are at their busiest, the weather is at its warmest. You'll get the maximum amount of clear days on your trek at this time of year. If you're the active type, then summer is also the period when you can horse ride, kayak, and mountain bike alongside your trek!

Fall - March to June

My favorite season without a doubt. The landscape becomes ablaze with color as the trails start to empty out and days become colder. The wind is often ferocious, but the spectacularly beautiful views are worth it!

Winter - June to August

Between May- September, self-guided hiking is not permitted in Torres Del Paine. Over this period, you can only hike Patagonia W Trek with a guide.

The major benefit of this season is that it is the quietest. There will be very few other visitors and you'll have many of the trails to yourself. This is the coldest period though and you will certainly experience cold nights and high, cold winds.

Torres Del Paine National Park

How Difficult Is Patagonia’s W Trek?

The Torres Del Paine W Trek is considered to be an easy multi-day trek as the elevation remains fairly steady throughout the hike. There is also the added benefit that the trek can be done over a longer or shorter period depending on your fitness levels.

Although regarded as easy, the trek still requires a solid level of fitness as you will be trekking a total of 100km/ 62 miles. This is 10-20km per day depending how many nights you camp out.

Hikers generally stay at the same elevation and certainly never go high enough for altitude sickness to become an issue.

The trails are well-defined and you’ll find signposts dotted along the trails at regular intervals. Water is available at all campsites, as is food. Ranger stations are dotted along the trail and you’ll most likely be among other trekkers (depending on when you trek).

Be careful though, storms are frequent in Patagonia and the wind can get extremely cold and strong. Always check weather forecasts before your day of trekking as the John Gardner Pass is often closed due to high winds.

Are Permits Required for The W Trek in Patagonia?

Yes, a permit is needed to enter the park. Permits cost $49 for more than three days. You need to book tickets online at least 24hrs before you visit.

You can print the permit or show it to officials on your phone. The park officials will need to see proof that you have booked your camping ground accommodation in advance.

Accommodation And Food On The W-Hike Patagonia

There are 11 campsites in the park which are run by three different companies. Currently, you can book campsites through Vertice Patagonia and Las Torres . Campsites cost between $10-$25 (Site only). Both companies also have the option to rent camping gear.

As well as tents, there is also options to stay in dormitories, cabins, and refugios. You can book these with the same companies mentioned above. I suggest using only one company to book your entire trek, for simplicity's sake.

Hotel In Torres Del Paine National Park

At the camps, you will find bathrooms, shops, and even small restaurants. You may need to pre-order your meal so check beforehand.

Note: As of 2022/2023, the free CONAF campsites (El Paso and Italiano) are not available. It is unclear when and if these will re-open. It’s better to budget in paying for all your sites. If this has changed, please drop us a comment.

How Far In Advance Should You Book The W Trek, Patagonia?

Torres Del Paine treks are not something you can decide to do last minute. I’ve seen a friend break a sweat over finding campsites when she already had flights to Punta Arenas booked. This was a whole three months before her hike in November! To be safe, I’d say you should plan and book your trip at least six months in advance. Maybe even more if you plan on hiking the W Trek in the peak season (December-March)

Since 2016, the amount of people who can hike the W Trail is 80 persons per day. Visitors must reserve a place if trekking solo without an operator and you’ll need to take the trail in a counterclockwise direction.

How Do You Get To Torres Del Paine And The Start Of Patagonias W Trek?

Visitors can fly into Punta Arenas, Chile, or El Calafate, Argentina. From either of these towns. You can then take a bus to Puerto Natales.

The bus ride from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales takes three hours and costs between $20-$30 dollars.

Buses between El Calafate and Puerto Natales are quite a bit longer (around 5 hours). Tickets cost between $30-$40.

Its good to spend at least one night before the W Trek resting and exploring Puerto Natelensis

Daily buses run between the town of Puerto Natales to the entrance of Torres Del Paine. This ride will set you back $15-$15. If you have a higher budget, you could arrange a private transfer to the park and organize for the driver to pick you up after your trek.

How much does the W Trek Patagonia Cost?

The cost of a Torres Del Paine W Trek varies depending on when you book flights and when you trek (out-of-season tends to be a little cheaper). If you go with a trekking agency, local companies will be much cheaper than booking through an American or European operator. Trekking independently in Patagonia is always the most budget-friendly choice.

• Tour Agency: ~$500 for a cheap local agency to ~$2,000 for a pricey Western trekking agency
• Visa, Vaccinations, Insurance etc:~$300-$500
• Equipment (buying and hiring):~$500-$800 – camping gear can be rented at the park entrance for $200.
• Return flights to Punta Arenas: ~$1,500
• Tips: ~$10-20
• Misc (additional food, unplanned travel/hotels, etc): $50

Total costs with tour agency: $2,000 – $4,000 It is possible to plan an independent W trek for less than $300. This price includes food, park entrance, and camping (assuming you have your own equipment). Food can be purchased from refugios throughout the park, however, it is very expensive.

You may also like : Guide to Fitz Roy hikes

Hiking The W Trek Patagonia - Route Guide

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 stunning scenery.

Guanaco in Torres Del Paine

Located in the amazing Torres del Paine National Park which was made a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978. The 100km trek generally takes around 5 days to complete. It takes visitors into the very heart of the park, through haunting forests, soaring mountains, and colossal glaciers.

Where does the W Hike Patagonia Start And End?

The trek begins with a lovely boat ride near the Grey Glacier and finishes with a magical sunrise at the famous Torres on the final morning. There is the option to do the longer full circuit O trek , however, most travelers opt for the shorter W Trek.

Patagonia W Trek - Day By Day Trail Information

Below is a standard, 5-day itinerary outline for your Torres Del Paine W Trek. This can vary depending on fitness levels, available camps, and routes. It should at least provide a good idea of what to expect. This is especially useful if you are trekking Patagonia independently .

Day 1: Puerto Natales to Refugio Grey (11km)

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

Leave early from the town of Puerto Natales. Buses depart at 7:15, if you go with a tour or taxi, you will probably leave earlier.

Take your transportation Pudeto. This is the next stop after the park entrance.

If you have time, visit the local waterfall and take some pictures. You then take a lovely boat ride by catamaran to Paine Grande. After arriving you begin your trek in earnest with a 3-4 hour (uphill) hike along Lago Grey to Refugio Grey where you camp the night. If you have some energy after dinner, head down to the lake and feel the cold water!

Day 2: Grey Glacier to Paine Grande (19km)

Today you’ll be up early – around 8 am – to hike up to the former campsite of Paso. From the campsite, you take a small path to the lookout platform where you get stunning views across Grey Glacier.

After spending a little time appreciating the glacier, you have the option to continue the hike to Paso.

This is an uphill trek and will add extra mileage to your day. However, I’d recommend it as the trail is absolutely beautiful and gives incredible views all the way along the glacier.

After visiting Paso, return along the trail back down to where you camped the previous night.

After lunch, it is a 3-4 hour hike down to your next campsite at Paine Grande. If you can, find a campsite next to the hill so you’re not battered by the strong winds overnight.

Refugio Paine Grande lies at the other side of Laguna Pehoe

Day 3: Valle del Frances to Los Cuernos (28km)

Today is a long one! Mentally prepare yourself for a full day of hiking. You begin your trek around 8am and hike for several hours until you reach camp.

At the camp, you should dump your large backpack at Campamento Italiano and head on up to Mirador Frances with your daypack. Take your lunch with you along with water and sunscreen.

The walk takes 2-3 hours and you should reach the Mirador around lunchtime.

After stopping to eat and explore the area, you’ll head back down to Campamento Italiano and retrieve your large backpack.

From there you head to your next campsite at Los Cuernos. This is roughly 2 hours walk away.

Day 4: Los Cuernos to Campamento Torres (20km)

This is the last full day of hiking on the circuit. After a leisurely breakfast, you should head off around 9 am towards Campamento Chileno.

Your trek begins on flat ground as you make your way along the Lago Nordernskjöld. After a few hours, you’ll come to a sign saying “shortcut to Chileno”.

Take the shortcut and walk for several hours until you reach the Refugio Chileno. Have lunch here before continuing on.

After lunch, you will walk uphill for an hour or so until you reach Campamento Torres. Leave your large backpacks here and head upwards for 45 minutes until you reach the Torres! Take a well-deserved break and soak in this iconic view.

A steep climb up is rewarded with this view of the Iconic Las Torres granite spires

Back at the Refugio, make sure you hit the sack early. You’ll need to be up before sunrise the following day!

Day 5: Torres to Puerto Natales (10-15km)

Don’t sleep in on Day 5! You’ll want to rise early (around 5 am) to get the sunrise views at the mirador of the Towers. Sunrise happens around 6 am in summer and there is just a short walk to the viewing and picnic area. If you’re lucky with the weather, you’ll get an incredible view and witness one of the most beautiful sunrises on our planet! If it’s raining in camp, do not give up – the weather is frequently very different up near the viewing area and the weather can clear fast. It’s worth taking a chance. After your sunrise moment, head back down to camp and pack up all your gear. From camp, you will head down to the Hotel Las Torres. This walk takes roughly 3 hours. From the trail’s end, you can walk to the park entrance. The 7km/ 4.3 miles will take you around 1.5 - 2hrs. At this point, you will be exhausted and may prefer to take the 2 pm minibus to Laguna Amarga at the entrance. Its worth budgeting an extra $10 for this bus fee. The return bus to Puerto Natales leaves at 2:30 pm from the park entrance. Double-check bus times before you set off.

W Trek Patagonia Map 

The best map I've found for the Torres Del Paine W Trek is the Torres del Paine Waterproof Trekking Map  by Sergio Zagier. The map provides compressive satellite relief, contour lines, shelters, timed trails, camping, and inns.

Other W Trek FAQs

Is altitude sickness a risk on the w trek.

There is essentially zero risk of altitude sickness on the Torres Del Paine Full W Trek. The highest point reached is under 700 meters which is far too low to bring on altitude sickness. See our guide on altitude sickness .

What W Trek guidebook do you recommend? 

The one guidebook that stands above all others is Trekking Torres del Paine: Chile’s Premier National Park and Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park by Rudolf Abraham. The guidebook covers eight major trails within the park including the Full Circuit and the ‘W’ Trek. Maps, tips, and detailed information is provided for each trek and the book is a must for trekkers hiking solo.

What gear do you need for the W hike?

Trekking the W requires a certain amount of essential pieces of trekking clothing and equipment.

Many pieces of equipment including tents, sleeping bags, and mats, can be rented at the campsites. However, rental prices are high. We recommend bringing the most important pieces of gear with you.

To help you plan and prepare for your trek we have written a detailed hiking gear list .

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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Ultimate Guide to Hiking the W Trek in Patagonia

Situated in the southern realms of South America , Patagonia is one of the world’s last untouched wildernesses. Chilean Patagonia is a land of towering peaks, crystal-clear rivers, blue-hazed glaciers and treeless steppe, it offers vistas like nowhere else on Earth.

Often at the top of hiker’s bucket list, the region’s most celebrated trekking route, the W Trek, takes a ‘W-shaped’ path through Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia. There’s perhaps no better way to explore the region’s dramatic landscapes than on foot, so we’ve created a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about hiking Patagonia’s famed W Trek.

Travel Guide to Hiking the W Trek in Patagonia

Hiking the w trek basics.

While scenic, hiking the W Trek is no gentle stroll in the park. Demanding in places, it requires a good level of basic fitness to cover its 50-mile length successfully. This is not least because altitude is a significant factor on the route, topping out at more than 3,500 feet above sea level. After all, the W Trek lies deep within the southern reaches of the mighty Andes mountain range. Located within Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park , the W trek can usually be hiked in four or five days.

There are a number of options available for those looking to hike the W trek. Some choose to pre-plan the lodging, purchase a pass and do it on their own. While this is certainly an option, the lodges fill up months in advance. Another option for those that don’t want to hike the W trek alone or are booking closer to your hike date and the lodges are full, is to book a guided hike.

Guided hikes can be private or you can book a small group hike to go with a guide and some other people.

Accommodation on the W Trek

Most of this multi-day hike will require overnight camping in tents or at a designated lodge, with hostels and hotels accessible at the start and end of the trek. Camping is only permitted with designated refuges, or refugios at Torres del Paine National Park. Keep in mind that these often get booked up a year in advance so make sure to plan ahead to get the best spots at your favorite refugio.

Lodging at the refugios are either tent camping or a shared room inside the lodge. Tents provided at the refuge are meant for the colder weather, rain and wind so they are warmer than tents you may be used to. Still, if you require the comfort of your own bed inside a warm, cozy lodge then make sure to book even further out because those rooms book up the fastest.

The upside of this arrangement is that you’ll have access to shared bathroom facilities, which generally include hot showers ideal for soothing sore muscles after a day’s walk. Refuges also have heating and electric lighting, and a communal dining room for eating meals sheltered from the elements. Most contain a small shop selling basic items.

Many of the refugios even have wifi so you can catch up on communication with loved ones. Keep in mind that the cost is much higher because it is satellite internet. You will not have cell service while hiking the W trek so make sure your loved ones are aware.

HOT TIP : If you find that individual reservations are booked up in all of the refugios, there may still be availability through a guided tour . You can join a guided hiking tour that is organized by the companies that own the shelters and this comes with a guide for your hike as well as lodging at the shelters along the way. It will be slightly more expensive than hiking and booking everything solo and you will be restricted to one company of shelters versus being able to pick and choose but the upside is your dates will be more likely to be available when planning closer to your travel date.

When to Tackle the W Trek

Hiking the W Trek is open right throughout the year, but if you’re planning on heading along it independent of guides and tour groups you’re limited to the period between October and April. This coincides with the southern hemisphere’s summer months and is also great to combine with a visit to the beautiful Atacama desert .

Independent hiking is complicated by the fact that places at refugios need to be reserved ahead of time, and can be fully booked months in advance. This is particularly true for the high season, which lasts from December to February. The route is also at its busiest during these months, which some trekkers find takes away from the overall experience of solitude and isolation Patagonia is renowned for.

Getting Started : Where to Fly Into and How to Get There

The standard gateway to the W Trek is the town of Puerto Natales , Chile. It lies more than 1800 miles south of the Chilean capital, Santiago. Limited flights connect the airport at Puerto Natales with Santiago, and it’s often easier to fly to either Punta Arenas further south in Chile, or even to El Calafate, just across the border in Argentina.

From either of these latter airports, you’ll then have to head to Puerto Natales by road. Long distance buses cover the distance from Punta Arenas in around three hours, or around 7 hours from El Calafate including border formalities. There is also an opportunity to rent a car and drive yourself .

If coming from Argentinian Patagonia, you should arrange your visa for Chile ahead of time. However, most European, North American and Australian passport holders require nothing more than six months validity on their passport for tourist visits of less than 60 or 90 days (dependent on nationality).

Puerto Natales – The Gateway to Torres del Paine National Park

Puerto Natales has a good cluster of hostels and hotels that are well used to welcoming those starting or finishing hiking the W Trek. Perhaps even more helpfully, this once small fishing village has a number of stores where hikers can rent any equipment they may need. Most stay open until 8 or 9 pm, allowing you to organize any kit requirements even if you arrive later in the day.

It’s also possible to securely store gear you won’t need during the trek. Ideally, your backpack won’t weigh more than around 30 lbs.

Storage can be arranged with your guiding service if you hire a guide, with your hostel/hotel depending on where you are staying or you can rent storage at the bus station. Ask your hotel or hostel if it is possible to store some of your items while you do the W trek. If they don’t have storage available, you can store your items at the bus station. Be aware of the opening hours if you choose this option as you will only be able to drop off or pick up your items during specific hours.

Getting to the W Trek from Puerto Natales, Chile

It’s possible to walk the W Trek in either west to east or east to west directions. That said, the vast majority of trekkers start the trail at the end closest to the entry gates into Torres del Paine National Park, which means they tackle the route from west to east. In turn, starting the trek in this direction means you’re not thrown into the deep end on day one.

Several trustworthy companies run buses that drop off and pick-up hikers from the park entrances. The trip takes between two and four hours depending on which entrance is used. They all have departures in the morning from Puerto Natales, usually around 7 am. If you’re struggling to get a seat, less popular services also operate in the early afternoon, leaving Puerto Natales around 2.30 pm.

You should buy your ticket ahead of time at the company offices inside Terminal Rodoviario , where the buses depart from. You’ll find the terminus on Avenida Espana. Round trip tickets (around $20) permit a ride on any of that company’s returning buses.

Buses generally have stops at Laguna Amarga, Pudeto, and Administrativa. The stop at Laguna Amarga is primarily used by those heading along the W Trek from east to west as it connects with the minibus to Las Torres base camp.

If you’re following the majority of trekkers in starting the W Trek at its western end, you’re better off buying a ticket to either Pudeto or Administrativa. From Pudeto, a catamaran crosses Lake Pehoé in around half an hour. Its destination is Paine Grande. As it lies midway along the W Trek route, arriving via Pudeto means repeating your day one walk on day two.

A way of avoiding this is to head instead to Administrativa and then catch the three-hour ferry that travels the length of Lago (Lake) Grey towards the stunning Grey Glacier where there is a campsite.

Fees for entering the park are the equivalent of roughly $30, and can be paid in Chilean pesos, US dollars or euros. If you pay in dollars or euros try and have the exact amount and don’t rely on there being change available. There are numerous currency exchanges in Puerto Natales. Tickets last as long as you stay within the park, or for five consecutive days of entry.

W Trek Itinerary

For those crossing Lake Grey, day one of hiking the W Trek will be mostly taken up by arrival at Grey Campsite, situated between the lake and montane forest. However, there’s still a chance to give your hiking boots a little action, with a trail leading to a viewpoint of Grey Glacier. Approximately one mile in either direction, it has an ascent and descent of around 1,200 feet in total.

If you get lucky with the weather you will have incredible views of the glacier and the glacial lake with icebergs swimming in it. The day we went was cloudy, windy and rainy making it very difficult to complete the hike. While you can’t predict the weather, be aware that the glacier creates a micro climate so just because it is sunny in other parts of the park does not mean that it will be the same nice weather near the glacier. Pack a hat and a warm jacket as it can get very cold, windy and wet.

Day two is usually the first full day of hiking the W Trek, with the path following the eastern shore of Grey Lake for the first third of the day’s route before moving inland.

The path is relatively gentle, and the scenery simply extraordinary from early on. The campsite of choice is called Refugio Italiano, which sits at the southern end of French Valley. In all, hikers usually take around eight hours to reach this point, covering around 13 miles and a further 1,000 feet in altitude.

Day three is normally dedicated to hiking French Valley which is the favorite part of hiking the W trek for many.

Following streams and rivers much of the way north, the valley offers spectacular views of glaciers towards the lookout at Britanicos Camp, although it’s uphill all the way. After taking in the majestic scene, you then complete the central part of the ‘W’ by returning to your previous night’s camp, having covered around ten miles and another 1,000 feet in altitude.

The day’s trek usually lasts around seven hours. Just like with the previous treks, the glaciers here can create microclimates which means that the weather could be unpredictable. Parts of this trek can be especially windy so hold on to your hats!

Day four of the W Trek sees hikers take on the second ‘V’ of the W-shaped route, along the Sendero Paso Los Cuernos trail. Much of the day’s path follows the shores of Lago Nordenskjöld, which are typified by alpine grasslands crisscrossed by small streams. You’ll more than likely end the day at Chileno Camp, after seven hours and 12 miles of walking.

Day five is normally the last day of hiking the W Trek, although it’s possible to cover shorter distances each day thanks to a chain of intermediate campsites along the way.

For most though, day five means the journey to the base of Los Torres mountains, which rise to a height of 9,500 feet. Heading towards their granite towers you’ll follow the sound of the River Asencio. The trek ends with a scramble over loose moraine, so be sure to save some energy.

In all, you’ll cover around nine miles in six hours, allowing plenty of time to meet the bus back to Puerto Natales.

What to Pack when Hiking the W Trek

Camping equipment can be rented at refugios, but this will add to your costs. If you’re completing the W Trek as part of a tour , tents and meals will be prepared for you. Even so, you’ll still need some specialty equipment to finish hiking the W Trek. In addition to cold weather gear, you should take waterproof clothing, as well as a battery-operated head torch for nights in camp and early morning starts.

Weather can really vary in the summer so you will need both warm clothing on the cold days and nights and light clothing for hotter days.

Below is a brief checklist of the must have things to pack along with you so you are prepared for the elements when hiking the W trek.

While there are many tours and ways to visit Torres del Paine National park , The W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park is an ultimate bucket list experience for anyone visiting Patagonia in Chile. Taking in incredible mountain, lake and glacier views there’s really nothing else like it. Follow the recommendations in our guide to hiking the W Trek in Patagonia, and you’ll be well on your way to being able to tick off this bucket list.

Looking for more epic bucket list destinations in South America? Check out our content for Ecuador for some incredible places to explore.

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Green Mochila

Budget Backpacking in South America

Beginners’ Guide to W Trek: an Unforgettable Hike in Patagonia

The W Trek in Patagonia counts among the most popular hikes in South America, drawing thousands of visitors every year. The area offers breathtaking landscapes of glaciers, icy fjords and charismatic mountains; so it’s natural that both beginners and experienced hikers dream of completing it. Although it’s a multi-day and moderately strenuous trek, even people with little hiking experience can challenge themselves and enjoy the scenery. So h ere’s a comprehensive travel guide to help all of you beginner hikers tackle the W Trek!

Located in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park , in the region of Magallanes, the W Trek takes hikers on an 80-kilometer (50-miles) journey. The nearest city is Puerto Natales , a small town that serves as the gateway to Torres del Paine.

Jump to: W Trek for beginners?   |  What to expect?   |  W Trek breakdown   |  Hikes off the main trail   |  Booking the campsites   |  What you’ll need   |  Tips for a cheap W Trek

Of course, Torres del Paine is on our list of best national parks in Chile !

Is W Trek suitable for beginner hikers?

In such a remote and unforgivingly wild part of the world, it’s normal to wonder whether the W Trek is suitable for beginner hikers. The answer is yes, but it does require a certain level of fitness and planning. We’re here to help you plan, but the fitness is up to you.

The W Trek is indeed a moderately challenging hike that involves steep climbs, long distances, and unpredictable weather conditions. However, with the right gear, training, and mindset, it is possible for beginners to successfully complete the trek .

What to expect on the trail

The W Trek is a 5-day, moderately difficult hike that is considered the jewel of Chilean Patagonia for its unspoiled, picturesque scenery. You will indeed marvel at glaciers, lakes, mountains, and immemorial forests.

Because of this, and its relatively short length, it’s pretty popular with hikers, so don’t expect to be alone. The trail is well-marked and maintained, and there are several campsites along the way. Some of them have small shops and a canteen – but meals have to be pre-booked together with the campsite.

The weather can be unpredictable , with rain, wind, and even snow possible at any time of year. Therefore, it’s essential to have clothing suited for all conditions. The good news is that there’s no high altitude involved on the W trek, so no need to acclimatize.

The W trek can easily be hiked without a guide in the summer months, from October to the end of April. Outside of this period (May to September) it’s still possible to hike it, but an organised tour is a must. In that period, definitely prepare for snow!

Besides the popular W trek, the other multi-day option in Torres del Paine is the O circuit , taking 8 days.

W Trek daily breakdown

The W trek is a linear trail (in the shape of a W – hence the name), that starts at either one of the two park entrances. Both directions are of equal difficulty. The one we detail below starts at Pudeto  and exits at Laguna Amarga , conveniently leaving the trail’s highlight for the end.

But 1st of all, learn how to get to Torres del Paine National Park from Puerto Natales.

Day 1: Pudeto entrance to Grey campsite

On the first day, you won’t create the heavens and earth, but will rather take a catamaran across Lake Pehoe, and then hike to the Grey campsite, located near the Grey Glacier. It’s worth arriving early and taking a walk up to Glacier Grey; or alternatively, plan here an extra day for a hike along the glacier.

➔ The distance covered is approximately 11 km (6.8 miles), and it should take around 4-6 hours to complete.

Day 2: Grey campsite to Paine Grande

On the second day, you will hike from the Grey campsite to the Paine Grande campsite, located on the shore of Lake Pehoe. The path is relatively easy; you’ll hike mostly with a constant view of Lago Grey, which will be switched to Lago Pehoe at the end of the hike.

➔ The distance covered is approximately 12.5 km (7.8 miles), and it should take around 4-6 hours to complete.

Day 3: Paine Grande to Frances or Los Cuernos campsite, with a detour to Mirador Británico

On day three, you’ll hike to one of two campsites, depending on your preference: Frances or Los Cuernos. Along the way, we recommend taking a detour to the Mirador Britanico viewpoint, for stunning views of the Paine mountain range.

➔ The distance covered is approximately 20 km (12.4 miles), and it should take around 8-10 hours to complete.

Day 4: Frances or Los Cuernos to Central or El Chileno campsite

On day four, you’ll hike to either Central or El Chileno campsite, depending on your choice. Central is located a bit further from the base of the Towers (“l as torres “) but is bigger; El Chileno offers a shorter hike to the Towers but fewer amenities (don’t worry, there are toilets). So if you are planning to watch the sunrise from the Las Torres viewpoint, choose El Chileno. The hike itself is moderate difficulty.

➔ The distance covered is approximately 14 km (8.7 miles), and it should take around 6-8 hours to complete.

Day 5: Hike up to Las Torres viewpoint, then exit the park at Laguna Amarga entrance

On the last day of the trek, you will finally hike to the base of the Towers. All your efforts will be rewarded as you witness the stunning 3-fingers granite rocks. Expect more hikers on the path, as this section is also a common day hike (lazy bums!).

You’ll then hike back down to the El Chileno / Central campsite and continue to the Laguna Amarga checkpoint to exit the park. There are steep sections on rocky terrain, so it’s again a strenuous day.

➔ The distance covered is approximately 18 km (11.2 miles), and it should take around 8-10 hours to complete.

Possible extension hikes off the main trail

Torres del Paine is one of the most beautiful corners of the world and it really triggers our love for the mountains! So if you have the time (and the money), we highly recommend you spend more time in the park and explore more views. Plus, you’ll probably enjoy this fascinating landscape with a bit less crowd.

In addition to the main W Trek, there are several day hikes that you can do off the main trail. These include:

• Glacier Grey : a 3-hour hike (one way) from Camp Grey to Glacier Grey, which is one of the highlights of Torres del Paine, so it’s worth extending your stay.
• Mirador Condor : a 3-hour hike (one way) from the Paine Grande campsite that offers stunning views of Lake Pehoe and the surrounding mountains.
• Mirador Británico : a 3.5-hour hike (one way) from the Italiano campsite that takes you to the top of the French Valley. The views from up there are some of the best in the park.
• Lago Nordenskjöld : a 2.5-hour hike (one way) from the Los Cuernos campsite that takes you along the shores of Nordenskjöld Lake.

And for more of a backcountry experience within the park, consider replacing the W trek with the 8-day O circuit .

Booking the campsites and entrance

If you plan to do the W Trek, it is essential to book your campsites months in advance . As in, at least half a year. We’re not kidding. The campsites are run by 2 companies and they fill up quickly, especially during peak season (December to February).

You can book directly on the Vertice Patagonia and Las Torres Patagonia websites. Alternatively, the most convenient way is to book them on the Torres Hike platform . It gives you a recommended route depending on how many days you want to stay on the trail; it also books all the campsites for you, charging an admin fee.

It is important to note that camping is the only form of accommodation available within the park. Wild camping is strictly forbidden.

Campsite booking can be an overall headache with so many options, so we wrote a full guide to Torres del Paine campsites to help you with the planning.

Apart from the campsites, the park entrance ticket also needs to be booked before your trip. You can book directly on the official national park’s CONAF website (in English).

Things you will need on the W trek

To complete the W Trek without crying to your momma every evening, you’ll need these essential items:

• A good quality backpack
• Hiking boots
• Warm clothing (including a waterproof jacket) – think in layers
• Sleeping bag for low temperatures (e.g. 2 degrees Celsius / 35 Fahrenheit)
• Cookware and stove
• Water bottles or hydration system
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, hand sanitizer, etc.)
• Power bank to charge your phone/camera
• Hiking poles – not essential but a great help in the uphill-downhill sections

Tips for the cheapest possible W trek

Sure, the W Trek can be an expensive adventure, but there are ways to make it more affordable. Trust a couple of veteran stingy travellers! Here are some tips based on our own experience:

• Travel during the shoulder season (October to November or March to end of April) when prices are lower and crowds are thinner.
• Bring your own gear .
• Or, if you’re missing something, rent gear in Puerto Natales instead of buying it.
• Bring your own food and cook your own meals at the campsites.
• Do the trek without a guide . It’s well-marked throughout so very easy to follow.

Do you know all the other amazing multi-day hikes in Patagonia, besides Torres del Paine? Check out our favourite 16 thru-hikes in Patagonia .

Are you now convinced that YOU TOO can tackle the W Trek? Share your experience with us in the comments!

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Anna is a world citizen, an avid traveller, a passionate environmentalist and a digital nomad. Writing about her year backpacking through South America, she tries to encourage everyone to discover this beautiful continent as a traveller or a digital nomad and pass on her love for responsible travel.

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W Trek Patagonia – Things To Know Before Hiking Chile’s Popular Trek This Year

Are you ready for the epic trek of a lifetime? Before you set off to the hikers’ dream destination, W Trek Patagonia, here are some important things to know. 

One of Chile’s most celebrated hiking treks is the W Trek. It is part of the O Circuit, a full circuit around the Torres del Paine National Park. The W Trek goes up and down massive mountains, which means you need to be in good shape, physically prepared, and have some hiking experience before attempting this trail. 

To make your Patagonia travel adventure hitch-free and truly memorable, you must be equipped with the relevant information about the route and logistics for exploring the W Trek. Take this guide, plan your trip to this dreamlike destination, and include it in your Patagonia itinerary .

Table of Contents

An Overview of W Trek Patagonia 

Where is the w trek patagonia .

Often regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful trails, the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park , Patagonia, is a one-of-a-kind travel experience. Forests, grasslands, glaciers, and mountain ranges are just some of the many environments you’ll pass through on this journey. 

You will also enjoy appreciating the unique wildlife you encounter during the hike. Guanacos, foxes, and even Andean condors are some animals you might see on your travels.

Those searching for a genuinely wild and remote experience will find the W Trek the perfect place. 

How Long Is The W Trek Patagonia?

The W Trek Patagonia is a 5-day trek across roughly 80 kilometers (50 miles) of Chilean Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park. The letter “W” shape of the trail was the inspiration for this hike’s moniker. 

The duration of the hike allows you to soak in Patagonia’s splendor at your leisure, so take your time enjoying the hike and the scenery. Take this chance to get out into nature and enjoy the amazing views along the way. The W Trek Patagonia is an adventure that you will surely never forget!

It’s also possible to make the hike a 4-day trek when you camp at Paine Grande the first night, walking to Glacier Grey and back in a day instead of taking 2 days. That would mean a very long first day and not hiking up to the Glacier Grey viewpoint, so I’ve opted for 5 days.

W Trek Patagonia – Highlights

The W Trek is a 5-day trek through some of the world’s most astonishing landscapes. It’s one of the most amazing hikes I’ve done. The scenery changes by the day, and the views are breathtaking. 

The Towers are large granite spires and the trail’s most well-known landmark. You’ll also take in the sights of the French Valley, a gorgeous valley encircled by high mountains and glaciers. A highlight not to forget is the Grey Glacier, a large glacier with a stunning blue-grey tint that is part of the Southern Patagonia Icefield.

These features make it an absolute must for anyone who considers themselves an outdoor enthusiast. You’ll be able to spend time in the great outdoors, taking in the stunning landscape and building memories that will last a lifetime!

W Trek Patagonia – Difficulty Level

A moderate trek by most standards, the W Trek is not technically difficult but can be very challenging and physically demanding. Just the fact that you’re walking multiple hours per day for 5 days straight is enough to tire most people.

If you’re physically fit, making your way up these mountains shouldn’t prove too difficult; however, if you’re not used to walking long distances, consider hiring a guide. They know exactly where all the best views can be found (and, more importantly, won’t mind stopping so that everyone else gets a photo opportunity break).

It is best to start early in the morning to make it back before dark. Occasionally, the trail is steep, but some flat sections allow you to catch your breath. If you have health issues like asthma or heart disease, hiking the W Trek may not be a good choice because it can get windy in certain areas. 

W Trek vs. O Trek: Which Should I Choose?

The 2 treks differ in several ways, but the main difference lies in their difficulty level. The W Trek is shorter, so it’s a good option if you’re looking for an exciting experience and don’t want to hike for longer. 

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a trip that’s more off the beaten path and doesn’t mind hiking longer, then the O trek is likely better suited to your needs.

You can avail of many services on both the W Trek and the O Trek, such as transportation, accommodation at the campsites along the trail, meals at these campsites (including breakfast), and guide services.

When Is The Best Time to Hike the W Trek?

The W Trek is best done in the summer (December-March) when you’ll have the most pleasant weather. It’s also the dry season, so your chances of staying dry are higher. 

So, if you’re looking for a more comfortable trip with less rain, try doing the W Trek from December through March. 

We visited during shoulder season, which is in late October and November. This time has fewer crowds, less expensive accommodation, and overall flexibility. It’s the perfect time to travel. 

However, the downside of the shoulder season is the probability of bad weather. 

If you want a challenge and want to battle snow or cold temperatures, consider going from April through November instead. There will also likely be snow along parts of the trek during much colder months–so if you plan on doing this trip during winter, then definitely bring a guide who knows where you can and can’t come.

Where to Stay During the W Trek 

The campsites and refugios (refuges or shelters) along the W trek are cheap and comfortable, so that you could make this trip even on a budget. Book your campsites at least 3 months in advance, as they fill up quickly. 

There are several campsites and refugios to choose from on the W Trek, ranging in price and quality:

• Refugio Los Cuernos

This Refugio is an excellent and cost-effective place to stay. It provides breathtaking views and is only a short distance from the start of the W Trek.

The cost here is around 23,906 CLP ($30) per night. 

• Refugio Paine Grande

Refugio Paine Grande is the park’s largest and busiest refugio, with enough capacity for 100 trekkers. It is located at the beginning of the hiking trail and on the shore of Lago Pehoe. 

It has mixed dorm rooms accommodating 2, 4, or 6 people. You can select between a fully made bed, which includes sheets and a blanket, or you can also opt for your sleeping bag, with prices starting at 46,000 CLP ($58) per night for a single bed and 72,000 CLP ($91) for a made-up bed per individual.

If you plan to bring down your hiking costs, as we did, you can carry a tent to your hike. It’s much cheaper at 9,000 CLP ($12) per person, which we would definitely recommend.

The Refugio offers trekkers a sizable dining area, a bar, a mini-market, and basic amenities.

• Refugio Grey

Refugio Grey is a little distance from the glacier Grey (bearing the same name), one of the more recent refugios tucked away amid the trees on Lake Grey’s shoreline.

It connects the renowned W Trek with the Paine Circuit and is a crucial stop on any trekking expedition in Torres del Paine National Park.

The Refugio provides trekkers with excellent cuisine, tidy lodgings, a fireplace, and minimal amenities.

The Grey Refugio can accommodate up to 60 people. The lodging expenses for staying at Refugio Grey start from 31,000 CLP ($40) per night for a single bed and 72,000 CLP ($92) for a fully made bed per individual.

When you’re putting down your tent, it’s only 8,000 CLP ($10) per person. Bringing your equipment or renting it from Puerto Natales is one of the best ways to keep your budget down while doing the W Trek.

• Domos Frances

Domos Frances is situated halfway between the French Valley entrance and Refugio Cuernos. It is famous for its metal-framed tents known as Domos and has communal quarters with bunk beds. The structure resembles a shelter, but it is in domes instead of being in a conventional structure.

It has shared bathrooms, hot showers, and dormitory rooms with bunk beds for 6 people. If you do not purchase a meal package, you can cook outside in the camping area, as cooking is prohibited inside the Domos.

The rates for the Domos Frances start at 113,000 CLP ($144) per night per individual and are exclusive of the meal prices. You can stay at Frances for 28,000 CLP ($35) per night when putting down your tent.

• Refugio El Chileno and Campsite

The Refugio El Chileno is situated on the Base de las Torres trail, 2 hours climb from the Las Torres sector. You can use your sleeping bag on a simple bed or rent a fully-made bed. The Refugio’s visitors also have access to common restrooms.

The cost of staying at Refugio El Chileno ranges from 75,000 CLP ($95) from April through October to 91,000 CLP ($116) from November through March. 

The Refugio also has a campsite that goes by the name of Campsite Chileno, and it is one of the closest camping sites to the Base Torres viewpoint. The campground provides communal facilities with showers, camping sites, and hot water. There is no cooking at the campsite, but you can request hot water at the bar to make things like oatmeal or instant noodles (like we did).

The cost for camping with your equipment is 20,000 CLP ($25) per person, plus an additional 9,000 CLP ($12) if you use it with single occupancy.

• Campamento Torres

Please be aware that Campamento Torres is closed for the foreseeable future.

Torres Campamento is an entirely free CONAF campground. It is the closest camping site to the Torres del Paine peaks, and the trek from the campsite to the towers takes around 45 minutes.

The campsite provides basic amenities such as restrooms and a cooking area, but no tents or other camping gear is provided. The campground is part of the W Trek and is an important stop for trekking individuals.

It is important to note that only the specified campsites may be used for camping in Torres del Paine National Park, and camping at any other place is strictly prohibited.

• Campsite Italiano

Please be aware that the Campsite Italiano is closed for the foreseeable future.

Campsite Italiano is a free campsite on the W Trek in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park. It is CONAF-owned and contains rudimentary amenities like toilets and an outdoor cooking facility. 

The campsite needs flowing water; therefore, all water used for cooking must be gathered from a nearby river. Most campers leave their backpacks here and trek to the Francés and Britanico miradors.

It is also worth mentioning that the Italiano campsite is often flooded and non-operational when it rains heavily.

How To Book the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park?

Embarking on the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park can be an exhilarating way to discover the natural splendor of Patagonia. To secure your spot, booking hiking excursions through a recently launched site is recommended, which opens bookings 6 months in advance and offers a straightforward booking process.

The first step is deciding what route you want to take (East to West or West to East) and how many days you want to spend doing the hike. Then, use the site to make the appropriate booking. 

Note that you will pay a fee for using the booking platform, but it makes booking the campsites so much easier that it’s the option that we opted for.

What Should I Pack For the W Trek?

The weather on the W Trek can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack clothes that suit all conditions. The temperature is usually between 50 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit (10 and 20 degrees Celsius) during the day and 37 to 43 ° F (3 to 6°C) at night. 

As you prepare for a hike, bringing the necessary gear and supplies is important to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, packing the right items can make all the difference. Some essential items to consider include the following:

• Hiking clothes. Pack warm clothes, fleece tops and jackets, thermal underwear , socks , a waterproof jacket , and pants
• Hiking shoes and rain clothes  
• Sun protection such as glasses and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
• Basic first aid kit  
• Some snacks and water bottles
• A little cash in case of emergency
• Waterproof bag to keep valuable items 
• A plastic bag for trash, as you’d want to take all your trash with you when hiking

Should I Do the W Trek With a Guide?

The W Trek is a popular hike in Patagonia National Park. It’s not difficult, but it involves some challenging terrain. 

You can do the W Trek with a guide for safety and convenience. If you hire a guide, you can save money by doing it yourself next year.

But you can also choose to do the W trek without a guide. That’s also what we did and what most of the people we ran into on the tracks did. However, the trek challenges require you to consider the following: 

• You must be self-sufficient and have good map and compass skills. Some parts of the trail are marked, and some are not as well marked, especially in bad weather. An easy solution is to download Maps.me, an offline map where you can always see where you are.
• You should be fit enough for the harsh conditions along this route: temperatures can drop below freezing point even during summer.
• Strong winds are common; climbs up mountainsides can be strenuous and taxing even for people in good physical shape. The scenery is magnificent, however, and the views are breathtaking. The trek has no villages nearby, so you must carry all your supplies (or buy them at a premium at the campsite).

If you decide to hike the W Trek unguided, you will be responsible for arranging transportation to and from Puerto Natales (the start/finish location). A bus ride to the location will set you back around 3,000 CLP ($4) per person, with no requirement to pre-book tickets, as they can be bought on the spot before boarding the shuttle. 

Itinerary for W Trek Torres Del Paine in 5 Days (East to West)

The W Trek is an incredibly rewarding experience and one that can be challenging at times. The trail is not too difficult; however, you should be prepared for rain, cold nights, and high winds. 

You should also expect to encounter mosquitoes and low visibility due to fog. It’s important to come prepared with a good map, compass, GPS device, or mobile phone app – I recommend Maps.me.

You’ll also want to ensure proper clothing for the trek; waterproof boots are necessary, as you may cross rivers throughout your journey. Pack plenty of food, water, and first aid equipment, such as bandages and pain relievers – just in case.

We opted for the W trek from East to West to experience the Torres on our last day as a reward for all our hiking. However, there are also plenty of people who do the hike from West to East. It depends on your preference.

Day 1: From Puerto Natales to Campamento Grey – 7 mi (11 km)

The first day of the trek involves traveling from Puerto Natales to the Paine Grande and then to Campamento Grey campsite, which can be reached by bus and then by catamaran.

You will need to take a bus from Puerto Natales to Pudeto, which is the terminal for the catamaran ferry. Be sure to take one of the first buses and buy your tickets a few days in advance when possible. Especially in the high season, tickets will likely sell out a day or two in advance. 

When you first enter Torres del Paine, you will pause at the park entrance to scan your park ticket. You need to buy your ticket online in advance. Since the pandemic, the option of buying it there isn’t available.

After you’ve scanned your ticket and get dropped off at the ferry point, you line up for the ferry across the lake on a catamaran. Use the ferry to reach Paine Grande. This service may cost approximately 25,000 CLP ($30) in cash. 

No cards are accepted here as of this moment, and you cannot reserve tickets in advance; you must purchase them at the ferry terminal.

Occasionally, ferry schedules are subject to change, so you should view the most recent ones before departing. Asking the people selling you the bus ticket should be sufficient. They would know if any significant changes have occurred.

You will then arrive at Paine Grande and continue on foot to Campamento Grey. The trail begins on a steep incline trek but quickly levels out and offers uplifting views of Lake Grey.

The hike from Paine Grande to Grey takes between 3 and 4 hours, so plan to arrive late afternoon to set up camp, meet other hikers, and prepare supper.

Day 2: Campamento Grey to Campamento Paine Grande via Mirador Grey – 11 mi (18 km)

On the second day, the trek continues from Campamento Grey to Mirador Grey, which offers a stunning view of the Grey Glacier. You must hike another 1.24 mi (2 km) from the campsite to Mirador Grey.

The hike is a moderate one and takes about 30 minutes to complete. After that, you can continue on a long wooden hanging bridge, which I wouldn’t recommend if you’re afraid of heights. You’ll look closer at the Grey Glacier and the Patagonian Icefield.

After enjoying the view, you can return to the Grey Campsite to back your stuff, have breakfast, and head back to the Paine Grande campsite, where you will spend the night.

Day 3: Campamento Paine Grande to Campamento Frances via Mirador Valle del Frances – 16 mi (26 km)

On day 3, the trek continues to Campamento Frances, passing through the Mirador Valle del Frances. Depending on the weather, climbing the Francés Valley might be one of your best views of the entire Torres Del Paine W Trek.

The trail passes via the French River and Campamento Italiano, a free, CONAF-run Campamento. Before entering the Francés Valley, you can leave your baggage at Camping Italiano. 

This climb segment highlights the W’s core section, and it’s all uphill. After climbing a steep, rocky, and slick trail for an hour to reach Mirador Francés, search for Glacier Francés, which would be clinging to the mountainside to the west.

After soaking in the beautiful scenery, you will trail back to Campamento Italiano, so you can gather up your pack and walk another 30 minutes to reach Francés.

The out-and-back trek between Campamento Paine Grande and Campamento Frances is moderately difficult. The distance between the 2 campgrounds is about 16 mi (26 km).

Day 4: Campamento Frances to Camping Chileno – 12 mi (19 km)

The fourth day entails a hike through the valley to Camping Chileno. This stretch of the trek provides stunning views of the Francis Valley. 

The Towers of Paine, a collection of 3 granite peaks, will be visible along the way. It’s one of Patagonia’s most recognizable features and a popular stop for trekkers on the W Trek. 

This trail twists along a lake, gaining and shedding height until you reach the valley’s starting point, where it all becomes uphill. 

After the end of the trek, you’ll arrive at Chileno campground, located at the base of the Las Torres peaks and is a popular rest stop before the final day of the walk.

Day 5: Camping Chileno to Las Torres and back down to Hotel Las Torres – 8 mi (13 km)

The final day of the trek involves hiking to the top of Las Torres peaks, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. 

The Las Torres Peaks are a collection of 3 separate granite peaks in the Paine mountain range, often known as the Paine Massif. They have a height of 8,200 ft (2,500 m) above sea level.

The Torres del Paine peaks are the park’s centerpiece and one of Patagonia’s most recognizable features. 

After reaching the summit, you must return to campsite Chileno to grab your equipment before continuing to Hotel Las Torres. 

When you arrive at the Las Torres Hotel, take a shuttle bus to Laguna Amarga. From there, you can take a shuttle bus back to Puerto Natales and finally finish your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – W Trek Patagonia

How long is the w trek in torres del paine.

The length of the W Trek in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park varies based on the route and its starting and finishing points. The total extent of the W Trek measures about 46 mi (74 km), and it may require between 4 and 7 days to complete.

When Can You Hike the W Trek?

The optimum time to trek the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, is from November to March. The weather is often more appealing, daylight hours are longer during this period, and the weather is generally sunnier, allowing for more time for trekking and sightseeing. 

How Difficult Is the W Trek in Patagonia?

The W Trek is a moderate hike. It’s not for beginners, but it’s not technically difficult. 

You need to be in good shape and enjoy hiking but be aware that some days are long and demanding on the trail. The W Trek is not for those afraid of heights or getting wet (there are several river crossings).

Is the W Trek Worth It?

The W Trek is not for everyone–it is a challenging hike, especially if you bring your camping gear and food. But it’s very doable, and the views are well worth it. It is an excellent option if you want to see the Torres del Paine National Park and its awesome scenery and experience a most memorable outdoor adventure experience. 

Can You Do the W Trek Without a Guide?

Doing the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park is possible without a guide. Many hikers do the trek independently to have more flexibility and control over their itinerary, pace, and budget. However, it’s important to be well-prepared for the trail conditions and safety, have good navigation tools, and plan for accommodation. 

While a guide can offer a range of benefits, it is possible to do the W Trek independently with proper planning and preparation. 

Remember that you need to hire a guide if you’re hiking in the winter season.

Conclusion – W Trek Patagonia

You will not regret a trip to the W Trek in Patagonia.

The views in the W Trek are amazing; the trails are well-maintained and easy to follow. There is plenty of food and water available along the way. The route is also very popular, so you will likely see other trekkers. 

With a thoroughly researched and well-thought travel plan, exploring the W Trek in Patagonia can be a breeze and a trip you will never forget.

Related read:

• A Guide To 17 Best Hikes in South America – For New & Experienced Hikers
• The Ultimate Patagonia Hiking Guide: Explore the Best Trails and Landscapes

Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter

• Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
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Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.

Chasing Chanelle

O Circuit & W Trek Reservations 2023/2024 – How To Book Torres Del Paine

Wondering how to make O Circuit and W Trek reservations for the 2023-2024 season? When I booked the O Circuit in Torres del Paine last season, it was not an easy process. But after completing my hike, I can say without a doubt that it was worth the hassle!

While I was hiking the O Circuit, I met a lot of other hikers who shared the same frustrations as me with the booking process.

Although I had persevered and managed to book everything myself, many of my fellow hikers did not. Instead, they used third party agencies to make their O Circuit and W Trek reservations, which was much more expensive than booking the hike themselves.

So, to make it as easy for you as possible, I have put together a complete guide on how to make O Circuit and W Trek reservations. Plus, I have included the tips and tricks I learned from my booking experience, to help you avoid making the same mistakes when booking Torres Del Paine.

About the O Circuit & W Trek

When it comes to Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine is the region’s most famous National Park, and with good reason! With its iconic three granite peaks, magnificent wildlife, bright blue lakes and enormous glaciers and icebergs, Torres del Paine is truly a hiker’s paradise.

This is a destination which should be on everyone’s bucket list. And the best way to see it is by completing one of the park’s popular multi-day hiking routes.

The most popular hike in the park is the W trek, which covers about 80 km (50 mi) over 3 to 5 days. It gets its name from the route forming a ‘W’ shape, taking you past some of the park’s most iconic sites.

The other longer (and more challenging) route is the O Circuit. This circular route takes you on a loop through the back and front of the park, and includes the W Trek section.

Covering around 110 km (68 mi), the O Circuit is usually completed in 7 to 9 days. But the traditional and most popular itinerary takes 8 days and starts from the Laguna Amarga entrance. This is the route I did when I hiked the O Circuit.

Which Hike Is Right For You?

The W Trek and O Circuit are two of the best hikes in Chile and in the world. When it comes to experiencing Patagonia, you really can’t go wrong with either.

Whether you choose the W Trek or O Circuit will primarily be based on how much time you have, as well as your experience and fitness level.

The O Circuit Vs. The W Trek

The O Circuit is the longer of the two hikes. At 7-9 days, this is a significant time commitment. Plus, you need time to prepare and get to Torres del Paine. If this is too much to fit into your schedule, then the W Trek will be the better hike for you.

The O Circuit is also a more demanding hike. The hardest part is the section before joining up with the W Trek when you will hike over the John Gardner Pass. This is a long day and has a lot of elevation gain in a short space of time, making it quite physically challenging.

The other thing that makes the O Circuit more difficult is the length of it! 7-9 days is a long time, and your body will feel it. Having a good fitness level and previous experience doing multi-day hikes will make it a bit easier. So you should factor this in when deciding if the O Circuit is right for you.

No matter how experienced you are, you will still likely have a couple of days where you’re particularly tired on the O Circuit.

My Experience hiking the O Circuit

When I hiked the O Circuit, I ended up finding days 5 and 6 to be the hardest. My body was very tired by this point and this is the stage when I would normally have a rest day, or be finishing my hike. Although I pushed through and luckily I bounced back for the final two days!

Personally, if I were to hike in Torres del Paine again, I would once again choose to do the O Circuit. This is because I love a challenge. Plus, in my opinion, the best views are at the top section of the hike (in particular, John Gardner Pass). Plus it’s quieter and more remote than the W Trek.

So, if you’re up for the challenge and have the time, I would highly recommend giving the O Circuit a go.

But if you can only fit in the W Trek, don’t worry, you will also have an unforgettable time! You will get to see the key highlights of the park and enjoy a slightly more comfortable hike.

O Circuit & W Trek Map & Routes

There are two different entry/exit points to Torres del Paine. Traditionally the O Circuit starts at Laguna Amarga, and goes anti-clockwise (this is the only direction you’re allowed to hike the O Circuit in). But some people choose to start at Paine Grande instead, working their way through the W Trek section first.

The W Trek can be hiked in either direction and is commonly started from either of the two entry/exit points.

On the below map, the section between the Grey Glacier and Refugio/Camping Las Torres is the W Trek section. As you can see, it forms a W shape, which is where the trek gets its name from. Whereas the O Circuit is the route which does a loop of the park and joins up with the W Trek.

Accommodation Options – Campsites & Refugios

There are designated campsites and ‘refugios’ (shelters) where you can stay along the W and O Treks. (See them marked on the above map).

At each accommodation site, the campsites and refugios are adjacent to each other (or within a short walking distance). Upon arrival at the site, there is a park office where you will check-in and be directed to where you’re staying and the facilities available to you.

Although you probably have a preference for either camping or staying in the refugios, availability may dictate which one you end up booking. Plus, on the O Circuit, one of the sites (Los Perros) does not have a refugio. So you will have to camp at least once on this hike.

You are ONLY allowed to camp at the designated campsites on the O Circuit and W Trek. Wild camping is not permitted in Torres del Paine and you must have a camping reservation.

The campsites all offer a number of amenities and services, such as enclosed cooking and eating areas, washrooms and showers. Some campgrounds have specific tent pads, such as wooden platforms. Whereas others have a designated area, such as a field, where you can set up your tent anywhere you like.

All of the campsites have basic sites available (for you to set up your own tent , sleeping pad and sleeping bag ). Or there are also fully and partially equipped sites, if you prefer to rent camping equipment rather than bringing your own.

Renting a fully or partially equipped site is a good option if you want to keep your pack weight down. In particular, if you’re only camping for one or two nights and staying in Refugios for the rest, it’s probably not worth carrying camping equipment.

Although make sure to carefully read the fine print when booking, to ensure you have booked all the equipment you will be needing at each site. I would also recommend bringing a sleeping bad liner for hygiene purposes, as the rented sleeping bags aren’t washed often (they can only air them out between uses).

The refugios are mountain lodges which offer dorm-style sleeping arrangements, similar to a hostel. There are between 4 and 8 bunk beds per dorm room and all beds are twin-sized.

If you book to stay in a refugio, keep in mind that you will be sharing a room with other hikers. And even if you are hiking with a group, there is no guarantee you will all end up in the same room. So you may still find yourself sharing with strangers.

When booking to stay in a dorm room, you will usually have to book the bedding in addition to the bed, for an additional fee. Most of the dorm beds don’t automatically come with bedding, and many hikers choose to bring their own sleeping bag instead.

Even if you do rent the bedding, I would still recommend bringing a sleeping bag as well. The dorm rooms aren’t heated, so to ensure you stay warm at night it’s best to have a sleeping bag you know will keep you warm, or which you can use in addition to the bedding.

Note – There is no refugio option at the Los Perros site on the O Circuit. If hiking the O Circuit you will have to camp at this stop instead. However you can rent a fully equipped campsite to stay in, so you don’t have to bring your own equipment.

Private Sites

At some of the stops, you might also have an option to book a private room or campsite. Although this comes with a much heftier price tag (around US $200-300 per night). This can be a good option if you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, or if there are no other camping or refugio spots available.

Meals & Food

At each site there is a catered dining room (usually adjacent to the refugio) where hikers who have their meals included will be served dinner and breakfast. Plus, for those who are looking for a complete package, there is the option of booking full-board, which also includes packed lunches to take away each day.

To guarantee a meal, they should be booked in advance of your hike. Both campers and refugio guests are able to book meals.

There is also an option to buy additional basic food supplies and snacks along your hike. At each accommodation site there is a small shop (usually adjacent to the park office) which sells essential items. Most of the shops are quite well stocked with any emergency supplies or snacks you might need. But those along the W Trek section tend to have a larger selection.

However, if you’re planning to cook your own food on your Trek, you should bring everything you need with you. There is no guarantee that the shops will have the items you need, and the selection at some shops may be limited to snack foods like biscuits, chips and noodles.

Although we brought more than enough food with us, we did enjoy indulging in some additional cookies at camp each night which we picked up from the shop!

Finally, on the W Trek section of the hike, some of the accommodation sites also have bars where you can buy drinks and some basic meals or bar snacks.

➡️ READ MORE: The 13 BEST Hikes and Treks in Chile

Traditional Itinerary – Which Sites To Book

To make the most of your time in Torres del Paine, it’s best to stick to a traditional itinerary. However, if the availability isn’t in your favour, you may have to change your itinerary to accommodate what accommodation options are available.

When booking Torres del Paine, I recommend starting out with the traditional route, and adding or dropping a day as needed to make your hiking dates work if your preferred itinerary isn’t available.

W Trek Itinerary

The traditional W Trek itinerary will see you hiking east to west, or west to east, over 5 days.

If starting at the Laguna Amarga entrance, you will spend your first night at Las Torres (central) or Chileno and hike up to the famous Torres del Paine viewpoint and back.

On day two you will hike towards Francés or Cuernos for the second night. In the past, there was also an option to stay at Italiano , a free campground operated by CONAF. However it has been closed in recent years with no indication of when it might reopen.

Day three sees you hiking up to the Mirador Británico viewpoint, before heading back down and on to Paine Grande for the night.

On day four you will hike to Grey , and on your final day back to Paine Grande to finish your hike and exit the park.

If starting your hike at Paine Grande, your route will be the reverse.

W Trek – Traditional 5 Day Hike – East to West

O circuit itinerary.

The traditional O Circuit itinerary starts at the Laguna Amarga entrance and takes you clockwise through the park. (You can only hike the O Circuit in one direction).

You will spend your first night at Serón , second night at Dickson , third night at Los Perros (campsite only). Your fourth night will be at Grey , which is where you meet up with the W Trek. You will then continue on the traditional W Trek route from here, hiking west to east.

If you’re instead starting from Paine Grande, you would complete the W Trek section first, before carrying on to the top section of the O Circuit.

O Circuit – Traditional 8 Day Itinerary

O circuit & w trek reservations in 2023/2024.

There are a few different providers through which you can book Torres del Paine. In previous years, bookings could even be made last-minute in person. However, now, they must be made online in advance.

It is VERY important to make O Circuit and W Trek reservations as early as possible . Reservations fill up quickly, so you don’t want to risk waiting and missing out!

The booking process can be a little complicated since the different campgrounds/refugios are operated by three different companies: Vertice , Las Torres and CONAF . (Although the CONAF sites haven’t been operational in recent years, and when they are, they’re on a first come first served basis).

In 2022, a new online booking platform was also introduced called Booking Patagonia . And alternatively, there is the option of booking through a tour provider, to make things as easy as possible.

Different Companies To Book Through

Vertice operates the Dickson , Los Perros , Grey and Paine Grande campsites and refugios. You can book these directly on the Vertice Website booking page .

The Vertice website can be a little confusing to navigate. The English translation isn’t that accurate and the website doesn’t always work properly. This can be frustrating as it may not let you select the option you want. Therefore, you might have to try from different browsers, going incognito, or trying again later if it’s not letting you make your booking.

If you’re really having issues booking through Vertice, you can also contact them for assistance by sending them a message through their website.

On their booking page, when you click in to book your chosen hike, you will also have the option of booking additional accommodations before or after your hike at Puerto Natales. I would recommend skipping this and just booking the relevant campsites/refugios through Vertice. You will likely find better and cheaper accommodation options in Puerto Natales elsewhere.

➡️ Browse Accommodation Options in Puerto Natales

Las Torres operates the Las Torres (Central) , Serón , Francés , Los Cuernos and Chileno campsites and refugios. These sites can be booked directly through the new Las Torres booking system .

Here, you can input your dates and then choose from what accommodations are still available for each site. You will need to tailor the dates for each site when making your selection, to ensure you’re booking the correct dates for your itinerary.

The Las Torres booking page has been re-designed recently and is relatively user friendly. But as it is a new system, there may still be some quirks which need to be ironed out.

Booking Patagonia

Booking Patagonia is a new third party website which allows you to book everything in one place. On the Booking Patagonia website, under the Buy Now tab, click ‘Personalized’ or ‘Routes’ to make your O Circuit or W Trek reservations. Browsing the pre-configured routes under the ‘Routes’ option is the easiest way to book through Booking Patagonia. But, if none of the routes suit you, use the ‘Personalized’ option.

The benefits of using this platform is that you can book both the Vertice and Las Torres sites all in one place. You can also add on transport to and from the park, which is convenient to be able to book at the same time. Plus, the park entrance fee will automatically be added to your booking when reserving through Booking Patagonia.

Like Vertice, Booking Patagonia also lets you add on your accommodation in Puerto Natales before and after your hike. But to get better accommodation deals, I still suggest booking your Puerto Natales accommodation separately. So skip this step on Booking Patagonia and instead browse Puerto Natales accommodation options here .

As long as you’re booking Torres del Paine early enough, and all your preferred sites and dates are still available, using Booking Patagonia does make it much easier. However, there are some downsides.

It’s slightly more expensive than going direct and there are additional T&Cs.

As they are a third party booking company, there is a 15% markup with Booking Patagonia. And they come with additional terms and conditions, on top of the Vertice and Las Torres T&Cs, which also still apply. This can make changing or cancelling a booking more confusing and expensive.

The availability on the Booking Patagonia website isn’t always completely accurate.

Even if Booking Patagonia says there is no availability left on your preferred dates, I still recommend checking the Vertice and Las Torres websites anyway, to be sure. You might be pleasantly surprised!

Finally, the Booking Patagonia website is not that user friendly.

When you input your start date and go through to select your sites for each specific date, if one site isn’t available you can’t just edit your dates and continue with your booking. You also can’t browse alternative available dates or see which dates ARE available. Instead you have to go back and start the whole process from scratch. This can make trying to find available dates a VERY time consuming exercise.

When I booked Torres del Paine in 2022 I initially used Booking Patagonia. It ended up taking me several hours of trying before I was able to book an itinerary which worked for us.

Admittedly, I was booking rather last minute, so availability was scarce. But these issues could be easily resolved to make the user experience much easier. Hopefully they will work on fixing this issue in the future.

Read More About My Experience Using Booking Patagonia

Booking a Tour

Another option is to book Torres del Paine as a tour package . This is the best way to make things as easy for yourself as possible (although it’s also more expensive than arranging everything yourself). These are self-guided tours, but they include everything.

The advantage of going through a tour company is that all the logistics are taken care of for you, and it’s all-inclusive. So you save a lot of time planning and you don’t need to worry about carrying your own food and camping equipment on your trek.

➡️ BOOK: Classic W Circuit – Torres del Paine

CONAF is the Chilean National Forest Corporation. In the past, they have operated two free campsites in Torres del Paine – El Paso , and Italiano . These sites had limited facilities and you could not book them in advance.

Both the El Paso and Italiano campsites have been closed for the past couple of years. There is no indication of them re-opening anytime soon. Even if they do open again, it’s best not to rely on them since you can’t book them in advance. So there’s always a chance you will arrive and they will already be full.

How To Make O Circuit & W Trek Reservations

Making O Circuit and W Trek Reservations can be a tricky task. With the exception of booking Torres del Paine as a tour package , all the booking platforms have some challenges.

If your preferred dates and sites are all available, then going through Booking Patagonia can be the simplest option. However, in my experience, if your first choice of dates aren’t available, it’s best to book directly with Vertice and Las Torres . You will likely be able to find suitable dates quicker this way. Plus it’s cheaper and easier if you need to make changes later.

Your first step is to determine your dates and plan your ideal itinerary . Then look on your chosen booking platform(s) to see if your preferred sites are available. If they are, don’t hesitate to book them! Bookings fill up quickly and you don’t want to risk waiting and missing out.

If your preferred dates or sites aren’t available you will need to start playing around with your dates to see what alternative options are available, and adapt your itinerary accordingly.

Booking through Vertice and Las Torres

If you choose to book with Vertice and Las Torres , you will have to make two separate bookings. The first booking through Vertice will be for Grey and Paine Grande (in the W Trek Section), and Dickson and Los Perros if doing the O Circuit. Your second booking will be through Las Torres for Francés or Cuernos and Las Torres/Central or Chileno (in the W Trek section), and Serón if doing the O Circuit.

Here is a breakdown of which sites belong to which operator:

Booking through Booking Patagonia

If you’re making O Circuit and W Trek reservations well in advance, and you want the ease of everything being in one place, then I would recommend trying Booking Patagonia .

If your preferred dates and sites appear to be available, you will have a smooth booking process with them and you will have all your accommodation, meals, transport and park entrance fees organized under the one reservation.

Going through Booking Patagonia only becomes challenging when some sites appear to be unavailable on your dates. In this case, you can spend a lot more time than necessary trying different dates and itineraries to find an option that works for you. And you may still end up with a less than ideal itinerary, or not being able to book your trek at all.

If you find yourself in this situation, I would suggest switching over to Vertice and Las Torres to make your O Circuit and W Trek reservations. And to avoid making the same mistakes I made, I also suggest reading my Review of Booking Patagonia .

What Else Do You Need To Book To Visit Torres Del Paine?

Making O Circuit and W Trek reservations isn’t the only thing you have to think about when booking a visit to Torres del Paine. There are a range of other logistics you also need to organize and additional expenses to factor in:

Food / Meals

Full-board ranges from $80-100 USD per day and includes breakfast, dinner, and a packed lunch to take away. You can also bring all your own food and cooking equipment to cook in the campground. Or book some of the meals and bring your own food to cook for the rest.

A lot of people will book their breakfasts and dinners but bring their own snack foods to eat for lunch, rather than doing full-board.

The meals at the refugios can be added to your reservations through all the online booking platforms. If there’s availability, you should see an option to add them when you’re making your booking. It’s recommended to add these at the time when you make your O Circuit and W Trek reservations, to guarantee your meals.

Park Entrance Fee

This is a flat fee of $49 USD per person for 3+ days in Torres del Paine. This fee is automatically added to your booking through Booking Patagonia. But if booking through Vertice and Las Torres, you will need to pay your park entrance fee separately, which you can do here .

Transport to and From Torres del Paine

The most popular way of getting to Torres del Paine is by bus from Puerto Natales . This should also be booked in advance and costs $15 USD each way.

Accommodation Before and After Your Hike

Most people will stay in Puerto Natales for at least 1 night before and after their hike. There are plenty of accommodation options there including hostels, bed & breakfasts and hotels . You should expect to pay around $40 USD per night for a bed in a dorm room or $100 USD per night for a private room.

Hiking and Camping Equipment

If you don’t already own your own hiking and camping equipment you will need to buy or rent this before your hike. This can be an expensive investment but you can find some good deals on budget-friendly good quality hiking and camping equipment at stores like Decathlon and on Amazon .

Flights to Patagonia

On top of everything else, you also need to get to Patagonia, which you will most likely do by flying. Punta Arenas is the most common airport to fly to for Torres del Paine, but Puerto Natales also has a small airport. The best way I found to get to Chilean Patagonia was to first fly to Santiago , where we spent a few days, before flying down to Punta Arenas.

➡️ BOOK: Flights to Chilean Patagonia (Punta Arenas)

Getting to and from the trailheads

If starting at Laguna Amarga you will need to get a shuttle bus to the trailhead. Whereas at Paine Grande you will need to catch the catamaran from Pudeto. You can’t book either of these in advance. Instead, you will just have to wait in the queue and pay at the time, in cash. So make sure you are carrying enough local Chilean Pesos (CLP) with you.

The shuttle bus to and from the Languna Amarga trailhead costs $3.000 CLP ($5 USD) per person, each way. And the catamaran from Pudeto to Paine Grande costs $30,000 CLP ($40 USD) per person, each way. Sometimes during the peak season the catamaran will accept other currencies, like USD and Euros, but I wouldn’t recommend counting on this.

Book Your Accommodation in Puerto Natales

How much does the o circuit & w trek cost.

The O Circuit and W Trek are not cheap hikes to do. The rates to camp or stay in the refugios vary from site to site.

The cheapest camping options are at the Vertice campsites which start at $10-13 USD per person, per night. Whereas a basic campsite to pitch your own tent at the Las Torres campsites costs $56 USD for one person, or $60 for two people.

The prices for partially or fully equipped campsites, or to stay in the refugios cost a lot more. A fully equipped campsite (includes tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag) costs between $220 to $288 USD for two people sharing. Whereas a bed without linen in a shared dorm room ranges from $43-$65 per person, and with sheets costs around $100.

The total you should plan to budget for the hike (including refugio/campsite bookings, park entrance fees and the bus to and from the park) is:

• Around $250 USD for the W Trek, and $350 USD for the O Circuit (per person) if you’re planning to camp and bring your own food and equipment.
• Upwards of $1,000 USD for the W Trek and $1,500 USD for the O Circuit (per person) if you’re looking to stay in the refugios or at fully-equipped campsites with full-board.

Note – You will need to factor in additional costs such as accommodation before and after your hike, flights, equipment and food.

Booking Torres del Paine FAQs

Do i need to book torres del paine in advance.

YES – Both O Circuit and W Trek reservations need to be made in advance! You are not allowed to start these hikes if you don’t have your accommodation/camping sites booked. You must also book Torres del Paine entry, by paying an entrance fee before entering the park.

When you check in before you start your hike you will have to show your booking confirmation and there are rangers stationed throughout the park who will also check your reservations. You are therefore required to keep a printed copy of your reservations with you, to show to the rangers along the way.

When do O Circuit and W Trek reservations open?

Reservations for the O Circuit and W Trek open in July for the upcoming hiking season, which runs from October to April. Reservations are now open for 2023-2024.

It’s recommended that you book Torres del Paine as soon as possible, before reservations fill up.

Which campsites do you need to book for the O Circuit and W Trek?

You must book every campsite or refugio you plan to stay at on your hike. The only exception to this in previous years has been the CONAF campsites. But these are currently closed with no reopening dates in sight.

Why Is It So Difficult To Book Torres Del Paine In 2023/2024?

Over the past couple of years, O Circuit and W Trek reservations have been booking up earlier and earlier. You used to be able to book Torres del Paine last-minute, once you were already in Patagonia. But with an increase in travel post-pandemic, and the growing popularity of outdoor activities like hiking, it is now more difficult to get a reservation.

There are actually also now fewer campsites available on the trails than before. The two CONAF campsites have been closed for 2 years, with no view of reopening. This means the other campsites and refugios are busier than ever.

Finally, with the move to online reservations, the new booking platforms can be quite confusing to use and there are still technical issues to iron out. But hopefully over the coming years improvements will be made and the sites will become more intuitive to use.

Can I book the W Trek and O Circuit last minute?

You should always make O Circuit and W Trek reservations in advance. Booking last minute is not recommended as most refugios and campsites will book out early in the season.

Of course, there is a chance you will get lucky, as not every date is fully-booked and cancellations do occur. So if you don’t have a reservation already, I would recommend you still check to see if you can find something that suits your dates.

When I booked our hike last season, it was actually only a few weeks in advance. I ended up getting lucky and managing to book the traditional O Circuit route. Although this did take a lot of time and patience, as I had to try a lot of different options to find dates that worked.

Does Torres Del Paine sell out?

Yes, many dates for Torres del Paine do sell out, especially during the height of the summer season (December to February). Therefore, you should make your O Circuit or W Trek reservations as early as possible.

Is Torres del Paine open all year?

Yes, Torres del Paine National Park is open all year. However, the hiking season is only from October to April and the refugios and campsites are closed outside of this time. Therefore, you can only hike the O Circuit and W Trek between October and April. If you are hoping to visit outside of these times, you can instead book a day trip to Torres del Paine .

➡️ Browse All Torres del Paine Day Tours From Puerto Natales

What is the peak season for Torres del Paine?

The peak season to visit Torres del Paine is during the summer, from December to February.

What is the best month to visit Torres del Paine?

For the warmest weather and long days, December to February are the best months to visit Torres del Paine. However, this is also the windiest time of year in Patagonia, and the busiest time in the park.

As an alternative, September to November and March to April are excellent times to visit. These months still fall within the hiking season, but are a little quieter than at the height of summer. Plus, these are great times to see beautiful colours in the park. In the spring, you will see blossoming wildflowers, and in the fall, the changing colours of the fall foliage.

Is Torres del Paine busy?

Yes – Torres del Paine does get busy, especially during the height of the summer season. More than 250,000 people visit the park each year!

While many visitors to the park are just day visitors, the W Trek and O Circuit are also often fully booked. Although the limited spaces on both hikes do help to keep the number of people on the trails down. But the W Trek section can get very busy as it is the more popular of the two hikes and also attracts day visitors.

Where to start in Torres del Paine?

There are two entrances/exits to Torres del Paine, where you can start the W Trek and O Circuit from. The most popular entrance is Laguna Amarga. The other entrance is Paine Grande, which is accessible by getting a catamaran from Pudeto.

How many days do you need in Torres del Paine?

If you’re looking to hike the W Trek, you will need between 3 to 5 days in Torres del Paine. The traditional W Trek itinerary takes 5 days (4 nights). For the O Circuit you will need 7 to 9 days, with the traditional route taking 8 days (7 nights).

Alternatively, if you’re short on time you can visit Torres del Paine on a day tour . Or, visit for one or two nights and stay at a hotel in the park . In just a couple of days you can still take in breathtaking scenery and see some of the highlights of the park.

Can you do the W Trek and O Circuit without a guide?

Yes, you can do the W Trek and O Circuit on your own! You don’t need a guide as the trail is well maintained and marked. However, if you don’t have much experience hiking, then hiring a guide to accompany you could be a good idea.

How difficult is the O Circuit and W Trek in Patagonia?

Both the O Circuit and W Trek are moderately difficult hikes. They aren’t exceptionally technical hikes, but the elevation gain and length of the hikes make them challenging in sections. The O Circuit is the more challenging of the two hikes because it is longer and requires you to hike over the John Gardner Pass.

What is the best trek for beginners in Torres del Paine?

If you’ve never hiked before then planning a day trip to Torres del Paine and doing a day hike will be the best option. Whereas, if you have some experience hiking and are up for the challenge, then I would recommend doing the W Trek. If you don’t have any previous experience doing multi-day hikes, I wouldn’t recommend the O Circuit.

Luckily, if you’re finding your hike too difficult you can always skip the sections which take you up to the Británico and Torres del Paine viewpoints. (Although it would be a shame to miss these, as they are the highlights of the park).

You can also book to stay in the refugios or at fully-equipped campsites and pay for full-board, to minimize how much you have to carry with you. Alternatively, you can also hire porters to help carry your belongings each day.

Can you see Torres del Paine without hiking?

Yes, you can still visit Torres del Paine National Park without hiking. However, you will miss out on seeing the highlights of the park if you aren’t able to hike and your visit might not be worth it. Therefore, at the very least I would recommend you prepare to do some day hiking when planning a visit to Torres del Paine.

What is the closest town to Torres del Paine?

The closest town to Torres del Paine is Puerto Natales. It’s about a 2.5 hour drive along semi-paved roads. This is where most people stay before and after their visits to Torres del Paine, and is where most tours to Torres del Paine depart from.

When flying to Chilean Patagonia to visit Torres del Paine, you should fly either to Punta Arenas , or to Puerto Natales . Although it’s further away from the Park, Punta Arenas has a larger airport and is where most people fly into.

O Circuit & W Trek Reservations – Final Thoughts

My final take aways on how to make O Circuit and W Trek reservations is to book early, be as flexible with your dates as possible, and be patient with the different booking platforms.

Booking treks in Torres del Paine is probably a bit more complicated than other hikes you’ve booked in the past. But going through the hassle of making O Circuit and W Trek reservations is definitely worth it! Both these hikes are bucket-list worthy experiences with some of the most breathtaking and memorable views you will ever see.

Happy hiking!

Booking Patagonia Review & How To Use The New Platform

Hikes in Chile – 13 Amazing Hikes & Treks For Your Bucket List

Is Patagonia Worth Visiting? 15 Best Reasons to Visit

13 Best Santiago Chile Day Tours: The Complete Guide

11 Best Santiago Chile Wine Tours & Everything You Need To Know

Is Santiago Chile Worth Visiting? 13 Reasons To Visit

Chanelle Rosenbaum is the founder and author of Chasing Chanelle, a blog that aims to help travellers and expats navigate new destinations and take on more outdoor adventures. She has lived in Canada, Europe, the UK, Australia, and South America, which has given her a local’s perspective of the places she writes about. She is also an avid hiker, camper, runner, paddler, skier, and snowboarder, and is passionate about sharing her hobbies with others through her blog.

5-Day W Trek Guide | Torres del Paine National Park

• South America

W Trek is one of the most popular multi-day treks in the world and gets its name from the shape of the trail. The beauty and ruggedness of Patagonia attracts visitors from all over the world. Due to its popularity, booking accommodations has become harder and harder.

5-Day W Trek in Torres del Paine can be hiked in East to West or West to East direction. It is a well-marked trail where a guide is not necessary but using a tour company to book the accommodations and all the meals may be worth the investment.

Where is Torres del Paine National Park?

Torres del Paine is a national park in Chile, Patagonia. It is accessible by bus or car from either Puerto Natales, Chile or El Calafate, Argentina.

To get to Puerto Natales you can either fly directly from Santiago or fly to Punta Arenas and take a 3-hour bus ride to Puerto Natales. The main reason to fly to Punta Arenas is there are more flight options from Santiago, and if you have an extra day to spare you can take an excursion out of Punta Arenas to see the penguins. From Santiago, there is only one flight to Puerto Natales at 5:55 am.

To get to El Calafate take a flight from Buenos Aires. From El Calafate, it is approximately a 3-hour drive to Torres del Paine.

There is public and private transportation from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine. However, from El Calafate, all the transportation to the park is private and must be scheduled beforehand.

When to do W Trek In Torres del Paine National Park?

Torres del Paine National Park is open year-long. However, the refugios, their services, ferries, and other park services are only available from September to April.

Using a Tour Company Vs Booking Yourself

If you are a person who likes to plan and book a trip like this a year in advance and are ok with carrying your tent, sleeping bag, and backup food it is probably better and cheaper if you book everything yourself for the W Trek. The refugios are operated by two different companies Las Torres Patagonia (Fantastico Sur) and Vertices Travel .

If you are more like us and don’t plan too far in advance and like to minimize the number of things to carry with you, then using a tour company to book everything for you is probably a better choice. We used Chile Tour Patagonia . It worked well for us without any issues but some other people in the group had a few minor hiccups.

The Classic W Trek option with Chile Tour Patagonia offers accommodations the night before the trek and the night after with dinner on both nights. It follows the East to West trail, and it includes refugio accommodations every night, hot breakfast and dinner and boxed lunch for every day, and ferry and bus tickets.

With the tour, guides hike with you on the first day to the towers and after that, you hike at your own pace on your schedule. We had a large group with a large age span and it was fun to hang out together in the evenings and share our experiences of the day.

East to West vs. West to East

W Trek can be done either East to West or West to East. It really is a personal choice of how you’d like to do it.

Going East to West, the hardest day is on the first day, the hike to the towers. It is also the most iconic view of the hike.

Going West to East you start at Glacier Grey and the last day is the hardest day of the hike. I also felt, like going East to West you are hiking with the best views in front of you whereas the other way around those views would be behind you.

How hard is W Trek in Torres del Paine

I would consider W Trek as a moderate hike. It has some difficult parts but also very easy parts. The weather conditions play a big part here and can impact difficulty significantly, mainly high winds. But if you are in good condition and frequently hike W Trek would not be that difficult for you.

We have done a few different multi-day hikes around the world, TMB , Slakantay Trek , and Colca Canyon Trek , and all three of these were more difficult due to elevation, distance or altitude.

W Trek Day 1 – Hike to the Towers

The day starts with the shuttle transfer to the park. The drive is about 1.5 hours and you will most likely see Guanacos, Red Foxes, Ostriches, and other wildlife during this drive (same if using a public bus). You need to purchase a park entrance ticket online before the start of the trek and present the QR code at the park entrance. The park entrance is also where you can use bathroom facilities before starting the hike.

The trailhead is by the Las Torres Hotel, another location where they may allow you to use the restroom. We were able to leave our stuff in the shuttle and only carry a day pack on today’s hike.

After a short walk, the trail starts going uphill, with minimal tree coverage and on a sunny day it can get really hot. It takes about 3 miles to arrive at Chileno Refugio. At Chileno, you can take a break, grab a snack, refill the water, and use the restroom. From Chileno, the trail goes through the forest for approximately 2 miles. Once out of the forest, the hardest part starts.

It is a steep climb, with switchbacks and scrambling over the rocks all the way to the towers. The last part is over 1200 ft, elevation gain in less than a mile. Once on top, on a clear day, you will be rewarded with one of the most iconic views in the world. Expect crowds on this hike.

The way down is exactly the same.

OPTIONS: There are three accommodation options for this part of the hike. Las Torres Hotel and Refugio Torre Central are close to the trailhead, and you can leave your 5-day pack there and just carry your day bag with you to the base of the Tower. Or if staying at Refugio Chileno, you can leave your pack thereafter a 3-mile hike up.

TIP: From Chileno, the trail to the towers usually closes at 5 pm, but because we did this hike on Christmas Eve it closed at 2 pm and a lot of people got left out. I’d recommend checking in at the welcome center before starting the hike.

W Trek Day 1 Stats

Distance: 11.33 mi Elevation: 4015 ft Facilities: Park Entrance, Chileno Refugio and WC on the Trail Accommodations: Refugio Torre Central, Refugio Chileno, Hotel Las Torres

W Trek Day 2 – Cuernos Sector

Today is the first day you will carry your full pack with you, and it makes a difference.

From Refugio Torre Central the trail to the Torres and Cuernos sector starts together and after about a mile in it parts ways. Once on the Cuernos sector the crowds disappear and it becomes a much quieter walk.

It is an easy hike to the first pass where you get a first glimpse of Nordenskjöld Lake and snowcapped mountains in the distance. From this point on the views never stop.

Maybe because we had a cloudless day of hiking, this was the most scenic hike on the W Trek. The hike is mainly walking by the lake with breathtaking beauty all around you and views of Cuernos and Glacier Frances. Yes, the view of the Towers steals the best view but during the hike, there is not that much to see going up, on Day 2 the views never stop.

Be aware that Glacier Frances breaks off frequently which sounds like thunder.

We stayed at the Domos Frances.

W Trek Day 2 Stats

Distance: 10.76 mi Elevation: 1932 ft Facilities: Refugio Torre Central, Refugio Cuernos & Refugio Frances Accommodations: Refugio Cuernos, Domos Frances and Refugio Italiano and campsites

W Trek Day 3 – Paine Grande Sector

Day 3 hike can be as hard or as easy as you would like it to be. The main objective is to make your way to Paine Grande Refugio. You have the option to hike via viewpoint Frances and then Viewpoint Britanico while leaving your stuff at Refugio Italiano.

For us, the weather turned overnight. The clouds rolled in, it started raining and the wind picked up. We decided that we will go up to Frances viewpoint and then decide if we want to continue to Britanico. Left our stuff at Italiano and hiked up but the weather wasn’t cooperating, so we turned around a little after we passed Frances viewpoint.

By the time we returned to Italiano, the park ranger closed the trail to go to Frances or Britanico due to unfavorable conditions. The trail is steep and rocky and it got slick with the rain.

From Italiano it is 4.6 miles to Paine Grande. Luckily rain eventually stopped but the wind kept picking up. We spotted a few little tornados in the Skottsberg Lake while hiking next to it.

The only accommodations here are at Paine Grande, either the refugio or the campsite. This is where the Lago Pehoe ferry runs to and from to take you back to the bus stop.

PRO TIP: The Lago Pehoe ferry is a lot more reliable and operates in unfavorable conditions where the ferry on Lago Grey gets canceled more frequently. Which turned out to be the exact case when we were returning.

We stayed the night at the Paine Grande Refugio.

W Trek Day 3 Stats

Distance: 8.95 mi Elevation: 2615 ft Facilities: Frances, Italiano & Paine Grande Accommodations: Paine Grande Refugio and Campsites

Day 4 – Grey Sector

This is the windiest part of the hike and winds in Patagonia are no joke. The hike starts from Paine Grande valley up to the pass and then back down to Refugio Gray.

Coming across the pass we experienced extreme winds, rain, and hail. The weather conditions are what makes this hike hard. The hike from Paine Grande to Gray Refugio is approximately 7 miles with little over 2000 ft elevation gain. On paper, an easy hike. But add over 50 km/h winds and hail and it becomes a different ball game.

Once at Refugio Gray, you can call it a day or continue hiking to 2 nd hanging bridge (another 4 miles), go kayaking by the glacier, or ice trekking on the glacier. We took a short break and then hiked up to a 2 nd hanging bridge to get better views of the glacier.

Big Foot is an operator that organizes kayaking and ice trekking if interested.

If you are too tired for any of these activities or if the weather is not cooperating, you can do these activities the following day as the hike on Day 5 is hiking back to Paine Grande and taking the Lago Pehoe ferry.

TIP: Instead of walking back to Paine Grande, you can also take Grey Ferry and catch the bus to Puerto Natales. However, due to high winds, this ferry gets canceled very frequently but it is an option on a good day.

PRO TIP: If you are coming back to Paine Grande and taking the ferry Pehoe back, you have the option to leave your big pack here and only carry a day pack with you to Grey. It costs 3000 CLP.

W Trek Day 4 Stats

Distance: 11.4 mi (6.85 miles just to Grey) Elevation: 3400 ft (2080 ft just to Grey) Facilities: Paine Grande and Grey Refugio Accommodations: Refugio Grey and Campsite

W Trek Day 5 – Paine Grande Sector and Ferry

Today’s hike is the same as yesterday’s, it is walking back to Paine Grande. We didn’t think the winds could be worse than the day before, well we were wrong. I strongly recommend using hiking poles here, as they were the only reason helping me stay upright at times.

We started at 6 am to make it back to Paine Grande in time to catch the 9:35 am ferry. There are also 11:05, 17:00 and 18:35 ferries in December. Please look at the end of the post for the ferry schedule by month.

PRO TIP: Lake Pehoe ferry has a limited number of people it can take on (we were told 100) so if you are time-limited, make sure you queue up early enough as the 17:00 and 18:35 ferries get full quickly. The 9:35 am ferry was half empty.

Once on the other side of the lake, you can hop on the bus to Puerto Natales right away (make sure you buy a bus ticket ahead of time BusSur.com ) or you can take a short hike to the Mirador Salto Grande (viewpoint of the waterfalls) and viewpoint of Cuernos.

W Trek Day 5 Stats

Distance: 6.85 mi Elevation: 2080 ft Facilities: Grey and Paine Grande Refugio

Suggestions For the Best Experience On the W Trek

Patagonia is truly unpredictable, and you can experience four seasons in one day so come prepared.

It is important to invest in good quality waterproof clothing. A lot of people we hiked with thought they had waterproof boots or clothing and ended up soaking wet. At the refugios, there are only a few spots with a fire furnace where you can dry your stuff off.

Hiking poles are very helpful, especially during high winds to maintain your balance. If it wasn’t for them, I would have been knocked down a few times.

Sunscreen and bug spray are a must. On sunny days, the sun is intense in Patagonia and bugs are relentless. I left the bug spray behind, thinking no way the bugs are going to be a problem. Why carry the weight? I was wrong.

Torres del Paine National Park does not have any trashcans. Everything you pack in, you will need to pack out. Practice the same standards you do in the US National Parks with Leave No Trace.

All the refugios have water filling stations to refill water as needed.

It is a good practice to carry toilet paper with you, as not all toilets have toilet paper. And in Torres del Paine, and Patagonia in general, do not flush the toilet paper or any other paper products.

Food is not the greatest at the refugios. It’s usually just rice or mashed potatoes with overcooked protein for dinner. The Central Refugio had the best dinner, it was buffet style with a lot more options than other refugios. They do accommodate dietary restrictions and at times it looked like gluten-free options were better than regular food.

Wi-Fi at the refugios is available for purchase. It was 15,200 CLP for 10 hrs. You can share it with others but only one person can use it at a time.

Refugios book up quickly so plan early or have a little more flexibility with your dates and accommodations .

Refugios are not well stocked with products, it depends on their location and how accessible means of transportation are. Paine Grande and Grey Refugio Mini Markets were the best stocked with different food and drink options. Some refugios also offer to rent the towels or store your stuff for a price, usually around 3000 CLP.

There is a lot of flexibility when trekking the W Trek. You can shorten it down to 4 days if Grey Ferry is running, or you can stay at different parts of the park and do day hikes and cover most of the W that way. That’s the beauty of it, you can make it work for you.

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a small commission. Thanks !

The overall experience of hiking the W Trek is unforgettable and a dream come true for most hikers. We had all different kinds of weather. From a very overcast first day, that cleared up just as we hiked up to the towers, a really hot and cloudless second day, an overcast, cold, and rainy third day, and rainy and windy fourth and fifth day.

A lot of people were leaving the trail early due to the weather, but we wanted to finish it no matter what and still got to see a lot more of Torres del Paine’s beauty than expected.

Lago Pehoe Ferry Schedule

The ferry is operated by HipSur and the table with the schedule is below.

Other helpful posts…

Things to Do In and Around El Calafate W Trek Accommodations and The Cost 13-Day Itinerary in Chile 16-Days Itinerary in Argentina Things to Do in Bariloche

South America | Travel

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W Trek Patagonia

duration : 7 days

difficulty : Moderate

group size : 12

experience : Beginner

Trek one of the world’s greatest natural splendors: Patagonia! The W Trek is undoubtedly the most famous trail in Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park. This non-technical guided hike tour connects a best-of-the-best selection of Patagonia’s highlights.  

Highlights:  

- Three Towers Lookout  

- Explore the Chilean Torres del Paine National Park via the W Trek  

- Walk alongside the breathtaking “Cuernos des Paine”  

- Be amazed by the shapes of the “Francés Valley”  

- See the magnificent Grey Glacier and the southernmost tip of the Chilean Patagonia’s Southern Ice Fields where ice blends into clouds on the horizon.  

Please note that we need at least 6 people to run this group trip. In the event we do not receive minimum bookings, your entire booking amount will be refunded.  

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Matías, husband of Marina and father of Rosa Emilia and Martín, has been working as a head guide & tour organizer for over 6 years with a wide variety of different hotels and local operators in southern Patagonia. A tireless lover of the Patagonian landscape, its wild and its solitude has made the place his home. He is based in the city of Puerto Natales, the entrance to the famous Torres del Paine National Park, where he guides groups along the famous "W" trails and other off beaten tracks in the area. He defines Patagonia as his "muse", his favorite place, traveling it from north to south and from the Pacific to the Atlantic on a few occasions. But it is never enough, he says in his own words.

You will fly to Puerto Natales via Santiago. It's an easy ride from the airport to the hotel.  

In the evening, we will convene for a briefing of the trip from our trekking guide, followed by a casual meet-and-greet where the group can get to know our fellow adventure buddies!  

Meals: None  

Image Gallery

Accommodations.

You will staying in a 3* hotel in Puerto Natales on double occupancy basis.  

Do not forget to arrange for the requisite passport, visa and travel insurance, if you are booking an international trip.

We try our best to ensure accurate and up-to-date guide information, but in some cases this may change due to emergencies or other unforeseen guide scheduling challenges. In any case, another highly-rated, certified guide with similar experience would lead your trip and you will be kept informed of any such case.

Cancellation Policy

We have to pay a larger non-refundable deposit of $400 per person to hold on to the accommodation and the guide.  

Your cancellation policy will be modified due to this. This $400 won’t be refundable anymore. For the rest, the following cancellation policy applies:  

- From day 74 until 60 you have the right to a 75% refund.  

- From day 60 to 45 you have the right to a 50% refund.  

- From day 45 until the day of the reservation, will not receive any refund.  

Fabulous Trip

We went to Patagonia trip via Adventure Tripr. We had good trip with great Guide and vegetarian food.

Any questions? Contact us

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30 Tips for Hiking the W Trek in Patagonia (Self-Guided)

May 11, 2023.

The W Trek in Patagonia is an adventure that every hiker should have on their bucket list! This 50 (ish) mile trek involves hiking to towering rock formations, catching a glimpse of a glacier and enjoying endless mountain and lake views along the way.

The iconic W Trek is located in Torres Del Paine National Park in the Patagonia region of Chile. One of the special parts about the W Trek is that there are inns along the way where you can sleep and eat. This means that you can enjoy hiking during the day and settle into a bed each night. Plus, you’ll have running water to take a hot shower! They offer full room and board services, so you don’t have to worry about packing in any of your food.

If you’re considering hiking the W Trek, booking it on your own and guiding yourself, I’ve put together a list of tips for a successful trip! This list includes several of the things I wish I had known beforehand.

For a more detailed guide with everything you need to know about hiking the W Trek, check out my full guide to hiking the W Trek . But for my top tips for the trek, keep reading.

This is based on my experience hiking the W Trek in December 2022 and January 2023.

Table of Contents

Tips for booking and planning the w trek, tips for transportation and logistics on the w trek, tips for hiking the w trek, tips about the inns on the w trek, final thoughts.

Here are my top tips for planning the W Trek and making sure that you book everything you need ahead of time.

1. It is best to reserve your stay in the inns several months ahead of time. Many dates sell out quickly. It’s still possible to find last minute openings from cancellations, but you’ll have a better chance of getting exactly what you want if you book early. I booked about 6 months ahead of my trip.

2. The 4 inns that I stayed in for the W Trek (El Chileno, Los Cuernos, Paine Grande and Refugio Gray) are operated by two separate companies. Las Torres Patagonia owns El Chileno and Los Cuernos, while Vértice Travel owns Paine Grande and Refugio Gray. Therefore, you’ll need to book separately with each of the two companies.

3. You can and should leave any extra luggage you brought to Patagonia, but don’t need on the trek, at a hotel in Puerto Natales. Ideally, stay at the same hotel before and after the trek.

4. Make sure to book your entry ticket into the national park ahead of time and have the QR downloaded offline to show when you arrive.

5. You will also need to book bus transportation to arrive and leave the W Trek. Make sure to pay close attention to where the buses will drop you off and pick you up, because there are multiple stops within the national park. For my itinerary, I arrived at Terminal Laguna Amarga and left from Pudeto (Catamaran Paine Grande).

Torres Del Paine National Park is huge so it can be a bit confusing when it comes to deciding which bus stations to arrive at and leave from. These tips are related to the various entrances, logistics of options at the inns and some other general things to know.

6. When you arrive on the bus to the Laguna Amarga entrance, you’ll need to get off the bus to scan your park entry ticket, collect your large backpack, get on a smaller shuttle bus and ride a few more minutes. That shuttle will take you to the actual start of the trek.

7. Bring cash to pay the shuttle bus at the beginning and the ferry to end the W Trek. The return ferry accepted USD and Chilean Pesos.

8. At the beginning of the trek, there is a welcome center that sells a bit of gear and food. It’s a great emergency option if you forget something. I recommend trying to bring everything ahead of time, but I saw several people purchasing trekking poles here.

9. Booking full room and board means that the inns will provide you breakfast, dinner and a packed lunch. This is a great way to save yourself the stress of packing in your meals. If you have dietary restrictions (I’m a vegetarian), let them know ahead of time via email. They did a great job accommodating different needs.

10. There are no fires allowed in the national park. If you’re cooking your own food, there are specific designated areas where you can use your camp stove.

These tips are about the actual W Trek trail. Learn a bit about the type of terrain, the weather, what to wear and more.

11. Bring a small, package daypack along with your larger bag. There are some opportunities to stow your larger bag and take only your smaller pack for the most difficult potions of the trail.

12. The areas to stow your larger bag are typically shelves with no place to lock anything up. I don’t think that theft is common, but avoid leaving anything valuable.

13. When it comes to the backpack size to carry everything you need for 4 nights and 5 days, I thought that a 40L backpack was perfect.

14. Since you’ll be carrying a somewhat heavy pack and hiking on mountain terrains, it is best to have sturdy hiking boots that provide ankle support.

15. Be prepared for all types of weather, especially windy conditions. Dress in layers and make sure to bring a hat and gloves even if the forecast seems warm.

16. Each inn has the daily weather forecast. Look for the print out or you can ask about it at the front desk. It’s helpful to know the wind and rain conditions for the day before heading out.

17. Certain areas of the trail close in the afternoons because the rangers want to make sure no one is camping overnight in places they’re not allowed. For example, hikers had to start hiking down from Mirador Base Las Torres by 4:30PM. Make sure to not start hiking too late in the day and pay attention to signage about this.

18. Very few areas of the trail were difficult or had anything technical. The few areas of the rock scrambling included on the way up to the base of the Towers and on the trail between Refugio Gray and Paine Grande. Overall, the terrain was easy to hike and the trail was well maintained. But there is a lot of elevation change and some steep areas.

19. I found the trail to be very easy to follow. However, it is best to have the offline map downloaded on All Trails to make sure you stay on track and follow your progress on the long days.

20. The most crowded portion of the trail (by far) was hiking to the base of the towers. I did this segment on day one and then saw much fewer people the rest of the trek.

21. Hiking to the suspension bridges beyond Refugio Gray was a real highlight for me, but it’s not technically part of the W Trek. Plan to allow some time for this!

These tips cover what to expect in all of the inns. I discuss credit cards, wifi, the atmosphere and more.

22. You can book excursions for Glacier kayaking or Glacier trekking that leave from Refugio Gray. However, they are subject to cancellations due to weather. I booked kayaking but it was canceled due to the wind (and hadn’t happened in over a week).

23. There are plenty of outlets and power in all of the inns to charge your devices. However, power is usually turned off in the entire inn overnight.

24. You can pay for wifi at each of the inns. If you want to do this, make sure you know your login for Paypal without needing the internet. Or, just enjoy spending a few days offline!

25. Bring a packable towel for showering at each of the inns. Some of the inns will rent you a towel but it’s not guaranteed.

26. All of the inns had hot water for the showers.

27. All of the inns accept credit cards for things like alcohol and extra food.

28. Spend time in the evenings hanging out in the bar areas and getting to know the other hikers. The social environment in the evenings is one of the best parts of the trek!

29. One of the inns, Los Cuernos, offers the option for private cabins for two people. All of the other inns only offer shared dorms and the amount of beds per room varies on location. Camping and renting a tent is also an option.

30. The Lago Grey Catamaran is more commonly canceled due to wind than the Lake Pehoe Catamaran. While you could end your trek with either boat, most hikers use the Lake Pehoe Catamaran. It is cheaper, more reliable and brings you to a location that is easier to return to Puerto Natales from.

Hiking the W Trek is an epic adventure that is sure to make your trip to Patagonia into the trip of a lifetime. Whether you are considering W Trek or already have it booked and are trying to get some questions answered, I hope this helps you plan your trip.

For more Patagonia guides, check out these blogs:

• The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the W Trek Self-Guided
• Epic Patagonia 2 Week Itinerary
• A Guide to Renting a Car and Driving in Patagonia
• A Detailed Packing List for the W Trek

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15 Best Places in Patagonia To Visit in 2024

Posted: February 24, 2024 | Last updated: February 24, 2024

Patagonia, a region shared by Argentina and Chile, is a land of awe-inspiring natural beauty. Known for its rugged landscapes, towering mountains, and pristine glaciers, Patagonia is a haven for adventurers and nature lovers alike. This guide takes you through the most breathtaking destinations in Patagonia, each offering a unique experience of this wild and untamed region. Patagonia’s diverse landscapes promise an unforgettable journey from the iconic Torres del Paine to the remote Tierra del Fuego.

1. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park, a highlight of Chilean Patagonia, is renowned for its dramatic peaks, bright blue icebergs, and vast pampas. The park’s network of trails, including the famous W Trek and the O Circuit, offers some of the world’s best trekking experiences. Hikers are treated to stunning views of the park’s namesake towers, the Paine Massif, and the Grey Glacier. The diverse ecosystems within the park, from steppe to subpolar forests, are home to an array of wildlife, including guanacos and condors.

Insider’s Tip: Book refugios or campsites well in advance if you plan to trek.

When To Travel: The best time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from November to early March.

How To Get There: Fly to Punta Arenas in Chile and then take a bus or a rented car to the park.

2. Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

The Perito Moreno Glacier, part of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, is one of the most accessible and dynamic glaciers on the planet. Visitors can witness the awe-inspiring sight of ice calving from the glacier into Lake Argentino. The park offers various viewing platforms and boat tours for different perspectives of this natural wonder. Unlike many other glaciers worldwide, Perito Moreno is one of the few still growing, making it a particularly fascinating site for glaciology enthusiasts.

Insider’s Tip: Take a guided glacier walk on the ice for a memorable experience.

When To Travel: Visit between October and April for milder weather.

How To Get There: Fly to El Calafate in Argentina, and then it’s a short drive to the glacier.

3. Fitz Roy Mountain, Argentina

Fitz Roy Mountain, near the small town of El Chaltén, is a paradise for experienced hikers and climbers. The mountain’s iconic jagged peaks present one of the world’s most challenging and rewarding climbs. For those seeking less strenuous activities, numerous trails like Laguna de los Tres offer breathtaking views of Fitz Roy and the surrounding Patagonian landscape. The town of El Chaltén itself is a charming base for exploring the region, with cozy accommodations and local eateries.

Insider’s Tip: Start your hike early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views.

When To Travel: Trekking season runs from November to April.

How To Get There: Fly to El Calafate and then take a bus to El Chaltén.

4. Tierra del Fuego, Argentina and Chile

Tierra del Fuego, an archipelago off the southern tip of South America, is a land of stark contrasts and extreme beauty. Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, is the gateway to this remote region. Here, visitors can explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park, take boat trips along the Beagle Channel, or embark on expeditions to Antarctica. The region’s unique flora and fauna, including Magellanic penguins and Andean foxes, make it a fascinating destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the End of the World Museum in Ushuaia to glimpse the area’s history.

When To Travel: The best time is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Ushuaia from major cities in Argentina or Chile.

5. Marble Caves, Chile

The Marble Caves on Lake General Carrera are a breathtaking natural formation. Millennia of waves washing against calcium carbonate have sculpted these caves into stunning formations. The caves’ walls, with their swirling patterns of blue and grey, are a photographer’s dream, especially when reflected in the lake’s azure waters. Accessible only by boat, the caves offer a serene and otherworldly experience.

Insider’s Tip: Take a boat or kayak tour for the best views of the caves.

When To Travel: Visit between September and February for the best weather.

How To Get There: Fly to Balmaceda, then drive to Puerto Río Tranquilo, where tours to the caves are available.

6. Valdés Peninsula, Argentina

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Natalia Di Marco The Valdés Peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its unique marine wildlife and rugged coastline. It’s one of the best places in the world to see Southern Right Whales, which come close to shore between June and December. The peninsula also hosts large colonies of sea lions, elephant seals, and various bird species. Its steppe-like interior and dramatic coastline offer stunning landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Insider’s Tip: Take a whale-watching tour between June and December to see Southern Right Whales.

When To Travel: Wildlife viewing is best from September to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Puerto Madryn or Trelew, then drive to the peninsula.

7. Cerro Castillo, Chile

Cerro Castillo, less crowded than Torres del Paine, offers equally stunning scenery for those willing to venture off the beaten path. The trek around Cerro Castillo takes you through diverse landscapes, including forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes, with the castle-like peaks of Cerro Castillo as a constant backdrop. The trek is challenging but rewards hikers with incredible views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and the Patagonian wilderness.

Insider’s Tip: Pack for all weather conditions, as the weather can change rapidly.

When To Travel: The trekking season is from November to April.

How To Get There: Fly to Balmaceda and then drive or take a bus to Villa Cerro Castillo.

8. Cape Horn, Chile

At the southernmost tip of the South American continent, Cape Horn is a legendary location known for its challenging sailing conditions and rich maritime history. Cruises to this remote area offer a unique opportunity to experience the wild beauty of the southern seas and the sense of adventure that comes with reaching the “end of the world.” The area is also significant for its unique flora and fauna adapted to harsh conditions.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a cruise that includes lectures on the region’s history and wildlife.

When To Travel: Cruises run during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to March.

How To Get There: Cruises to Cape Horn typically depart from Ushuaia.

9. Los Alerces National Park, Argentina

Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Argentina, is known for its ancient Alerces trees, some of which are over 3,000 years old. The park’s lakes, rivers, and forests offer a serene setting for hiking, kayaking, and fishing. The park is a testament to Argentina’s commitment to conservation, with well-maintained trails and minimal-impact tourism practices. The park’s diverse ecosystems are home to various wildlife, including deer, pumas, and several bird species.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Arrayanes Forest for a magical walk among unique cinnamon-colored trees.

When To Travel: Visit from October to April for the best weather.

How To Get There: Fly to Esquel and then drive to the park.

10. Pumalín Park, Chile

Pumalín Park, one of the largest private parks in the world, is a testament to conservation efforts in Chilean Patagonia. Created by conservationist Douglas Tompkins, the park spans over 400,000 hectares of temperate rainforests, fjords, and waterfalls. Visitors can hike through pristine forests, kayak along untouched fjords, and witness the park’s commitment to environmental preservation firsthand. The park’s infrastructure, including trails and campgrounds, is designed to minimize human impact on the environment.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the park’s environmental information centers to learn about its conservation efforts.

When To Travel: The best time to visit is from December to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Puerto Montt, then drive or take a ferry to the park.

11. El Chaltén, Argentina

El Chaltén, often called Argentina’s trekking capital, is the gateway to some of Patagonia’s most iconic trails. The town offers a range of trekking options, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day expeditions. The surrounding landscapes of glaciers, lakes, and mountains provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. In addition to trekking, visitors can enjoy rock climbing, horseback riding, and fishing.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Los Condores viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view of the town and surrounding peaks.

When To Travel: Trekking season is from October to April.

12. Laguna San Rafael National Park, Chile

Laguna San Rafael National Park is home to the San Rafael Glacier, one of the largest and most actively calving glaciers in the Chilean Patagonia. The park offers boat tours that provide close-up views of the glacier and the icebergs in the lagoon. The park’s remote location and stunning ice landscapes make it a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore the surrounding rainforests and spot wildlife such as sea lions and dolphins.

Insider’s Tip: Take a boat tour that includes visiting the hot springs at Quitralco Fjord.

When To Travel: The best time for boat tours is from October to April.

How To Get There: Access is mainly by boat or plane from Coyhaique or Puerto Chacabuco.

13. King Penguin Colony, Tierra del Fuego, Chile

The King Penguin Colony on the Chilean side of Tierra del Fuego offers a unique opportunity to observe these majestic birds. Located at Parque Pingüino Rey, the colony is one of the few places outside Antarctica where you can see king penguins in their natural habitat. The park provides a respectful and sustainable way to observe the penguins, with designated viewing areas to minimize disturbance.

Insider’s Tip: Respect the penguins’ space and observe them from a distance to avoid disturbing them.

When To Travel: Penguins can be seen year-round, but the best time is during the breeding season, from September to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Punta Arenas, take a ferry and drive to the park.

14. Bariloche, Argentina

San Carlos de Bariloche, known simply as Bariloche, offers a unique combination of stunning natural landscapes and a lively city atmosphere. Bariloche is located in Argentina’s Lake District, a hub for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. The city’s Swiss-style architecture and renowned chocolate shops add to its charm, making it a popular destination year-round. In winter, Bariloche transforms into a ski resort, while the summer months are perfect for exploring the surrounding lakes and mountains.

Insider’s Tip: Take the cable car to Cerro Campanario for one of the best views in the region.

When To Travel: Visit from December to March for outdoor activities and pleasant weather.

How To Get There: Fly to Bariloche Airport, with regular flights from Buenos Aires.

15. Aysén Region, Chile

The Aysén Region in Chilean Patagonia is a secluded paradise for adventurers. Less crowded and largely untouched, it offers a wilderness experience that includes the Northern Patagonian Ice Field and numerous fjords. The Carretera Austral, a scenic route through the region, leads to remote beauty spots ideal for hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Aysén’s rugged terrain and pristine landscapes are perfect for those seeking an immersive nature experience away from tourist trails.

Insider’s Tip: Plan a road trip along the Carretera Austral for a unique way to explore the region’s diverse landscapes.

When To Travel: The best time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Balmaceda Airport and rent a car for the best exploration experience.

The Bottom Line

Patagonia is a land of endless natural wonders, offering experiences that range from witnessing colossal glaciers to trekking through pristine forests. Each destination in this vast region presents an opportunity to connect with nature and witness the raw beauty of one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. As you plan your journey through Patagonia, remember that the true essence of this place lies in its wild and untamed spirit, inviting you to explore and discover its many treasures.

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The post 15 Best Places in Patagonia To Visit in 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Olga Danylenko.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

Trains Moscow to Elektrostal: Times, Prices and Tickets

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Moscow to Elektrostal by train

The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is .

Get from Moscow to Elektrostal with Virail

Virail's search tool will provide you with the options you need when you want to go from Moscow to Elektrostal. All you need to do is enter the dates of your planned journey, and let us take care of everything else. Our engine does the hard work, searching through thousands of routes offered by our trusted travel partners to show you options for traveling by train, bus, plane, or carpool. You can filter the results to suit your needs. There are a number of filtering options, including price, one-way or round trip, departure or arrival time, duration of journey, or number of connections. Soon you'll find the best choice for your journey. When you're ready, Virail will transfer you to the provider's website to complete the booking. No matter where you're going, get there with Virail.

How can I find the cheapest train tickets to get from Moscow to Elektrostal?

Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. You can find train tickets for prices as low as , but it may require some flexibility with your travel plans. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets. Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results. Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets.

How long does it take to get from Moscow to Elektrostal by train?

The journey between Moscow and Elektrostal by train is approximately 32.44 mi. It will take you more or less 2 hr 7 min to complete this journey. This average figure does not take into account any delays that might arise on your route in exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to make a connection or operating on a tight schedule, give yourself plenty of time. The distance between Moscow and Elektrostal is around 32.44 mi. Depending on the exact route and provider you travel with, your journey time can vary. On average, this journey will take approximately 2 hr 7 min. However, the fastest routes between Moscow and Elektrostal take 1 hr 3 min. If a fast journey is a priority for you when traveling, look out for express services that may get you there faster. Some flexibility may be necessary when booking. Often, these services only leave at particular times of day - or even on certain days of the week. You may also find a faster journey by taking an indirect route and connecting in another station along the way.

How many journeys from Moscow to Elektrostal are there every day?

On average, there are 71 daily departures from Moscow to Elektrostal. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 18 departures from Moscow which travel directly to Elektrostal. There are 53 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Moscow to Elektrostal.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Moscow to Elektrostal

The cheapest Moscow - Elektrostal train tickets can be found for as low as $35.01 if you’re lucky, or $54.00 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $77.49.

Find the best day to travel to Elektrostal by train

When travelling to Elektrostal by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Moscow to Elektrostal CO2 Emissions by Train

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• King vs. Quelle King vs. Quelle

Tyler King vs. James Quelle

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King vs. quelle fight predictions, fight predictions, tapology community picks: 16, bout information, event poster.

Fight Details

• Event: AFO: New Years Redemption 3
• Date: Saturday 01.08.2011 at 08:00 PM ET
• Referee: Steve Rita
• Venue: Holiday Inn
• Enclosure: Cage
• Location: Mansfield, Massachusetts, United States
• Bout Billing: Main Card (fight 13 of 15)
• Pro/Am: Professional
• Weight: 265 lbs (120.2 kg)
• King Total Disclosed Pay: King Disclosed Pay: None Disclosed
• Quelle Total Disclosed Pay: Quelle Disclosed Pay: None Disclosed

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Apelsin Hotel

Noginskoye Shosse 36B, 144008 Elektrostal', Russia – Good location - show map

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Apelsin Hotel Reserve now

Located next to Noginskoye Highway in Electrostal, Apelsin Hotel offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi. Free parking is available. The elegant rooms are air conditioned and feature a flat-screen satellite TV and fridge. The private bathrooms come with a shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. Hotel Apelsin has a café serving Russian cuisine. The 24-hour front desk offers ironing service. Mashinostroitel Train Station is a 10-minute drive away. Domodedovo Airport is 88 km away.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.0 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• Free parking
• Non-smoking rooms
• Airport shuttle
• Good breakfast

Property highlights

Free parking available at the hotel

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• Toilet paper
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• Private bathroom
• Free toiletries
• Refrigerator
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• Flat-screen TV
• Satellite channels
• Street parking
• Accessible parking
• Invoice provided
• 24-hour front desk
• Daily housekeeping
• Ironing service Additional charge
• Laundry Additional charge
• Fax/photocopying Additional charge
• Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge
• Fire extinguishers
• CCTV outside property
• CCTV in common areas
• Smoke alarms
• Security alarm
• Key card access
• 24-hour security
• Safety deposit box
• Vending machine (drinks)
• Air conditioning
• Non-smoking throughout
• Wake-up service
• Packed lunches
• Airport shuttle Additional charge
• Wake up service/Alarm clock
• Upper floors accessible by elevator

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Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required room.

Children and beds

Child policies

Children of any age are welcome.

Children 16 years and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Prices for cots and extra beds are not included in the total price, and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds and cots allowed is dependent on the option you choose. Please check your selected option for more information.

All cots and extra beds are subject to availability.

No age restriction

There is no age requirement for check-in

Free! Pets are allowed. No extra charges.

Accepted payment methods

Cash Apelsin Hotel accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

Billing/invoices

Official invoices (for tax/billing purposes) are available at this property for business travellers.

FAQs about Apelsin Hotel

What type of room can i book at apelsin hotel.

• Twin/Double

How far is Apelsin Hotel from the centre of Elektrostal'?

Apelsin Hotel is 1.1 miles from the centre of Elektrostal'. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

How much does it cost to stay at Apelsin Hotel?

The prices at Apelsin Hotel may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Apelsin Hotel?

Check-in at Apelsin Hotel is from 14:00, and check-out is until 12:00.

What is there to do at Apelsin Hotel?

The best of elektrostal'.

• Central Air Force Museum

Save time, save money!

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Check-in date

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