Why hike the W Trek?
- Follow a 4-5 day route to Torres del Paine’s most iconic sights – the Base of the Towers, French Valley and Glacier Grey
- It’s the perfect introduction to multi-day hiking, though it can easily incorporated in some longer treks, including the famous O Circuit
- Stay in shared dorm rooms in refugios (mountain huts) along the way or camp – or walk the route as day hikes from aluxury lodgeor glamping sites.
- Be prepared to share the trail, especially in December and January when the trail is at its busiest – or hike in the shoulder season or even winter for a quieter experience
- Combine the hike with other adventure activities including kayaking, horse riding and mountain biking to experience a different side of the park.
Trekking in Torres Del Paine
Taking it all in - Torres Del Paine
A view of the Towers
Camping at Paine Grande
French Valley hike
EcoCamp with view to the Towers
A view of Glacier Grey
Base of the Towers, Torres del Paine
A photographer beneath the Cuernos
W Trek: The Route
Hiking to the base of the Towers
French Valley hike
At Lago Grey
The W Trek can be hiked in either direction but is most usually walked east to west, starting at Refugio Las Torres and ending at Refugio Paine Grande. It runs up three valleys, creating the classic W shape that gives it its name. Each of these valleys is home to one of Torres del Paine's most iconic sights:
- Ascencio ValleyThe first leg of the W Trek takes you all the way to the base of the famous towers. The ascent to their base is a demanding 3000 feet (900 m) climb as part of a six to eight hour day of hiking, putting you at a small glacial lake that looks straight up at the massive granite peaks.
- French ValleyThe central spur of the route is dominated by the hanging glacier Francés. This glacier cracks and crumbles ahead of you as you climb rocky terrain into the heart of the valley. This leg of the W Trek offers amazing views of the Cuernos – the distinct horns of the Paine Massif that give it its brooding character.
- Lago GreyThe final leg of the hike starts runs downhill alongside the immense Lago Grey, with its waters flecked with cobalt blue ice floes. The final viewpoint offers up tremendous views of Glacier Grey stretching all the way back to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and its vast cliffs calving icebergs into the water.
Within these core routes, the W Trek can be hiked in a variety of ways. It can be walked as a self-guided route, though it's more rewarding with a local guide, and walked solo or as part of a group (in winter, hiking in a group with a guide is compulsory). Extra add ons include boat trips and ice-hiking on Glacier Grey, or it can be combined with other adventure activities or folded into a longer and more challenging trek.
The W Trek - Route and Elevation Map
The W Trek
Distance:
60km | 37.5 miles
Time:
4 days
Elevation gain: +7,045ft/2,147m
Elevation loss: -7,230ft/2,204m
Hear what our experts have to say...
Speak to Sarah
Tomas says
No two days are alike on the W Trek. You experience a taste of everything that Torres del Paine has to offer, from wild granite landscapes and mind-boggling glaciers to open vistas and thick beech forest. It's like Patagonia condensed into a single trek.
Tomas Hernandez Patagonia Sales Consultant
Where to stay when hiking the W Trek
Refugios
The route of the W Trek is dotted with refugios – mountain huts that act as hostels for hikers. If you follow the classic W Trek itinerary then you’ll almost certainly sleep in a refugio for at least two of the nights of your trip.
Torres del Paine’s refugios offer dorm rooms sleeping six to eight people, and showers with (mostly) hot water. All food is included: they have simple restaurants and provide box lunches for the day.
There are refugios at all the major stops on the W trek, and most are open year-round. Their communal nature makes them means they have a highly sociable atmosphere to share with your fellow hikers.
Discover more about refugios
Refugio Los Cuernos
Glamping
Torres del Paine is home to three superb glamping sites from which to explore the highlights of the W Trek. From your eco-dome, yurt or bell tent, you set out with a vehicle transfer to the trailhead at the start of each day, before returning to your cosy private lodgings at the end of the day.
Alternatively, if you want to experience the classic W Trek multi-day hike by staying in refugios, the glamping sites make excellent quiet retreats to settle into at the end of your trek, enjoying their comfort, gastronomy and service along with a host of other excursions.
Discover more about glamping
EcoCamp
Luxury Lodge
For hikers who just want to see the highlights of the W Trek but return every night to sleep in stylish comfort, Torres del Paine is home to some of Patagonia’s best luxury lodges.
From a luxury base you can choose your day hike the night before, and enjoy the best of the park with a private guide and vehicle to a trailhead – and then return to pamper yourself in a spa, enjoy a gourmet meal or just relax with a glass of wine and a world-beating view.
With a menu of daily excursions to pick from, luxury lodges offer the ultimate flexible way to experience the W Trek and Torres del Paine
Discover more about luxury lodges
Tierra Patagonia
Camping
Camping is available for all of the nights on the route of the W Trek. Campsites are normally attached to refugios, allowing hikers to use all their facilities while still enjoying the privacy of their own tent.
Refugio campsites have pre-erected tents, so you don’t have to carry your own while on the trail. Insulated sleeping mats and warm sleeping bags can also be booked in advance.
Wild camping is not permitted anywhere in Torres del Paine, including along the route of the W Trek.
Discover more about camping
Campsite at Refugio Paine Grande
Swoop says
The W Trek is rightfully popular, but that means but it can be very busy in peak season – especially around Christmas. If you're looking for a quieter experience, we recommend the shoulder season or even winter – or heading for some of Patagonia's other great trekking spots.
What Our Customers Think of The W Trek in Torres Del Paine
The W Trek in Torres Del Paine trips scored 4.4/5 from 948 reviews
What was your most memorable moment? The W Trek Hike which is fabulous. Great guide and experience.Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Chau Hin Chung -Hong Kong
Each time I looked up, which I tried to do as often as my footing would allow, I said "WOW!". The W is straight out of a movie with it's breathtaking landscape. The entire trek was my most memorable moment. :)Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
David Goss -USA
The beauty of the park and being immersed in it is unlike anything I have ever experienced before. The combination of medium to hard physical exertion hiking the W Trek, alongside our great (random) group of people that you organically get to know well while completing this together, and total faith in our guides- honestly lead to this being an experience I would recommend to everyone.Read the full review
Travelled: November 2023
Christine O'Reilly -USA
Going into the process, I was skeptical about the value of hiring a facilitator to assist with the planning and logistics. We are typically travel do-it-yourselfers, so paying a premium was a hard nut to swallow. However, as the experience unfolded, the thoroughness of the planning Swoop and their local partner provided completely impressed us. Everything went according to plan, and at every refugio, we got exactly what we contracted for easily and pleasantly.Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Michael Rousseau -USA
This was the trek of a lifetime for me! I have been thinking about doing this for years and it was better than I imagined.Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Dana Myers -USA
The W trek is beautiful but not without its physical challenges. Our guide was very experienced and knew every nuance of the trek. He also was able to teach us about the mountain, glacier and wildlife. We wanted to complete this trek the way it was intended to be done and the help from Swoop allowed us to accomplish this!Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Sheri-Lin Newell -USA
The second and third day were a really pleasant surprise. The first day to the towers was expected but really liked the days after that. The weather was amazing which was lucky.Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
David Lock -USA
It was an incredably challenging yet managable hike. Something I never dreamed of dong but a memory I will have for a lifetime.Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Jacquelyn Van Dyk -USA
Completed the W Trek with my 19 year old daughter where I would say the Trek and adventure was life changing.Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Steve Gladwin -UK
What was your most memorable moment? There are too many to count. The second I saw the park it was so amazingly beautiful. And as I walked through the park, I liked seeing how the landscape changed. The ice hike was an incredible experience.Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Cerena Johnson -USA
The landscape is so beautiful. There is so much to see. While the hike can be incredibly difficult at times, it’s worth it. You will also experience many types of weather in a short period of time. Having hot food and a bed to sleep in at the refugios really made it luxury backpacking.Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Cerena Johnson -USA
We absolutely adored our guide. This was the first tour/hike I've ever taken with an actual guide, and he really made the experience a positive one for all of us.Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Krysondra Esposito -USA
It’s maybe the best hike in the world.Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Graham Oxley -UK
It’s hard to chose one memorable moment, but I think sitting at the top of the British gardens viewpoint after traversing the Frances Valley was a key highlight. The terrain was challenging and spectacular all at the same time. Seeing the blue lake in the distance and hearing the cracks of the glacier as it calves off small looking avalanches and shards of ice was exhilarating. In conjunction with all those sites and sounds, to be able to drink from the icy river cascading down the slopes was refreshing and so fresh.Read the full review
Travelled: October 2022
Rochelle Choyna -USA
So many moments of the trip were special and memorable, but one that stands out is getting to the first lookout in the French Valley and watching several avalanches send snow spilling down the glacier. The views were amazing despite mist and light rain. So worth the tough hike up.Read the full review
Travelled: March 2022
Hayden Payne -USA
Absolutely! It is breathtaking - and each day offers a new adventure. It is challenging, but approachable for most. The highlights were Cuernos, the glacier and the French Valley hike.Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Leandra Branch -USA
What was our most memorable moment? Sitting at the French Lookout, watching hanging glaciers calve ice into the valley below them.Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Scott Nutter -USA
While the W Trek can be accomplished unguided, we felt like we got great value with our guide. He was very familiar with the trail, the geology, and the flora and fauna. For example, on our windy and rainy day (can't have the true Patagonia experience without one of those) he had us stop for a break before cresting a hill because he said "we would be very exposed there and it is better to break now." Indeed, winds were crazy strong over the hill. He also had friends in every refugio, so knew the inside track on the fun stuff. For example: at Lago Grey, we had whisky on the rocks using glacier ice. How cool is that?!Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Scott Nutter -USA
Only one word: totally outstanding. Well...2 words. I have peaked in my trekking experience and doubt I will do anything better.Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Brian Luckett -UK
Just to say a big thanks...I have been travelling on my own since the trek finished..and it's proving hard work..having the support and infrastructure is vital...I could never have done the W Trek without it...Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Brian Luckett -UK
Great hiking! Difficult, but in a good way! Not too “cushy”.Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Jordan Taylor -USA
Hiking into the French Valley all alone surrounded by mountain peaks. But every day was the most memorable moment because every day was fantastic.Read the full review
Travelled: November 2021
Jeff Lambert -USA
We are avid hikers so we will push through pain if needed. No pain was encountered, just fatigue at the end of the day. Well worth it if you have any desire to see spectacular scenery.Read the full review
Travelled: November 2021
Sean Johnston -USA
Torres del Paine is the most beautiful, unspoiled place that we have ever been to, and we have traveled to every continent on the globe except Antarctica. This park is unlike any found in the States. Except on the French Valley trek, we encountered few other hikers or visitors. It's pristine, and the Chilean people have really preserved this wonderful resource.Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
John Jenkins -United States Of America
We love Torres del Paine! The hiking was spectacular. The continuous views are amazing. The whole time you are hiking, the views are incredible and ever changing. Our guide was great and throughout the hike, gave us the history, geology, wildlife, and plant descriptions of the area. The refugios were really nice compared to others we have seen.Read the full review
Travelled: February 2019
Brian McIntyre -United States Of America
The landscapes were unlike anything I could of ever imagined. Our group instantly bonded with the other 3 girls in our hiking group. We have plans to meet up in the future. I’ve told my friends that it was the best trip I’ve ever been on! No surprises - everything went as planned. The most magical moment was bonding with everyone in the Refugio the first night and meeting so many people from so many other cultures.Read the full review
Travelled: January 2019
Nicole Doria -United States Of America
We especially loved hiking the W. It was so beautiful, with dramatic mountains of towers and glaciers, and hillsides in prime flower blooming season. We met lots of other travelers and shared stories, and ibuprofen for our sore muscles, at the dinner table. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Mary Lou Fairweather -United States Of America
The highlight of the trip was definitely riding on the Grey III and getting to experience the Glacier super close up. I also really enjoyed the day hike from Refugio Chileno to Domo Frances, it was the most scenic in my opinion. The landscape was just mesmerizing. I couldn't stop looking at the granite peaks to the right and the turquoise blue glacier lakes to my left. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Dipesh -United States Of America
I recommend booking the refugios because it is extremely worth it after you hike all day. The food was extremely delicious and lodging was excellent.Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Dipesh -United States Of America
Overall, the obvious highlight was the W-trek through Torres Del Paine. The park is great, the route is fantastic. We did the refugios and the 'glamping' option which we enjoyed for our short trip – the food in the refugios was surprisingly excellent and we enjoyed all of that a lot. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Oli Feldwick -United Kingdom
The W trek can be done in 4 days, but if you do the 5 day trek I'd recommend ensuring you do Camp Brittanica (it's an extension to day 3, going further than Camp Frances for a much better view) and also doing the hike up to the second bridge by Glacier Grey.Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Oli Feldwick -United Kingdom
Patagonia was exactly what I needed to get reconnected with the outdoors. You are surrounded by unique beauty everywhere you look and it's vastness reminds you how big this world is.Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Sarah Tocco -United States Of America
Many highlights, but possibly the strange highlight of being woken in the French campsite by thunderous roars from the glacier in the French Valley before trekking to the viewpoint to watch the ice falling. Spectacular landscapes, lovely birds and flowers, excellent guide, accommodation very good and transport couldn't have been better.Read the full review
Travelled: November 2018
Ronnie -United Kingdom
Even though it's a remote area there's lots of modern amenities like electricity and WiFi available almost at all hotels/refugios. Make sure to have a GREAT pair of hiking boots for the trip. If you can, try and visit Buenos Aires and Santiago on the front/back end of your trip. Pack less than what you think you need as you will re-wear things.Read the full review
Travelled: November 2018
CJ Newendorp -United States Of America
My magic moment? Las Torres....the gleaming granite towers of Paine sheathing straight to the Patagonian skies. The scenery took my breath away and stilled my heart. I can now understand why Las Torres have been a lifetime dream of hikers and mountain climbers the world over. It is here that heavens and earth syphonically merged to create a beauty that will forever endure.Read the full review
Travelled: November 2018
Hoang Phan -United States Of America
Booking the refuges / camping independently is stressful! If you don't want to spend a long time watching the websites for availability, Swoop and their local partners provide a welcomed solution.Read the full review
Travelled: November 2018
Clare Hodgson -United Kingdom
The trip was incredible! We lucked out on the weather. On our first day, the Towers were gorgeous and getting to visit the Britanico Valley was spectacular, despite being long, somewhat difficult days of hiking. The picturesque views on day two could not be beat, especially coming into Los Cuernos. We really loved the experience with our group, both the other people and our guide.Read the full review
Travelled: November 2018
Lauren Harris -United States Of America
My girlfriend and I both agree that the 5 day W-trek was the most rewarding holiday we have had on any continent. The landscape of the park is breathtaking in a manner that no photo or video can adequately capture. We remain in touch with the other members of our group, I didn't anticipate that the social aspect of the trip would be significant, but it definitely was!Read the full review
Travelled: November 2018
Howard Williams -United Kingdom
Ideal for first time trekkers like us, it may be difficult to match the scenery when travelling in future! Food and accommodation were both pleasant surprises. Our guide's experience of the park removed stress at the start and end of long days and allowed us to focus on unwinding and immersing in the majestic National Park.Read the full review
Travelled: November 2018
Howard Williams -United Kingdom
It was beautiful and very relaxing. Our guides were amazing, encouraging, supportive and very helpful. Eco Camp is a perfect holiday gateway with fantastic food.Read the full review
Travelled: February 2018
Cathy Boissy -United States Of America
Our trip was amazing, the W is well worth the work, you get to see a lot and meet people on the way. I would recommend eating at the refugios so you don’t have to carry so much and plan as much. You can also rent their tents, less to carry is better.
Travelled: November 2017
Wendy -USA
The French glacier and Mirador Brittanica were the highlights of the W trail. Saw a surprising amount of wildlife like foxes, hawks and small forest birds. At the refugios, which were almost too comfortable, met fellow hikers and had a cosy place to chat and unwind after a long hard day of trekking.
Travelled: March 2017
Naveen -Netherlands
The W Trek was the highlight of my 2-week trip - the scenery was beautiful and my guide, Paz, really made the experience incredible. She was so knowledgeable and that made the experience very special and unique.
Travelled: March 2017
Liz -New York
The landscapes of Patagonia are literally other-worldly. When we left the park, my nephew said it was like leaving Jurassic Park- it was so unreal. We saw grey foxes, condors, guanacos, and hawks (not to mention many other birds). The weather is as INTENSE as the beauty...every minute, it changed. The trail, though well-traveled, is not for the faint of heart. As times it was difficult. But never once did we regret the strain or aches. The people we met along the way were diverse and friendly. If we said "hola" one time a day, we said it fifty. it was truly a spirit-lifting trip!Read the full review
Travelled: January 2017
Julie Emery -United States Of America
Every day of the trip was unbelievable. The highlight was definitely the W trek. The landscapes were beautiful and we were able to see many rare sightings of native animals such as huemul and puma. We met many like-minded hikers who were passionate and excited about experiencing Patagonia. The guides and locals were all extremely friendly and welcoming.Read the full review
Travelled: January 2017
Andrea Lora -USA
My trip has really left me at a bit of a loss for words. While I tremendously enjoyed every piece of my trip (hiking, kayaking and then day hiking with an afternoon of horseback riding), I really loved hiking the W. I was traveling solo, but I enjoyed my time with our small group during the W trek. The Patagonian landscape was breathtaking - I've never been in a place quite so beautiful.Read the full review
Travelled: December 2016
Anne Helen-Evans -United States Of America
I am 100% confident that our trip was flawless and so exhilarating because of our guide’s leadership. We will definitely be sending our friends to Swoop when they ask for recommendations.
Travelled: December 2015
Clara -USA
Review:
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Preparing for the W Trek
Gear & equipment for the W Trek
One great advantage of hiking the W Trek is the minimal gear needed, as you will either be walking between refugios or campsites with pre-erected tents, or being transferred from your private accommodation each day to the trailhead.
Whatever the time of year, dress for four seasons in a single day, with a windproof and waterproof jacket and warm layers including a warm hat, neck gaiter (buff) and windproof gloves.
A 35-40 litre backpack for your personal belongings is normally sufficient, as bedding is provided at refugios, and sleeping bags and mats at campsites. Trekking poles are strongly recommended.
You can rent gear for your trek (including waterproofs and trekking poles) in Puerto Natales.
The Base of the Towers hike
Fitness for the W Trek
The W Trek is aimed at those with a moderate to good level of physical fitness. If you are used to day hikes but have not done a multi-day trek before, the W Trek is a perfect introduction.
The nature of the W Trek – walking between refugios or campsites – means that you will not need to carry the heavy rucksack full of camping gear needed for remote treks. You'll need to be capable of walking around12 miles (19 km) a day over a number of days.
The walking is not technical, but there are steep climbs to the Mirador Torres and French Valley viewpoints. The first day of the hike involves an ascent of around 3000 feet (900 m).
Bridge crossing in French Valley
Lauren says
The W Trek in winter is an experience like no other. The park is so empty it's just you and the mountains – and the crunch of snow under your hiking boots.
Lauren Valenzuela Patagonia Sales Consultant
Alternatives to the W Trek
The W Trek is Patagonia's most famous hiking route by some distance – and for good reason. This does mean however that it can get very busy, and the high footfall is eroding the land around the trails. If you're looking for a quieter experience, or would like toreduce your impact on the land,then here are some alternatives for hiking in Patagonia:
- For experienced hikers, and those looking for a longer trek or a more remote route, then the O Circuitor Huemul Circuit will likely be more rewarding.
- If you're looking to experience the Patagonia's mountains at their most remote and wild, we'd recommend the hiking in either Aysen or Tierra del Fuego
- If you're short on time, then the equally spectacular peaks and glaciers of nearby El Chalténin Los Glaciares National Park, just across the border in Argentina, are easily accessible from the Torres del Paine region
The Cerro Castillo trek in Aysen
W Trek: FAQs
Where is the W Trek?
The W Trek is in Torres Del Paine National Park, on the Chilean side of Patagonia. It is the park's most famous hiking route: a four or five day hike that can be walked without carrying gear or food, between refugios or campsites, with spectacular views of the granite towers that gave the park its name.
How long is the W Trek?
The W Trek is a moderately difficult hikelastingaround four to five days, covering 46 miles (75 km) on mainly gentle terrain, with more challenging days involving climbs of up to 3000 feet (900 m).
You need to be in good shape, with some experience of multi-day hiking and prepared for extremely variable weather. The longest days are six to eight hours of hiking, which allows for plenty of snack and photo breaks, both of which you'll definitely want to take.
More experienced trekkers can include the W as part of the Full Circuit, or dip in and out during some of our off the beaten track trips into Paine's hidden valleys and mountain passes.
You can also break the W Trek into a series of day hikes, enjoying it in more comfort atluxury lodges or glamping sitesaround the park.
Please get in touch if you'd like to talk to us about how the hike might compare to others that you've done before.
Can I combine the trek with kayaking, mountain biking or horse riding?
Yes.
While the W Trek is the reason most people come to Torres de Paine, it's easy to add an extra activity to your itinerary. Take a look at multi-activity adventuretrip options, includingmountain bike trails, horseback treks or kayaking among the icebergs of Lago Grey and Rio Serrano.
I’m travelling alone, how can I find a group?
Every year we help dozens of solo travellers find a hiking group in Torres del Paine. We have scheduled group trips with fixed departure dates organised by our local operators, but we also put like-minded hikers together to create more flexible itineraries.
Let us know when you're going and we'll happily find a trek or a group to suit you.
Are the trails well marked? Can it be done unguided?
Yes, it is possible to walk the W Trek unguided, which is an option if you're on a tight budget and have sufficient hiking experience, but a guide can really add to your trip.
While safety and navigation are an important part of what a guide offers, our customers always talk about the knowledge of wildlife, history, geography and culture that their guides brought to the trek. If you do want to hike alone, we can organise a self-guided hike with all the logistics and transport taken care of and there's also the option to combine an unguidedW Trek with some guided hiking off-the-beaten-track.
Should I stay in a refugio or a campsite?
Refugios are the youth hostels of the trails, with dorm rooms, bars, basic restaurants and showers and (most of the time) hot water. There arerefugios at all the major stops on the trek, most of which are open year round. They are fun and friendly places, even if the service can be a little disappointing now and again.
Camping gives you a slightly wilder experience of the trek and it doesn't necessarily mean carrying all your gear. You can of course bring your own tent, or rent everything you need in Puerto Natales, but it's also possible to hire tents at each of the campsites as you go. Do bear in mind that the Patagonia experience very high winds, especially in summer – it won't do you any harm, but you might need earplugs to sleep.
Are there any toilets on the trails of the W Trek?
The only toilets are at the refugios and campsites so you need to be prepared to go for wild toilet stops.
Can I do the W Trek and stay in a Luxury Hotel?
Yes. You can complete a multi-day W Trek and then reward yourself with a few days soaking in the spa, enjoying some world-class gastronomy and perhaps exploring some different trails on foot, van or horse during the day at a Luxury Lodge.
If camping or dorm rooms are really not your thing then you can still see the highlights of the W Trek, takingthree separate day excursions to the towers viewpoint in the Ascencio Valley, the French Valley and Glacier Grey.
The beauty of staying in a Luxury Yurt or Lodge is that you can choose the night before which excursion you will do the following day when you will have a weather forecast available and can see how you feel.
Are there options for private rooms?
With one exception - the cabins at the Los Cuernos - the refugios do not have private rooms.
If you want to spend every night in a private room, consider splitting the W Trek into day hikes, where your transport between hotels will be arranged.
Will it be too busy at Christmas?
The end of December and early January are the busiest times in the park. Places in refugios get booked up by the end of September, flights arriving at this time can be more expensive if you leave it late and there will be more people on the trails.
If you book well in advance then the trek is still a great experience, but it is definitely worth considering the shoulder months or the low season if your schedule is flexible. Alternatively, avoid the busier trails and experience theoff-the-beaten-tracktreks in the wilder areas of the park.
What is winter like in Torres del Paine?
The park is a very different place in winter, which is from April/May to August/September. There are far fewer visitors and the wind is calmer, but the days are shorter, transport and accommodation options are limited.
The W Trek remains open for guided groups only, with a good chance that you'll be trekking through snow.
We've worked with our local partners to design special itineraries that get you to the highlights of the W Trek in spite of the above restrictions. Guided treks are few and far between in winter, so please get in touch to see what's available, or read more aboutvisiting Torres del Paine in winter.
The W Trek vs the O Circuit
While the W Trek visits each of the park's main highlights in 4-5 days, the O Circuit Trek is for more experienced hikers aiming to get a little more remote and spend 7-9 days trekking. You'll still see the main sights, but will then loop around the northern side of the park where you'll have views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the Grey Glacier.
It is undoubtedly more challenging and you'll need to be prepared to camp, but the sights are spectacular.
Treks that combine well with the W Trek
The O Circuit is a great trek for experienced hikers, spending over a week to explore both Torres del Paine’s most popular sights and its quieter trails.
Discover MorePerfect for tried and tested trekkers, these iconic routes in Torres del Paine, El Chaltén and Tierra del Fuego are expertly guided for a fully immersive experience.
Discover MoreOur ultimate guide to the Huemul Circuit trek in Los Glaciares, from planning and preparation to a day by day itinerary on the trail.
Discover MoreOur ultimate guide to the South Patagonian Ice Field Expedition in Los Glaciares, from planning and preparation to a day by day itinerary on the trail.
Discover MoreWhy Swoop
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