Torres del Paine W Trek

Effectively the Torres del Paine W Trek is a low-altitude, mountain footpath that begins at one point and ends at another point. The actual W trek trail path incorporates three, key valleys, where, at the end of each is a stunning spectacle to see.

Hiking the Torres del Paine W Trek trail is an exhilarating, active walk through a raw and wild natural wilderness. Most people will find the trail moderately challenging, and for this reason for those hiking the trail, although not technically difficult, you need to be in reasonably good, physical shape, capable of walking up to 10hrs a day in some parts, as well as being able to hike up hill. Above all, it can be hiked in part with a super express 2 nights, an express 3 nights or a traditional 4 nights or even longer.

The Torres del Paine W Trek hike is a great introduction to multiple-day trekking. We recommend giving 5 days and 4 nights to do a standard east-west trek/west -east trek. However, it can also be part of the longer, full circuit “O” trek, lasting for 7 nights. In addition, it can be part of an overall Patagonia trekking holiday whereby a stay at El Chalten and the now famous Fitzroy hike can be added.

We recommend bringing high-quality hiking boots, windproof and waterproof coats, sturdy ergonomic waterproof backpacks for hiking and plenty of water receptacles. If you need guidance on what to bring with you, please get in touch and we’re happy to provide more detailed information.

If you’re planning to go during ‘peak season’, we recommend leaving it no later than 9 months before you’d like to depart. Please be aware that accommodation along the W Trek is extremely popular, and we advise booking as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.

At its highest point the altitude is 870m, which is at the Torres Base viewpoint. Following this is the end of the French Valley at 754m. Then, on the western end at Grey, the altitude measures 64m, while at the eastern end at the Welcome Centre, the altitude is 135m.

There are plenty of amazing sites to see along the W Trek trail. Below are just a few of our favourite ‘highlights’ that we recommend including on your trip itinerary: 

• The Towers – Trekking from the eastern end of the trail, the path goes through the Ascencio Valley at the end of which are the three, vertically sided granite spires more commonly known as “The Towers”.
• French Valley – In the middle of the trail is the French Valley, and here, at the end, is the “hanging glacier amphitheatre”.
• Grey – On the western leg, the trail passes along the shore of Grey Lake and at the end of this path is the stunning Glacier Grey

The W Trek trail is busiest during the months of November, December, January and February, whereupon a reservation request with a reputable, specialist operator like Experience Chile should be made at least 9 months in advance. However, for a quieter experience and better chance of accommodation, hikers should consider booking in October, March and April.

The Torres del Paine W Trek Trail is open from October through to April each season, with occasional extensions at each end depending on demand and local suppliers’ preparation.

Patagonia is located in the far south of South America, occupying the final “cone” part of the continent. As a matter of fact, this area is still, fortunately, a stunningly natural environment with little in the way of human urbanization. On the positive side, here there are vast open spaces of wilderness where land, lakes, rivers, mountains and wildlife still interreact in harmony with one another. It is within this beautiful and dramatically inspiring land where one can feel in awe of nature and discover a spiritual awakening of oneself.

Effectively the only way to have your own, private room, for sleeping each night of the W Trek is to let Experience Chile book you a custom W Trek itinerary staying in hotels. This will mean coming off the trail for some nights, but we will work it so that you then get taken back to the next trail head in order to continue the W trek route. Also, there is the option to let us book an all-inclusive stay that includes the W Trek, and you are based in one hotel, or one luxury lodge for the duration of the hike.

This is not so much a question of “which is best”. Each trek is different and outstanding in its own right. Considering that the Circuit Trek actually includes the full W Trek, when hiking the Circuit Trek you have extra days to walk the back country of the Torres del Paine main trail. This sector opens up different, dramatic views as well as being more challenging than the W Trek. The Circuit trek requires at least 7 nights’ accommodation, and the full W requires 4 nights’ accommodation, but can be done in 3 nights also.

The peak season for hiking the W Trek in Torres del Paine is Christmas Week between Christmas and New Year. However, it is also pretty busy most of December, January and February. Therefore, if you wish to avoid “the crowds” and have a better chance of securing refugio accommodation, consider coming in October, November, March and April. In addition, book as early as you can with Experience Chile.

These days nearly all the refugios accept credit cards. However, it is always a good idea to have a cash back-up in the event that the card machines are down for any reason. Having said that, if you book an all-inclusive W trek with Experience Chile, for example, you will not need to buy anything extra on the trek. One exception to this is the catamaran between Paine Grande and Pudeto. The Catamaran, which IS included in an all-inclusive W Trek itinerary, will require a cash purchase of tickets if you do not have it included as just mentioned.

Usual meals times at refugios along the W Trek trail are set at: Dinner between 19:30hrs – 21:30hrs / Breakfast between 07:30hrs – 09:30hrs / Lunch is usually a box lunch to go, however, if you happen to be at the refugio for lunch then between 12:00hrs – 14:00hrs you can usually pick up snacks and things like a pizza.

All the refugios, as well as hotels in Torres del Paine, cater for people who have special dietary needs be it vegetarian, no gluten, no other foods due to allergies and so on. However, your operator, in this case Experience Chile, will need advance warning as to what your specific dietary requirements are. In addition, when you check into a refugio you should alert the reception to what your needs are to ensure that they get it right.