What is the 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. It covers a combined distance of around 63 km or 40 miles, which is broken into segments by accommodation centres.
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 W Trek Includes the
Torres Base – French Valley and Glacier Grey
This trail will introduce you to the world-renowned sights:
- 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
When is the W Trek Open?
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.
What is the Length and Height of the W Trek Trail?
The overall length of the Torres del Paine W Trek trail is around 63km (40mi), from end to end. It is a well-trodden footpath that traverses into three, key valleys and in doing so creates the outline of a “W” shape when viewed down upon from above.
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.
FOR MUCH MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE W TREK PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW TO OUR MOTHER SITE AT EXPERIENCECHILE.ORG
How Long is The Torres del Paine W Trek Take to Hike?
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.
When is the Best Time to Hike the W Trek?
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.
Where Can I Stay on the Torres del Paine W Trek?
Your W Trek Nightly Options
During a hike along the W trek, traditionally hikers would stay at one of the fixed locations and either enjoy the privacy of a tent, and the fun that can go with that, or in a dorm room with fellow hikers, in a refugio. However, today, as Torres del Paine has gained in popularity, the accommodation offering has also increased with many alternative options.
These range from the serviced camping and refugios at the fixed locations, to mid-level hotels as well as high-end, luxury lodges and glamping options, all of which will include some, or all of the W trek trail in their hiking excursions.
For more information about W Trek Accommodation option please follow the link to our page about this here: W Trek Accommodation .
If you’re not sure the type of accommodation to choose, we can discuss all your accommodation options when you enquire using our contact form or by emailing us at request@experiencechile.org
How Can I Book my Spot on the Torres del Paine W Trek?
There are two companies that either own or have a license to operate W Trek accommodation along the actual trail. These are Las Torres – who operate Refugio and Premium Camping Central, Premium Camping Chileno, Refugio and Premium Camping Frances and Refugio, Cabins and Premium Camping Cuernos. Then, there is Vertice, and these guys operate Refugio and Standard Camping Paine Grande as well as Refugio and Standard Camping Grey. In addition, Vertice runs the back country accommodation at Standard Camping Los Perros and Refugio and Standard Camping Dickson. Whereas Las Torres runs the Premium Camping at Seron.
Problem
The problem with the two companies mentioned above is that each one only controls its own accommodation. Therefore, for you to make reservations it is time consuming and cumbersome. This is where WE come in. Experience Chile will handle all the “heavy lifting” for you and guess what, the cost will be EXACTLY THE SAME as if you were dealing with these two companies directly. In fact, using Experience Chile will be better because we now include extra benefits – please see our W Trek Reservation Page for all details.
How Far in Advance Should I book the W or Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine?
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.
Q. What kind of equipment will I need to do the W Trek?
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.
What do I Gain if I Make My Own W Trek Reservations?
Answer:
- Nothing!
What do I Gain if Experience Chile Makes my W Trek Reservations?
Answer:
- Firstly, the rate is EXACTLY THE SAME if you go directly or if we handle your booking.
- Time. Someone else is spending time getting it all sorted out for you.
- Discounts off hotel rates elsewhere.
- Bag custody in Puerto Natales (if we are arranging local, private transfers for you)
- Option for you to enjoy a PRIVATE TRANSFER back from TDP to Natales, stopping off at viewpoints, for a massively discounted rate.
- Discounts off our usual rate for a PRIVATE TRANSFER to El Calafate (or from El Calafate).
- Access to FREE Santiago concierge service (if you are staying in Santiago and we are booking your Santiago hotel)
How can Experience Chile help create the perfect W Trek trip?
Custom Itinerary Service, Logistics and Bookings
Experience Chile is here to facilitate the arrangements and reservations for your trek. This includes all accommodation along the W Trek trail, your meals and connecting logistics to make sure you can get from A to B with ease. Working with Experience Chile ensures that you can avoid the stresses of sorting out the finer details and instead focus solely on enjoying your trip of a lifetime.
To get started, simply click the button below and get in touch through our contact form, or email us directly at request@experiencechile.org. Make sure to tell us exactly what you’re looking for from your trip, and if you have any promo codes, please make sure to include them in your enquiry so we can make sure your discount is applied.
Other W Trek Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where is Patagonia?
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.
Q. How Can I Hike the Torres del Paine W Trek and Stay in a Private Room?
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.
Q. Which is Best the W Trek or the Circuit Trek?
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.
Q. When is the Busiest Time for the W Trek?
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.
Q. Can I Use Cash on the W Trek?
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.
Q. What are the Meal Times on the W Trek?
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.
Q. Can I Order a Vegetarian or Special Meal on the W Trek?
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.
The W Trek with Antarctica?
or any Torres del Paine Itinerary?
Special W Trek or Torres del Paine with Antarctica Combo
Should you wish to mix a W Trek itinerary with an Antarctic trip, Experience Chile will offer you an attractive discount (such as a half price W Trek), or maybe other free services, on top of any other combination offer already on the table. Therefore, ASK US FIRST if you intend to do Antarctica AND Torres del Paine!
Send Your Enquiry to here: request@experiencechile.org
Internal Link Center W Trek
Please Send Us Your Enquiry
For the best service please supply us with as much information as you can. For example, where you want to go, what you want to do, what you want to experience and how much money you want to spend (or do not want to spend!). How many people, what type of beds (matrimonial, twin, single etc.)
VIP
In the event that you are a VIP in any of the fields such as celebrity and/or political and/or business, and you need “special attention”. For example, privacy and/or security for your trip please use an alias in the enquiry but mention that you are VIP and one of the directors will handle your request and keep your real name and details confidential.
OFFER
Ask us to handle ALL of your South America, or Chile trip and we WILL include some items for free or at special lower-than-public rates. How much we can offer you depends on how much we can arrange and book for you. REQUEST@EXPERIENCECHILE.ORG
Remember, our specialty is to create a travel itinerary custom-built to your needs.
