Torres del Paine W Trek

3- or 4-Nights Trail Accommodation

Exclusive, personal service, tailor made to your needs.

In particular, we will talk about the W Trek route, accommodation options, and show you a great trail map.

 

 

 

 

 

BOOK EARLY HERE for Season 2025 -2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Traditional Torres del Paine W Trek Itinerary

From the First Night on the W Trek Trail

1 – The first night will be at either Premium Camping Chileno, halfway up the trail towards the iconic Torres Base, or at the trail head, staying over in the Refugio Central or Premium Camping Central.

2- The second night will then be at Refugio or Premium Camping Frances.

3 – The third night is at Refugio or Camping Paine Grande. End here and you will have completed 3 nights and 4 days on the W trek.

Optional 4th Night

4 – You can hike on to grey, 4hrs, and stay in the Refugio or standard camping Grey.

More, extensive descriptions of each daily hike is shown further below.

All-Inclusive Itinerary Program

In order to facilitate an easier life, we only offer an all-incluisve W Trek itinerary. Such a program includes:

  • Regular bus from Puerto Natales to Laguna Amarga in Torres del Paine.
  • Torres del Paine entry tickets.
  • Shuttle from Laguna Amarga to the Welcome Centre, where you will receive a Welcome Pack containing a water bottle, small towel and a brand new, clean inner sleeping bag liner for your personal use.
  • 3 of 4 night’s accommodation along the trail with bedding or sleeping bags. If camping, you will also get a tent set up for you as well as receive a ground mat and sleeping bags.
  • All meals along the trail, including a hot dinner, breakfast and a box lunch to go, each day.
  • Catamaran tickets from Paine Grande to Pudeto.
  • Regular bus from Pudeto back to Puerto Natales.

And More

In addition, we will be pleased to arrange your accommodation in Puerto Natales along with local transfer to and from the bus terminal, and / or transport to El Calafate.

And please remember that we can sort out ALL the rest of your itinerary, and if we do, we will hand back to you reduced rate or some free services.

 

Send Your Enquiry to here: request@experiencechile.org

The Torres Base

Night at Chileno or Central to Access the Torres Base

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French Valley

Night at Cuernos or Frances to Access the French Valley

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On the Way to Grey

Night at Paine Grande

 

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At Glacier Grey End

Night at Grey for Access to the Glacier Grey

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Daily W Trek Hiking Description

The Traditional Route

Hiking the Torres del Paine W Trek Trail

Ascencio Valley

Day one will begin at the eastern end of the trek, for example from the Welcome Centre, the trail traverses up through the Ascencio Valley to the Torres Base. The sector from where Hotel Las Torres is, up to the “paso de los vientos” can be described as steep, however, once around the bend and into the valley the path declines down to where Chileno is located. Thereafter, past Chileno the trail will cross over the Ascensio river and head into the woods, going up, then flat, and up again until it reaches an opening where the glacial moraine can be seen. From this point it is about one final hour to the Torres Base, but this is the most difficult sector. The path is very narrow, passing beside large boulders, and between rocks. From the trail head and back, this is a distance of around 10.9km one way / 9hrs return trek time, or from Chileno to the Base it is 4.8km one way / 4hrs return trek time.

First Night – Central or Chileno – for the Torres Base.

Pre-French Valley

Day two will be the trek from Chileno (or Central) to Frances. From either start location the approximate trekking time is 6hrs and around 15kms in distance. This part of the trail is reasonably level, apart from a few small inclines.

Second Night – Frances, for the previous night before going to the French Valley.

French Valley

Day three will include trekking from Frances to CONAF Camp Italiano 1.8km one way / 1hr 15mins. CONAF Camp Italiano to end of the valley is 5.5km one way / 2hrs 30mins (but you can cut it short by going halfway), and don’t forget the same 5.6km and 2hrs 30mins to come back to the CONAF Camp Italiano. From Camp Italiano to Refugio Paine Grande, it is 7.8kms one way / 2hrs 30mins trekking time. Total trek time with full French Valley is around 10hrs.

The trail from Cuernos towards the French Valley entrance passes through wooded areas and has a few “up and down” parts, but nothing too difficult. However, into the French Valley requires hiking uphill most of the way.

Third Night – Paine Grande (here you have the option to end the trek and forget about a night at Paine Grande). In the event that you do end here, you need to depart from Paine Grande by catamaran to Pudeto.

Day four will be to leave the trail or continue as per below.

Grey Lake Leg

Day four, if you do stay at Paine Grande then today is all about going to Grey Lake and maybe Refugio Grey. From Paine Grande the trek to Refugio Grey viewpoint is 4km one way / 1hr 15mins, then, from here it is 6.6km one way / 2hrs 15mins to Refugio Grey. The most strenuous part of this sector is the quite steep uphill sector from behind Paine Grande to the woods, whereupon the trail flattens out before arriving to the Grey Lookout. From here the path descends to almost lake level and continues mainly level until it reaches Grey.

Fourth Night – Grey (usually the trek will end after a night here). From here you can get up close to see Grey Glacier and / or do an ice hike and /or kayak. Also, from here you can get the Navigation Grey across the lake to Hotel Grey.

Day five will be the out day.

 

Send Your Enquiry to here: request@experiencechile.org

Ice Hiking Grey Glacier

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Grey Viewpoint

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Cuernos of Paine from W Trek Trail

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What Does Experience Chile Do

Regarding the Torres del Paine W Trek?

Custom Itinerary Service, Logistics and Bookings

We wish to make clear that WE are here to facilitate the arrangement and reservations for your trek. To sort out your accommodation, meals and connecting logistics. Will our service cost you more? Not really, unless someone, somewhere is doing such a deal that they are losing money, and in such cases, you get what you pay for and will likely not get the overall professional service that we offer.

Having said that, we also do have some great offers. Please revert back to the home page to see these.

 

Send Your Enquiry to here: request@experiencechile.org

Q. What is the 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.

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.

Q. When is the Torres del Paine W Trek Open?

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

Torres del Paine W Trek Trail Map

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Distance

It should be noted that in total, from the eastern end at the Welcome Centre to the western end at Glacier Grey the trail distance is around 62.7km (39mi), including the French Valley.

W Trek Accommodation – Where, What, How?

You need to ask yourself: Do I want to stay in the W Trek refugios? Or Camping? Perhaps you want both camping and refugios? What about hotels? If hotels, do you want high end luxury, or middle of the road level? Here at Experience Chile we specialize in sorting this out for you along with the travel logistics.

All-Inclusive – What Does This Mean?

Included in your W trek itinerary will be accommodation in refugios, camping or hotels along the trek, all meals, bedding or sleeping bags. Also, the regular bus transport in and out of Torres del Paine. Furthermore, the park entry tickets and the catamaran ticket between Paine Grande and Pudeto.

More Torres del Paine W Trek Information

Torres del Paine W Trek Hiking Season

Usually, the W Trek Trail accommodations are open from early October to Late April.

The Towers

For example, 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 amphitheater”.

Grey

Finally, 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.

Altitude Along the Torres del Paine W Trek Trail

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.

What Time Does the Sun Rise and Set?

Please follow this link to real time sunrise and sunset information: Current Local Time in Torres del Paine, Chile

How to make Bookings and Reservations for the W Trek and Circuit Trek Trail

It should be noted that you need to make your Torres del Paine W Trek reservations and bookings with a reputable operator at least six months ahead of time.

What is the difference between Premium Camping and Standard Camping?

Premium Camping

This type of camping offers a superior-level tent material, larger interior and is pitched atop a platform which is raised high off the ground, thus avoiding cold, ground air currents.

Standard Camping

The traditional, ground-based tent is considered to be standard camping.

For more information about W Trek Accommodation option please follow the link to our page about this here: W Trek Accommodation . 

What is a Refugio?

A Refugio is basically a hostel offering dorm rooms with around 6 bunk beds, communal, but segregated shower rooms and a common canteen eating area.

We are all about YOU, so let us know what you want, and we will do all the “heavy lifting”.

 

Send Your Enquiry to here: request@experiencechile.org

Other Torres del Paine W Trek

Accommodation Options

Hotels

On the other hand, if you prefer the comfort of a private room with en-suite bathroom, then it is also possible for Experience Chile to arrange all nights at a hotel, or hotels, from where you would trek a leg of the trail each day, returning to your hotel each night. We offer hotels under an all-inclusive program or with only half or full board. In order to connect you to trail heads each day we will include a private transfer from the hotel to the required trail head.

In addition to what has been mentioned above, near the Welcome Centre there is also a hotel. Clients can book a minimum of two nights at the hotel and enjoy the privacy of their own hotel room and en-suite bathroom. Also in this area is the ECO Camp, however, here you will need to book an all-inclusive 3 or 4-night itinerary, which of course we can handle for you.

Another option is that we arrange a hotel for you in Puerto Natales and bring you into the trail head each day. Alternatively, we can arrange a stay at a luxury lodge from where you can also hike the W Trek.

Luxury Lodges

However, in the event that you have the budget, and you want the best, top-end, luxury accommodation, features and services, then we can arrange an all-inclusive stay at one of the luxury lodges. Here, you will enjoy fabulous accommodation with modern bathrooms, great food, in some places the added facilities of an indoor pool and spa as well as educated guides. But, most important, staying at a top end lodge adds another dimension to your overall experience in Torres del Paine. And to be clear, you would hike a leg of the W trek each day and return to the lodge at the end of each day.

 

Send Your Enquiry to here: request@experiencechile.org

W Trek See All Refugios

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See All Hotels

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W Trek See All Luxury Lodges

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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

What ExperienceChile.Org says about

Torres del Paine W Trek

The Torres del Paine W Trek

Experience Chile has been arranging Torres del Paine W Trek itineraries in Torres del Paine National Park since 1996. We are an English owned and managed, receptive travel operator, based in Chile. In particular, we are the pioneers who began offering W Trek all-inclusive itineraries and it is only true to say that we are outright specialists in this destination.

The W trek in Torres del Paine is a unique, outdoor, hiking experience amid one of the most incredible natural, geographical wonders of the world. If you want the best in the business to handle your personal itinerary, please get in touch.

 

Send Your Enquiry to here: request@experiencechile.org

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.

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