Patagonia Torres Del Paine W Trek
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Patagonia with our expert W Trek Patagonia booking service. Whether you want to book the classic Torres del Paine W Trek or customise your own adventure, Experience Chile makes booking your Patagonia trek simple and stress-free.
Secure your W Trek Patagonia booking today and discover why this is one of the world’s most iconic hiking routes.
EXPERIENCE CHILE IS A PREFERRED W TREK PARTNER, WITH DIRECT ACCESS TO REAL TIME AVAILABILITY
Experience Torres del Paine’s W Trek
with Experience Chile
Experience Chile is English-owned and run directly from Chile, offering over 35 years of expert knowledge to help make your Torres del Paine and W Trek adventure unforgettable.
Here at Experience Chile, we handle everything you need to enjoy the W Trek to its fullest. From organising accommodation along your route, to Torres del Paine entry, shuttle buses, and so much more.
Our W Trek packages are all-inclusive, meaning you don’t have to worry about the smaller details that can make or break your perfect getaway.
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.
We want to make sure every detail of your W Trek itinerary is perfect, which is why we encourage you to get in touch to discuss what you’re looking for from your trip. Together we can customise your itinerary to suit you and your preferences, swapping camping options for luxury lodges or adjusting to match the parts of Torres del Paine that you’ve been dreaming of experiencing the most.
To find out more, get in touch using our contact form or email us at request@experiencechile.org
*If you have a discount or offer code, please remember to include this in your enquiry.
Torres del Paine W Trek Daily Itinerary
An Example of a Traditional Route, East to West, Itinerary
All itineraries can be fully customised to you and what you want your experience to look like. Below you can see an example of a standard itinerary for the
W Trek hiking from east to west.
DAY ONE
Ascencio Valley – for the Torres Base
Today we 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 located, 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. However, other alternatives are: Hotel Las Torres and ECO Camp.
Premium Camping Chileno
Refugio Central
Torres Base
DAY TWO
Pre-French Valley
Today will be the trek from Chileno (or Central) to Frances. From either start location, the approximate trekking time is 6 hours and around 15 km in distance. This part of the trail is reasonably level, apart from a few small inclines.
The hike will pass by the accommodation at Cuernos, and shortly afterwards, you will arrive at the accommodation located at Frances.
Second Night – Frances, for the previous night before going to the French Valley. An alternative can be a night at Cuernos.
Refugio Frances Interior
Premium Camping Frances
Cuernos of Paine
DAY THREE
French Valley
Today 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 from the accommodation at Frances to the end of the French Valley and back, or on to Paine Grande, is around 9hrs. If you only go to the look out (“mirador”) in the French Valley, the total time will be less, at around 7.5hrs
Be aware that the trail from the French Valley entrance requires hiking uphill most of the way.
Third Night Accommodation can either be a second night at Frances, so you hike out from Frances to the French Valley and then back to Frances, or you hike on to Paine Grande for a night there – or just leave the trail and make it a super W Express with two nights accommodation only.
Refugio Paine Grande Interior
Standard Camping Paine Grande
The French Valley
DAY FOUR
Grey Lake Leg
Your final day, unless you are on the W Express, in which case you will have ended yesterday. 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 the trail is the quite steep uphill sector from behind Paine Grande to the woods, whereupon the path 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.
Want to customise this itinerary to meet your needs? Send your to enquiry to request@experiencechile.org
Glacier Grey Ice Hike
Grey Glacier Ice Climb
Kayak at Grey Glacier
Navigation Grey
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”.
Other Torres del Paine W Trek Accommodation Options
Hotels
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 half or full board. In order to connect you to the trailheads each day, we will include a private transfer from the hotel to the required trailhead.
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; 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 to the trailhead each day. Alternatively, we can arrange a stay at a luxury lodge from where you can also hike the W Trek.
Luxury Lodges
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, and in some places, the added facilities of an indoor pool and spa as well as educated guides. But, most importantly, staying at a top-end lodge adds another dimension to your overall experience in Torres del Paine. You would hike a leg of the W trek each day and return to the lodge at the end of each day.
W Trek See All Refugios
See All Hotels
W Trek See All Luxury Lodges
Hiking the Torres del Paine W Trek and the Sights
This trail will introduce you to the world-renowned sights at the Torres Base of the vertically-sided granite towers, the “glacial amphitheatre” of the French Valley and the millennial Glacier Grey, as it moves ever so gently down from the Southern Ice Field.
Trail Hiking Distances
Considering the daily hiking distances, it is important that you are reasonably fit, able to walk between some sectors up to 10hrs a day.
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.
For full trail information such as distances between daily hiking locations, as well as inclines and altitudes, refer to our Torres del Paine W Trek trail map below.
Torres del Paine W Trek Trail Map
Accommodation along the Torres del Paine W Trek route
Accommodation is your choice and can be in shared, dorm rooms in bunk beds inside places called either “refugios” or huts; in the privacy of tents (supplied and set up for you); in mid-level hotels offering a private room and bathroom, or in the high-end luxury lodges that offer an additional experience on top of the trekking.
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 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.
To view our rates and offers currently available, please view our rates page here >>
Torres del Paine & W Trek FAQs
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. How long does the W Trek take?
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.
Q. How far in advance should I book a trip to Torres del Paine W Trek trail?
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.
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 at each end depending on demand and local suppliers’ preparation.
Q. When is the best time to do 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.
Q. What is there to see and do on the w trek?
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
Q. What is the 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.
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.
