Torres del Paine
W Trek Trail Description
Full Explanation
About Each of the W Trek Three Valleys
You may have read that the Torres del Paine W Trek Trail is approximately 63km in overall length. However, this distance is broken into the three, key valleys along the trail. These in turn, have their inclines, declines and altitudes; easy, flat parts, and difficult steep and rocky parts.
On this page you will find clear, defining information covering the Torres del Paine W Trek Trail description of each sector along the path. In addition, there is a W Trek trail map showing hiking times between accommodation points, as well as distances, altitudes and inclinations.
There is a far more detailed and comprehensive description of each sector of the trail further below.
Torres del Paine W Trek Trail Description
What Follows Below
Above all, what we aim to do here is explain in a clear way the itinerary trekking routes from one place to the next. In addition, we have added quite detailed accounts of what each sector of the trail is like. For example, if it is flat and easy, or steep and challenging, along with if you will encounter rocks and / or woods. Also, all of this information is accompanied by one excellent overall W Trek trail map showing the distances, inclines, declines and altitudes, as well as individual trail maps for each valley sector. Moreover, there is also, at the foot of each sector explanation, a brief set of local itinerary options with regard to where you need to stay for the night.
Email Us here: request@experiencechile.org
Three Iconic W Trek Valleys
The W Trek, as you probably know by now, is called the “W” because of the form, when viewed down from above, the trail path takes as it enters each of the three valleys. Here, below, we will explain very briefly what these three valleys are. Full, detailed descriptions are further down the page. Also, on the left margin you will see a mix of pictures showing different views of each sector of the trail.
Torres Base
This is at the end of the Ascencio valley in the eastern arm of the W. There is a section below describing all aspects of the trek up to the Torres Base from the trail head at the Welcome center.
French Valley
In the middle of the W is the iconic French Valley. Once you have completed the Torres Base you will then head to either Cuernos or Frances. These two places are to the east of the entrance into the French Valley. Again, there will be a description about the leg from Chileno (Torres Base) or the Welcome Centre to these two stop offs, further down this page.
The next stop will be Paine Grande via the French Valley, and, again, this sector is well described below, along with some photos.
Grey
The final leg of the W is over on the western arm of the trek near Glacier Grey. Therefore, our last trail description covers the stretch from Paine Grande to Refugio and Camping Grey.
Email Us here: request@experiencechile.org
W Trek Full Trail Map
Detailed, Clear Descriptions of the Trail in
Each Valley of the Torres del Paine W Trek
What follows below is a comprehensive, clear, explanation about the trail route heading into each valley of the W Trek trail, broken down between the key accommodation stops.
In addition, in the drop-down accordion, there is a detailed description and Trail map for that sector.
On the Way to Torres Base
Footbridge Over Ascencio River
Morain Sector Before Torres Base
The Torres Base Viewpoint
Torres del Paine W Trek Trail
The First Leg of the W Trek (East)
Leading to Night 1
Welcome Centre to Torres Base and Back – 11km / 10hrs
NOTE:
The Torres Base Trail closes at these times:
Oct – Nov: 15:00hrs
Dec – Jan – Feb: 16:00hrs
Mar – Apr: 15:00hrs
Therefore, you MUST arrive in time to be able to hike UP before the above times.
The Welcome Centre
This, first leg of the W trek begins from the area around the Welcome Centre. It should be noted that there is a myriad of accommodation options in this area varying in comfort and cost. For example, here is Refugio Central, Camping Central and also the ECO Camp (only 4-night all-inclusive programs at ECO CAMP), as well as the Hotel Las Torres – with private en-suite bathrooms.
Chileno Accommodation
However, for those who can get accommodation at Chileno there is now only the Premium Camping option here. However, the trek can be broken at this point.
Typically, the trekking time from the Welcome Centre to the Torres Base is 4.5hrs, uphill all the way. And, of course about the same time to come back. On the other hand, the trekking time from the Welcome Centre to Chileno is 2.5hrs up hill. Then, from here it is 2hrs to the Torres Base. In the event you are staying at Premium Camping Chileno, the trek time from Torres Base back down to Chileno is 2hrs.
For those who are staying over at Hotel Las Torres the trekking time is about 30mins less than stipulated above.
In Summary
The difficulty level of this leg of the W is medium to high. It encompasses an up-hill trajectory as well as scrambling up and over glacial boulders in one sector.
Although no specific experience is required, it is advised that you should be physically fit and accustomed to walking regularly distances of around 10kms daily.
On this sector the altitude gain is 866m.
Further Description
Please see the drop-down accordion menu below for a 3-stage sector description.
Itinerary Options with Overnight Stays in this area are:
1 – Afternoon Arrival – Night Central – Trek to Torres Base and Back – Night Central 9hrs round trek.
2 – Morning Arrival – Trek to Torres Base and Back – Night Central 9hrs round trek.
3 – Morning Arrival – Trek to Torres Base 4.5hrs up, 2hrs back to Chileno – Night Chileno then 5hrs to Cuernos.
4 – Morning Arrival – Trek to Chileno 2.5hrs. Night Chileno. Trek to Torres Base 2hrs up, 2hrs back, then down to Central 2hrs or over to Cuernos 5hrs.
Email Us here: request@experiencechile.org
Trail Map & Sector Descriptions from the Welcome Centre to the Torres Base
Three Sectors
This leg of the W Trek can be broken into three, smaller sectors:
One
The route from the Welcome Centre up to Premium Camping Chileno (2.5hrs)
This first stint of this route leads to the entrance to the Ascencio Valley. This part from the Welcome Centre will take around 1.45hrs up a steady incline.
The entrance to the valley is defined by a sharp bend into the valley and at this point there is often a fiercely strong wind – so be careful! Once around the curve it will take around 45mins, mostly downhill, to get to Chileno. Notably, at this point, on the right side, for about 200mts, there is a steep drop down to the river below.
Two
Between Chileno and the Moraine Sector (1hr)
At Chileno, particularly for those staying here, you can drop off heavier bags to do the trek to the Base with only a day pack.
Initially the trail will take you over a “rickety” footbridge and into a 100-year-old Lenga (Beech tree) forest. The woodland path incorporates two footbridge river crossings, is undulating, steep in short sections, and gives way to beautiful views to hanging glaciers, the river below and high mountain peaks.
After about 1hr, the forest sector ends and the view in front is of a steep glacial moraine. Literally, rocks and boulders cover the landscape and the slanting mountain side.
Three
Morain Sector to Torres Base (1hr)
Known as the Morain Sector, because the ground is covered by glacial moraine, the path meanders in between, up and over boulders as well as past some “wild growing” trees.
In addition, the trail is steep and for this sector it is helpful to have trekking poles. Should the wind be blowing down from the Towers, it will be head on. Once over the brow of the hill at the end of the path, the trail will enter the lagoon area, which is at the foot of the three, vertically sided towers known as the “Towers” of Torres del Paine. Here, at this point this is the Torres Base – and you will have made it to the first, iconic destination on the famous W Trek trail.
Torres del Paine Cuernos from the Trail
View to Lake Nordenskjold from the Trail
W Trek Trail Wild River
View from Cuernos Accommodation
Torres del Paine W Trek Trail Description
The Second Leg of the W Trek
Leading to Night 2 (with Optional Night 3)
From the Welcome Centre
or Chileno to Cuernos or Frances – 11km / 5hrs
Hiking the Torres del Pane W trek from the east to the west, you will now be heading towards the middle part, where the centre of the “W” is located. This is called the French Valley. However, accommodation from where to access the French Valley is located on either side of the entrance.
In particular, coming from the east will mean that you are starting this leg of the trek from either Premium Camping Chileno, or from the Welcome Centre area (Hotel Las Torres, Refugio or Camping Central).
Cuernos & Frances Accommodation
There are two locations on the eastern side of the French Valley entrance where trekkers can stay. One is at Cuernos, which offers a refugio, private cabins, serviced and premium camping, and the other is one hour further along the trail at Frances, which offers a dome-structured refugio and serviced camping.
In Summary
From either Premium Camping Chileno, or from the Welcome centre, the trek will take around 5hrs to Cuernos or 6hrs to Frances (accommodation, not the valley entrance). The hike is along medium-difficulty terrain, with some hills, but every time you reach the top of a hill there is an amazing view.
However, as with other parts of the trail, participants should be fit to walk the distances. Moreover, the distance from either Chileno or the Welcome Centre to Cuernos is 11km, and if going on to Frances the distance is a further 2.5km. The highest point is at Cuernos, which has an altitude gain of 250m – from the Welcome centre but is lower than the altitude of Chileno.
This sector of the W trek trail passes along the northern shore of the Nordenskjold Lake on the left, with its amazing dark-bluish water, and on the right-hand side the breathtaking granite spires of Los Cuernos. Just before arrival at Refugio / Cabanas Cuernos the trail passes through a beech-tree wood.
Itinerary Options with Overnight Stays in this area are:
1 – Night Cuernos – Trek to French Valley and Back – Night Cuernos 10hrs round trek.
2 – Night Cuernos – Trek to French Valley and on to Paine Grande – Night Paine Grande 10hrs trek.
3 – Night Frances – Trek to French Valley and Back – Night Frances 08hrs round trek.
4 – Night Frances – Trek to French Valley and on to Paine Grande – Night Paine Grande 09hrs trek.
Email Us here: request@experiencechile.org
Trail Map from the Welcome Centre to Cuernos or Frances
Wonky Footbridge near French Valley Entrance
French Valley Viewpoint
Hanging Glacier in the French Valley
At the End of the French Valley
In the French Valley
Torres del Paine W Trek Trail Description
The Third Leg of the W Trek (Middle)
Leading to Night 3
(or Night 4 if you took a Third Night at Cuernos or Frances)
Via French Valley to Paine Grande – 21km / 10hrs
Welcome to the French Valley
Coming from the east, you will have stayed the night at either the Cuernos area or Frances. Moreover, from either of these places the trek is steady and takes 2hrs from Cuernos or about 1hr from Frances to the entrance to the French Valley. It should be noted that beside the entrance into the valley is a Conaf rangers hut and a free camp site. However, this is only for those who pitch their own tent and cook their own food, this place is called Camp Italiano.
The W Trek French Valley is the middle part of the “W”, and one of the standout valleys of the trail. Above all, it offers magnificent views of hanging glaciers, steep mountain sides and waterfalls mark this setting as both dramatic and beautiful.
French Valley Entrance
From the entrance at Camp Italiano, the trekking time to the end of the valley, to Camp Britanico is about 2.5hrs, and of course you need to consider the same time to get back. From here it is then 2.5hrs on to Paine Grande, the next stop for accommodation on the W trek trail.
However, many people do not go to the end of the valley, they stop at the “mirador”, the look out, which is about halfway in, thus shortening the trekking time.
In Summary
Effectively, from Cuernos to Paine Grande via the French Valley (if going to the end of the valley) is around 24km and takes 10hrs to hike. From Frances it is 9hrs. It should be noted, however, that if trekking the route and avoiding the French Valley it is around 13km or 10:5km from Domos Frances.
The trek into the valley is considered to be medium to high difficulty. In particular, it involves a steady uphill trajectory, steep in parts, that passes through a beech-tree (Lenga) forest, and over rivers as well as going around boulders in paces. Therefore, you need to be reasonably fit and in good shape to embark on this trek. At the highest point the trail reaches an altitude gain of 1,100mt. The skyline is dwarfed by granite spires and the Paine Grande – the highest mountain peak in the park at 3,050 above sea level.
Upon arrival to Paine Grande, you can either call it a day, take the catamaran to Pudeto and out of the park, or stay a night here.
Accommodation
If you are planning to stay at Paine Grande, then tonight you will either be in the Refugio Paine Grande or Serviced Camping Paine Grande. It should be noted that you can also be based at Paine Grande and go to the French Valley from here.
Itinerary Options with Overnight Stays in this area are:
1 – Night Paine Grande – End Trek
2 – Night Paine Grande – Next day trek to Refugio Grey 4hrs trek.
3 – Night Paine Grande – Next day trek to Refugio Grey and back 8hrs trek, Optional second night at Paine Grande.
4 – Night Paine Grande – Next day trek to Grey Lake lookout and back 3hrs trek.
5 – Arrive to Paine Grande and depart on the catamaran.
Email Us here: request@experiencechile.org
Trail Map from Cuernos and Frances to Refugio Paine Grande (via the French Valley)
Grey Lookout Point
Grey Lake with Glacier
Hanging Bridge Near Refugio Grey
Glacier Grey
Torres del Paine W Trek Trail
The Fourth Leg of the W Trek (West)
Leading to Night 4 (or Night 5, if you took 2 Nights at Cuernos or Frances)
Paine Grande to Grey 12km / 4hrs
On the Way to Grey Glacier
Above all, this part of the W Trek is the final, Western leg of the trail that passes by Grey Lake. Most important, the trail begins at Refugio Paine Grande and almost immediately heads up a steep, meandering incline to the summit of a hill resulting in an altitude gain of 257m. Furthermore, the actual trail length is around 12km and will take up to 4hrs to cover the distance walking at a normal speed. Having said that, the official time is 3hrs.
However, once over the brow of this hill the path enters a short plateau area with woods either side. Then, once out from the wooded sector there is an opening and the Grey lookout viewpoint. Here there is a fine view over Grey lake and on a clear day to the Glacier Grey at the far end. It should be noted that many trekkers come only to this point and then turn back to Paine Grande.
Medium Difficulty
This sector of the W is considered to be of medium difficulty. Once on the decline from the brow of the hill mentioned above, the path descends to close to the lake and maintains a more-or-less level trajectory all the way to Refugio Grey passing by beech trees, streams and bushes. If you are lucky, you may hear the sounds of the Magellan Woodpecker.
Once at Refugio Grey you have several options to enhance your W Trek experience. For example, you can take the Navigation Grey boat that passes in front of Glacier Grey and then navigates Grey lake to arrive in front of Hotel Lago Grey.
Also, there is the option to participate in Kayak near Grey Glacier and / or hike on top of the glacier with an Ice Hike. Note that all of these activities must be boked in advance when we arrange your W Trek.
Accommodation at Grey
The only place to stay in the area is at Refugio or Camping Grey.
Itinerary Options with Overnight Stays in this Area are:
1 – Arrival to Grey – Take the Navigation Grey to Hotel Grey.
2 – Arrival to Grey – Kayak or Ice Hike – Night Grey.
3 – Arrival to Grey – Night Here – Kayak or Ice Hike – Navigation Grey to Hotel Grey – optional night Hotel Grey.
4 – Arrival to Grey – Night Here – Kayak or Ice Hike – Hike Back to Paine Grande and depart.
Note: For the ice hike you must have a night at Grey due to the timings of the ice hike.
Email Us here: request@experiencechile.org
Trail Map from Paine Grande to Refugio Grey
END OF THE “W” (East to West)
What about The Torres del Paine O Circuit?
Although we talk about the W Trek, you may have heard about the other popular trek in the Torres Del Paine National Park, the “O Trek”. The O Trek is a longer and generally more demanding trek that incorporates the W Trek route as well. Moreover, this trek will take you off to more remote areas with even fewer traces of human life.
The Full Circuit Trek for Experienced Trekkers
It should be noted that the full O Trek is recommended for experienced trekkers only. Most important is that the O Trek will take between seven to nine days and require you to camp at a serviced campsite in two places (and refugios in the other locations). Important to note is that all gear and camping equipment is included as part of the program, so you won’t need to worry about bringing your own.
Moreover, if you embark on the O Trek then you’ll be blessed with unique views of the Grey Lake and the Southern Patagonian ice field.
For more information on the O Trek, head to our dedicated FULL O CIRCUIT TREK page now!
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.
