The W Trek gets its name from the shape it traces across Torres del Paine: up to the granite towers, back down, into the French Valley, back down, and out to the edge of Grey Glacier. It is one of the most popular multi-day walks in South America, and you do not need a guide to do it well.
What you do need is a plan. Campsites and refugios inside the park must be booked in advance, the weather can turn several times in a single afternoon, and the logistics of buses and catamarans decide where each day starts and ends.
Book before you fly. Campsites are run by different operators depending on the sector. Confirm every night of your route before you buy flights; park rangers check reservations.
The route, day by day
- Arrive and walk to the Central sector. Bus from Puerto Natales, register at the park entrance, short warm-up walk to camp.
- Base Las Torres. The steepest climb of the trek. Start early to reach the towers before the cloud does.
- Along Lake Nordenskjöld. A long, rolling lakeside day. Expect strong side winds in the afternoon.
- The French Valley. Leave your pack at camp and walk up to the hanging glaciers and the Británico lookout.
- Grey Glacier and out. Walk to the glacier viewpoints, then return for the catamaran across Lake Pehoé.
Pack for four seasons, and plan every day so that you could still finish it in a headwind.
What it costs
Prices change every season and differ by operator, so treat this as a template for your own budget rather than a quote.
| Item | Notes | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Park entry | Buy online before arrival | Add price |
| Campsites | Four nights, own tent | Add price |
| Transport | Return bus and catamaran | Add price |
| Food | Self-catered, one refugio dinner | Add price |
What to pack
- Windproof shell and waterproof trousers
- Tent rated for high wind
- Warm layer for evenings, even in summer
- Trekking poles for the Torres descent
- Printed copies of every reservation
- Sun protection: the UV is stronger than it feels
Done right, the W is less about endurance than timing: early starts, flexible afternoons and a plan B for the day the wind says no.
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