The W Trek in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most iconic hikes in Patagonia. Winding through dramatic mountain landscapes, turquoise lakes, and immense glaciers, it’s an adventure that should be on every trekker’s bucket list. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from how to get there and what to book in advance to a detailed route breakdown and packing essentials.
About the W Trek
- Location: Torres del Paine National Park, Chilean Patagonia
- Distance: Approximately 80 km (50 miles)
- Duration: 4-5 days
- Best Season: October to April (summer months in the Southern Hemisphere)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation: Camping or refugios (mountain lodges)
- Weather: Unpredictable – expect sun, rain, and strong winds, sometimes all in one day!
Where to Stay Beforehand
Before and after the trek, we highly recommend staying at Lili Patagonicos Hostel in Puerto Natales. After backpacking Latin America for a year, I can confidently say this is one of my all-time favorite hostels. Designed like a cozy alpine cabin, it immediately feels like home, and the incredibly kind staff make you feel like family. One of the biggest perks is that you can rent all of your trekking gear there at great rates, saving you valuable time and effort – especially on your return. And as a bonus, breakfast is included, featuring a delicious spread with my personal favorite: unlimited waffles.
How to Get There
Puerto Natales is the gateway town to Torres del Paine and the starting point for the W Trek. You can reach Puerto Natales from:
• Punta Arenas, Chile – A 3-hour bus ride (around $10-15 USD) from the airport or city centre.
• El Calafate, Argentina – A 5-hour bus ride (around $50 USD) with a border crossing.
Once in Puerto Natales, daily buses run to Torres del Paine National Park, taking about 2 hours. Expect to pay around $20-25 USD for a round trip.
Prebooking 101
While some parts of the W Trek are flexible, a few key things must be booked in advance:
- Park Entrance Fee: Must be purchased in advance via Asesoría Parque Nacional Torres del Paine.
- The entrance fee for Torres del Paine varies depending on the season, but in the high season (October to April) it will be roughly $49 USD and in the low season (May to September) it will be around $28 USD.
- Bus to the National Park: Buses leave from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine daily (about 2.5 hours).
- Boat to/from Paine Grande: No matter which direction you hike, you must book this boat in advance. There are only a few departures daily, and it fills up fast. When we took it, at least 25 people were left behind because they hadn’t prebooked.
Hot Tip
It’s a common misconception that you need to book campsites super early. While it’s true that you shouldn’t leave it to the last minute, the most expensive campsites are often released first, and then other options will become available in waves. The best strategy is to keep checking until you find a combination of prices that works for you.If you find yourself without a reservation, each campsite is required to keep a certain amount of ‘emergency camping spots’, which you can buy on the day. However, from an ethical standpoint, we don’t recommend relying on these unless absolutely necessary.
Recommended W Trek Route
We suggest hiking from West to East because it saves the most spectacular sight – Las Torres – for last. While the views are breathtaking in either direction, many hikers prefer this route for the sense of anticipation it builds.
Day 1: Paine Grande to Grey Glacier and Back
- Distance: 22 km (13.7 miles) round trip
- Take the catamaran from Pudeto to Paine Grande.
- Drop your bags at the Paine Grande campsite before hiking to Grey Glacier.
- Return to Paine Grande to camp for the night.
Day 2: Paine Grande to Los Cuernos via Mirador Británico
- Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
- Hike to Italiano to have lunch and drop off your backpack
- Begin the ascent up to Mirador Británico for some of the best views in the park.
- Return to Italiano, grab your bag, and continue on to Frances or Los Cuernos campsite for the night.
Day 3: Los Cuernos to Chileno
- Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
- Hike to Chileno, which is the closest campsite to Los Torres, and so you won’t have to walk as far for the sunrise hike the next morning.
Day 4: Sunrise at the Towers & Exit the Park
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Wake up early and hike 2 hours to Las Torres for an unforgettable sunrise.
- After soaking in the views, hike back down to Chileno, and have lunch.
- Continue hiking for another 2.5 hours to the Welcome Centre.
- Take the transfer bus from the Welcome Centre back to the spot where buses leave for Puerto Natales.
- Important: Do not book a bus out of the park before 1 pm to allow enough time to return.
What to Pack
Your kit can make or break any hike, so we’ve put together a comprehensive W Trek kit list to ensure you have everything you need, whilst still keeping your pack light.
Cost Breakdown
A budget for the W Trek varies depending on your accommodation and meal choices. Here’s a rough estimate:
| Expense | Budget (Self-Sufficient) | Mid-Range (Mix of Camping & Refugios) | High-End (All Refugios & Meals) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Entrance | $49 USD | $49 USD | $49 USD |
| Transport (Round Trip) | $100 USD | $100 USD | $100 USD |
| Accommodation (4 Nights) | $50 USD (camping) | $120-200 USD | $600-800 USD |
| Food | $50 USD (self-cooked) | $100-150 USD | $200-250 USD |
| Gear Rental (if needed) | $50-100 USD | $50-100 USD | $0 USD (if staying in refugios) |
| Total (4-5 Days) | $300-450 USD | $450-600 USD | $600-1200 USD |
Final Tips
Start early: The distances are long and the weather tends to be kinder earlier in the day.
Layer up: Patagonia’s is one of the windiest places in the world and is known for its unpredictable weather so be prepared for sun, rain, and freezing winds.
Respect the rules: No littering, no cooking outside of the designated areas, and always stay on the marked trails.
The W Trek is a challenging but rewarding experience, offering some of the best scenery in Patagonia. Whether you’re camping or staying in refugios, carrying all your food or eating in lodges, it’s an adventure you’ll never forget.