The W Trek: Planning a Walk Through Torres del Paine
Granite towers, glaciers and Patagonian wind — a planning guide to Chile's most famous trek, from reservations to what to pack.
The W Trek traces the shape of its name across the southern flank of Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. In four or five days you’ll see the famous granite towers, the hanging glaciers of the French Valley and the vast ice of Glacier Grey.
The route
The classic W links three “arms”:
- Base de las Torres — a steep final climb to a lake beneath the three granite towers. Many hikers go for sunrise.
- Valle Francés — up into an amphitheatre of peaks, with avalanches often rumbling down from Paine Grande.
- Glacier Grey — along the lake to viewpoints over a huge tongue of blue ice.
It can be walked east to west or west to east; the western end is reached by a catamaran across Lago Pehoé.
Reservations are mandatory
You can’t just turn up. Every night’s campsite or refugio must be booked in advance, and park rangers check reservations. Different operators run different sections of the park, so you may need to book with more than one. Summer (December–February) sells out months ahead.
Wind and weather
Patagonian wind is legendary — gusts can knock you off your feet. Choose a strong, low tent if you’re camping, secure everything, and be prepared for four seasons in a day.
Extending your trip
The O Circuit (or “Full Circuit”) adds the remote northern side of the massif and the John Gardner Pass for an 8–10 day loop. It’s quieter, wilder and a superb step up if you have time.