What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 5-day W Trek in Torres del Paine guided adventure Round-trip transportation Puerto Natales — Torres del Paine Meals as per itinerary Accommodation — 4 nights in mountain refuges (6-8 people per room) or in campsites Sleeping bag and pillows for mountain refuges Tent, sleeping bag, and mat in each camp Ticket for the catamaran Entrance ticket to Torres del Paine Briefing talk What’s not included: Transportation to and from the starting point Travel and accident insurance Accommodation in Puerto Natales Kayak in front of the Grey Glacier — optional, can be added at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join this W Trek in Torres del Paine guided tour, you need to be in excellent shape. A great thing about this adventure is that there are no issues with altitude, but still keep in mind that this is a 5-day tour full of strenuous walks—but the incredible views will make you forget about the difficulty! You’ll be doing between 7 and 14 miles per day (11 to 22 km) while carrying a backpack with all your belongings. Some days are longer, while some days you’ll only hike for 4-5 hours. Still, this tour is more than just a leisurely stroll so make sure you’re in good enough shape to join it.

What do I need to bring?

The weather in southern Patagonia is very changeable, and you can experience all four seasons in one day. It’s crucial to be prepared for any type of weather, especially strong winds and high solar radiation. The list below outlines the basic equipment necessary for a day of excursions in Torres del Paine National Park: 40L backpack (with rain cover) Small daypack for shorter trips Trekking poles (highly recommended) Water-resistant jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or similar) Fleece or sweatshirt First layer of merino wool or breathable material Short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts Comfortable hiking boots (not brand new) Cell phone (with camera) Sandals (for bathing and resting) Headlamp Lock for your tent Quick-drying towel (lightweight) Cold-resistant hat and gloves Sun hat Sunscreen Sunglasses Camera — optional, but recommended Binoculars (for experienced users) Reusable water bottle (1 liter is sufficient, clear bottles are recommended) Ziploc bags (for waste disposal) First aid kit (with bandages, adhesive bandages, and anti-inflammatory patches)

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this W Trek in Torres del Paine guided tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1. The maximum group size is 8. It takes a minimum of 4 persons for the tour to run. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. The W Trek in Torres del Paine guided adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Puerto Natales, the starting point of your tour, most people fly into Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT) serving Puerto Natales. Once you land there, you have a 10-minute drive to the city. Another option is to fly into Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ), the airport serving the Punta Arenas area. Once you’re there, you have several options to reach Puerto Natales. You can take a bus which takes 3-4 hours, you can rent a car, or arrange a private transfer. You will meet your guide on Day 0 in Puerto Natales, which is when you’ll meet your guide and go through a briefing. Let us know if you need any help arranging transportation and/or accommodation prior to and after the tour.

Safety measures in Chile

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Chile, please refer to Chile’s Foreign Travel Advice . If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Glacier and Lake Grey in Torres del Paine

View of the lake and mountains in Torres

TORRES DEL PAINE | CHILE

Hiking the W Trek in Torres del Paine

Season

September through April

Nearest city

Your tour starts in Puerto Natales

Duration

5 days

Difficulty

Accommodation

Mountain refuges or campsites

Guides

Matías Garcés, Outdoor Index

From $2,300 () / 5 days

Got any questions? or Talk with us

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Things to know

Tucked away in the farthest reaches of South America, there is a mesmerizing trail that will have you saying “oh, wow” every two minutes. Striking granite towers, glossy turquoise lakes, massive glaciers, thundering waterfalls, vast Patagonian steppe… It’s all part of the iconic W Trek, a 47-mile trail weaving through the otherworldly Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. Alongside an experienced guide, you’ll get to discover these mythical landscapes over 5 days and absorb its incredible energy by either camping out or staying in comfy and cozy mountain refuges overnight—the choice is yours, but you can bet on unreal views with your morning coffee either way. Join us in Patagonia and experience what many hail as one of the best trails in the world.

Book a call

World-class hiking at the tip of South America

Experience the mythical Patagonia on this 5-day trek
One of the most sought-after trails in the world

Unimaginable variety and landscapes in Torres del Paine National Park
Meals, accommodation, and guide included

All that’s left to do is enjoy and appreciate this challenging 47-mile trail

Available itineraries

Hiking the W Trek in Torres del Paine — Refuge Edition

Often deemed as one of the world’s greatest hiking experiences, this is your sign to join the iconic W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. This 47-mile trail isn’t a walk in a park, it’s actually quite a demanding hike, but it’s oh-so worth it—the views that you’ll be witnessing are otherworldly. Over the course of 5 days, you’ll hike through the entire W Trek alongside an expert guide that will make sure you don’t miss all its beauties. Meals are included in the price as well as accommodation in mountain refuges—all that’s left to do is come to Patagonia and be ready for an experience of a lifetime.

Welcome to the spectacular Patagonia! Make sure to reach Patagonia at least a day prior to your adventure as you’re heading out tomorrow early in the morning. Meet your guide in Puerto Natales and go through a briefing. All your last-minute questions about the tour will be answered!
Have hearty breakfast and head to Puerto Natales Bus Terminal, where you’ll meet your guide and your team at 7 am. Make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early so you don’t miss the bus to Torres del Paine National Park. Enjoy breathtaking scenery of Patagonia as you travel to Laguna Amarga’s main entrance where you will need to register with the park ranger, CONAF.

From there, Transporte Las Torres will take you to the welcome center and then it’s just a 5-minute walk to Estancia Cerro Paine where you’ll register and begin your trek. Follow the trail through Ascencio Valley and its lush forests, and once you ascend through a field of large rocks, you’ll reach the iconic Mirador Base Las Torres. It’s that world-famous view of three granite towers and a turquoise lake at their feet. Have your lunch there before returning to Torre Central Refuge for a warm dinner after a long day of hiking.

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Hiking: 8-10 hours
Distance: 14 miles / 22.5 km
Accommodation: Central Refuge
Start your day with breakfast and don’t forget to request your lunch box. Today you’ll explore the middle zone of the W Circuit beneath the towing mountains of Torres del Paine National Park. Along the way, witness spectacular views of crystalline streams and glaciers cascading down Mount Almirante Nieto. Spot majestic condors soaring above and admire glistening waters of Lake Nordenskjold. Follow the path to Cuerno Refuge where you can unwind for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Distance: 7-9 miles / 11-14.5 km
Accommodation: Cuernos or Frances Refuge
Rise and shine! After asking for your lunch box, go on and continue discovering otherworldly Patagonian landscapes. After a brief stop at a park ranger shelter, begin your ascent to the French Valley. Traverse rocky terrain and lush forests until you reach the Plateau, where you’ll enjoy views of Los Cuernos, glacial lagoons, and you might even hear a thunderous noise of falling water and witness an avalanche! Rest and have lunch at the British Lookout before continuing onto Refugio Paine Grande. End your day with a delicious dinner at the refuge.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 6-7 hours
Distance: 10.5 miles / 17 km
Accommodation: Paine Grande Refuge
Set out on a winding path through a narrow valley to Laguna de Los Patos. Marvel at the views of the vast Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the ice floes of Lago Grey. Descend through a forest to reach the refuge and then continue for 10 minutes to the Grey Glacier Viewpoint for a breathtaking encounter with the massive blue ice massif.

You can take an optional extension of today’s hike and go for a 4-hour hike to the famous hanging bridges, offering a new perspective of the glacier’s depths and the surrounding Olguín cord.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 4-4.5 hours (plus optional 3-4 hours)
Distance: 6.8 miles / 11 km (plus optional 2.5 miles / 4 km)
Accommodation: Grey Refuge
Make the most out of your morning with optional activities like an ice walk or kayak adventure amidst the stunning glacier scenery. Following your final explorations of the park, come to Paine Grande Lodge and board the catamaran to Pudeto, where you can catch a bus to Puerto Natales.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 4-4.5 hours
Distance: 6.8 miles / 11 km

Hiking the W Trek in Torres del Paine — Camping Edition

Witnessing Patagonia’s riches is a one-of-a-kind experience, and this W Trek in Torres del Paine is the ideal 5-day hiking trip to see its highlights. This is a camping edition, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this spectacular national park and spend nights under the stars. Glaciers, immense peaks, lakes, waterfalls, it’s all in the itinerary, and with an expert guide by your side, you can be sure you won’t miss a thing. Campsites, meals, and expert guidance is all taken care of, allowing you to have a carefree experience in the spectacular Torres del Paine.

Welcome to the spectacular Patagonia! Make sure to reach Patagonia at least a day prior to your adventure as you’re heading out tomorrow early in the morning. Meet your guide in Puerto Natales and go through a briefing. All your last-minute questions about the tour will be answered!
Have hearty breakfast and head to the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal, where you’ll meet your guide and your team at 7 am. Make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early so you don’t miss the bus to Torres del Paine National Park. Enjoy breathtaking scenery of Patagonia as you travel to Laguna Amarga’s main entrance where you will need to register with the park ranger, CONAF.

From there, Transporte Las Torres will take you to the welcome center and then it’s just a 5-minute walk to Estancia Cerro Paine where you’ll register and begin your trek. Follow the trail through Ascencio Valley and its lush forests, and once you ascend through a field of large rocks, you’ll reach the iconic Mirador Base Las Torres. It’s that world-famous view of three granite towers and a turquoise lake at their feet. Have your lunch there before returning to Camping Central for a warm dinner after a long day of hiking.

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Hiking: 8-10 hours
Distance: 14 miles / 22.5 km
Accommodation: Camping Central
Start your day with breakfast and don’t forget to request your lunch box. Today you’ll explore the middle zone of the W Circuit beneath the towing mountains of Torres del Paine National Park. Along the way, witness spectacular views of crystalline streams and glaciers cascading down Mount Almirante Nieto. Spot majestic condors soaring above and admire glistening waters of Lake Nordenskjold. Follow the path to your campsite where you can unwind for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Distance: 7-9 miles / 11-14.5 km
Accommodation: Camping Cuernos or Frances
Rise and shine! After asking for your lunch box, go on and continue discovering otherworldly Patagonian landscapes. After a brief stop at a park ranger shelter, begin your ascent to the French Valley. Traverse rocky terrain and lush forests until you reach the Plateau, where you’ll enjoy views of Los Cuernos, glacial lagoons, and you might even hear a thunderous noise of falling water and witness an avalanche! Rest and have lunch at the British Lookout before continuing onto Campsite Paine Grande. End your day with a delicious dinner at the refuge.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 6-7 hours
Distance: 10.5 miles / 17 km
Accommodation: Camping Paine Grande
Set out on a winding path through a narrow valley to Laguna de Los Patos. Marvel at the views of the vast Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the ice floes of Lago Grey. Descend through a forest to reach the refuge and then continue for 10 minutes to the Grey Glacier Viewpoint for a breathtaking encounter with the massive blue ice massif.

You can take an optional extension of today’s hike and go for a 4-hour hike to the famous hanging bridges, offering a new perspective of the glacier’s depths and the surrounding Olguín cord.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 4-4.5 hours (plus optional 3-4 hours)
Distance: 6.8 miles / 11 km (plus optional 2.5 miles / 4 km)
Accommodation: Camping Grey
Make the most out of your morning with optional activities like an ice walk or kayak adventure amidst the stunning glacier scenery. Following your final explorations of the park, come to Paine Grande Lodge and board the catamaran to Pudeto, where you can catch a bus to Puerto Natales.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 4-4.5 hours
Distance: 6.8 miles / 11 km

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Meet your guides

5.00

Matías Garcés

Matías is a full-time tour guide and a family man, with more than 7 years of experience working in Torres del Paine National Park. He has worked for prominent companies in the tourism industry such as Hotel Explora, Quasar, and Hotel Singular. He lives in the city of Puerto Natales where he works as a booking manager for different international companies, taking charge of the offers, relationships with suppliers, and product design. Still, what Matías enjoys the most is going on hiking tours and sharing the best gems with his clients.

5.00

Outdoor Index

Based in Puerto Natales, Chile, Outdoor Index is your gateway to conscious adventuring in Patagonia. Their four pillars drive them to diversify destinations, educate for conscious tourism, foster personal growth through adventure, and activate local ecosystems. Joining their adventures means exploring the best of South American wilderness in a truly unique and meaningful way.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 5-day W Trek in Torres del Paine guided adventure
  - Round-trip transportation Puerto Natales — Torres del Paine
  - Meals as per itinerary
  - Accommodation — 4 nights in mountain refuges (6-8 people per room) or in campsites
  - Sleeping bag and pillows for mountain refuges
  - Tent, sleeping bag, and mat in each camp
  - Ticket for the catamaran
  - Entrance ticket to Torres del Paine
  - Briefing talk
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to and from the starting point
  - Travel and accident insurance
  - Accommodation in Puerto Natales
  - Kayak in front of the Grey Glacier — optional, can be added at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
In order to join this W Trek in Torres del Paine guided tour, you need to be in excellent shape. A great thing about this adventure is that there are no issues with altitude, but still keep in mind that this is a 5-day tour full of strenuous walks—but the incredible views will make you forget about the difficulty! You’ll be doing between 7 and 14 miles per day (11 to 22 km) while carrying a backpack with all your belongings.

Some days are longer, while some days you’ll only hike for 4-5 hours. Still, this tour is more than just a leisurely stroll so make sure you’re in good enough shape to join it.
The weather in southern Patagonia is very changeable, and you can experience all four seasons in one day. It’s crucial to be prepared for any type of weather, especially strong winds and high solar radiation. The list below outlines the basic equipment necessary for a day of excursions in Torres del Paine National Park:
- - 40L backpack (with rain cover)
  - Small daypack for shorter trips
  - Trekking poles (highly recommended)
  - Water-resistant jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
  - Fleece or sweatshirt
  - First layer of merino wool or breathable material
  - Short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts
  - Comfortable hiking boots (not brand new)
  - Cell phone (with camera)
  - Sandals (for bathing and resting)
  - Headlamp
  - Lock for your tent
  - Quick-drying towel (lightweight)
  - Cold-resistant hat and gloves
  - Sun hat
  - Sunscreen
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional, but recommended
  - Binoculars (for experienced users)
  - Reusable water bottle (1 liter is sufficient, clear bottles are recommended)
  - Ziploc bags (for waste disposal)
  - First aid kit (with bandages, adhesive bandages, and anti-inflammatory patches)
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this W Trek in Torres del Paine guided tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1. The maximum group size is 8.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 persons for the tour to run.
  - The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
The W Trek in Torres del Paine guided adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Puerto Natales, the starting point of your tour, most people fly into Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT) serving Puerto Natales. Once you land there, you have a 10-minute drive to the city.

Another option is to fly into Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ), the airport serving the Punta Arenas area. Once you’re there, you have several options to reach Puerto Natales. You can take a bus which takes 3-4 hours, you can rent a car, or arrange a private transfer.

You will meet your guide on Day 0 in Puerto Natales, which is when you’ll meet your guide and go through a briefing. Let us know if you need any help arranging transportation and/or accommodation prior to and after the tour.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Chile, please refer to Chile’s Foreign Travel Advice.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Secure your spot for 2025 with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you’ll be the first one to know. Pick the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know once the dates are live—don’t risk missing out on your bucket list adventure!
- - Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t suit you by the end of the year.
  - Once the set dates for the following season are live, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
  - The final balance is due 70 calendar days prior to departure.
For set dates, a 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 70 (seventy) calendar days prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If Client cancels the booking…
- - More than 90 (ninety) calendar days prior to the start of the adventure, Client is entitled to a full refund.
  - 89-70 (eighty-nine to seventy) calendar days prior to the start of the adventure, Client is entitled to a 50% (fifty percent) refund of the total amount of the trip.
  - 69-45 (sixty-nine to forty-five) calendar days prior to the start of the adventure, Client is entitled to a 20% (twenty percent) refund of the total amount of the trip.
  - Within 44 (forty-four) calendar days prior to the start of the adventure, Client is not entitled to any refund.
Once you make the payment, your guides will confirm the date of your reservation within a maximum of 4 business days. In case there is no availability, your guides will offer you the nearest secure date. If the proposed date does not work for you, your guides will offer you a full refund.