How to Hike the W-Trek in Torres Del Paine, Patagonia – 2025 Complete Guide
Winding through Chilean Patagonia, the W-Trek in Torres del Paine offers an extraordinary exploration of Torres del Paine National Park. The trek showcases majestic glaciers, turquoise lakes, and the iconic granite peaks that define this pristine wilderness. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-time hiker, this blog post is your ultimate guide to conquering the W Trek.
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Plan to Hike the W Trek in Torres Del Paine
- The W Trek 4 – 5 Day Itineraries
- How to Get to the Park and Start the Hike
- Torres del Paine Park Rules
- Other Important Information
- What to Pack
- My Honest Opinion of the Trek
- Conclusion
- Other Resources
Overview
- Total distance: 100 km/62 miles
- Required number of days: 4-5
- Elevation gain: 2,730 m (8,956 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highest point: Mirador Las Torres, 900m/2952ft
- Permits: Paid reservations are required (more information below)
- Entrance fee: $49 USD
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Plan to Hike the W Trek in Torres Del Paine
First, determine the dates you want to visit from November – March. Decide your itinerary, and whether you want to hike from west to east or vice versa.
Then, at least 3 months in advance, book your campsites at Booking Patagonia. To ensure you get the dates you want, it is advised to secure your bookings as soon as they open for the upcoming season.
When to go
November – March: This period is the Southern Hemisphere’s summer and offers the most favorable weather conditions, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. December to February is considered the high season when the park experiences the warmest temperatures, making it more comfortable for trekking.
During this time, you can expect temperatures ranging from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 15 degrees Celsius) on average. The trails are generally drier, and the days are longer, providing ample daylight for hiking.
It’s essential to note that while summer is the ideal time, Torres del Paine’s weather can be unpredictable, and conditions may vary. Therefore, hikers should be prepared for changes in weather and be equipped with appropriate gear for varying conditions. When I was there, I got sunburned during the first two days and then got snowed on during day three. The wind was fierce and cold pretty much every day.
How to Book Reservations/ Permits
Reservations are required to camp in the park. They fill up very quickly, so it is advised to book them as soon as they open reservations for the upcoming season.
Historically, it was a nightmare booking the campsites because they were owned by a couple different companies and had to be booked seaprately. The websites were confusing, and you had to line up the dates and hope that you booked them correctly. Luckily, as of 2023, the campsites on the W trek can be booked online together through Booking Patagonia. If you want to book them separately (I don’t know why you would…) you can book them on Vertice Patagonia and Las Torres Patagonia.
When booking your reservations, you can choose between camping (in your own tent or a rented tent), or staying in a refugio (bed in a shared dorm). It is cheaper to bring your own gear, but tents and sleeping bags can be rented. The tents are already set up at each campsite, so you wouldn’t be carrying it with you and setting it up every day- you would simply show up and when you check in, they will tell you which tent is yours.
The W trek in Torres del Paine can be walked in either direction, whichever you choose when you book your campsites. If you walk westbound, you will start at Hotel Las Torres (Central campsite). If you walk eastbound, you will start at the Paine Grande campsite.
Costs
The cheapest option is to bring all of your own gear and cook your own food. A 5 day trek will cost about $250 per person.
The price for a camping reservation (with your own gear) is between $10-$15 USD per person per night. Meals in restaurants range from $15 – $40.
Gear rental costs (per person, per night):
- Tent (2 persons): $40
- Sleeping bag: $25
- Sleeping Pad: $12
- Full board (breakfast, box lunch, and dinner): $80 – $100
- Separate Meals: breakfast $25, dinner $40, lunchbox $25.
If you stay at fully-equipped campsites (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat) you’ll pay around $100 per person per night. Dorms with bunk beds are available at some campsites for around $60 per person. The campsites have small stores where you can buy snacks, drinks, and other essentials. The larger campsites have full restaurants where you can order things like burgers and beer.
Park Entrance Fee:
The entrance fee to Torres del Paine (for 3+ days to hike the W trek) is $49 for adults, and free for children under 12 years old.
The park fee must be paid at least 24 hours in advance online, AND you need the QR code saved to your phone. They don’t accept payments at the park entrance gates. There is no cell service or WIFI at the entrance of the park.
The W Trek 4 – 5 Day Itineraries
You can walk the W trek in both directions; east to west or vice versa. Paine Grande to Cental campsite (Hotel Las Torres) is west to east. The opposite direction from Central to Paine Grande is east to west. The website where you can book the campsite reservations also includes 4 and 5 day itineraries.
West to East: 5 days
- Day 1*: Paine Grande campsite – Grey campsite. Total Distance: 6.8 mi/ 11 km
- Day 2*: Grey campsite – Grey Glacier viewpoint – Paine Grande campsite: 12.4 mi/ 20 km
- Day 3: Paine Grande campsite – Mirador Frances – Francés campsite: 11.8 mi/ 19 km
- Day 4: Francés campsite – Chileno campsite: 11.4 mi/ 18.5 km
- Day 5. Chileno – Mirador Las Torres – (bus) Puerto Natales: 8.6 mi/ 14 km
West to East: 4 days
*You can do the trek in 4 days if on Day 1 of the West to East version, you go from Paine Grande to the Grey Glacier viewpoint and then back to Paine Grande. This essentially combines Day 1 and Day 2 from above (without camping at Gray) This gives you a total distance of 14 mi/ 22k on that day. If you do this, you will take the bus from Puerto Natales on Day zero and camp at Paine Grande.
East to West: 4 days
- Day 1: Puerto Natales – Mirador Las Torres – Central: 11.4 mi/ 18.4 km
- Day 2: Central – Francés campsite: 9 mi/ 14.5km
- Day 3: Francés campsite – Mirador Frances – Paine Grande campsite: 12.9 mi/ 21 km
- Day 4: Paine Grande campsite – Gray – Puerto Natales: 10.5 mi/ 17 km
East to West: 5 days
- Day 1: Puerto Natales – El Chileno: 3 mi/ 5 km
- Day 2: El Chileno – Mirador Las Torres – Los Cuernos: 12 mi/ 19.4 km
- Day 3: Los Cuernos – Paine Grande: 9 mi/ 14.5 km
- Day 4: Paine Grande – Grey – Paine Grande: 13.7 mi/ 22 km
- Day 5: Paine Grande – Puerto Natales
How to Get to the Park and Start the Hike
You will fly into and be based out of Puerto Natales. This is the nearest town to Torres del Paine National Park. For more information, check out my guide on How to Get to Patagonia.
Take a bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine
All buses leave from the bus terminal in Puerto Natales. The ticket costs $28 (including return) and the journey takes 2-3 hours. Arrive 15-30 minutes before your scheduled departure. There are a few different bus companies, but they are all essentially the same and leave at 7am, 7:30am, and 2:30pm. During the high season, it’s recommended to buy your bus tickets at least one day in advance. Online booking is available for tickets with the bus company Bus-Sur, while the others can be purchased at the bus terminal or your accommodation.
Get off the bus at the Laguna Amarga, Pudeto, or Hotel Lago Grey stop
Knowing which campsite you’re starting at will determine which stop you get off the bus at. The 3 options are: Laguna Amarga (Hotel Las Torres), Pudeto (ferry to Paine Grande), and Hotel Lago Grey (boat to Grey campsite).
- Option A: East to West: Start at Hotel Las Torres. Get off at the Laguna Amarga stop. Get one another bus (10 minutes) to Hotel Las Torres for about $6. If you don’t want to take the second bus, you can walk from Laguna Amarga to Hotel Las Torres, which is about 7 km.
- Option B: West to East: Start at Paine Grande. Get off the bus at the Pudeto stop. Then take the ferry (30 mins) across to Paine Grande. Hip Sur operates this service ($30 USD one way). Tickets can be purchased at the ferry port- they don’t need to be reserved ahead of time. If you start at Hotel Las Torres (option A), you’ll have to take the ferry on the way back.
- Option C: West to East. Start at Grey campsite. Get off the bus at the Hotel Lago Grey stop. This journey from puerto Natales takes about 4.5 hours. This is the most expensive option. Getting from Hotel Lago Grey to Grey campsite requires a glacier cruise, which costs $100 USD per person. The advantage of this option is that you don’t have to walk the stretch between Grey campsite and Paine Grande back and forth, unlike starting at Paine Grande.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll do the opposite on the way back. And then catch the bus back to Puerto Natales. Don’t worry about this too much- the rangers are very friendly and are used to people doing this trek. As long as you know where you’re starting/going, they will help you and point you in the right direction.
Torres del Paine Park Rules
- Campsites have to be booked in advance. Have the booking confirmation printed or on your cell phone.
- You can only camp at designated campsites.
- Fires are not allowed anywhere in the park.
- Cooking and stoves are allowed. All cooking must be done in designated cooking areas/ kitchens.
- It’s required to have a passport and a migration card (you get it entering Chile) with you on the trek.
Other Important Information
- Puerto Natales is the best place to be based before and after the hike. The town has many hotels, campsites, restaurants, shops, and gear rental places.
- Safe drinking water is available throughout the park. A lot of people don’t even bother using any filters or purification systems on the trek.
- More information about the National Park including different route options, campsite bookings, etc. is on the park’s website.
- You will need to carry Chilean pesos because cards are not accepted in the park.
What to Pack
Bring a base layer, mid layer, thermal layer (warm coat), and a rain protection layer (waterproof shell, both top and pants).
The weather is unpredictable and inconsistent. Some days you could be in a t-shirt getting sunburned, and the next you could be wearing a hat and mittens because it’s snowing. Inclement weather aside, the wind is fierce, making even sunny weather feel uncomfortably chilly. Waterproof shells also help protect against the wind, and you will be warmer by laying it on top. Bringing clothing that you can layer to suit all types of weather will keep you comfortable and your pack lighter.
Trekking poles are an essential piece of safety equipment and I don’t hike without them. They are especially useful if you have a heavy pack on because they help maintain your balance.
If you plan on bringing your own tent, a tent that is highly rated for wind is essential. To this day, this was the strongest wind I have ever experienced, and I am amazed at how well my tent held up. For links to all the gear I use, check out my backpacking gear list.
As with any long hiking excursion, packing lighter is the way to go. You do not need to bring a whole cook set, you do not need to bring a lot of toiletries. I have a personal rule that for any trips under 7 days, I do not shower. This means I do not bring any toiletries or a towel, saving both weight and space. I bring a small package of baby wipes to clean myself.
You will not get lost. The trail is clearly marked and there is a steady stream of people.
My Honest Opinion of the Trek
The landscapes are stunning, and I am glad I did it. However, I go backpacking to be out in nature experiencing peace and solitude. This trail is so crowded that it’s impossible to be alone.
Unfortunately, the volume of visitors really detracted from my experience. Other hikers not following trail etiquette (not letting people pass, etc.) or camp etiquette (don’t shine your headlamp into people’s tents at night, etc.) was a continual nuisance.
This hike is great for people who are not comfortable being alone in nature or are looking to meet other people. If you are an experienced backpacker, this will likely feel too mainstream and commercialized for you.
I found that hiking in other parts of Patagonia gave me the rugged and isolated nature experience I was seeking. Check out my guide to Bariloche for other places in Patagonia to explore.
Check out my video on YouTube of my experience on the O-Circuit, which includes the W-Trek:
Conclusion
The W-trek is a beautiful hike located in one of the most wild and rugged places in the world. The jagged mountain peaks and bright blue lakes are a reminder of how incredible nature is. If you are looking for a wonderful but challenging outdoor adventure, the W-trek is sure to be an experience you won’t forget. Be sure to book your campsite reservations several months in advance and pack as light as you. Bring layers and waterproof gear and don’t forget your camera!
