The W Trek is
not a difficult or technical trek
. Hiking the W Trek doesn’t require you to be a pro, but some hiking experience is highly recommended. Compared to lots of other hiking destinations in South America – especially in the Andes mountains – Patagonia is low altitude.
Can you do the W trek on your own?
You can be guided or do the w trek self guided
(in the warmer months anyway). You can stay in lodges and enjoy a cooked meal and a warm bed. You can carry your own gear and pitch your tent in one of the campsites along the way, or carry no gear and book a tent and sleeping bag at each site.
How much does it cost to hike the W trek?
The cost of hiking the W trek in Torres del Paine
What is this?
Entrance fee – CLP 25 600/US$32
. Accommodation. Camping with your own gear – US$40 (4 nights); two nights at Vertice Patagonia campsites (US$9×2), two nights at Las Torres Patagonia campsites (US$21×2).
How many days does it take to hike the circuit?
The W Trek in Torres Del Paine. The W Trek is Torres del Paine’s most famous hiking route, with views of the granite towers that give the park its name. In full, it’s a
four or five day
hike that can be walked without carrying gear or food, between refugios or campsites.
Is the W trek worth it?
If you’re looking to be wowed by the sheer majesty of hiking the Chilean mountains, then
yes, the W Trek is most certainly worth it
. This relatively low-altitude trek takes you through areas of the national park that are widely considered to be the most incredible places in Patagonia.
Do you need a guide for W trek?
Doing the W Trek without a guide is the most cost efficient way to trek through the park
and it feels very rewarding to do it yourself. However, sorting out the W Trek was one of the most challenging bookings we have made to date.
How much are Refugios in Torres del Paine?
Refugios make trekking considerably easier but are expensive: a made bed and full board costs
between $81 and $112 per person
. Meals are filling but certainly not gourmet.
Is it hard to hike Patagonia?
Both of these treks are
moderate to difficult
, and take between five and eight hours to finish. Though the trails are clearly-marked, weather is less defined, and is likely to be cold, wet or windy.
Is there WIFI on W trek?
Surprisingly,
wifi is available at every refugio along the W trail
. It’s expensive ($4 USD/hour) and slow, but if you need to keep family updates or need to check those urgent emails, it is possible, although not advisable.
Can you do Torres del Paine on your own?
This is an important question for many planning a visit to Torres del Paine and the choice will likely come down to experience, personal preference, and your desire to put in the time to plan your own trip.
If you’re an experienced backpacker, it is absolutely possible to hike independently
.
How difficult is Torres del Paine?
Try this 10.8-mile out-and-back trail near Torres del Paine, Magallanes.
Generally considered a challenging route
, it takes an average of 5 h 48 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.
Where is the W trek?
Hiking in
Torres del Paine National Park
is one of the absolute highlights of a visit to Patagonia – I should know, I’ve done it twice! Back in March 2016, I walked the Torres del Paine W trek as part of a tour around Patagonia and was so struck by the park that I returned in March 2017 to hike the Full O Circuit.
Can you hike Torres del Paine without a guide?
The simple answer is
yes, you can hike Patagonia without a guide
, and there are certainly some perks. If you’re looking to move at your own pace – stopping to admire views, take photos and be in the moment – then self-guided trekking will award you this privilege.
What is the elevation of Patagonia Chile?
| Peak name altitude (m) | Cerro Grande 2804 |
|---|
How crowded is Torres del Paine?
Average Weather: Warm during the day, but it can still be chilly with strong winds and cold nights. There is a strong possibility of rain.
Crowds: Low
. Spring is low/shoulder season in Torres del Paine, so it’s a great time to visit if you don’t enjoy crowded outdoor places.
How long do you need in Torres del Paine?
The W Trek takes five days on its own, so it’s best to plan
at least one week
in Torres del Paine in case of delays or weather issues. If you don’t intend to do the W Trek, I still recommend having one week in the national park as there’s so much to explore.
How many days do you need in Torres del Paine?
We tend to recommend
at least 3 nights
to explore the area, although many of the longer walks are up to a week. Located approximately 150kms to the north of the small town of Puerto Natales, the Torres del Paine National Park is certainly one of the high points of any trip to Chile.
How do I train to hike Patagonia?
Suggested conditioning activities for our Patagonia Trek include running, walking on an inclined treadmill, doing stair stepping or stepmill training, trail running, working on an elliptical machine, walking up and down hills, or participating in step aerobic classes.
