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.
Can you hike the W trek without a guide?
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 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).
Is hiking in Patagonia difficult?
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.
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.
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.
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.
How long is the O Trek?
The Torres del Paine “O” Circuit (
6–10 days
) is the full loop around the Cordillera del Paine—the “W” plus the more remote backside that gets fewer trekkers. All told, the total distance of the “O” is approximately 110 kilometers depending on side hikes.
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.
Where do you fly into for trek?
- Lan Airlines.
- Sky Airline.
- Bus Sur.
- Buses Fernandez.
- *From Santiago you can fly to Puerto Montt using the airlines mentioned above, you can spend a few days visiting Chiloe Island and Puerto Varas then take the Navimag Ferry to Puerto Natales.
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
.
Can you climb Torres del Paine?
Torres del Paine Climbing Season
December through February are the best times to climb
. The days are long, with as many as 18 hours of daylight. March through May are wet but slightly less 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 swim in Torres del Paine?
Don’t swim in the rivers or lakes.
It’s prohibited in Torres del Paine
.
Is hiking in Patagonia safe?
Yet the truth is that hiking in Patagonia is actually
incredibly safe
and is enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year with no problems at all.
How do I prepare for a trek?
The best way to prepare for your trek, is to
do day hikes around your local area
. Try to carry the backpack you plan to use on your trek and increase the weight inside little by little as you train over the next few months. Also, try to increase the duration of your treks over your training period.
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.
How much does it cost to hike Torres del Paine?
The cost of backpacking in Torres del Paine
Catamaran Pudeto – Paine Grande (W trek, day hikes) –
CLP 20 000/US$25 one way
. Entrance fee – CLP 25 600/US$32. The price is fixed it doesn’t depend on the duration of your visit; no matter if you stay for a couple of hours or 10 days.
How hard is the Torres del Paine hike?
It can be said that the difficulty of the trekking in Torres del Paine has a
medium level
. This part of the Chilean Patagonia is not a place where only experts can go, but you should always be very careful. The routes are marked and with the previous explanation, you will not have any problem in making the route.
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.
Do you need a car in Torres del Paine?
The best way to experience Torres del Paine is on foot, but
having a car in this huge park is a big plus
. Distances and times were greater than we expected. Keep in mind that all roads in Torres del Paine are gravel.
