Torres del Paine W Trek: The definitive guide
Updated on 26 de November, 2025
A day-by-day itinerary along Patagonia’s most iconic trail
5 DAYS
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime exploring the W Circuit, the most famous trek in Torres del Paine National Park and one of the most spectacular in the world. This 70-kilometer route draws a “W” through the most impressive valleys of the park, taking you to three unforgettable sights: the Mirador Base de las Torres, the breathtaking French Valley, and the monumental Grey Glacier. Get ready for a total immersion in the untamed nature of Patagonia!
DISTANCIA
70 km
CANTIDAD DE DÍAS
5 days
DESTINOS
PAISAJE
Inicio del itinerario
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Arrival in Torres del Paine
Your journey begins in Puerto Natales, from where you will take a bus for approximately two hours to the main entrance of the park at Laguna Amarga. There you must register your entry at the CONAF gate. It is mandatory that you have reservations for all your refugios and campsites before arriving at this point.
Once registration is complete, a connecting bus will take you to the Hostería Las Torres area. From there, you will take an easy walk to the Refugio Central, your base for the first two nights. This day is ideal for acclimatizing, organizing your equipment, and preparing everything for the great challenge of the next day.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Arrival in Torres del Paine
Your journey begins in Puerto Natales, from where you will take a bus for approximately two hours to the main entrance of the park at Laguna Amarga. There you must register your entry at the CONAF gate. It is mandatory that you have reservations for all your refugios and campsites before arriving at this point.
Once registration is complete, a connecting bus will take you to the Hostería Las Torres area. From there, you will take an easy walk to the Refugio Central, your base for the first two nights. This day is ideal for acclimatizing, organizing your equipment, and preparing everything for the great challenge of the next day.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Base of the Towers Viewpoint
Today you will face the first great sight of the circuit: the Base Viewpoint of Torres del Paine. You will take a walk of 8 to 10 hours in total that will take you through the Ascencio Valley and lenga forests, culminating in a demanding climb through a rocky moraine.
Your reward will be the iconic view of the three granite towers rising above a glacial lagoon. At the end, you will return to rest at the Refugio Central.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Base of the Towers Viewpoint
Today you will face the first great sight of the circuit: the Base Viewpoint of Torres del Paine. You will take a walk of 8 to 10 hours in total that will take you through the Ascencio Valley and lenga forests, culminating in a demanding climb through a rocky moraine.
Your reward will be the iconic view of the three granite towers rising above a glacial lagoon. At the end, you will return to rest at the Refugio Central.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 3
Bordering Lake Nordenskjöld
Today you will leave the Refugio Central to enter the heart of the “W”. A beautiful hike awaits you, bordering Lake Nordenskjöld, with gentle ups and downs that will give you constant views of the imposing Cuernos del Paine. Your day will end when you reach the Refugio Los Cuernos or the Francés sector, where you will spend the night.
Photo: @dominic.trovero
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 3
Bordering Lake Nordenskjöld
Today you will leave the Refugio Central to enter the heart of the “W”. A beautiful hike awaits you, bordering Lake Nordenskjöld, with gentle ups and downs that will give you constant views of the imposing Cuernos del Paine. Your day will end when you reach the Refugio Los Cuernos or the Francés sector, where you will spend the night.
Photo: @dominic.trovero
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 4
Exploring the French Valley
This day is dedicated to the central section of the “W”: the French Valley. From your refugio, you will walk to the Campamento Italiano, where you can leave your large backpack. From there, you will begin the ascent through the valley, surrounded by an amphitheater of granite peaks and hanging glaciers that break off and resonate in the mountain.
After reaching the French Viewpoint or continuing to the British Viewpoint, you will return for your things to continue to the Refugio Paine Grande, where you will spend the night.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 4
Exploring the French Valley
This day is dedicated to the central section of the “W”: the French Valley. From your refugio, you will walk to the Campamento Italiano, where you can leave your large backpack. From there, you will begin the ascent through the valley, surrounded by an amphitheater of granite peaks and hanging glaciers that break off and resonate in the mountain.
After reaching the French Viewpoint or continuing to the British Viewpoint, you will return for your things to continue to the Refugio Paine Grande, where you will spend the night.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 5
Face to face with the Grey Glacier
On your last day, you will complete the final arm of the “W”. From Paine Grande, you will make the round-trip trekking to the viewpoints of the Grey Glacier. The hike, about 8 hours in total, will take you through undulating terrain until you face the immense ice wall of the glacier and the ice floes that float in the lake.
Upon returning to Paine Grande, you will take the catamaran that crosses Lake Pehoé to Pudeto, from where the buses leave back to Puerto Natales.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 5
Face to face with the Grey Glacier
On your last day, you will complete the final arm of the “W”. From Paine Grande, you will make the round-trip trekking to the viewpoints of the Grey Glacier. The hike, about 8 hours in total, will take you through undulating terrain until you face the immense ice wall of the glacier and the ice floes that float in the lake.
Upon returning to Paine Grande, you will take the catamaran that crosses Lake Pehoé to Pudeto, from where the buses leave back to Puerto Natales.
What you should know
How to get there by air
You can fly to the Puerto Natales Aerodrome (PNT) or to the Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ), which has a higher frequency of flights. From Punta Arenas, it is 3 hours by bus or vehicle to Puerto Natales, the base city for exploring the park.
How to get there by land
From Puerto Natales, a 2-hour bus trip will leave you at the entrance to Torres del Paine National Park. It is crucial to understand that the W Circuit is a linear route, not circular, so you will finish the journey far from where you started. Therefore, the most convenient way to get around is by using the buses that connect Natales with the different entrances.
Climate and clothing
It is essential to book all refugios and campsites months in advance (6 months or more), as places are very limited.
Must-Know Tips
The weather is unpredictable and very windy. It is mandatory to dress in layers (thermal, fleece, waterproof) and wear high-cut, water-resistant trekking shoes. Do not forget a hat, gloves, and sunscreen.
