W Circuit

The main attractions of the Towers

The famous "W" circuit of Torres del Paine owes its name to the geographical union of the Ascencio, Francés, and Grey Glacier valleys. It is a four- to six-day journey, with demanding hikes of up to eight hours a day that immerse you in lenga forests, rivers, glaciers, and steep slopes.

The route borders Lake Nordenskjöld under the imposing verticality of the Cuernos del Paine. The trail offers views of the Grey Glacier and the possibility of spotting the culpeo fox or the condor soaring over the peaks, establishing itself as the most emblematic trekking route in Patagonia.

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Plan your trip to W Circuit

How to get there

How to get there by air

Land at Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport (PUQ) in Punta Arenas. This terminal offers greater flight availability throughout the year. From there, drive or take a bus for 3 hours (250 km) to Puerto Natales, the base city for the park. Another option is Teniente Julio Gallardo Aerodrome (PNT) in Puerto Natales, which operates direct flights mainly in high season.

How to get there by land

Start your route from Puerto Natales by renting a vehicle or taking a bus. Drive 129 km along Route 9 and Y-150 to the Laguna Amarga entrance. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. From there, a short gravel section will allow you to reach Estancia Cerro Paine, one of the main starting points for the W circuit.

Must-Know Tips

To hike the park’s trails, it is mandatory to purchase the ticket in advance, ideally online. If you are doing a multi-day circuit such as the “W” or the “O”, it is essential to have a confirmed reservation for each night in the shelters or campsites. Without these reservations, you will not be able to access the route. Making fires is strictly prohibited.