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The AmericasChallengingGranite towers, glaciers calving into blue lakes, wind that knocks you sideways

Patagonia — Torres del Paine W Trek

The most rewarding 5-day trek on the planet — and the one everyone can actually do

The W traces the shape of a W through the park's three main valleys: French Valley, Las Torres, and Grey Glacier. You sleep in refugios (mountain huts) or campamentos and eat proper dinners. Book refugios the day reservations open in July — they sell out in hours for December–February.

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Distance
80 km
Best months
November – early April (Southern Hemisphere summer)
Max altitude
1,200 m (base of the Towers)
Cost
USD 900–1,500 independent (refugios, food, transfers). USD 2,500–4,000 guided all-inclusive.
Best for
First serious multi-day trek · Photographers · Fit couples

Route outline

Day 1: Puerto Natales → Paine Grande by catamaran, hike to Grey Glacier viewpoint (11 km)
Day 2: Grey → Paine Grande → French Valley → Los Cuernos (26 km, the biggest day)
Day 3: Los Cuernos → Chileno refugio (15 km along the lake)
Day 4: Chileno → Base of the Towers sunrise hike → Puerto Natales (return)
Permits & booking

Park entry booked online (~USD 35). Refugios via Vertice + Fantástico Sur — reservations open in April/May for the season, sell out fast for Dec–Feb.

Honest fitness prerequisite

Comfortable walking 8 hours/day with 8 kg pack. Weekly hiking training for 2–3 months prior.

Book these before you fly

Trekking insurance MUST cover the max altitude of your route — most standard policies cap at 3,000 m. Airalo eSIM for offline maps and check-ins from the trail.

The honest downside

Weather changes in 20 minutes — full waterproofs are mandatory. Winds gust 100 km/h; trekking poles save you.

Other treks worth planning

Everest Base Camp Trek (Nepal)
Nepal
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Peru
Kilimanjaro — Machame Route
Tanzania
Iceland — Laugavegur Trail
Iceland
Tour du Mont Blanc
France / Italy / Switzerland
Milford Track (New Zealand)
New Zealand

Aviasales, EKTA and Airalo links are affiliate — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Permit rules and prices reviewed for 2026 season.