Five days through the most spectacular mountain scenery in the southern hemisphere
The W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park traces the shape of the letter W through the park's most dramatic landscapes. Over five days, you pass beneath the iconic granite towers, navigate the hanging glaciers of Valle del Francés, and walk to the edge of the Grey Glacier — one of the largest ice fields outside the polar regions. This is definitively one of the world's great multi-day treks.
Early bus from Puerto Natales to the park, arriving at the administration centre by 10:30am. Catamaran across the brilliant turquoise Lago Pehoé to Paine Grande refugio (2pm). Afternoon hike along the south shore of Lago Grey to the Grey Glacier viewpoint and back (3h return). First views of floating icebergs on the lake. Dinner and first night at Refugio Paine Grande.
Full-day hike along the north shore of Lago Grey to the glacier face (4h each way). The trail passes through lenga beech forest and rocky moraine with ever-closer views of the 30-metre ice wall. Optional: the ICE Experience guided glacier walk on the ice surface (book separately in advance). Return to Paine Grande for second night.
The most rewarding day of the W. Hike east along the valley to Campamento Italiano, then climb north into Valle del Francés through lenga beech forest draped in lichen. The Mirador Británico at the top of the valley (3h from Italiano) delivers a panorama of hanging glaciers, the Cuernos rock towers, and Andean condors riding the thermals. Return to the valley floor and continue east to Refugio Cuernos for dinner and overnight.
Hike east along the shore of Lago Nordenskjöld with magnificent views of the Cuernos and Torres to Refugio Las Torres (3h). Drop packs and begin the classic hike to Base Torres — 2.5 hours up a steep rocky trail and loose moraine to the viewpoint at the glacial lake. The three granite towers soar 300 metres above the water. Return to Refugio Chileno for overnight.
Final descent (2h) from Refugio Chileno to the park administration centre, passing the Las Torres hotel and the historic estancia. Bus back to Puerto Natales arriving mid-afternoon. Celebratory dinner at a Puerto Natales restaurant is strongly recommended — the king crab (centolla) is exceptional.
Refugios provide dormitory-style bunk beds (4–8 per room), hot showers, and excellent dinners and breakfasts. They're the social heart of the W Trek — you'll meet fellow trekkers from around the world each evening. Earplugs are useful for light sleepers.
Torres del Paine is famous for extreme and sudden wind — gusts of 100km/h or more are not uncommon, particularly in open valley sections. A windproof outer layer is non-negotiable. The wind typically increases through the afternoon.
All refugios must be booked well in advance — 6–12 months ahead for December–February peak season. Our tours include confirmed refugio bookings. The park is closed when spots are not pre-booked.
Guanacos (wild llamas) are everywhere on the trail. Andean condors are regularly spotted above the Valle del Francés. Grey foxes visit refugio areas at dawn. Pumas are present but sightings are rare on the main trail.