The W trek in Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia is a stunning route with some of the most beautiful landscapes in Patagonian National Park. It’s one of the most famous hikes in South America. The trek is a good compromise between day hikes in Torres del Paine and the challenging O-circuit. The W route takes hikers to all highlights of the National Park including the Mirador Las Torres, Grey Glacier, and Pehoé Lake.
In my opinion, the W trek is one of the best long-distance treks in Patagonia. It’s a good combination of a great hiking experience, amazing scenery, good infrastructure, and a moderate level of difficulty.
We have created a Patagonia resource page where you can find a lot of information on the region and Torres del Paine
Table of Contents
The route overview
- Total distance – 100 km/62 miles linear trek
- Required number of days – 4-5 days
- Starting point – Paine Grande campsite (ferry from Pudeto) or Hotel Las Torres
- Finishing point – Hotel Las Torres (bus to Laguna Amarga) or Paine Grande campsite
- Highest point – Mirador Las Torres, 900m/2952ft
- Permits – no special permits are required
- Entrance fee – US$49.
- Advanced campsite booking is required for the W trek.
- Accommodation – campsites, refugios (hostels), hotels.
W trek tours
You can hike the W trek in a small group. In this case, you don’t have to do any planning, book campsites, and transportation. It works out more expensive than hiking independently but at the same time, it’s easier and quicker.
Where is the W trek?
The W trek is a multi-day hiking route in the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Southern Chile. It’s one of the most famous treks in the region.
How long is the trek?
The total distance of the W trek in Torres del Paine is 100 km/62 miles. To hike it takes 4 or 5 days. If you want to spend more time in the park and walk shorter days you can do the trek over 6 or 7 days staying an extra night at the campsites.
How difficult is the route?
The W trek is a moderate multi-day hike. It isn’t a technical or altitude trek. It doesn’t require a lot of experience or special training. Being in good shape and having some hiking experience will make it easier. Unpredictable weather is the biggest challenge on the W trek trail. Patagonia is known for its strong winds and heavy rains that might make hiking difficult.
Is the W trek worth it?
It’s worth including the W trek in Torres del Paine in your Patagonia itinerary. The route offers some of the best scenery in Patagonia including the highlights of the region. If you enjoy hiking, nature, wildlife, and camping the trek should be on your bucket list.
When is the best time for hiking in Torres del Paine?
Weather-wise November to March is the warmest period. Day temperatures are between 12°C and 15°C, and nights are between 8°C and 10°C. Wind in Chilean Patagonia can be quite hectic, summer months, except February, are quite windy – November, December, and January are the windiest months. For more information on weather in season read our post “When is the best time to visit Torres del Paine?“.
As for rain in January, March, and April, you’ll get the most rainfall, February is again quite a favorable month with the least rainfall. From the weather point of view, February would be an ideal month for backpacking in Torres del Paine and exploring the Carretera Austral.
January and February are the peak season in Torres del Paine. If you’re planning to do the W trek during these months it’s highly advised to book campsites long in advance.
The cost of the W trek
The W trek can cost you anything from US$270 per person for 5 days (camping with your gear and making food). The cost will depend on the chosen accommodation option and meal plan.
The most budget-friendly option of hiking the W trek (camping with your gear and making food)
Transport
- Bus Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine – CLP 28 000/US$30, return.
- Catamaran Pudeto – Paine Grande – CLP 26 000/US$30 (fixed price in USD), one way.
- Bus Hotel Las Torres – Laguna Amarga – US$6.
Entrance fee
The entrance fee to Torres del Paine for the W trek (assuming you’re going to spend more than 3 days in the park) is CLP 44 500/US$50 for adults and children over 12. Children under 12 years old – free.
Accommodation
Camping with your gear – US$104 (4 nights) per person for double occupancy. Two nights at Vertice Patagonia campsites (US$11×1 and US$13×1), and two nights at Las Torres Patagonia campsites (US$40×2). Las Torres Patagonia campsites have a supplement fee for solo occupancy which is US$25 per night.
If you stay at fully-equipped campsites (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat) you’ll pay around US$100 per person per night. Dormitories with bunk beds are available at some campsites from US$43 per person.
Food
Making food – from US$10 per person per day. If you buy meals at the campsites’ restaurants your food expenses will be significantly higher. For a full board, you’ll pay US$95 at Vertice and US$110 at Las Torres Patagonia. You can buy separate meals at most campsites. Most campsites have small shops where you can buy essentials, snacks, and drinks.
Gear rental (optional)
Having your gear will save a lot of money on rent. If you’re planning to do more hikes in the region it might be worth buying gear. You can find second-hand camping and hiking gear in Puerto Natales.
To rent camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, cooking stove, etc.) in Puerto Natales will cost you between US$15 and US$25 pp. per day, depending on what you rent.
Gear rental prices in Puerto Natales
| Item | Price per day, USD |
| Sleeping bag -9°C | US$8 |
| Sleeping mat | US$5 |
| 2-men tent | US$12 |
| Cooking set (stove, pots, bowls. cups etc.) | US$6 |
| Headlamp | US$2.5 |
| Hiking poles | US$6 |
| Waterproof jacket | US$7 |
| Waterproof pants | US$4 |
| Hiking backpack | US$6 |
| Down jacket | US$7 |
| Gloves | US$2 |
You can rent camping gear at the paid campsites on the W trek. To rent a 2-man tent at the campsites costs US$44 (Vertice) and US$55 (Las Torres) per day; a sleeping bag – US$28 (Vertice) and US$35 (Las Torres) per day; a camping mat – US$11 per day. It’s more expensive than in the town but you don’t have to carry the camping gear.
Can you hike without a guide?
Yes, you can walk the W trek in Torres del Paine independently. Having a guide or walking in a group is not required.
How to buy entrance tickets to Torres del Paine?
According to the official website, in the 2024/25 hiking season, visitors have to purchase their entrance tickets online at least 24 hours before their visit. They don’t accept payments at the park entrance gates.
You can show your ticket on the screen of your mobile phone or print it.
The entrance fee for foreign visitors over 12 years old is US$50 (more than 3 days in the park).
Park rules
You have to book campsites beforehand and have a booking confirmation printed or on your mobile phone.
It’s required to have a passport and a migration card (you get it entering the country) with you on the trek.
Hikers are allowed to camp only at designated campsites.
The campsites for the W trek must be booked in advance. At the gate, you’ll be asked to show your booking confirmation.
Open fires are not allowed in the park – in the past, they caused terrible fires.
Hikers are allowed to use camping stoves only at designated areas at the campsites. In the 2024/25 hiking season due to the high risk of forest fires, hikers are allowed to use camping stoves at the Chileno and Central campsites only in the special covered areas.
Drinking water can be found all over the park, and it is considered to be good quality. We didn’t use any filters or purification systems on the trek.
Puerto Natales is the best place to be based before and after the hike. The town has many hotels, campsites, restaurants, shops, and gear rental places.
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How to book the campsites on the W trek in 2024?
The campsites on the W trek belong to two companies; Vertice Patagonia: Grey and Paine Grande and Las Torres Patagonia: Central, Los Cuernos, Francés, and Chileno. You can book the campsites online on Vertice Patagonia, and Las Torres Patagonia websites.
In 2023, you could use the booking service Booking Patagonia to book campsites on the W trek. I tried it this year, but I keep getting no availability for any dates I choose. The CONAF recommended it as the official booking system, but this year, it’s not on the website.
| Vertice Patagonia campsites | Las Torres Patagonia campsites |
| Grey | Central |
| Paine Grande | Chileno |
| Los Cuernos | |
| Francés |
All campsites have similar facilities and can be booked online.
Overall camping, meals, and gear rental prices at Las Torres Patagonia campsites are higher than at the Fantastico Sur campsites.
Vertice Patagonia campsites on the W trek are open from
- Grey – from 4th November
- Paine Grande – from 1st October
Las Torres campsites on the W trek are open from
- Central campsite is open from 15th September
- Frances – from 15th September
- Cuernos – from 1st November
- Chileno – from 1st October
Our post, Torres del Paine campsites, contains a lot of information on the topic including a map of the campsites, booking tips, camping facilities, etc. The information in the post is updated for the 2024/25 hiking season.
Where does the route start?
The W trek in Torres del Paine can be walked westbound or eastbound. The starting point of the route will depend on the chosen direction. If you walk westbound then you start at Hotel Las Torres (Central campsite). If you walk eastbound then the starting point will be at the Paine Grande campsite.
How to get to the W trek?
Puerto Natales is the nearest town to Torres del Paine National Park. There are regular daily buses from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine. The nearest airport is in Puerto Natales. There are direct flights from Santiago de Chile and Puerto Montt.
Step 1. Take a bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine
All buses leave from the bus terminal in Puerto Natales.
Bus tickets from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine with Bus-Sur can be booked online. During the high season, it’s recommended to buy your bus tickets at least one day in advance.
Buses from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine
| Buses | Bus 1 | Bus 2 | Bus 3* | Bus 4 | Bus 5** |
| Leaves Puerto Natales (bus terminal) | 6.45 am | 7 am | 7.15 am | 12 pm | 2.30 pm |
| Arrives at Laguna Amarga | 8.45 am | 9 am | 9 am | 2 pm | 4.30 pm |
| Arrives at Pudeto (ferry to Paine Grande) | 9.45 am | 10 am | 10.15 am | 3 pm | 5.15 pm |
| Arrives at Hotel Lago Grey (ferry to the Grey campsite) | 11.15 am | 11.30 am | 11.30 am | 4.30 pm | – |
*The 7.15 am bus goes only between 1st November and 31st March
**The 2.30 pm bus goes only between 1st November and 31st March. It doesn’t go to Hotel Lago Grey
Step 2. Get off at the Laguna Amarga, Pudeto, or Hote Lago Grey stop
Where to get off the bus depends on where you are going to start the W trek. There are 3 possibilities: Laguna Amarga (Hotel Las Torres), Pudeto (ferry to Paine Grande), and Hotel Lago Grey (boat to Grey campsite).
Option A. If you want to walk the W trek from east to west you start at Hotel Las Torres (Laguna Amarga stop).
Option B. If you want to walk the W trek from west to east you start at Paine Grande (Pudeto stop).
Option C. If you start the trek at Grey campsite and walk from west to east you have to get off the bus at Hotel Lago Grey stop. It’s the most expensive option because to get from Hotel Lago Grey to Grey campsite you have to do a glacier cruise which costs US$100 per person. The advantage of this option is that you don’t have to walk the stretch between Grey campsite and Paine Grande to and back unlike starting at Paine Grande.
Step 3A. Take a bus from Laguna Amarga to Hotel Las Torres
You have to get off the bus at Laguna Amarga to catch another bus from Laguna Amarga to Hotel Las Torres. The journey from Puerto Natales to Laguna Amarga is 2 hours. The price is CLP 14 000/US$15.
To get from Laguna Amarga to Hote Las Torres takes 10 minutes, and the price is CLP 5000/US$6. The departure times are linked to the arrival times of the bus from Puerto Natales.
If you don’t want to take the second bus you can walk from the Laguna Amarga entrance to Hotel Las Torres. It’s about 7 km.
Step 3B. Take a ferry from Pudeto to Paine Grande
You have to get off the bus at Pudeto and from there take a ferry to Paine Grande. The bus journey from Puerto Natales to Pudeto takes 3 hours. The price is CLP 14 000/US$15 pp.
The ferry ride from Pudeto to Paine Grande takes about 30 minutes. The price is CLP 26 000/US$30 one way. You can buy tickets and confirm the current timetable on the Hip Sur website.
Ferries from Pudeto to Paine Grande in the 2024/25 season
| September | October, November | December, January, February | March, April |
| 10.30 am | 8.30 am | 8.30 am | 8.30 am |
| | 10.30 am | 10.30 am | 10.30 am |
| | | 4.15 pm | |
| 6 pm | 6 pm | 6 pm | 6 pm |
Step 3C. Get on a boat from Hotel Lago Grey to Grey campsite
Get off the bus at the last stop Hotel Lago Grey. The journey from Puerto Natales to Hotel Grey takes 4h30min., and the price is CLP 25 000/US$27. From Hotel Grey you have to walk 20-30 minutes to the pier where you get on a boat.
The boat takes you first to Grey Glacier and then makes a stop at the Grey campsite. There are 3-4 daily departures. The trip is 1h30min. The price is CLP 90 000/US$100 per person. You can book your tickets and confirm departure times online.
You can find more information on transportation in our detailed post on how to get to Torres del Paine.
It’s possible to do the W trek with a tour. It works out more expensive but on the other hand, you don’t have to worry about planning your itinerary, booking campsites, etc.
W trek route map
The W trek – a 5-day itinerary
You can walk the famous W trek in both directions; from Paine Grande to Hotel Las Torres (Central campsite) or in the opposite direction from Hotel Las Torres to Paine Grande. Whichever way you go you’ll start and finish your trek with one of the highlights of Torres del Paine; Gray Glacier or Mirador Las Torres.
We started the W route at Paine Grande. Before deciding on the direction check the availability of the campsites on the route, especially during the high season.
Day 1. Paine Grande campsite – Grey campsite, 11 km/6,8 mi
Bus Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine (Pudeto entrance); ferry Pudeto – Paine Grande, 3-4 hours in total. Refugio Paine Grande/campsite – Grey campsite/Refugio Grey, 11 km/6,8 miles, 3 hours
Cost: bus – CLP 14 000/US$15, entrance fee – US$50, ferry – US$30, camping at Grey campsite – US$11.
Highlights
- Pehoe Lake
- Grey Lake, an impressive glacial lake
- Grey Glacier
Challenges
- Several ascents and descents on the way between Paine Grande and Grey campsite.
7.00-7.30 – catch a bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park.
9.30-9.45 – get off at the first stop Laguna Amarga to pay the park entrance fee. Tip! Try to be one of the first people at the office so that you don’t have to wait too long you still have to get back on the bus. After paying the fee, getting tickets and maps get back on the bus and continue to Pudeto.
10.30 – get off the bus at Pudeto. Go to the ferry ticket office to buy a ticket to Paine Grande and find out about the departure time. Buy a one-way ticket you’ll finish the trek at a different entrance. Tip! If you have time before the departure you can go to Salto Chico waterfall.
11.00 – get on the ferry to Paine Grande.
11.30 – get off the ferry at Paine Grande.
Here you have two options; to camp at Paine Grande and walk to Grey Glacier and back with a day pack or to walk with all your gear to the Grey campsite and overnight there. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. If you camp at Paine Grande you’ll walk to the glacier without your backpack and you can do the W trek in 4 days but you’ll have less time to walk around and to go to the viewpoints. If you camp at the Grey campsite you’ll have more time to explore the area but you’ll have to walk with your backpack from and to Paine Grande.
11.30 – start walking toward Grey Glacier, 11km. It’ll take you between 3 and 4 hours.
15.30-16.00 – arrive at the Grey campsite, pitch your tent, and have lunch.
17.00 – walk around the campsite, and go to the lake. You can leave your stuff in the tent but we’d suggest taking valuables e.g. a camera, money with you.
18.00-19.00 – get back to the campsite, have dinner, and rest.
Day 2. Grey campsite – Grey Glacier viewpoint – Grey campsite – Paine Grande campsite, 20 km/12,4 mi
Grey campsite – glacier Grey viewpoint – Grey campsite – Paine Grande, 20 km/12,4 miles, 7 hours
Cost: camping at Paine Grande – US$13.
Highlights
- A lookout point near the suspension bridge
- Grey Glacier
- Grey lake
- Pehoe lake
Challenges
- A steep ascent to the Grey Glacier view-point
- A steep descent back to the Grey campsite
- Several ascents and descents on the way from Grey to the Paine Grande campsite.
7.00 – get up, and have breakfast.
8.00 – start walking towards Paso campsite and a suspension bridge, to the viewpoints. Leave your stuff in the tent at the campsite, and take a day-pack with valuable stuff, water, and snacks.
9.30-10.00 – you’ll arrive at the viewpoint. There are several points from where you can see the glacier. From here we’d suggest starting walking back you still have to pack your tent and walk to Paine Grande.
11.00-11.30 – arrive back at Grey campsite, pack your tent, and have lunch.
12.30 – start walking to Paine Grande.
16.30-17.00 – arrive at Paine Grande, pitch your tent, and walk around.
19.00 – make dinner, rest.
Day 3. Paine Grande campsite – Mirador Frances – Francés campsite, 19 km/11,8 mi
Paine Grande – Italiano campsite – Mirador Frances – Mirador Britanico (in good weather) – Francés Valley and campsite, 19 km/11,8 miles, 8 hours
Cost: camping at Francés campsite – US$40 per person (double occupancy), US$65 (single occupancy)
Highlights
- Skotsberg lake
- French Valley
- Mirador Frances
- Mirador Britanico
Challenges
- A steep ascent to Mirador Britanico from Italiano campsite
- A steep descent back from the Mirador to the campsite
6.00-7.00 – get up, make breakfast, and pack.
8.00 – start walking towards the Italiano campsite – 7,6 km, 2,5 hours.
10.30 – arrive at the Italiano campsite, leave your big backpack at the office, and walk to the Mirador Frances – 2 km, 1 hour.
11.30 – arrive at the Mirador Francés, rest, and have snacks. If the weather is good and you feel strong continue walking towards the Mirador Britanico – 3,5 km, 2 hours.
13.30 – arrive at the Mirador Britanico, rest, and enjoy the view.
14.00 – start heading back to the Italiano campsite – 5,5 km, 2-3 hours.
16.30 – arrive at Italiano and continue walking towards the Francés campsite – 2 km, 30 min.
17.00 – arrive at the Francés.
Day 4. Francés campsite – Chileno campsite, 18,5 km/11,4 mi
Francés campsite – Refugio Los Cuernos/Cuernos campsite – Refugio Chileno/Chileno campsite, 18,5 km/11,4 miles, 7 hours
Cost: camping at Chileno – US$40 per person (double occupancy), US$64 (single occupancy).
Spending the final night at Chileno campsite is currently the only option if you want to see the sunrise at Mirador Las Torres. There used to be a free campsite just 800m away from the Mirador Las Torres but it’s been closed since 2018. From Chileno to the Mirador is a 2.5-3-hour short hike but the elevation gain is quite impressive. You have to start at 3.00-4.00 am in summer as the sunrise is between 5.30 (December) and 7.00 (February).
In the 2024/25 hiking season because of the high risk of forest fires, it’s not allowed to use camping stoves at the Chileno campsite. You can buy meals at the campsite restaurant, pack food that doesn’t need to be cooked, or use a small table inside the restaurant where campers can cook.
Highlights
- Nordenskjold lake
Challenges
- Several ascents and descents on the way to the Chileno campsite
7.00 – get up, have breakfast, and pack.
8.00 – start walking towards Los Cuernos – 5km, 2 hours.
10.00 – arrive at Los Cuernos, and stop for rest and snacks. Continue walking towards Chileno campsite – 15km, 5,5 hours.
15.30 – arrive at Chileno, pitch a tent, walk around, and rest.
18.00 – make dinner, and rest.
Day 5. Chileno – Mirador Las Torres – Puerto Natales, 14 km/8,6 mi
Chileno campsite – Mirador Las Torres – Hotel Las Torres, 14 km/8,6 mi, 5h30min. Bus Hotel Las Torres – Laguna Amarga; bus – Laguna Amarga – Puerto Natales, 3 hours.
Cost: bus Hotel Las Torres – Laguna Amarga – CLP 5000/US$6, bus Laguna Amarga – Puerto Natales – CLP 14 000/US$15.
Highlights
- Mirador Las Torres – three sharp mountain peaks and the lagoon.
Challenges
- A long and steep ascent to Mirador Las Torres
- A long and steep descent to Hotel Las Torres
4.00-5.00 (depending on sunrise time) – get up, start going up to the Mirador – 4km, 2h15min.
6.15-7.15 – arrive at the Mirador. Enjoy the sunrise, spend some time resting, taking photos, and exploring the area.
8.00 – start going down to Chileno – 4km, 1h30min.
9.30 – arrive at Chileno, get your stuff, and start descending towards Hotel Las Torres – 5,5km, 1h30min.
11.00 – arrive at Hotel Las Torres, from here you can catch a shuttle bus to Laguna Amarga (confirm the departure time at the hotel) or walk – 7km, 2 hours.
14.00-14.30 – catch a bus from Laguna Amarga to Puerto Natales. We’d recommend checking the bus timetable at the park office at the beginning of the trek.
16.30 – arrive in Puerto Natales.
The W route – a 4-day itinerary
If for some reason your time in Torres del Paine is limited you can walk the W trek in 4 days.
Day 1. Paine Grande campsite – Grey campsite – Paine Grande campsite, 22 km/13,6 mi
Bus Puerto Natales Torres del Paine (Pudeto); ferry Pudeto – Paine Grande, 3-4 hours. Paine Grande campsite – Grey campsite – Paine Grande campsite, 22 km/13,6 miles, 6 hours
Cost: bus – CLP 14 000/US$15, entrance fee – US$50, ferry – CLP 26 000/US$30, camping at Paine Grande – US$13.
Highlights
- Pehoe lake
- Grey lake
- Grey Glacier
Challenges
- Several ascents and descents on the way from Paine Grande to the Grey campsite.
7.00-7.30 – catch a bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park.
9.30-9.45 – get off at the first stop Laguna Amarga to pay the park entrance fee. Get back on the bus.
10.30 – get off the bus at Pudeto, and go to the ferry ticket office to buy a ticket to Paine Grande.
11.00 – get on the ferry to Paine Grande.
11.30 – get off the ferry at Paine Grande.
11.30-12.00 – pitch your tent. Leave your stuff in the tent, and take only valuables, water, and snacks.
12.00 – start walking to the glacier – 11 km, 2h30min.
14.30 – arrive at the Grey campsite, and spend some time walking around. If you have time go to one of the nearest viewpoints. Remember the stretch between the Grey campsite and Paine Grande closes at 4 pm after that time you’re not allowed to start walking so make sure you start heading back before.
Before 16.00 – start walking back to Paine Grande. In the summer it gets dark after 9 pm in Patagonia, on the way back you’ll have enough time to enjoy the view and take some photos don’t waste time on that on the way to the glacier.
18.00 – 19.00 – arrive at Paine Grande, have dinner, and rest.
From the second day, follow the 5-day itinerary from Day 3.
Getting back to Puerto Natales
After completing the W trek you can get back to Puerto Natales using public transport. Depending on where you finish the hike you’ll have to take a bus/ferry/boat to get to one of the stops from where you can catch a bus to Puerto Natales.
Ferries from Paine Grande to Pudeto
If you finish the W trek at Paine Grande you have to take a ferry to Pudeto first. And then a bus from Pudeto to Puerto Natales.
| September | October, November | December, January, February | March, April |
| 9.20 am | 9.20 am | 9.20 am | |
| 11.20 am | 11.20 am | 11.20 am | 11.20 am |
| 5 pm | |||
| 6.40 pm | 6.40 pm | 6.40 pm | 6.40 pm |
Wherever you finish the W trek at Laguna Amarga or Pudeto you can take a direct bus to Puerto Natales. The price is CLP 14 000/US$15 (CLP 25 000/US$27 from Hotel Grey). The journey takes between 2 and 4,5 hours depending on the distance.
Buses from Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales
| Buses Torres del Paine – Puerto Natales | Bus 1* | Bus 2 | Bus 3 | Bus 4* |
| Leaves Hotel Lago Grey | – | 1.30 pm | 5.30 pm | – |
| Leaves Pudeto | 10.30 am | 2.30 pm | 7.30 pm | 7.40 pm |
| Leaves Laguna Amarga | 11 am | 3 pm | 8.15 pm | 8.20 pm |
| Arrives in Puerto Natales | 1 pm | 5.05 pm | 9.30 pm | 9.35 pm |
If you still have some time to spend in Patagonia after completing the W trek, you can visit the Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate, Argentina.
Places to stay in Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales is the best place to be based before the trek, it’s not a big place but it’s quite geared toward tourists, here you can find all you need to prepare for the hike: hotels, hostels, shops, gear rental places, pharmacies, ATMs, etc.
There are many accommodation options in Puerto Natales from budget campsites to fancy guest houses and apartments, here are our suggestions;
- Budget | Hostel 53 Sur | Xalpen B&B |
- Middle price | Hostal Treehouse Patagonia | Wild Hostel |
- Luxury | Toore Patagonia | Weskar Lodge |
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The pretty half of Stingy Nomads, responsible for all our land adventures (hiking, climbing, walking the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves walking since she was a child, she prefers to walk 1000 km with a backpack rather than to do a 10 000 km road trip (actually any road trip). Alya is a big fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Every time we go away she desperately misses our dog Chile.
Tana
Saturday 26th of October 2024
The link for Vertice Patagonia is not working for me! Can you share it again? Or check if it is the correct link? Thanks!
Stingy Nomads
Sunday 27th of October 2024
Hello Tana. Thank you for letting me know. It looks like they've changed their website recently. I updated the link in the post. I should work not. Cheers
Ann
Friday 13th of September 2024
Can we do scenic sections of the W Trek as a few day hikes?
Stingy Nomads
Monday 16th of September 2024
Hello Ann. Thank you for the comment. Yes, some parts of the W trek can be done as day hikes. You can find a lot of information on the day hikes including maps and how to get in this post https://stingynomads.com/best-day-hikes-torres-del-paine-chile/ Good luck
Harry
Friday 12th of July 2024
Great site - just started looking at this and the info is fantastic.
Being older with dodgy knees, I can't carry a full pack so considering getting to both ends of the W trek and staying for 2 or 3 nights at each and then doing day hikes to Grey Glacier for example and Mirador Las Torres..........this could work for me and I still get to experience being out there and not just doing long day trips from Puerto Natales. Relax and take my time. That's feasible isn't it?
Or is it possible to hire a porter like in Nepal for example to carry a full pack for you?
Stingy Nomads
Wednesday 24th of July 2024
Hello Harry. Thank you for the comment. It's possible to stay 2-3 night at Paine Grande and 2-3 nights at Central (Hotel Las Torres) campsites and do the day hikes from there. If you stay in preset tents or in a mountain hostel you don't need to bring any gear with you. To get between the campsites you can by buses and a ferry. I think it's a good alternative to doing the full trek. If you do a tour then you can arrange transportation of your gear from place to place. Good luck
Neo
Saturday 24th of February 2024
The scenery looks awesome! Thanks for all the great information. I am kind of handicapped with torn ligament in my right knee. Is there a way to drive around with hiking time somewhat cut.
Stingy Nomads
Sunday 3rd of March 2024
Hello Neo. Thank you for the comment. You can do parts of the W trek from Paine Grande and from Hotel Las Torres. You can get to both places using transport. The middle part of the trek is accessible only on foot. There are some day tours from Puerto Natales that offer a combination of hiking and driving. It might be a good option for you. Cheers
Damayanty Cabrales
Sunday 26th of November 2023
Hello,
1st off thank-youuu for all this great information. We are hiking the "W" in March of 2024 and this blog is the best ones I have come across for someone that is booking everything on her own. My question is if you know if we can leave our gear at Frances or Italiano (which I think it's closed) before hicking to Mirador Britanico? we are staying Day 2 at Cuernos and I am trying to avoid backtracking or carrying all my gear up to Mirador Britanico.
Stingy Nomads
Friday 8th of December 2023
Hello Damayanthy. Thank you for the comment. Sorry it took long to reply as we were traveling in Central America. Theoretically it's possible but you'll have to kindly ask people who work there. Italiano campsite is closed but there might be still a check-point post. I think there is a restaurant at Frances Campsite maybe you can arrange something with them. Frances Campsite belongs to the same company as Cuernos - Las Torres Patagonia. You could ask them to assist and arrange with their other campsite that you can leave your gear there. Good luck