The W trek in Torres del Paine - 2024/25 season
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
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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$11x1 and US$13x1), and two nights at Las Torres Patagonia campsites (US$40x2). 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 |
Questions or Comments?
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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.
Can you tell me at the Refuges if I can pay in CLP, USD or Credit if I need supplies, snacks or a drink?
Hello, Cassie! From what I remember most of the places accept payments in cash in CLP some bigger campsites/hotels might accept credit cards as well. On Fantastico Sur website prices listed in USD but it says under the prices "value to be paid in pesos". On Vertice Patagonia site there are prices in USD and CLP I believe accommodation and food can be paid in both (in USD only by foreigners). As for buying snacks or drinks I'd recommend having CLP cash.
Cheers!
Hello! Thank you for the fantastic article.
Are there any restrictions on when you can do a self guided hike of W trek? Is it permitted Oct-Jan? I have seen on some sites that there are some months where you can only trek with a guide.
Thanks,
Amie
Hello, Amie! Thank you for the comment! In winter months you need a guide for hiking in Torres del Paine, October-January is summer season you can go on your own just check when in October the campsites on the W trek open, October is the beginning of the season and some campsites close for winter.
Cheers!
Hello. We will go on W trek in early April. Do you think, we can leave the rented car somewhere in the park for 4 nights? Maybe at the ferry parking lot?
Hello, Rodan! I'm sure you can park a car at one of the parking lots inside the park it shouldn't be a problem.
Cheers!
Hello, thank you for this blog, it is very helpful. Have one question. Is it possible to take a bus from Lago Amarga to Pudeto (catamaran)? Camps are fully booked so we will do one day trek to Mirador and one day trek to Glaciar grey. I am not able to find info if I can hop on the bus at Amarga to Pudeto or not? Any idea? Thanks 🙂
Hello, Filip! Thank you for the comment! The bus from Puerto Natales stops first at Laguna Amarga and then drives to Pudeto I don't see any reason why they wouldn't let you get on a bus at Amarga you'll obviously have to pay for the trip.
Cheers!
Extremely useful and informative post. Most comprehensive one I found on the W Trek.
Extremely frustrating that the website blocks copy/paste capability. The article would be useful to take with me to Chile, but it prints at 44 pages, and your readers can't manually copy/paste any of it to shorten that.
Hi Alya and Campbell! Thanks you so much for your blog posts! They have been super helpful in preparing my solo trip for the W trek next month! I wonder your thoughts here, but on Day 2 I am walking from Paine Grande to Los Cuernos (as there was zero availability in the Frances site). I'm slightly worried about the distance that day (Paine Grande-Mirador Frances-Britanico-Cuernos). Do you think that going to Mirador Britanico that day is unreasonable and I should head back down after Mirador Frances? Or do you think it is doable? (I am reasonably fit - run/yoga daily, but haven't practiced with long distance hikes on a mountain!). Also, any concern about the Pumas? 🙂 Any thoughts here would be amazing! Thank you 🙂
Hello, Sofia! Thank you for the comment! I'd recommend turning back after Mirador Frances, to get to Mirador Britanico from Italiano campsite and back takes more than 3 hours I don't think you have enough time to walk there from Paine Grande and then continue walking to Cuernos. We did that part as a separate day (we stayed 2 nights at Italiano) and without our backpacks, it was still quite tough.
I hope it helps!
Hi
I am going to do the W Trek next week. I have booked accomodations in Cuernos and Chileno in the camping area and I was wondering how the quality of the sleeping bags and tents are. Thanks
Hello, Eric! We didn't rent any gear at the campsites, we had our own equipment but we did see the rental tents and they looked quite good (better than ours), can's say anything about sleeping bags.
Cheers!
Hi,
We are planning on doing the 4 day W trek by the end of March. How hard is it to get the 7 am bus or can we purchase those tickets in advance. Thank you for the helpful information.
Hello, Lou! The end of March is not peak season, I'm sure you won't have any problem getting on the 7am bus. You can buy tickets in advance as well, many hostels and hotels sell them.
Cheers!
Thank you for a brillant review! Can I ask you is it possible to find a place in a camp and to pay on the spot by cash if you don't have any previous booking online?
Hello, Nikolai! Thank you for the comment! It's compulsory to book a place to stay for every night you're going to spend in the park. At the entrance to the park (where you pay the fee), they'll check your bookings.
Cheers!
Hi,
I ma planning to stay in Puerto Natales for 2 days. Is it possible to do one day trip to W trek to do partial trek.
Hi! Yes, there are several day hikes in Torres del Paine including the W-trek route, you can find more info in this post https://stingynomads.com/best-day-hikes-torres-del-paine-chile/
Cheers!
I'm from Chile and I wanna do this trip with my sister soon! I couldn't find any helpful guide in spanish so I went to Pinterest for something in English and you guys were the best one, thank you so much!
Hello, Fernanda! Thank you very much for the comment! Chile is an amazing country we absolutely loved 3 months that we spent there. We named our dog Chile after the country, she's a very friendly and happy dog just like people in Chile. I'm sure you'll have a great time in Torres de Paine, the scenery there is breathtaking!
Safe travels!
This is so helpful! One question, the bus from Puerto Natales to the park, do you need to book this ahead of time?
Hello, Amy! It's better to book a ticket one day before most hostels and hotels in Puerto Natales do it.
Cheers!
Great guide! Thank you.
I have two more questions to get the full picture:
1. If I won't book accommodation on the trek in advance (I am going early Nov so I'm not expecting crowds), where can I do it in the town? Is there one specific place or will any tourist agency help? Of course, keeping in mind we don't want to overspend.
2. Somewhere on the web someone mentioned that there is a daily gathering at one hostel to go through the itinerary and make sure that you are fully set to go next day, is that correct? I can't seem to find this information any longer...
Hello, Mateusz! The CONAF campsites (free, there is only one on the W trek currently) you can book at the CONAF office in Puerto Natales (we booked ours there), other campsites belong to Vertice Patagonia and Fantastico Sur it's easy to book them online but if you don't want, both companies have offices in Puerto Natales where you can book the campsites and get some additional information.
There is a daily talk at 3pm at Erratic Rock hostel, check the second paragraph of this post there is a link to their site, where you can find more information about the meeting.
Enjoy Torres del Paine!
Hello! Iove your blog! My boyfriend and I are taking the same trip as you, but we will rent a stove. do you know if its possible to buy different kinds of "backpacker" food, to bring with you from Puerto Natales - for the stove.
Hello, Emilie! Thank you for the comment! There are two supermarkets in Puerto Natales we bought all our food there, we took oats, cans of tuna, spaghetti, instant noodles, nuts, energy bars, tea, cookies etc. normal stuff that we always take on hikes. As for renting a stove it might cost the same to buy one, these camping stove are usually cheap, we bought ours in Peru for 10US$ and it still works. Gas for the stove can be bought in gear shops in Puerto Natales.
Safe travels!
You guys have simplified it in a way anyone will understand. thank you so much! Just when my web search was starting to make the W Trek intimidating I stumbled across your blog. My husband and I are planning to do the trek in the first-week October, however, confused between the 4 day and the 5-day itinerary ... could you please suggest ? what's the basic difference?TIA 🙂
Hello, Raini! Thank you for the comment! We're glad our post was helpful! The main difference between 5 and 4-day itinerary is that you don't stay at Grey campsite you just go there to see the glacier and come back to Paine Grande where you stay for the night, another thing is that you don't go to Glacier Grey view point which is past Grey campsite but you do get to see the glacier from quite close.
Cheers!
Thank you SO MUCH for this post! I will go to Patagonia in April and was pretty much clueless on how to breakdown my days. This gave me some peace of mind 🙂
Just one question: if you take the 7:00 bus in Puerto Natales to get to the point, will you always make it to the catamaran on time? It looks like you only arrive 30min. before departure of the catamaran (if all goes well). Does it kinda wait for the 7am bus to arrive or does it just set of?
Thanks a lot in advance!
Hello! Thank you for the comment! I'd say they'll wait for the bus to arrive because they want to have more people on the catamaran (especially in April as it's not high season), the majority of tourists arrives to Torres del Paine by bus. Buses run pretty accurate according to the itinerary. On the official site it says from 1st to 30th of April catamaran from Pudeto to Paine Grande leaves at 11am and 6pm.
Enjoy Torres del Paine!
Just wanted to say that we just completed our Torres del Paine hiking experience and this website was by far the best guide we had in preparing for our hike. I even had the page saved offline and referred to it several times during our hikes! Many thanks 🙂
Hello, Peter! Thank you very much for the feedback! We're glad our blog was helpful in your planning!
Cheers!
Hi guys
thanks for the very informative blog.
Do you know if its possible to buy tickets for the Pudeto catamaran online?
Hello, Andy! Thank you for the comment! As I'm aware you can't buy tickets online but it shouldn't be a problem to buy tickets at the pier.
Safe travels!
tnank you so much for such comprehensive instructions and itenerary!
Hello, Maria! Thank you for the comment! We're glad our post was helpful!
Cheers!
Thank-you!