The W Trek is named for its shape on the map — a rough W covering 80 kilometres through Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. It takes most people four to five days. It contains glaciers, granite towers, turquoise lakes, hanging valleys, and weather systems that change hour by hour. It is one of the world's great walks.
Before you go
Book everything early — ideally 6 months in advance for peak season (December–February). The park uses a reservation system and popular sites sell out. CONAF (the national parks authority) requires a permit to enter. The two main accommodation providers inside the park are VERTICE and FANTASTICO SUR — their websites handle bookings directly.
The route (east to west)
Day 1 — Mirador Las Torres
Start at the Laguna Amarga entrance and make for the Las Torres viewpoint. The final approach — a steep scramble up a moraine to a glacial lake — takes about 90 minutes and is where the Torres del Paine granite towers reveal themselves. Begin at dawn to beat the crowds and catch morning light on the rock face.
Day 2 — Valle del Francés
The central branch of the W. A day hike into a hanging valley with views of hanging glaciers, the Cuerno peaks, and — if conditions are right — distant views of both sides of the park. Wind is most intense here; gusts exceeding 100km/h are not uncommon.
Days 3–4 — Grey Glacier
The western branch leads to Lago Grey and the Grey Glacier — a river of ice that calves icebergs into a blue-grey lake. This section is longer and less visited, which means better solitude. The glacier viewpoint is extraordinary even in poor weather.
Day 5 — Return
Most trekkers return via catamaran across Lago Grey (book separately) or retrace east. The catamaran is faster and gives close views of floating ice; book it as soon as you book everything else.
The wind: Patagonian wind is not metaphorical. It can knock a loaded trekker sideways. Bring windproof layers regardless of the season, stake your tent properly every single night, and accept that some days the wind will simply win and you will not reach your intended viewpoint. That's fine. The route itself is enough.
What to pack
- Waterproof jacket and trousers — non-negotiable
- Warm mid-layer (down or synthetic) for evenings and exposed ridges
- Trekking poles — especially helpful on the moraine ascent
- Dry bags for electronics and sleeping bag
- Cash in Chilean pesos — some facilities don't take cards