W Trek Torres del Paine
The iconic W Trek, the most popular multi-day hike in Patagonia!
Torres del Paine
The iconic W Trek is the Torres del Piane most popular multi-day hike, named for its shape on the map. This route provides access to some of the park’s most breathtaking highlights, including the legendary granite towers, the lush French Valley, and the majestic Grey Glacier. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or an enthusiastic explorer, the W Trek promises a journey through some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth.
Personalised journeys from start to finish
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Every detail taken care of
W Trek Itinerary Highlights
- Trek the Torres del Paine Base Trail
- Visit the French Valley
- Enjoy the amazing Grey Glacier
- Navigate the Pehoe Lake
- Adventure in the Paine Mountain Refuges
- Meet travelers from all over the world
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Accommodation in mountain refuges
- Expert local guides
- Full support from your Travel Agent before, during and after your trip
Use this itinerary as a guide to inspire your coustom trip
AT A GLANCE
This carefully planned W Trek 6-day itinerary begins at the base of the famous Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine) and finishes at Grey Glacier, allowing you to experience the park’s beauty in reverse. Each day combines scenic trekking with the comfort of refugio accommodations, where you can enjoy warm meals and rest after the day’s adventures.
With detailed day-by-day guidance, this plan balances challenging hikes with moments to pause and immerse yourself in the incredible surroundings. From the dramatic sunrise over the towers to the tranquil views of floating icebergs at Grey Lake, this reverse W Trek guarantees an unforgettable Patagonian experience.
All travel ideas are fully customizable, so we make travel proposals adapted to your interests, activities you enjoy, travel dates and destinations you want to visit.
Example Trip Itinerary W Trek
DAYS 1 - 6
Torres del Paine
Transfer
Private transfer from international airport to your accommodation in Torres del Paine
- Welcome to Torres del Paine
Torres del Paine National Park, located in the heart of Chilean Patagonia, is a natural wonderland renowned for its jagged mountain peaks, shimmering glaciers, and pristine turquoise lakes. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the park offers an unparalleled outdoor experience that attracts adventurers from around the globe. Starting at Las Torres and finishing at Grey Glacier, this reverse W Trek offers breathtaking views of the park’s most iconic landmarks while gradually unveiling its beauty. This five-day, four-night journey includes refugio accommodations and daily hikes.
Day 1: Arriving to La Torres
You can arrive to Torres del Paine National Park, the starting ponit for the W Trek Circuit. Yo can begin your trip either from Comandante Armando Tola International Airport in El Calafate, Argentina, or from Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport in Puerto Natales, Chile. In both cases, the trip is made in a private vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and flexible experience for travelers.
Departing from El Calafate, the route crosses the Patagonian steppe along Route 40, a vast and remote landscape where guanacos, condors, and occasionally rheas can be seen alongside the road. After approximately three hours of driving, the journey reaches the Cancha Carrera–Río Don Guillermo border crossing, where immigration procedures are completed before continuing on Chilean roads. From there, the road winds through valleys and mountains until it reaches Laguna Amarga, the main entrance to Torres del Paine.
If traveling from Puerto Natales, the distance is shorter, and the scenery changes more rapidly. Leaving the city, the road passes through rolling hills and crystal-clear lakes, with the iconic silhouette of the Torres del Paine massif appearing in the distance. After about two hours, the route arrives at Laguna Amarga, where visitors officially enter the park and pay the entrance fee.
From Laguna Amarga, a final fifteen-minute drive on a gravel road leads to Refugio Las Torres, the starting point for numerous hikes and expeditions within the park. Along this last stretch, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with towering granite peaks rising above forests and rivers that cut through the reserve. Upon arrival at the refuge, the adventure in Torres del Paine begins, with the peace of mind that the journey has been made in the most comfortable and personalized way possible.
Day 2: Paine Towers Base Trek

- Starting Point: Hotel Las Torres
- Destination: Refugio Chileno and Base of the Towers
- Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles) to the Towers viewpoint, plus 5 km (3.1 miles) to Refugio Chileno
- Duration: 6–8 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
Begin your W Trek with the iconic hike to the Base of the Towers viewpoint. This steep ascent rewards you with unforgettable views of the granite spires reflected in a turquoise glacial lake. After marveling at the scenery, descend to Refugio Chileno, nestled in the forested valley, for your first overnight stay.
Day 3: Hike to Frances Domes or Refugio Los Cuernos
- Starting Point: Refugio Chileno
- Destination: Frances Domes or Refugio Los Cuernos
- Distance: 18 km (11.2 miles)
- Duration: 6–7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Leave Refugio Chileno and head west along the W Trek. The path winds through scenic valleys, past rushing rivers, and alongside the turquoise waters of Nordenskjöld Lake. Arrive at Frances Domes or Refugio Los Cuernos, your cozy refugio for the night, with views of the looming Cuernos del Paine peaks.
Day 4: Explore the French Valley

- Starting Point: Frances Domes or Refugio Los Cuernos
- Destination: Refugio Paine Grande
- Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
- Duration: 6–8 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
Begin the fourth day of your W Trek with an excursion into the French Valley. This section is considered one of the most stunning parts of the W Trek, with towering cliffs, hanging glaciers, and sweeping vistas. After reaching the French Valley viewpoint, descend back to the main trail and continue to Refugio Paine Grande, located on the shores of Lake Pehoé.
Day 5: Hike to Refugio Grey

- Starting Point: Refugio Paine Grande
- Destination: Refugio Grey
- Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Duration: 3.5–4.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
From Refugio Paine Grande, trek northward toward Refugio Grey. This section of the W Trek Circuit offers awe-inspiring views of Lake Grey and its surrounding mountains. As you approach, the majestic Grey Glacier comes into view, marking the highlight of the day. Spend the night at Refugio Grey, enjoying the tranquil setting and its cozy amenities.
Day 6: Optional Glacier Activities and Return to Puerto Natales
- Optional Activity: Kayaking or Ice Trekking on Grey Glacier
- Hiking Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles) back to Refugio Paine Grande
- Duration: 3.5–4.5 hours (return hike)
- Difficulty: Moderate
In the morning of your last day in the W Trek Circuit, consider exploring Grey Glacier up close with a guided kayak or ice trekking excursion. Later, retrace your steps to Refugio Paine Grande. From there, take the catamaran across Lake Pehoé, marking the end of your unforgettable W Trek adventure.
Tips for This Route:
- Accommodation: Refugios (Chileno, Los Cuernos/Frances Domes, Paine Grande, Grey) provide dormitory beds, hearty meals, and hot showers. Book well in advance.
- Gear: Pack layers, a windproof jacket, and hiking boots. Trekking poles are helpful for steep sections.
- Best Season: October to April offers the most favorable weather conditions.
- Fitness Level: This route requires moderate to high fitness due to its distances and elevation changes.
By starting with the iconic Towers and ending with the breathtaking Grey Glacier, this reverse W Trek builds excitement with every step!
Talk to a local travel specialist
(+54)-9-2966539220
Contact a destination specialist, who will take the time to fully understand your preferences and ideas and turn them into the perfect itinerary for you according to your budget. The itinerary can be modified as many times as you want until you are completely happy with the result.
Torres del Paine W Trek
What's Your Dream Trip?
We dedicate to design custom trips for people who wish to live a special lifetime experience. As a result our professional team of travel designers and excellent local guides work together to create the best itineraries based on your interests.
How to Customize This Itinerary
You can customize this itinerary changing you accommodation to exclusive hotels inside Torres del Paine. You also can add some more days in the National Park and include some time to relax. After a few days traveling you probably would enjoy some free time to relax or receive a massage that will you feel renew and energized for the rest of your trip. Most of the hotels have SPA services or wellness center.
Or add extra nights in El Chalten to discover its incredible trekking trails. You can also extend the itinerary by adding some nights in El Calafate to visit the Los Glaciares National Park and its stunning glaciers or spend one night in a typical Patagonian Estancia (Ranch), enjoy demonstrations of equestrian activities, go hiking with your guide, take a horseback ride and taste an exquisite lamb barbecue.
Contact us to help you to design and customize your trip.
All travel ideas are fully customizable. We make travel proposals adapted to your interests, activities you enjoy, travel dates and destinations you want to visit.
YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE!
Call us on +54 9 2966 539220 to start planning your perfect trip
Travel ideas and destinations to combine with this trip
Full Buenos Aires
Argentina Northwest & Atacama
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We will create a detailed itinerary based on your preferences.
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Once you arrive at your destination, you will enjoy every experience for as long as you travel with us.
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Travel Information
Contact form
Talk to a local travel specialist
(+54)-9-2966539220
Contact a destination specialist, who will take the time to fully understand your preferences and ideas and turn them into the perfect itinerary for you according to your budget. The itinerary can be modified as many times as you want until you are completely happy with the result.
Contact Us
Send us some details so we can create your 100% tailor-made trip.