Embarking on the W trek in Torres del Paine, Patagonia, is like stepping into another world. When I first completed this trek in November of 2022 I had difficulty finding information to guide me in planning my trip. I went on this trip with so many questions left unanswered. I’m glad I did not let this deter me because to this day Patagonia still holds a special place in my heart. I created this post to answer any questions you may have when planning your adventure to this unforgettable corner of the world.
What is the W Trek?
The W trek is a famous hiking route located in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. To learn more about Torres del Paine check out my post “Guide to Torres del Paine National Park.” Completing the W trek is arguably one of the most immersive ways to experience Torres del Paine National Park.
The W trek gets its name because the hiking route is shaped like a W (wink, wink). This trail has two starting points and can be hiked from east to west or west to east. The trail leads you on a multi-day adventure along some of the most iconic sites in Torres del Paine National Park. Some of the highlights of the W trek include Base Torres, The French Valley, and Grey Lake/glacier.
How difficult is the W trek?
Although the level of difficulty is subjective, I believe that the W trek is suitable for hikers of all experience levels. You need to be in moderately good shape, but the trails are well-marked, and the terrain is not technically challenging. However, you should be ready to hike for several hours every day. Additionally, you need to ensure that you are physically fit enough to handle an elevation gain of 850 meters.
One of the most challenging aspects of the W trek, and hiking in Patagonia in general, is dealing with unexpected weather. Patagonia is known for its sudden weather fluctuations, which can include rain, hail, snow, and wind. The region is particularly notorious for its strong southward winds, which can range from 15-20 km/h with gusts of up to 120 km/h.
Don’t let the drastic weather changes discourage you. These conditions are part of what makes Patagonia such a magical place. With proper physical preparation and knowledge of what gear to pack, the W trek can be completed by just about anyone.
How long does it take to hike the W trek?
The W trek is a 46-mile hiking trail that typically takes 4-6 days to complete, depending on your itinerary. You’ll be walking for around 6-8 hours each day, covering approximately 6-12 miles (9-20 km) per day. Additionally, various activities can be added to your journey at different stops along the way.
What other activities can I do on the W trek?
One of the most unique things about the W trek in Torres del Paine National Park is the option of being able to explore different parts of the park through various activities. You can choose to kayak, ride horses, or mountain bikes, go on safaris, or even hike on glaciers. These activities can be done separately, but many can also be added to your journey through the W trek. This is an excellent way to extend your trip and spend some extra time immersing yourself in the park.
If you book your W Trek through a travel company they make it easy for you to add these on and not have to worry about coordinating the activities with your route. Of course, if you want to save a little money you can book these directly with the excursion companies.
Do I need a guide to complete the W trek?
The short answer to whether you need a guide for the W Trek is no. The trail is clearly marked and can be navigated using a map or GPS device. If you have some hiking experience, you can easily do this trek on your own. However, if you’re new to hiking or want to learn more about the wildlife and terrain along the way, there are travel companies that offer guided treks.
I did the W Trek self-guided. I carried a paper map that was provided by the booking company and downloaded my map offline on AllTrails to my phone. I love AllTrails and use it for all my hiking trips. You can conveniently save your hiking routes to your phone and have them ready to use even when you lose cell service.
What is the best season for the W trek?
High Season (October to March)
Spring/Summer/Fall is high season. You will experience longer daylight hours and warmer weather. This also means that the trails will be more crowded and it will be more difficult to find accommodations. I think this is a great time of year to visit but you will have to plan your trip further in advance to ensure you have accommodations.
Low Season (April to September)
Winter is a low season in Torres del Paine. To do the W trek you will need to book with a guide. Many of the trails may be closed off during this time depending on the weather. During this time, some areas of the park can only be accessed with a guide. You will also experience much colder temperatures so you will need to be prepared for harsh conditions. Winter can be a wonderful time to visit due to fewer crowds.
I completed the W trek in November of 2022. This was the start of summer. We experienced long daylight hours which allowed us to take our time on the trail without worrying about being out after dark. The trails were not too crowded and we found ourselves hiking alone for most of the trip. I was able to book this trip a couple of months in advance without difficulty. With a little bit of planning, I think summer is an incredible time to visit.
The W Trek VS The O Trek, which should you do?
The W trek is an ideal backpacking adventure for those who want to experience the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park. The trek is suitable for hikers with all levels of experience and a moderate level of fitness. It’s a great option for those who have limited time or prefer a shorter backpacking trip. Additionally, if you’re a beginner to backpacking, the W trek is a great way to start and gain experience.
The O trek is a backpacking journey that typically takes 8-9 days to complete. The O trek encompasses the W trek route and then some. This trek is more suited for experienced hikers as it takes you through remote areas of the park. If you are an avid backpacker and have more time available, the O trek may be the perfect option for you.
Where will I stay on the W trek?
On the W trek hike, you have the option of camping, sleeping in refugios, or glamping. All three of these options are strategically placed along the W trek trail.
If you choose to camp you can bring your camping gear or opt to book a campsite that comes with a tent and sleeping bag which are already set up for you when you arrive. Each campsite has an onsite bathroom and showers. All the showers have warm water which is a blessing after a long day hiking.
Refugios are hostel like accomadations. If you want to sleep inside on a bed this is a great budget option. Each refugio either has its bathrooms/showers or they are shared with those using the campsites.
Ecocamp is a great glamping option to start or end your journey. It is located on the east side of the trek, near Torres Central. There are also two hotels at both ends of the W trek, Hotel Lago Grey on the west end and Hotel Las Torres Patagonia on the east end. These options provide a more comfortable start or end to your trek.
Do I have to pack my food on the W trek?
When booking your campsites/refugios for the W trek you have the option to add on a meal plan. The meal plan includes breakfast/dinner and a packed lunch to take with you for the day. This means you don’t have to worry about bringing your cooking supplies/food. You always have the option of bringing your cooking stove but it’s nice not to have to carry the extra weight. Even if you opt for the meal plans I recommend you bring your snacks. The refugios have snacks for purchase but options are limited.
What is the water situation?
You will be relieved to hear that you do not need to haul liters of water with you on this trek. There are plenty of rivers and streams to refill along the way. People will tell you that you do not need to filter the water from these running streams and rivers because they come straight from the glacier. The water you drink at the refugios also comes straight from the glaciers. I did not see anyone become sick from this but of course, if you want to be extra cautious you can always bring a filter.
Will there be wifi along the trail?
There is wifi available at the refugios and dining areas for a fee.
What do I need to pack for the W trek?
As I mentioned earlier, the weather in Patagonia can be extremely unpredictable. Therefore, you should pack for all four seasons. However, it’s important to pack as light as possible. One way to do this is by booking campsites and adding on a meal plan, which means you won’t have to bring your tent, sleeping bag, or cooking supplies.
When it comes to clothing, dressing in layers is your best bet. I suggest bringing a base layer that will keep you dry, a mid-layer to keep you warm, and an outer layer to protect against the wind and rain. You’ll be taking these layers on and off throughout the day, so be prepared for that. Don’t forget to pack hiking boots or trail runners to keep yourself steady on uneven terrain, as well as a beanie and gloves to keep your head and hands warm. I recommend a pair of moisture-wicking socks that will keep your feet both warm and dry and a pair of cozy wool socks for the night. In addition, don’t forget to bring sunscreen and sunglasses, especially for days spent at higher elevations or on the glacier.
If you book a campsite with a tent, you will be provided with a sleeping pad. From my personal experience, the sleeping pads provided were not the most comfortable, especially if you’re a side sleeper. If you’re willing to carry a little extra weight, I suggest bringing your sleeping pad for added comfort.
Finally, your backpack is the most important part of your gear. For the W trek, I recommend using a 40-50L backpack that is waterproof. I recommend keeping the rain cover on if your backpack is not water-resistant due to the unpredictability of the weather.
How do I get to Torres del Paine?
Torres del Paine is located in the Magellan Peninsula in Chile. The nearest town to Torres del Paine that you can stay in is Puerto Natales. Most people fly into Puerto Natales from Santiago, Chile but it can also be accessed through Punta Arenas or Argentina. Check out this blog post for more details on how to get to Torres del Paine National Park!
Is the W trek worth it?
1000% Yes! The W trek in Patagonia is a unique and incredible experience. If you have limited time and want to explore the best of Patagonia without feeling rushed, then this trek is perfect for you. I was surprised to find that it’s very beginner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for both first-time trekkers and experienced backpackers. Whether you’re embarking on your very first trek or your 50th, the W trek in Torres del Paine National Park has something to offer for everyone.
