The W-Trek in Torres del Paine is one of the most famous hikes on the planet for a reason. Four to five days, about 80 kilometers, and scenery that genuinely defies description.
When to go
The main season runs October through April. December and January are the most reliable weather but also the busiest. Late February through March is the sweet spot: smaller crowds, still-good weather, and autumn colors starting in the valleys.
Permits and logistics
As of 2026 you need to pre-book every campsite and refugio before you enter the park. This is non-negotiable — rangers check. The CONAF campgrounds (free) book out first; Vertice and Las Torres sites are paid but more comfortable.
Gear that matters
A four-season tent. A good rain shell — the weather here changes in minutes. Real hiking boots, broken in. Trekking poles if you’re doing the full circuit. And enough dehydrated food: the refugios sell meals but at Santiago airport prices.
The Base Torres day
The final climb to the base of the towers is brutal — 700 meters of elevation gain in three kilometers of boulder field. Start at 4am to catch first light hitting the granite. It’s the moment you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
