5-Day Torres del Paine W Trek: Las Torres, French Valley & Grey Glacier
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5 days (daily sections 6–10 hours)
Fitness Level
You should be in good cardio shape and able to carry a 10–15 kg overnight pack for sustained uphill sections.
Overview
A five-day loop through Torres del Paine that links the three headline sites—Las Torres, French Valley and Grey Glacier—across exposed pampa, lenga forests and glacial moraine. Expect long days, refugio nights and wildly changeable Patagonian weather.
5-Day Torres del Paine W Trek: Las Torres, French Valley & Grey Glacier
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The trail opens like a map folded into weather: wind scrapes the pampa, lenga trunks lean into the gusts, and a row of granite teeth—the Paine massif—cuts the sky. On day one hikers travel from Puerto Natales by bus and step into a landscape that feels larger than a plan; it demands time, good boots and a willingness to carry what you need.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start before dawn on long days
Wind and cloud build in the afternoon; begin the 8–10 hour segments early to secure calmer conditions and better light for photos.
Pack waterproof and windproof layers
Patagonia’s weather can shift within minutes—Gore-Tex outer layers and a warm midlayer are non-negotiable.
Confirm refugio meal times and carry snacks
Meals are scheduled and cooking at campsites is restricted—carry calorie-dense snacks and electrolytes for the trail.
Bring originals of passport and tourist card
To avoid paying the 19% lodging tax at check-in in Chile, present originals—no copies—at refugio registration.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Guanaco
- Andean condor
History
Torres del Paine National Park was established in 1959; the dramatic peaks and glaciers are the result of recent uplift and glacial sculpting that shaped the landscape seen today.
Conservation
The park restricts open fires and cooking at campsites, enforces leave-no-trace practices and limits infrastructure to protect fragile alpine soils and waterways.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Natales
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
40 L Backpack
Holds multi-day kit while remaining compact for steep, rocky ascents.
Waterproof jacket and trousers (Gore‑Tex recommended)
Protects against rain-driven wind and keeps core temperature stable on exposed ridges.
Sturdy waterproof trekking boots
Supports ankles on moraine, scree and wet forest trails encountered on the W route.
Portable water bottle and purification tablets
Reliable hydration: refills are possible but treat water to avoid illness in remote areas.