Classic W Circuit: 5-Day Self-Guided Trek in Torres del Paine
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5 days (approx. 25–30 hours hiking total)
Fitness Level
Good aerobic base and comfort with sustained elevation gain; able to carry 8–12 kg pack for day sections or full backpacking loads when camping.
Overview
A five-day self-guided trek that threads the most dramatic sections of Torres del Paine—the Base Torres, French Valley and Grey Glacier—offering rugged views, refugio stays or camping options, and the kind of variable weather that keeps Patagonia honest.
Classic W Circuit: 5-Day Self-Guided Trek in Torres del Paine
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Morning light cuts across a wind-scoured valley as hikers step off the bus at Laguna Amarga and sign the park register—this is the ordinary moment that starts something far from ordinary. The W Circuit in Torres del Paine compresses Patagonia’s raw geology into five intense days: granite spires loom, glaciers groan at the edge of turquoise lakes, and trails switchback through lenga forest and peat bog.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early for Base Torres
Begin the Base Torres approach before dawn to avoid afternoon winds and secure better lighting for photos at the towers.
Layer for wind and cold
Bring a windproof outer layer plus insulating mid-layers—temperatures can drop rapidly even in summer.
Lighten your summit day
Use the CONAF cache to leave heavy packs before ascending into French Valley to move faster and reduce strain.
Treat drinking water
Filter or chemically treat lake and stream water—refugios provide food but not reliable potable water on some sections.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Guanaco
- Andean condor
History
The park’s dramatic peaks were formed through uplift and glaciation, and European explorers and ranchers later brought interest that led to protected status; the area is now a global conservation icon.
Conservation
Visitor impact is managed with strict camping zones and refugio systems; follow Leave No Trace and respect CONAF rules to minimize erosion and disturbance.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Natales
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof/breathable shell jacket
Blocks Patagonian wind and rain while remaining breathable for high-output hiking.
summer specific
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots (ankle support)
Protects feet on rocky, wet trails and provides ankle stability on uneven terrain.
Warm mid-layer (fleece or lightweight down)
Insulating layer for cold mornings, glacier viewpoints, and windy passes.
Water filter or purification tablets
Ensures safe drinking water from streams and lakes along the route.