Epic Patagonia W Trek: Torres del Paine 10-Day Backpacking Route
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
10 days total; daily hikes 4–12 hours
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness with experience carrying a 10–15 kg pack for multi-day hikes; comfortable on rocky and exposed terrain
Overview
A ten-day guided traverse of Torres del Paine’s iconic ‘W’ — from the laddered approach to Las Torres to the wind-scoured Grey Glacier. This route mixes long days on variable terrain with nights in refugios and camps, offering some of Patagonia’s most arresting alpine scenery.
Epic Patagonia W Trek: Torres del Paine 10-Day Backpacking Route
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On the trailhead at dawn, wind ghosts across the steppe and the three granite towers of Torres del Paine catch the first thin light like knives. Hikers shoulder daypacks andcamouflage their breath with cloud as they push through lenga forest, the trees thinning into scree and then an emerald lagoon that mirrors the towers. The route reads like a textbook of Patagonia: open pampas, ancient beech, serrated granite, and a slow-moving blue of Grey Glacier that grinds the horizon.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for wind and cold
Bring a breathable waterproof outer layer and an insulated midlayer—Patagonian wind and sudden temperature drops make layering essential.
Pack a daypack for summit days
Drop heavy loads at refugio/Italian Camp and carry a 30–50L daypack with water, food, and a windproof for French Valley and Towers approaches.
Reserve optional activities early
Ice hikes and kayak trips on Grey Lake are run by third-party outfitters and sell out in high season—book ahead to secure spots.
Carry water purification
Taps at refugios are limited; a lightweight filter or purification tablets let you refill from glacial-fed streams safely.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Guanaco
- Andean condor
History
The park, created in the mid-20th century, sits on lands historically used by Kawésqar and Tehuelche peoples and later reshaped by European settlement and sheep ranching.
Conservation
Visitor numbers and refugio placements are managed to limit erosion and habitat loss; practice leave-no-trace and reduce single-use plastics to protect fragile ecosystems and retreating glaciers.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Natales
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Support and traction for scree, muddy boardwalks, and variable trail conditions.
summer specific
30–50L daypack
Holds food, water, layers and camera for long day hikes into French Valley and Towers base.
summer specific
Breathable waterproof shell (hooded)
Windproof and waterproof protection is critical during sudden Patagonian storms.
all specific
Lightweight sleeping liner and synthetic insulation
Adds warmth in refugios or tents on chilly nights without bulk.
spring specific