The Classic W Circuit Torres del Paine is the most iconic and complete trekking program in Chilean Patagonia. Over 5 days and 4 nights you will explore the three most spectacular valleys of Torres del Paine National Park: the towering granite spires of the Base Torres Mirador, the breathtaking Valle del Francés, and the majestic Glaciar Grey — the southernmost point of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
The program is 100% all inclusive: regular bus transfers from Puerto Natales, 4 nights of accommodation in a mountain refugio or campsite, all meals (breakfast, box lunch and dinner), park entrance fee, welcome kit, and the catamaran crossing on Lago Pehoé at the end of the journey.
The trek is self-guided: before your start date you will receive a detailed technical email, and at the Puerto Natales bus terminal our host will hand you your welcome kit with everything you need to know. All you have to do is walk and enjoy.
For this excursion we recommend you be in good physical condition. We offer two programs:
During this time we will walk through some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet. We will ascend and descend valleys, cross wide rivers, venture into dense forests, visit ancient glaciers, colorful lakes, and spot an incredible diversity of wildlife — all at the foot of the imposing mountains of Patagonia.
Program subject to campsite availability in Torres del Paine. Book in advance.
13:45 hrs from your accommodation in Puerto Natales — transfer to the bus terminal
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
This program operates in two modalities:
• Camping: park campsites with basic equipment included.
• Mountain refugio: shared dormitories of 6 to 8 beds. No single supplement.
• Hotel or cabin upgrade: limited availability — contact our team.
PHYSICAL FITNESS REQUIRED
The W Circuit is a high-difficulty program. The total route exceeds 80 km over 4 active trekking days, with single days up to 31.5 km and elevation gains of up to 750 meters. Good cardiovascular fitness and basic mountain trekking experience are required. Not recommended for people without prior physical preparation.
RECOMMENDED GEAR
• Trekking backpack (max. 10 kg during the circuit)
• Technical layered clothing (waterproof outer layer essential)
• Waterproof, pre-worn trekking boots
• Trekking poles (recommended and includes in this program)
• Hat, gloves and sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 liter)
• Headlamp
• Light sandals for refugios and stream crossings
AVAILABLE EXTENSIONS
The program can be extended to 6 days/5 nights or 7 days/6 nights. Contact our team for availability.
OPERATING SEASON
The W Circuit operates exclusively from October 1 to April 30. Between May and September the park refugios close for winter.
IMPORTANT
• Valid passport or national ID required for park entry.
• The program is subject to accommodation availability in the park. Early booking is strongly recommended, especially during high season (December–February).
• The itinerary is indicative and subject to modifications due to weather conditions.
The program begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Puerto Natales, transferring you to the bus terminal, where our host will hand you your welcome kit with all the technical information for the circuit.
At 14:15 hrs the regular bus departs toward Torres del Paine National Park (approx. 2.5 hours). Arrival at the park in the afternoon. Dinner and first night at Sector Central.
Before your start date you will receive an email with equipment recommendations and physical preparation tips to make the most of your adventure.
Accommodation: Sector Central (refugio or camping)
Meals: Dinner included
A full day heading to one of the most legendary treks in South America: the Base Torres Mirador.
The route begins crossing the pampa and the Ascencio River, then ascends approximately 3 km to the Paso de los Vientos, where panoramic views of the valley and glacial lakes open up. You continue to Camping Chileno, venture through a lenga beech forest, and reach the glacial moraine — the most demanding stretch ends at the spectacular Base Torres Mirador, where three granite towers nearly 3,000 meters tall stand directly in front of you.
Return descent to Sector Central for dinner and rest.
A traverse through one of the most photographed landscapes in Torres del Paine National Park.
You will walk approximately 13.5 km along the shores of Lago Nordenskjöld, beneath Cerro Almirante Nieto and the iconic Cuernos del Paine. Along the way you will enjoy views of hanging glaciers, turquoise lakes and the rich Patagonian flora and fauna: condors, foxes, guanacos and ñandus are frequent companions on this stretch.
The most manageable day of the circuit — perfect for recovering energy before the demanding days ahead.
Valle del Francés is one of the most powerful visual experiences in the entire W Circuit.
The day begins along the beach of Lago Nordenskjöld, where the contrast between turquoise water and snow-capped peaks is constant. You reach Campamento Italiano, the starting point for the approximately 2 km ascent through native forest into Valle del Francés. At Mirador Francés one of the most awe-inspiring views of the circuit unfolds: suspended glaciers, rockfalls, Cuerno Principal, Torre Norte and Paine Grande — framed in a natural amphitheatre found nowhere else on Earth.
Descent to Sector Paine Grande for dinner and rest.
The perfect finale to the W Circuit: Glaciar Grey, the southernmost point of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
The route hugs Cerro Paine Grande (3,050 m), the highest peak of the massif, with views of its hanging glaciers. Walking through ñirre, coigüe and notro trees you reach the First Glaciar Grey Mirador, where enormous blue icebergs float silently on the lake below. Continue to Refugio Grey and return to Sector Paine Grande.
At 18:40 hrs the catamaran departs from the Paine Grande dock, crossing Lago Pehoé to Pudeto. The bus waits at Pudeto for the return journey to Puerto Natales, arriving at approximately 21:00 hrs.
| Passenger | Price p/p (double basis) | Single supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Chilean | CLP $1,080,000 | CLP $785,000 |
| Foreigner | USD $1,640 | USD $1,310 |
| Passenger | Price p/p | Single supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Chilean | CLP $1,095,000 | Not applicable* |
| Foreigner | USD $2,070 | Not applicable* |
| Passenger | Price p/p (double basis) | Single supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Chilean | CLP $1,481,000 | CLP $1,183,000 |
| Foreigner | USD $2,630 | USD $2,100 |
* The refugio has shared dormitories of 6 to 8 beds — no single supplement applies.
** The Hotel Las Torres + Refugio modality requires consultation with our team to confirm availability.
Comparing options? See all our Torres del Paine excursions departing from Puerto Natales.
