Patagonia Torres del Paine W Trek Complete Guide 2026

Torres del Paine: jagged granite towers, massive glaciers, pumas prowl. W Trek (5 days/74km) accessible epic.

Permits & Booking (Critical!)

Refugios book 6-8 months ahead (vertaventuraspatagonia.cl or fantasy.com). Peak Nov-Mar.

Costs: Park entry $40 USD, refugio half-board $190/night.

East to West direction preferred (Torres first, energy high).

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Puerto Natales to Las Torres Base – Bus 2hrs, hike 22km/900m up to Chileno Refugio. Towers view if clear.

Day 2: Torres Mirador + French Valley – 3,000 stairs up towers, back to Central, then 10km to Cuernos.

Day 3: Cuernos to Italiano, French Valley side trip – Glacier views, hanging bridge.

Day 4: Italiano to Paine Grande to Grey Refugio – 21km, Glacier Grey viewpoints (calving ice).

Day 5: Grey back to Pudeto catamaran to Natales – Boat saves 2hrs hike.

Packing List Essentials

Shelter: Refugios bunk beds (book dorm). Or tent Grey/Cuernos campsites +$50.

Gear: 40L Osprey pack, MSR PocketRocket stove, 5-day food (dehy meals $10ea), water filter.

Clothing: Rain shell, fleece, thermals, gaiters, trekking poles.

Navigation: Maps.me offline, Gaia GPS.

Wildlife & Weather

Guanacos, condors, huemul deer. Wind 100kmh, rain sudden. Microspikes for ice.

Budget Breakdown (Solo, 5 Days)

| Category | Cost USD |

|----------|----------|

| Bus R/T Natales | $60 |

| Refugios Half-Board | $760 |

| Park Entry | $40 |

| Food Snacks | $100 |

| Flights Punta Arenas | $300 |

| Total | $1,260 |

Train cardio: Stairmaster 1hr/day pre-trip. W Trek: Patagonia gateway drug.

---

Patagonia destinations.