W-Trek: Detailed Planning
W-Trek — Day by Day
The W-Trek is 76 km long and is hiked in 4–5 days. There are two directions: East to West (starting at the Torres ascent) or West to East (starting at Grey Glacier). Most choose East to West to start with the highlight — the Torres — while the legs are still fresh.
Day 1: Torres Base (20 km, 8–9h)
From Hotel Las Torres or Campamento Torres, the trail leads into the valley of Río Ascencio. The first hours are moderate through Lenga forest, then it becomes steep. The last stretch — 45 minutes over a huge boulder field (moraine) — is the toughest section. But then: The three granite towers rise above a milky-turquoise glacial lake. A moment that justifies everything. Same route back.
Day 2: Transfer + Valle del Francés (15 km, 6–7h)
Transfer to Campamento Italiano (catamaran or on foot). From there into the Valle del Francés — a vast glacier valley framed by the Cuernos del Paine and Cerro Paine Grande. Avalanche thunder echoes through the valley, ice chunks crash from the hanging glaciers. The Mirador Francés offers the best view. Overnight: Refugio/Campamento Francés or Cuernos.
Day 3: Francés → Paine Grande (12 km, 4–5h)
Relatively relaxed stage along Lago Pehoé to Refugio Paine Grande. Spectacular views of the Cuernos and the lake. Perfect day to catch your breath after the strenuous first stages.
Day 4: Grey Glacier (22 km, 7–8h)
From Refugio Paine Grande to Grey Glacier and back (or overnight at Campamento Grey). The hike leads through wind-swept plateaus and then down to Lago Grey, where the massive glacier calves into the lake. House-high icebergs in surreal blue float on the milky water. At Mirador Grey, you have the perfect view of the 6 km wide glacier tongue.
Day 5 (optional): Grey Glacier Boat Tour
Those who overnight at Grey Glacier can book a kayak ride among the icebergs the next morning (from 80,000 CLP) — one of the most intense experiences of the entire trek.
Accommodation Options
| Option | Price/Night | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Camping (own tent) | 8,000–12,000 CLP | Pitch + toilets. Bring your own stove and food |
| Camping (tent rental) | 30,000–45,000 CLP | Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad provided |
| Refugio (mountain hut) | 60,000–90,000 CLP | Bunk bed, bedding, dinner and breakfast included |
| Full-Board Refugio | 90,000–120,000 CLP | Refugio + all meals + lunch box |
O-Trek — The Big Loop
The O-Trek (also called Circuit) circles the entire Paine Massif in 8–10 days (about 130 km). It includes the entire W-Trek plus the remote northern side of the massif — the John Gardner Pass (1,241 m), from which you have a breathtaking view over the entire Southern Icefield. The O-Trek is more challenging, lonelier, and less crowded than the W-Trek — but also significantly harder to plan (fewer accommodation options, only allowed clockwise).
💡 Tipp
The golden rule for the W-Trek: Light backpack = more enjoyment. Rent a tent and sleeping bag in Puerto Natales (cheaper than buying!), take only the essentials (3–4 days of clothing, rain protection, sun protection, 1 liter of water — there are refill stations along the way). Every unnecessary kilo will painfully make itself known over the 76 km.