If there's one thing we can guarantee you at
Skyhook, the
W trek is absolutely worth it!
Apart from a massive sense of achievement, you will enjoy fantastic views from high up in
Chilean Patagonia. The trek starts from the Torres del Paine National Park entrance and takes up to five days to complete. It takes you through different ecosystems that teem with life and offer picture-worthy moments.
But first, let's explain why the W trek is worth the time, effort, and money - and what to expect from it.
Why Is the W Trek Worth It?
Winding beneath the jagged ramparts of the Paine Massif, the W Trek takes its name from the distinctive "W" shape it traces across this craggy fortress of rock.
Throughout roughly 76 kilometres and 5 hiking days, you'll embark on an ever-shifting journey through a photographer's paradise.
The hike starts at the Torres del Paine National Park entrance, where you start climbing to the Ascencio Valley, then the Base of the Towers, then past Lake Nordenskjold to the French Valley, and finally takes you to the Grey Glacier - among other incredible sights along the way.
You'll especially love the sheer immensity of the Grey Glacier - a river of rippled blue ice calving thunderous chunks into the glassy waters of Pehoé Lake.
How to Prepare for the W Trek in Patagonia
The W circuit is one of the best for
Patagonia hiking. But it requires physical and mental fortitude to complete. Here's what you should know:
The W trek is the easiest of all
Torres del Paine hikes. It is rated medium difficulty, but that is not to say you shouldn't prepare adequately.
From the outset, the sometimes unpredictable terrain, rapidly shifting weather patterns, and sheer mileage covered put both body and mind through an unrelenting trial. You will climb up to 1,190 metres (3,900 feet) above sea level while battling intense
Patagonian winds (especially in summer).
The hardest challenge comes in the form of your W trek packing list. The W circuit is unsupported, so you will trek the entire distance while carrying all your gear (it gets more difficult if you choose a self-sufficient hike where you also must carry your sleeping and cooking supplies).
Get the genuine experience
Discover once in a lifetime adventures, made possible by local guides.
2. Packing for the W Trek
The best time to hike is summer (December to March), when you can get away with a lighter backpack as you won't need most rainy-day equipment. And if you are on a guided trek, you also won't need to carry much for accommodation as that will be included in your package (but you can bring a comfortable pillow, ear pods, or a book to help you relax better).
You can hike the W circuit in all four seasons, so pack gear that will take you through different trail and weather conditions. The trails are mostly dry in summer, but you might face hostile winds and harsh sun. Bring fewer clothes but sturdy outerwear to protect you against the winds. Remember sunscreen and lots of hydration.
In the shoulder seasons (fall/autumn and spring), the trails range from muddy and dry to snowy, and you might still encounter rain, wind, and cold weather. Layering up will be essential, so bring extra T-shirts, pants, grippy and waterproof boots, and a hiking jacket (and raincoat) in case the weather takes a turn.
If you're hiking in winter, bring ice equipment like crampons and ensure your boots are insulated and grippy. Layering is also essential here, as the area will be frigid (in the negatives) and windy.
The W trek spans 76 kilometres (47 miles), and our guided option allows you to hike it in 5 days. You will trek approximately 6 - 10 miles daily, carrying your backpack from camp to camp.
4. Training For the W Trek
While the trek is long, there is almost zero risk of altitude sickness. In addition, you hike a manageable distance daily and get plenty of time to recover for the next day. As such, you can manage this trek without much physical fitness.
But if you need to train, we'd recommend trekking shorter distances with a heavy backpack to prepare for what will happen on the hike. Squats, biceps curls, and bench presses are other exercises that can improve your physical stamina for the trek. We recommend starting training at least three weeks before the trek.
If you want a self-guided or self-sufficient hike, you can also add more physical preparation, like running and bike riding. This guarantees better cardiovascular health so you can efficiently complete your set W trek milestones while transporting heavier gear.
Pro tip: Definitely prepare with a good map of the Patagonia region and stay updated on the weather forecast before you start hiking.
Indeed, the W trek is an adventure to look forward to. Here's what you can expect if you book your adventure with Skyhook:
Day 1: Arrive at Torres del Paine National Park and trek to the base of the famous Torres del Paine towering rock formations. This demanding 14-mile hike through the Ascencio Valley leads you to stunning views of the granite spires. Camp at Central Refugio.
Day 2: Hike towards the park's heart, passing hanging glaciers from Mount Almirante Nieto and Lake Nordenskjold. Keep your eyes peeled for potential condor sightings as you trek to the Cuernos or Francés campsites in the French Valley. You will hike for 4-5 hours across 7-9 miles.
Day 3: An epic 7-hour and 10.5-mile hike into the French Valley will bring you up close to Los Cuernos peaks. Along the way, you'll pass turquoise lagoons, imposing glaciers, and excellent viewpoints like the French Viewpoint (Plateau) and British Lookout. After exploring, return to Paine Grande Refugio for a well-deserved rest.
Day 4: Trek for 5 hours and 6.8 miles through valleys to Laguna de Los Patos for vistas of the immense Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Finish at Grey Glacier's viewpoint of the calving blue ice walls. You can also book an optional extension to the famous suspension bridges overlooking Grey Glacier before returning to relax at Camp Grey Zone.
Day 5: Today, you can kayak or glacier hike between the icebergs (optional activities) before hiking 6.8 miles to Paine Grande. Come early, and you will catch a catamaran across Pehoe Lake and then hop on a bus back to Puerto Natales.
So there you have it; we highly recommend hiking the W trek to experience the Patagonian wild up close. Along the way, you will find solitude and experience fantastic scenery, including some of the most beautiful (and scary) wild animals.
As we discussed, with some preparation, you will be ready for this moderate hike, which can set the stage for more demanding hikes like the
O trek and the other
mountains to hike in South America.
So, head to the W circuit and start a hike you won't regret!
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