Day hikes in Torres del Paine

The W Trek is Torres del Paine's most famous multi-day trek, but it's a well-kept secret that you can do almost the entire trek as three separate day hikes instead. 

The full trek is the shape of a W, and you can do each vertical strand as a day hike. First in the east is the Base of the Towers hike, a steep ascent past twisted metamorphic rock formations until you reach the grand granite towers that give the park it's name. Second is French Valley, notorious for it's hanging glaciers and winding river. And finally, hike to the Grey Peninsula for views of the magnificent Grey Glacier, where adventurous souls can kayak amongst icebergs.

These western trails are so remote and quiet that you may only meet a handful of fellow adventurers during your trek. Instead, you can keep your eyes peeled for a rare and endangered Huemul deer, a species which thrives in the more secluded areas of the park. 

The Pingo Valley trek winds through open valley and forests, eventually opening up to stunning views of the impressive Southern Ice Cap. If your legs are up for a challenge, nearby is the climb up to Mirador Ferrier, a two-hour steep trail up to a lookout over the Glacier Grey and the Paine Massif.

The main bonus here is that you can enjoy the views in peace; have a leisurely lunch undisturbed at the base of a waterfall, or stop to grab that perfect shot without the risk of anyone stepping into your photo.

The Sierra Baguales mountain range is a window back to when Torres del Paine was covered in water. There are thousands of fossils here dating back 40 million years, including leaves, molluscs and shark teeth.

The whole area is completely individual from anywhere else in the park; red and orange rocky mountains stretch into the distance, and although there are trails, this is an area where you can be completely free to roam and explore into the wild.

For those seeking a bit of altitude, the lakes region in the east is packed with trails leading up to lookouts over the great lakes of the east. It is the colours of the lakes which make them special, each one has a unique tint, from milky blue to deep turquoise. The panoramic views from these lookouts stretch all the way to the Paine Massif, so you can get a whole new perspective on the huge granite monoliths that made the park famous.

These hikes vary in difficulty from the easy ramble of the fauna walk, where the solitude gives you a good chance of spotting an elusive puma, to the challenging Cerro Paine hike, a Swoop favourite for getting a priceless view of the towers without the crowds.

For the ultimate fully inclusive experience. Luxury lodges offer the most diverse range of hiking excursions and exceptional guides, so you really can experience the park to its fullest. Return each night to an on-site spa, delicious locally-sourced food and attentive service.