The W Trek in Torres Del Paine
The W Trek is Torres del Paine most famous hiking route, which can be walked in a variety of ways, from a multi-day trek to a series of day hikes.
Discover MoreDeep roots in Patagonia: We are ex-guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, & adventurers.
We’ve got our feet on the ground: Impartial advice, a bespoke service, and at no extra cost.
For the ends of the Earth: Sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
Torres del Paine National Park is the deserved highlight of many trips to Patagonia. It’s the home of the famous W Trek, but its vast and wild landscape has much more to offer, from pumas on hidden trails, to kayaking around icebergs and riding on horseback across windswept pampa.
Torres del Paine is home to two famous multi-day hikes: the W Trek and the O Circuit (also known as the Full Circuit).
The W Trek follows three valleys to take in the park’s most iconic sights – the Towers, the Cuernos and Glacier Grey – over four to five days. The tougher O Circuit extends this by venturing further north for amazing views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, taking seven to nine days. Hikers stay in refugios (mountain huts with shared dorms) or campsites along the way. Both routes are extremely popular and should be booked as far in advance as possible.
Other routes offer more secluded trekking experiences off the beaten track path: Torres del Paine's great size means there is plenty of extraordinary scenery to be explored
Hiking to the base of the Towers
Torres del Paine is an excellent day hiking destination, where even the classic sights of the W Trek can be seen on a series of day hikes.
Experiencing the park this way allows you to have your pick of accommodation (be it hotel, luxury lodge or glamping site) and set out each day to a trailhead for a hike near or far and then return to eat and sleep comfortably at the end of the day.
Day hiking offers the ultimate flexible Torres del Paine experience – choosing your hiking route the day before with your guide, or mixing it up with another adventure excursion in the park.
Day hiking in the Pingo Valley
While Torres del Paine’s hiking trails are natural headline-grabbers, the national park can also be brilliantly explored in a whole variety of other ways.
The park is vast, with many areas simply best experienced on horseback, by kayak or mountain bike. With forests, desert, pampa and glaciers waiting to be discovered, get away from the crowds on the main trails and you'll experience a completely different side to this stunning wilderness landscape.
Activities can easily be added to the end of a multi-day hike, or as part of a dedicated multi-sport trip that gives you a taste of the best of Torres del Paine in a single package.
Kayaking on the Grey River
The W Trek is Torres del Paine most famous hiking route, which can be walked in a variety of ways, from a multi-day trek to a series of day hikes.
Discover MoreThe O Circuit is a great trek for experienced hikers, spending over a week to explore both Torres del Paine’s most popular sights and its quieter trails.
Discover MoreTorres del Paine offers world class day hikes, offering you the chance to spend your days exploring the trails while sleeping in comfortable accommodation at night.
Discover MoreTorres del Paine's great size offers great scope for hiking off the beaten track, with quiet trails through little visited valleys, pristine forests and past dramatic mountain …
Discover MoreTorres del Paine is one of the best places in the world to see pumas in their natural habitat. Dedicated puma tracking tours offer the chance to see them in the company of expert guides, observing them safely without negatively impacting their behaviour.
Their numbers are greatest in the quieter eastern areas of the park, away from the main hiking trails. Puma tracking is available all year round in Torres del Paine.
Alongside pumas, look out for guanacos, the wild llamas that are their main prey, which are widely encountered across the park. Condors soar on the thermals above the mountains, while the forests are home to the shy huemul deer, Chile's national animal.
Puma tracking in Torres del Paine
As if the national park wasn’t enough, Torres del Paine is a perfectly-placed springboard for exploring the rest of the region, from its gateway cities of Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas.
From Puerto Natales, you can get close to the dramatic glaciers of the Southern Chilean Fjords, while Punta Arenas offers the chance to go penguin or whale watching, or take an adventure cruise around Tierra del Fuego to Cape Horn. You can also fly direct to Tierra for the brilliantly remote Dientes de Navarino trek.
Torres del Paine also sits close to the Argentinian border, and its an easy step from here to the equally spectacular Los Glaciares National Park, which offers more excellent hiking and the Perito Moreno Glacier, just a day's travel away.
Adventure cruising in Tierra del Fuego
If you want something more off-the-beaten-track, explore the hidden valleys of Bader, Silencio and Pingo, or the bizarre rock formations of Baguales. The area's outlying estancias where you can ride with gauchos, and the wilds of the neighbouring Bernado O'Higgins National Park, come highly recommended.
Torres del Paine National Park trips scored 4.4/5 from 1790 reviews
This park is one of the most stunningly beautiful places on earth. One thing that I noticed, and very much appreciated, was the respect for the surroundings that everyone seems to abide by. I do not think I saw a single piece of trash or litter during my entire trek, and that made it so much more enjoyable. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
David Smith - USA
The scenery throughout the W trek was continually AH-MAZING! So awesome and awe-inspiring. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Kelli Regan - USA
What was your most memorable moment? Early morning light on the Torres - Sun-kissed with dark clouds behind them. The stillness of the air. The magnitude of the sky in that moment. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Adrienne Raker - USA
I always felt that my visit to Torres del Paine would be a great experience, but the reality was even more memorable. The sheer scale of the national park - 554,000 acres - is mindboggling, and its natural beauty is astonishing. There seems something almost otherworldly about it. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2023
Jonathan Earl - UK
I wish I could say I had one memorable moment, but I can tell you this one of the most beautiful places I have ever been, with such a wonderful community. Read the full review
Travelled: October 2023
Gail Howard - USA
The park is absolutely incredible and like nothing I’ve ever seen. I was very impressed with the accommodations and signage throughout the park. Read the full review
Travelled: October 2023
Tina Umanskiy - USA
What an awe inspiring national park. Amazing views, crazy weather mix so pack for wind, rain, snow and sunny days. Favourite: View of the Horns on a sunny day across the lake. Read the full review
Travelled: October 2023
Tammy Walters - USA
It would be my wish that everyone could just spend a few minutes in the quiet pristine beauty of Torres Del Paine. I think they would take better care of the planet if they did. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Sheri-Lin Newell - USA
Absolutely beautiful. Even though we live in Colorado, the mountains were still absolutely breathtaking. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Kira Ellsasser - USA
The park itself was beautiful and beyond what I expected. The hikes were difficult but doable and worth it. We had beautiful weather the entire time which definitely helped the views. The trails in some spots are difficult to navigate so I’m glad we went with our guides. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Jessica Van Dyk - USA
We love the journey!! To experience all weather in one day was amazing. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Suchita Dinkar Patkar - USA
Torres Del Paine is a place where you NEVER get tired of the view and the mountains surrounding you. They are constantly changing with the light and weather elements. The area is respected and loved by locals and visitors. I never saw a single piece of trash. It is nature at its finest. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Suzanne Ricca - USA
It was so much more than I thought it would be. The grandeur of this area is undescribable, you have to visit it to take in the wonder and grandeur and beauty of the area. But go for more than 5 days and four nights, stay for 10. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Debbie McMahon - USA
This must be one of the most beautiful places on earth. Stunning views and the different terrain, lakes and glaciers make it magical. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Rozini Mohd Amin - Malaysia
Every day in Torres del Paine was amazing. Read the full review
Travelled: April 2022
Barbara Crabtree - USA
I'm thankful that I got to see this side of the world. I found an inner peace that I thought I’d lost. I will forever carry this experience in my mind and heart. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2022
Martha Izazaga - USA
Standing by the glittering turquoise lake Azul and torrent Salto Grande waterfalls, in the distance the snow-capped peaks: one of the most dramatically beautiful landscapes in the world. I have fallen in love with this wild and barren land of unique natural beauty. I stand facing this magnificent scene grateful for every breath I take. The rough and lonely countryside around the Nordenskiöld lake, free of any of the troubles of this world. To emerge yourself here is to forget anything unkind. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2022
Anne Devecchi - Ecuador
It was unreal beauty. Pictures don't even do justice to how amazing and unique this landscape is and I cannot stop telling people about how amazing it was! Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Michael Gioia - USA
What was our most memorable moment? Seeing a puma in the wild. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
José Olivares - USA
It was more beautiful than I had imagined Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Lori Dickens - USA
Exceeded expectations! Bluest blue we’ve ever seen. Highest wind we have ever felt! Incredible sensory landscape very worthy of experiencing for multiple days. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Jonathan Staker - USA
Words cannot describe it... amazing!!!! Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Christopher Breese - USA
More beautiful than my words can convey. Towers are magnificent. Wildlife is abundant and diverse. It is a many faceted diamond. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Tom Holmes - USA
The highlights were many. There is such a unique combination of terrains from glaciers to snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes which would be hard to find together in a relatively compact area. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2021
Sean Johnston - USA
Amazing place, it is so beautiful that you cannot stop taking pictures. Every corner has a different amazing view. I have been to a lot of national parks, but this is the most beautiful one. I hope Chile will keep protecting and expanding it. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2020
Nora Nagy - Hungary
What was our most memorable moment? Too many to count. Hiking and horseback riding in Torres Del Paine, photographing rheas, condors, and a puma, and riding in a zodiac up to a glacier. Fantastic time. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2020
Steven Ray - United States Of America
Hiking in the Zapata Valley with no humans for miles, hearing the feral cows, stumbling upon fossils and hearing the thunderous glacier drops - we really were in the middle of nowhere. After our self-guided hike on the W Trail switching gears to a guided hike in Zapata Valley was incredible. The nearly untouched wilderness engulfed our hearts and we will never forget our time there. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Meghan Riley - United States Of America
Torres del Paine is the most beautiful, unspoiled place that we have ever been to, and we have traveled to every continent on the globe except Antarctica. This park is unlike any found in the States. Except on the French Valley trek, we encountered few other hikers or visitors. It's pristine, and the Chilean people have really preserved this wonderful resource. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
John Jenkins - United States Of America
My advice is GO! It was really incredible. I spent 2 weeks in total in Patagonia, but if you have the time then spend longer. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Meg Randell - United Kingdom
This was an amazing experience - we pushed our bodies to the limit, and together as newlyweds. We also learned so much more about tires than we ever thought we would know about. If anything, I personally learned more patience and problem-solving. The amount of nature and scenery was absolutely what we were looking for in a holiday. And improving on our Spanish knowledge was a plus. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2019
Victoria Vuong - United States Of America
The trip was an adventure and to see such beautiful scenery was breathtaking. The people of Patagonia were extremely friendly and helpful and without question getting up close and personal with a Glacier was a truly memorable moment. The shear scale of nature in the raw is a beautiful thing to see Read the full review
Travelled: January 2019
David Cook - United Kingdom
Every 5 minutes we had a completely different view. There could be gale force winds hitting a mountain top from one side, but clear blue skies on the other. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2019
Rory Dormer - United Kingdom
The accommodation booking process of the national park can add stress to people's trips so I was fortunate that I did not have to endure this by booking through Swoop. The advice and recommendations I received reflected what I wanted to experience and to be able to achieve this at very short notice was great. Read the full review
Travelled: October 2018
Michael Thomson - United Kingdom
The highlight was the scenery at the Torres del Paine. We have been to some very scenic places in the world and this was amongst the best. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2018
Rod & Olwyn Dawson - United Kingdom
The best way I've found to describe the vistas, were that they almost looked fake, the colors, the light, the snow, the clear blue water; it was all just stunning.
Travelled: July 2017
Philip - Virginia, US
Beyond my expectations. I could not get over all of the beauty on my trek. Everyday there was something new and amazing to discover. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2016
Kristen Boscia - United States Of America
Highlights were glacier hike, French valley and Torres. Scenery exceeded expectations, even after all of the photos we looked at. The hike was challenging, fun and invigorating.
Travelled: December 2016
Nicole - Massachusetts
What a wonderful, mind-blowing, refreshing experience. There are simply not enough positive adjectives to describe our time in Torres del Paine. Thank you for helping me plan one of the best experiences I've had!
Travelled: January 2016
Lydia -
All facets of the trip exceeded our expectations from the landscape to the guide. The trip was one that my wife and I will never forget.
Travelled: January 2016
Pierre -
Review:
Torres del Paine offers every variety of accommodation, from campsites for those on the trail to luxury lodges for those looking for the best in service and comfort.
Those coming to the park for multi-day hikes tend to stay in the refugios or campsites that are strung out along the route of the W Trek and O Circuit.
Quality 3-4 star hotels are dotted around the park and at Serrano village close to the park entrance.
For more style, try eco-friendly glamping or choose from some of the region’s best luxury lodges. Alternatively, get truly remote on an estancia (ranch) for a taste of traditional Patagonian culture.
Luxury yurt in Torres del Paine
For those seeking to explore Torres del Paine in true style, luxury hotels and lodges offer a taste of refinement in the wilderness.
Discover MoreTorres del Paine National Park has a wide selection of hotels, dotted in and around the park and varying in size, standard, location and budget.
Discover MoreEstancias are the perfect place to disconnect: remote ranches offering a gaucho lifestyle, where you can explore Torres del Paine by day and enjoy their rustic charms by night.
Discover MoreTorres del Paine has a number of fantastic glamping options, allowing you to explore the best of the park while staying in stylishly comfortable yurts or domes.
Discover MorePuerto Natales (airport code PNT) and Punta Arenas (PUQ) are the main gateways for Torres del Paine National Park, with connections via Chile’s capital Santiago.
Punta Arenas is the best connected airport for flights, with the most flights to Santiago, as well as to Puerto Montt for the Chilean Lake District, Coyhaique for Aysen and Puerto Williams for Tierra del Fuego.
There are no direct flights from Argentina, but overland travel is easy from Puerto Natales to El Calafate, for Los Glaciares National Park.
Flying over the Paine Massif
Spring The tourist season begins as receding snow reopens the trails. Mornings and nights are still chilly and there are relatively fewer hikers on the trails.
Summer Long days of up to 18 hours of daylight, with typically fine weather but with strong winds. This is peak season, so booking accommodation in advance is essential.
Autumn A time of glorious Fall colours. One of the best times to visit due to generally clearer skies and fewer visitors, but later in the season there's always a chance of snow.
Winter Snow closes most of the trails and many hotels shut completely, but the W Trek remains open with hikers enjoying winter activities in an almost empty park.
Autumn sunrise over the Towers
Los Glaciares is Argentina’s greatest national park. It’s home to Perito Moreno glacier and the Fitz Roy Massif, offering visitors explore epic ice and world-class hiking.
Discover MoreRemote, beautiful and with one of the most famous road-trip roads in the world, Aysen is a destination for those seeking the best of Patagonia without the crowds.
Discover MoreTierra del Fuego is a region of moss-covered forests, craggy mountains and winding fjords, with adventure enough to set any explorer's soul alight.
Discover MoreThe Chilean Lake District is packed with glacial lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, islands rich in history and folklore, national parks and adventure sports activities.
Discover MoreImpartial advice and a bespoke service to make your trip perfect.
We are former guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts & adventurers.
Swoop is proud to be B Corp Certified as we know sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
We’ll make sure you have the adventure of a lifetime.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
1-855-369-7866
Check out our Highlights of Patagonia Tour—for the best of Chile & Argentina in 12 nights...
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Privacy policy