Torres del Paine W Circuit: Everything You Need to Know
[Updated info for 2025-2026 season] Torres del Paine National Park, in Chilean Patagonia, has one of the most famous treks in the world. The W Circuit, the name given to the shape of the circuit, gives you the opportunity to admire the most outstanding wonders of the Park. You probably have in your head the image of the Base Las Torres Viewpoint, with its huge vertical granite masses, but this circuit shows us much more than that. We have done many excursions to different places on the planet, but the W was undoubtedly the culmination of our love for the mountains. Something magical and memorable.
| Duration | 4 to 5 days |
| Distance | 72 km |
| Technical difficulty | Stocking |
| Physical | Medium High |
| Trails | Marked |
| Maximum | 850 meters above sea level |
| Accumulated Elevation Gain | +3500 m -3500 m |
How long does it take to perform the W circuit?
The complete circuit is 71 kilometers long, the normal thing is to invest between 4 and 5 days. It is important that you have some physical preparation, since there will be days when you walk up to 25 kilometers. Also, keep in mind that you will need to carry your backpack (the weight increases considerably if you choose to camp). Unforeseen events such as adverse weather conditions can also hinder the journey.
When is the best time to do the W circuit?
The southern latitude of Patagonia causes an unstable and cold climate in general. The average annual temperature is 11 ºC. The best time to perform the W coincides with summer, when temperatures rise and daylight hours lengthen. The best months to do the excursion are from October to April. The Patagonian weather is changeable and nothing guarantees 100% sunny weather, but choosing this band significantly increases the chances of good weather. In addition, in low season (May to August) not all services are operational; Some campgrounds and shelters remain closed and part of the mountain trails are impassable.
How to get to Torres del Paine National Park?
To get there by plane, the nearest airport is in the city of Puerto Natales, although you can also get there via Punta Arenas. From there it takes 3:15 hours by bus to get to Puerto Natales, the closest city to the National Park. There are buses departing directly from Punta Arenas airport to Puerto Natales.
When you arrive at the bus terminal in Puerto Natales, we recommend you buy your ticket right there for Torres del Paine. Various companies leave from here to the National Park. During the 2025-2026 season, there will be two daily departures: at 7:00 and 12:00 (frequencies may vary). Upon arrival at the Park, the bus makes five stops: Laguna Amarga, Pudeto, Camping Pehoé, Administración (CONAF) and Lago Grey. Choose your stop depending on where you want to start the trek. You will need between 2 and 4 hours by bus depending on the stop you want. The other alternative is to hire an organized excursion that includes transportation. This will allow you to forget about all the possible problems linked to public transport, without involving a much higher cost.
How much is the entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park?
2025-2026 Season
| Ticket of more than 3 days | Chilean | Disabled | Foreigner |
| Child under 12 years | Free | Free | Free |
| Teens ages 12 to 17 | 7,800 CLP | Free | 49 USD |
| Adults 18 years | 13,500 CLP | 6,500 CLP | 49 USD |
| Adult over 60 years of age | Free | Free | 49USD |
Entrance tickets to Torres del Paine National Park must be purchased here, no later than the day before entering.
What is there to see in Torres del Paine National Park?
The itinerary is a gift for the senses. Nature lovers will be blown away. The main attractions are the Base Las Torres Viewpoint and the Grey Glacier (at the east and west ends). The central strip goes through the French Valley, where you can see Los Cuernos, the Shark Fin, and other rock formations in a dreamlike setting. We assure you that you have not seen anything like it. The rest of the route gives you other impressive views of lakes, rivers and Patagonian forests.
Is there a set direction of route? Where to start?
There are no regulations whatsoever about which direction to go. You can start by crossing Lake Pehoé and visiting the Grey first or get off at Laguna Amarga and attack the Base Las Torres Viewpoint. Starting with one place or another will depend on your reservations (if you have them) and the weather of the day. A tip: on clear days, start at Base Torres (Laguna Amarga).
Where can you sleep? How to manage accommodation in Torres del Paine?
The Park offers two options
1. Camps: Here you can find services such as showers, minimarket, enclosed spaces for cooking, access to the electricity grid (limited), and camping equipment rental (don’t trust it 100% as they can run out). Be aware that booking is mandatory, and you can do it at the Vértice and Reserva Las Torres sites. But if you want to save yourself the hassle of making each W Circuit reservation separately, you can hire our W Circuit in camping, which includes all round trip transfers from Puerto Natales (bus + navigation), accommodation in an armed camp (includes tent with sleeping bag and mat ready to settle in every night) and food (optional).
2. Shelters: Without a doubt the most comfortable option, but also with a higher cost. If you think that after the hike you deserve a good rest, the refuges offer you shared dormitories. As in the camps, reservation in shelters is also mandatory. At Denomades we offer the W Circuit in refuges that includes food and transfer to and from Puerto Natales.
We invite you to check out other versions of the W Circuit that we offer in Denomades, whether you want to hire a guide for the trek or a 5-day option to combine with kayaking or ice walking on the Grey Glacier.
What should I bring? Equipment.
Below is the equipment needed for someone who chooses to stay in a shelter. If you choose to camp, you will also need: tent, insulation, sleeping bag, stove (it is forbidden to make a fire) and food. At night the temperature plummets, a good jacket is essential for a good rest.
– 1 40-liter backpack for the circuit (very important to have a waterproof plastic to cover it in case of rain).
– 1 Backpack of 20-25 liters for day hikes (e.g. Torres Base).
– Waterproof jacket and pants (Goretex or similar).
– Warm fleece clothing (Polartec or similar).
– Thermal clothing (first layer).
– Short-sleeved and long-sleeved t-shirts.
– Water-resistant trekking boots or shoes. Better if they cover your ankles.
– Charged batteries.
– Sandals (for showers, rest and river crossing).
– Flashlight (better if it is a headlamp) / Padlock / Knife.
-Towel.
– Hat and gloves for the cold / Hat for the sun.
– Sunscreen / Sunglasses
– Camera / Binoculars.
– Water bottle (there are many places to hydrate, 1/2 liter is enough).
– Bags to store your trash.
– Trekking poles (recommended).
If you are a more experienced mountaineer and have more time to enjoy the park, you can take on the big challenge: the O Circuit. This trek surrounds the entire Paine massif and includes the W. In total you will have 93 kilometers ahead of you, and you will need about 8 days to complete them. Quite an adventure!
Find out more about the O Circuit (Paine Grande), the 7-8 day long circuit.
There are many ways to experience Torres del Paine. Denomades.com offers you all the available options at the best price. Information is power! Tours and Excursions in Torres del Paine click here.
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