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  • Trekking

  • Confirmed Departures

  • Accommodation

  • Self-Guided

  • Transfers

  • Boat Transfer

  • Meals

Experience one of Patagonia's most iconic trekking routes on the Classic W Circuit in Torres del Paine.

Over 5 days and 4 nights, you'll walk through some of the park's most striking landscapes and visit its three main highlights: the Base Torres Lookout, the French Valley and Grey Glacier. The route crosses mountains, forests, turquoise lakes, rivers and vast ice fields.

This self-guided program includes accommodation, meals and the transfers required within the itinerary, so you can move at your own pace with all the logistics arranged in advance.

Compared with shorter programs, the Classic W Circuit spreads the hikes out more evenly and gives you more time to enjoy each sector of the park.

Departures with instant confirmation

We offer selected dates with refugio spaces already confirmed, which makes booking simple and quick: choose your date, make your payment and start preparing for your trip.

We currently have confirmed departures on:

  • January 3, 2027
  • January 31, 2027
  • February 7, 2027
  • February 21, 2027

Want to travel on a different date? We can also arrange the Classic W Circuit on other dates during the season, subject to refugio and service availability. Get in touch and we'll review the options available for your trip.

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Total distance: between 80 and 85 km
Format: Self-guided

Day 1: Base Torres and Central SectorActivity 1 of 8
Days Physical Demand
High
Demanding 8 to 10-hour hike (21 km), with climbs and a steep final stretch over rocky terrain. Good physical condition is required.
Duration of Activities
8 hours
Distance travelled during Activities
20.75 kilometers
Altitude Range
54-863 meters of height above mean sea level
Elevation
Gain: 991 meters
Loss: 977 meters
Days Physical Demand
Medium
A day of moderate physical demand, with 4 to 5 hours of hiking (approx. 12 to 16 km depending on your lodging). The route follows well-marked trails with gentle elevation changes and some uneven stretches along the shore of Lake Nordenskjöld. A good day to keep a steady pace after the demanding previous day.
Duration of Activities
4.5 hours
Distance travelled during Activities
16.67 kilometers
Altitude Range
24-238 meters of height above mean sea level
Elevation
Gain: 405 meters
Loss: 432 meters
Days Physical Demand
High
Highly demanding hike (6–7 hours / 14–18 km), with climbs and uneven terrain toward the French Valley.
Duration of Activities
5.5 hours
Distance travelled during Activities
26 kilometers
Altitude Range
70-261 meters of height above mean sea level
Elevation
Gain: 571 meters
Loss: 571 meters
Days Physical Demand
Medium
Moderate physical effort. Includes longer walks or uneven terrain. Reasonable fitness recommended.
Duration of Activities
9 hours
Distance travelled during Activities
332 kilometers
Altitude Range
40-278 meters of height above mean sea level
Elevation
Gain: 847 meters
Loss: 940 meters
Days Physical Demand
Medium
A day of moderate physical demand, with 4 to 4.5 hours of hiking (approx. 11 km) from Grey to Paine Grande. The route follows trails with low to moderate gradients, a gradual close to the circuit before the catamaran ride back across Lake Pehoé and the overland transfer to Puerto Natales.
Duration of Activities
2.5 hours
Distance travelled during Activities
10.6 kilometers
Altitude Range
0-286 meters of height above mean sea level
Elevation
Gain: 352 meters
Loss: 374 meters

Location data is only shown as a references and may differ from reality.

Physical Demand
medium high
Physically demanding activity, with hikes of 6 to 10 hours per day. It includes challenging stretches such as the ascent to Base Torres and the French Valley. Good physical fitness and previous experience in trekking or similar activities are required.
Experience
Experienced
Recommended for people with previous experience in trekking or long-duration activities. This program is not suitable for beginners without physical preparation.

Day 1: Base Torres and Central Sector

Un vehículo de Bus Sur circulando por una carretera panorámica en la región de Torres del Paine.
7:00 am - Check-in at the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal

After breakfast at your hotel, head to the bus terminal to catch the 7:00 am bus (we recommend arriving at least 10 minutes before departure) toward Torres del Paine National Park.

A Bus Sur shuttle arriving at the Laguna Amarga entrance of Torres del Paine.
Transfer from the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal to the Laguna Amarga Entrance

You'll travel through beautiful landscapes to the park's main entrance, Laguna Amarga, where you need to register with CONAF (the park rangers).

Un pequeño minibús que transporta a los excursionistas entre la Laguna Amarga y el sector de Las Torres.
Transfer to the Las Torres Sector

Here you switch to "Transporte Las Torres", which takes you to the Welcome Center. You register at the Cerro Paine Reserve and, after a walk of about 5 minutes, you reach Torre Central, where you check in at the refugio or campsite before starting your trek.

Un estrecho sendero de montaña que atraviesa el bosque de lenga en el valle del Ascencio.
Start of the hike to Base Las Torres

The trek to the Base of the Towers is one of the most popular and rewarding routes in Torres del Paine National Park. It's considered moderate to high in difficulty. Although the trail is well defined, it has steep stretches and uneven terrain that call for a certain level of fitness and hiking experience. The last section of the climb is especially demanding, with a sharp ascent over loose rock.

La entrada principal y el pórtico del Refugio El Chileno, un lugar de descanso popular para los excursionistas de la ruta W.
Café and Mini-market

Located 2 hours trek from Las Torres area, it’s on the route that leads to the Base of the Towers,

The winding dirt path of the Chileno trail climbing through the Ascencio Valley toward the granite towers.
Trail between El Chileno and Las Torres base viewpoint

Difficulty: Medium - 20 km (8 hours) Initial altitude: 90 meters above sea level Maximum altitude: 870 meters above sea

The vertical granite spires of Base de las Torres standing tall against a bright Patagonian sky.
Las Torres Base Viewpoint

At the end of the trek, you'll take in sweeping views of the Torres del Paine: three granite peaks rising above a glacial lake. It's one of the park's most iconic landscapes.

A shared dormitory room at Refugio Torre Central with sturdy wooden bunk beds and warm blankets.
Return along the same trail and overnight in the Las Torres Sector

Located in Las Torres area at the beginning of the W Circuit. From this place you have access to Base

Day 2: Toward Cuernos or the Francés Sector

Un grupo de excursionistas recorre el sendero panorámico entre Las Torres y Los Cuernos con el Macizo del Paine al fondo.
Trail between Los Cuernos and Las Torres

We'll enjoy panoramic views of the towering Cuernos del Paine and pass through valleys, rivers and forests, making this a very scenic route. This trek is considered moderate in difficulty. The trail is well marked and has no major elevation changes, but some sections of uneven, rocky terrain require attention and good balance. Adequate physical condition and basic hiking experience are important.

Shared bunk beds inside a cozy wooden dormitory at Refugio Los Cuernos.
Los Cuernos Shelter, Cabins and Campground

Depending on availability, you'll stay here or at the nearby campsite, or continue on to Camping y Domos El Francés.

Cabañas rústicas de madera y el albergue principal del Refugio Los Cuernos se encuentran escondidos bajo los enormes picos de granito.
Trail between Italiano Sector and Los Cuernos

This trail connects the Italian Camp, the gateway to the beautiful French Valley with the Los Cuernos camp area, which

Day 3: French Valley and Paine Grande

El exuberante y profundo cañón del Valle Francés está rodeado de imponentes picos y campos de hielo.
Optional hike through the French Valley to the Británico Lookout

Enjoy this 3.7-km round-trip route near Torres del Paine, Magallanes. It is generally considered a difficult trail. It is a

A high-altitude view from the heart of the French Valley at Mirador Británico, surrounded by massive granite walls.
Británico Viewpoint

From the lookout you get a panoramic view of the different summits of the Paine massif. From here you descend along the same trail to the Italiano sector.

El sendero panorámico que conecta el refugio Paine Grande con el camping Italiano atraviesa llanuras abiertas y bosques.
Trail between Sector Italiano and Sector Paine Grande

We'll enjoy panoramic views of the Cuernos del Paine as we move away from them. We'll also pass by Lake Nordenskjöld and walk along its shores, with wide views of the surrounding landscape. The trek takes an average of 4 to 6 hours, depending on your pace and the stops you make along the way.

Modern mountain lodge architecture at Refugio Paine Grande under a clear sky in the Chilean Patagonia.
Overnight at the refugio or nearby campsite

The shelter is located on the banks of the Pehoé Lake in the area of the old shelter Pehoé, off

Day 4: Paine Grande to the Grey Sector

La ruta de senderismo entre Grey y Paine Grande ofrece vistas panorámicas del valle glaciar.
Trail between Grey Sector and Paine Grande Sector

A day of moderate physical demand, with 4 to 4.5 hours of hiking (approx. 11 km). The route includes stretches with moderate elevation changes and uneven trails, including sections exposed to the wind. You can keep a good pace while enjoying views of Grey Glacier and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The trek from Paine Grande to the Grey Lookout covers approximately 22 kilometers round trip. It takes an average of 8 to 10 hours, depending on your pace and the stops you make along the way.

The warm and welcoming common area at Refugio Grey with wooden tables and local decor.
Overnight at the refugio or nearby campsite

This shelter is few minutes away from the glacier Grey, which emerges from the Southern Ice Fields. It is on

Day 5: Grey, Pehoé and Puerto Natales

La ruta de senderismo entre Grey y Paine Grande ofrece vistas panorámicas del valle glaciar.
Trail between Grey Sector and Paine Grande Sector

Discover this 22.2-km round-trip route near Torres del Paine, Magallanes. It is generally considered a difficult route, taking an average

El catamarán cruza las aguas turquesas del lago Pehoé en dirección a Paine Grande.
Lake Pehoé Crossing

At 18:35 you take the catamaran that will bring you back to Pudeto.

A Bus Sur shuttle arriving at the Laguna Amarga entrance of Torres del Paine.
Bus from Pudeto to the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal

From Pudeto, board the regular bus to Puerto Natales. The approximate arrival time in Natales is 21:30

Un vehículo de Bus Sur circulando por una carretera panorámica en la región de Torres del Paine.
Back at the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal

Frequently Asked Questions

It's a moderate-to-high intensity trek, recommended for people in good physical shape with basic experience on long hikes. Some days can involve several hours of walking, with elevation changes, uneven trails, wind and shifting weather.

You don't need to be an expert, but you do need good physical fitness, be used to walking for several hours and prepare ahead of time. This program isn't recommended for sedentary people or for anyone with recent injuries who hasn't had a prior medical evaluation.

The season runs from October to April, when there are more daylight hours, more services available and better overall trekking conditions. In winter the landscape is striking, but there are more restrictions and harsher weather, and some sections may require an authorized guide or be closed depending on conditions.

We recommend technical clothing in layers, a waterproof jacket, broken-in trekking boots, a hat, gloves, sunscreen, a water bottle, snacks, a headlamp, personal documents and a comfortable backpack. Patagonian weather can change several times a day.

Yes. The Classic W Circuit includes the entrance to Torres del Paine National Park, so you don't need to buy it separately.

Our team will arrange this access as part of the program coordination, based on your travel dates and the information required for the booking.
Even so, you'll need to show your ID card or passport when entering the park, since access is personal and non-transferable and may be requested at the gate along with your program documents.

Reviews

Lucy Jan 21, 2026

"W circuit was a lifetime experience. Good facilities at Central/Cuernos. Negative: Inefficient meal organization at PaineGrey, cold food, and poor water pressure in showers."

Bahadır Mar 10, 2025

"Saw an avalanche at Mirador del Frances. Nothing negative."

Stefano Feb 5, 2025

"Organization and schedule were excellent."

Maartje Dec 12, 2024

"Beautiful miradores and great hiking. Two of the lunch sandwiches were not very tasty (lacked salt/spiciness)."

Included

  • Round Trip Bus Tickets Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine
    Round trip in regular shared service without a guide.
  • Shared transfer between Laguna Armaga and Sector Las Torres
  • 1 night accommodation in Central Sector
    Camping includes: tent and mountain sleeping bag and insulating mat. Shelter includes: armed bed or single bed (with sleeping bag).
  • 1 night in French Sector or Cuernos
    (Depending on availability) Camping includes: tent and mountain sleeping bag and insulating mat. Shelter includes: armed bed or single bed (with sleeping bag).
  • 1 night in Sector Paine Grande
    Camping includes: tent and mountain sleeping bag and insulating mat. Shelter includes: armed bed or single bed (with sleeping bag).
  • 1 night in Sector Grey
    Camping includes: tent and mountain sleeping bag and insulating mat. Shelter includes: armed bed or single bed (with sleeping bag).
  • Ticket for W circuit trails
    • Typical duration: 4 to 5 days. • Type of visit: Multi-day trek through the park's main valleys. • Areas included: Base Torres, Valle del Francés, Paine Grande, Grey Glacier. • Permitted activities: Long-distance trekking and overnight stays in refuges or campsites. • Key requirement: Confirmed accommodation reservations within the park. • Recommended profile: Trekkers with intermediate experience and prior planning.
  • Full board (breakfast, box lunch, and dinner)
  • Expert advice and coordination
    Personalized guidance and coordination of your experience via phone, email, webchat, WhatsApp, and scheduled video calls.
  • Booking Fee – Reservation Management
    Included in the final price. This fee covers the administrative expenses associated with managing and confirming the reservation, processing payments, and coordinating the service with local operators.

General Conditions

RESTRICTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

  • This program is not recommended for children under 10 years old.
  • Travelers over 70 years old must present a medical certificate confirming a physical condition suited to the program's activities, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.
  • Travelers must be able to carry their own personal belongings for the duration of the program.
  • We recommend using a 40-liter backpack.
  • We offer luggage storage in Puerto Natales for those who wish to leave their bags behind.

Pricing

Per Person Price for Chileans and Residents Price for non-resident Foreigners
Refugio CL$ 2 045 500 US$ 1 214
Camping CL$ 1 687 500 US$ 1 159

Commercial Conditions

Cancellation Policies

  • Cancellations with 91 days or more before the service date: 90% refund.
  • Cancellations between 90 and 71 days before the service date: 80% refund.
  • Cancellations with 70 days or less before the service date are not eligible for a refund.

Other Conditions

  • For groups of more than 15 people, special conditions may apply regarding deposit amounts, cancellation deadlines and refund percentages. These conditions will be communicated in advance at the time of booking and defined case by case according to the characteristics of the group.

Our apply on everything not mentioned before.

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Accommodations

Bright and welcoming lobby area of Hotel Alcazar with contemporary furniture.
Alcazar Natales Hostal

They are located just 2 blocks from the natales bus station. They have been in Puerto Natales since 2004. They

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