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  • Trekking

  • Accommodation

  • Self-Guided

  • Transfers

  • Boat Transfer

  • Meals

Walk one of Patagonia's most emblematic trekking routes along the Classic W Circuit in Torres del Paine.

Over 5 days and 4 nights you'll hike through some of the park's most striking landscapes, visiting its three main highlights: the Base of the Towers viewpoint, 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, letting you move at your own pace with the logistics already arranged.

Compared with shorter programs, the Classic W Circuit offers a more balanced distribution of the hikes and more time to enjoy each sector of the park.

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Total distance: between 80 and 85 km

Limited spaces: we recommend booking in advance to secure availability.

Physical Demand
medium high
Physically demanding activity, with hikes of between 6 and 10 hours per day. It includes demanding sections such as the ascent to Base Torres and the French Valley. Good physical condition 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 is not a program for beginners without physical preparation.

Itinerary

Days Physical Demand
High
Demanding hike of 8 to 10 hours (21 km), with climbs and a steep final stretch over rocky terrain. Requires good physical condition.
Duration of Activities
5.5 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
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 the hotel, head to the bus terminal to catch the 7:00 am bus (we recommend arriving at least 10 minutes before departure) heading toward Torres del Paine National Park.

Un vehículo de Bus Sur circulando por una carretera panorámica en la región de Torres del Paine.
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 will travel through beautiful landscapes until you reach the main entrance, Laguna Amarga, where you need to register with CONAF (park rangers).

A Bus Sur shuttle arriving at the Laguna Amarga entrance of Torres del Paine.
Un pequeño minibús que transporta a los excursionistas entre la Laguna Amarga y el sector de Las Torres.
Transfer to Las Torres Sector

Here you change vehicles with “Transporte Las Torres”, who will take you to the Welcome Center. You register at Reserva Cerro Paine and, after about a 5-minute walk, you reach Torre Central where you check in, either at the refuge or the campsite, before starting your trek.

Un pequeño minibús que transporta a los excursionistas entre la Laguna Amarga y el sector de Las Torres.
Un estrecho sendero de montaña que atraviesa el bosque de lenga en el valle del Ascencio.
Departure for the hike to Base Las Torres

The trek to the Base of the Towers is one of the most popular and exciting routes in Torres del Paine National Park. This trek is considered medium to high difficulty. Although the trail is well defined, it has steep stretches and uneven terrain that require a certain level of physical fitness and hiking experience. The final section of the ascent is especially challenging, with a steep climb over loose rocks.

Un estrecho sendero de montaña que atraviesa el bosque de lenga en el valle del Ascencio.
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, is the perfect place to stay if your objective is to admire the Sunrise colours reflected on the towers. From this Refugio you may get to Las Torres Area or Refugio Los Cuernos.

La entrada principal y el pórtico del Refugio El Chileno, un lugar de descanso popular para los excursionistas de la ruta W.
The winding dirt path of the Chileno trail climbing through the Ascencio Valley toward the granite towers.

Difficulty: Medium - 20 km (8 hours) Initial altitude: 90 meters above sea level Maximum altitude: 870 meters above sea level The hike to Mirador Base Las Torres (or simply Mirador Torres) is one of the most iconic in Chilean Patagonia and probably the most popular within the Torres del Paine National Park. It allows you to have incredible views

The winding dirt path of the Chileno trail climbing through the Ascencio Valley toward the granite towers.
The vertical granite spires of Base de las Torres standing tall against a bright Patagonian sky.

At the end of the route, we will enjoy stunning views of the Torres del Paine, a group of three granite peaks that rise majestically above a glacial lake. It is a spectacular landscape and one of the park's iconic spots.

The vertical granite spires of Base de las Torres standing tall against a bright Patagonian sky.
A shared dormitory room at Refugio Torre Central with sturdy wooden bunk beds and warm blankets.
Return along the same trail and accommodation in Las Torres Sector

Located in Las Torres area at the beginning of the W Circuit. From this place you have access to Base of the Towers trail and then continue to Los Cuernos and French Valley. Access is by the Laguna Amarga entrance to Torres del Paine, from where you may take a minibus that brings visitors to the sector.  

A shared dormitory room at Refugio Torre Central with sturdy wooden bunk beds and warm blankets.

Days Physical Demand
Medium
Day of medium physical demand, with a hike of 4 to 5 hours (approx. 12 to 16 km depending on accommodation). The route features well-marked trails, with slight elevation changes and uneven stretches, running along the shore of Lake Nordenskjöld. Ideal for keeping a steady pace after the demanding day before.
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
Un grupo de excursionistas recorre el sendero panorámico entre Las Torres y Los Cuernos con el Macizo del Paine al fondo.

We will enjoy panoramic views of the imposing Cuernos del Paine and pass through beautiful valleys, rivers and forests, which makes the route very picturesque. This trek is considered medium difficulty. The trail is well marked and has no major elevation changes, but there are sections with uneven, rocky terrain that require attention and good balance. It is important to have adequate physical condition and basic hiking experience.

Un grupo de excursionistas recorre el sendero panorámico entre Las Torres y Los Cuernos con el Macizo del Paine al fondo.
Shared bunk beds inside a cozy wooden dormitory at Refugio Los Cuernos.

Depending on availability, you stay at this place or the nearby campsite, or you continue on to Camping and Domos El Francés.

Shared bunk beds inside a cozy wooden dormitory at Refugio Los Cuernos.
Cabañas rústicas de madera y el albergue principal del Refugio Los Cuernos se encuentran escondidos bajo los enormes picos de granito.

This trail connects the Italian Camp, the gateway to the beautiful French Valley with the Los Cuernos camp area, which receives its name because it is located at the foot of the hills that protrude from the Paine Mountain Range as if they were horns. Also pass by the French camp which has a pleasant restaurant on the shores of

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

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
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 British Lookout

Enjoy this 3.7-km round-trip route near Torres del Paine, Magallanes. It is generally considered a difficult trail. It is a very popular region for hiking, so you are likely to meet other people while you are in the area. One of the most beautiful valleys in the Torres del Paine National Park The French Valley Trek is part of the

El exuberante y profundo cañón del Valle Francés está rodeado de imponentes picos y campos de hielo.
A high-altitude view from the heart of the French Valley at Mirador Británico, surrounded by massive granite walls.

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.

A high-altitude view from the heart of the French Valley at Mirador Británico, surrounded by massive granite walls.
El sendero panorámico que conecta el refugio Paine Grande con el camping Italiano atraviesa llanuras abiertas y bosques.

We will enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Cuernos del Paine as we move away from them. We will also pass by Lake Nordenskjöld and walk along its shores, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The average duration of the trek is 4 to 6 hours, depending on your pace and the stops you make along the way.

El sendero panorámico que conecta el refugio Paine Grande con el camping Italiano atraviesa llanuras abiertas y bosques.
Modern mountain lodge architecture at Refugio Paine Grande under a clear sky in the Chilean Patagonia.
Accommodation at the refuge or the nearby campsite

The shelter is located on the banks of the Pehoé Lake in the area of the old shelter Pehoé, off the south side of Cerro Paine Grande. It is part of the W circuit, and it is the ultimate base camp of Torres del Paine. It is a strategic place in the park, which is only accessible through the lake

Modern mountain lodge architecture at Refugio Paine Grande under a clear sky in the Chilean Patagonia.

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

Day of medium physical demand, with a hike of 4 to 4.5 hours (approx. 11 km). The route features stretches with moderate elevation changes and uneven trails, including sections exposed to the wind. It allows you to move at a good pace while enjoying views of the Grey Glacier and the Southern Ice Field. The trek from Paine Grande to the Grey Lookout covers approximately 22 kilometers round trip. The average duration of the trek is 8 to 10 hours, depending on your pace and the stops you make along the way.

La ruta de senderismo entre Grey y Paine Grande ofrece vistas panorámicas del valle glaciar.
The warm and welcoming common area at Refugio Grey with wooden tables and local decor.
Accommodation at the refuge or the nearby campsite

This shelter is few minutes away from the glacier Grey, which emerges from the Southern Ice Fields. It is on one end of the W trekking circuit, the best known and busiest of Torres del Paine National Park, and you can access it by walking from the Shelter Vértice Paine Grande, in catamaran from the Hosteria Lago Grey or from

The warm and welcoming common area at Refugio Grey with wooden tables and local decor.

Days Physical Demand
Medium
Day of medium physical demand, with a hike of 4 to 4.5 hours (approx. 11 km) from Grey to Paine Grande. The route features trails with low to moderate gradients, ideal for a gradual close to the circuit before the catamaran crossing on 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
La ruta de senderismo entre Grey y Paine Grande ofrece vistas panorámicas del valle glaciar.

Discover this 22.2-km round-trip route near Torres del Paine, Magallanes. It is generally considered a difficult route, taking an average of 6 hours 28 minutes to travel. It is a very popular region for backpacking, camping and hiking, so you are likely to meet other people while you are in the area. The best time to visit this route is

La ruta de senderismo entre Grey y Paine Grande ofrece vistas panorámicas del valle glaciar.
El catamarán cruza las aguas turquesas del lago Pehoé en dirección a Paine Grande.
Lake Pehoé Crossing

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

El catamarán cruza las aguas turquesas del lago Pehoé en dirección a Paine Grande.
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 you board the regular bus bound for Puerto Natales. The approximate arrival time in Natales is 21:30 hrs

A Bus Sur shuttle arriving at the Laguna Amarga entrance of Torres del Paine.
Un vehículo de Bus Sur circulando por una carretera panorámica en la región de Torres del Paine.
Back at the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal

When you are at the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal, remember to take care of your belongings, especially during busy times. Pay attention to bus arrivals, as most terminals do not provide real-time arrival information. Several bus companies, such as Buses Pacheco, Bus Sur, Buses María José, Buses Fernández, and Buses Cootra, operate from this terminal. The terminal also offers several

Un vehículo de Bus Sur circulando por una carretera panorámica en la región de Torres del Paine.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a medium to high difficulty trek, recommended for people in good physical condition with basic experience in long hikes. Some days can involve several hours of walking and include elevation gain, uneven trails, wind and changing weather.

You don't need to be an expert, but it is important to be in good physical shape, be used to walking for several hours and prepare in advance. The program is not recommended for people with a sedentary lifestyle or with recent injuries without a prior evaluation.

The season runs from October to April, when there are more daylight hours, greater availability of services and better overall conditions for trekking. In winter the landscape is very appealing, but there are more restrictions, more demanding weather, and some sectors may require an authorized guide or be closed depending on conditions.

We recommend bringing technical clothing in layers, a waterproof jacket, trekking boots you have already broken in, a hat, gloves, sunscreen, a water bottle, snacks, a headlamp, personal documents and a comfortable backpack. The weather in Patagonia can change several times during the 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, according to your travel dates and the information required for the booking.
Even so, when entering the park you will need to present your ID or passport, since access is personal and non-transferable and may be requested at the entrance gate along with the program documentation.

Reviews

Lucy ec 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 tr Mar 10, 2025

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

Stefano it Feb 5, 2025

"Organization and schedule were excellent."

Maartje nl 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.
  • Passengers over 70 years old must present a medical certificate confirming a physical condition compatible with the program's activities, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.
  • Passengers must be able to carry their personal belongings throughout the program.
  • We recommend using 40-litre backpacks.
  • 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
Camping en Single CL$ 1 499 000 US$ 2 277
Camping en Doble CL$ 1 123 000 US$ 1 707
Refugio CL$ 1 176 000 US$ 2 070

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 group's characteristics.

Our apply on everything not mentioned before.

Request with GreatChile

Classic W Circuit
4.6/5 (12 reviews)
per person, from
US$ 1 707

    During the booking process we will request the following data per traveler: Full Name, Gender, Birth Date, Nationality, Passport Number, Phone Number, Allergies.

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