Hike the Classic W Circuit, Torres del Paine’s most iconic trekking route and one of Patagonia’s most renowned experiences.
Over the course of 5 days, you’ll explore some of the park’s most breathtaking landscapes, including Base Torres, the French Valley, and the Grey Glacier, hiking through mountains, turquoise lakes, forests, and glaciers.
This self-guided program combines adventure, nature, and organized logistics—including lodging, meals, and transportation—allowing you to enjoy the trek at your own pace while discovering the park’s main highlights.
Unlike shorter versions such as the W Express, the W Classic Circuit allows you to enjoy each stage at a more leisurely pace with a more balanced distribution of the hikes.
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Total distance: 80–85 km
Fitness level: Moderate – High
Type: Self-guided
Recommended minimum age: 10 years
Due to high demand for shelters and campsites within the park, especially between November and March, we recommend booking in advance.
You can secure your spot with a deposit, subject to availability.
Schedule
Loss: 977 meters

Check-In at the Puerto Natales Bus Station
After breakfast at the hotel, you must go to the bus terminal to take the 7:00 am bus (we recommend being at least 10 minutes before the departure) to go towards the Torres del Paine National Park.

Transfer from the Puerto Natales Bus Station to Portería Laguna Amarga
You will travel through beautiful landscapes until you reach the main entrance, Laguna Amarga, where it is necessary to register with CONAF (park rangers).

Transfer to Sector Las Torres
Here you transfer with “Transporte Las Torres”, who will take you to the Welcome Center. You register at the Cerro Paine Reserve and, after about 5 minutes of walking, you will arrive at Torre Central where you must check in, either at the shelter or at the campsite, before starting your trekking.

Hiking trip to Las Torres Base
Trekking to the Base of the Torres is one of the most popular and exciting routes in the Torres del Paine National Park. This trek is considered medium to high difficulty. Although the trail is well defined, it features steep sections and uneven terrain that requires a certain level of physical fitness and hiking experience. The last section of the climb is especially challenging, with a steep climb over loose rocks.

Cafeteria and Minimarket
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.

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

At the end of the journey, we will enjoy impressive views of the Torres del Paine, a set of three granite peaks that rise majestically above a glacial lake. It is a spectacular landscape and one of the iconic points of the park.

Return along the same path 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.
Loss: 432 meters

We’ll enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Cuernos del Paine and pass through beautiful valleys, rivers, and forests, making for a very scenic journey.

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

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
Loss: 571 meters

Optional hike through the French Valley to the British Viewpoint
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

From the Mirador you have a panoramic view of the different peaks of the Paine massif. From this place we descend along the same path to the Italian sector.

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

Accommodation at the shelter or 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
Loss: 940 meters

During the trek to Mirador Gray, we will obtain panoramic views of the imposing Gray Glacier, one of the most outstanding attractions of the park. Additionally, we will walk along the shoreline of Gray Lake, with spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The trek from Paine Grande to Mirador Gray has an approximate distance of 22 kilometers round trip. The average duration of the trek is 8 to 10 hours, depending on the pace and the stops you make along the way.

Accommodation in a shelter or 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
Loss: 374 meters

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

Pehoe Lake Navigation
At 6:35 p.m. you must take the catamaran that will take you back to Pudeto.

Bus from Pudeto to the Puerto Natales Rodoviario
From Pudeto you must board the regular bus to Puerto Natales. Approximate time of arrival in Natales It's 9:30 p.m.

Back on the Puerto Natales Bus Station
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
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Reviews
Mar 10, 2025
"Saw an avalanche at Mirador del Frances. Nothing negative."
Feb 5, 2025
"Organization and schedule were excellent."
Dec 12, 2024
"Beautiful miradores and great hiking. Two of the lunch sandwiches were not very tasty (lacked salt/spiciness)."
Included
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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
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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)
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Expert advice and coordination
Personalized guidance and coordination of your experience via phone, email, webchat, WhatsApp, and scheduled video calls. -
Booking Fee – Reservation Management
Administrative costs associated with managing and confirming your reservation, including payment processing and coordinating services with local operators.
Not Included
- Medical, accident or travel insurance
General Conditions
Restrictions and Recommendations
- This program is not recommended for children under 10 years of age.
- Passengers over 70 years old must present a medical certificate stating they are in adequate physical condition for the program's activities, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.
- Passengers must be able to carry their personal belongings for the duration of the program.
- We recommend the use of 40 liter backpacks.
- We offer custody in Puerto Natales for those who wish to leave their luggage.
Recommendations for Trekking
- Bring extra clothes inside the dry bag (socks, first layer, quick-drying pants).
- Use of backpacks to transport food and the aforementioned elements. (One backpack per passenger with a minimum capacity of 15 liters is recommended).
- Inform physical condition at the time of carrying out the activity (recent fractures or injuries, allergies, recent or ongoing medical treatments, drug dependence, etc.).
Pricing
| Per Person | Price for Chileans and Residents | Price for non-resident Foreigners |
|---|---|---|
| Camping in Single | CL$ 1 499 000 | US$ 2 277 |
| Camping in Double | CL$ 1 123 000 | US$ 1 707 |
| Refuge | CL$ 1 176 000 | US$ 2 070 |
Commercial Conditions
Cancellation Policies
- Cancellations with 91 days or more before arrival: 90% refund.
- Cancellations between 90 and 71 days before arrival: 80% refund.
- Cancellations with 70 days or less before arrival are not eligible for a refund.
Other Conditions
- For groups of more than 15 people, special conditions may apply regarding payment amounts, cancellation deadlines, and refund percentages. These conditions will be communicated in advance at the time of booking and will be defined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the characteristics of the group.
Our apply on everything not mentioned before.
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Classic W Circuit Trek
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Frequently Asked Questions
The W Classic Circuit lasts 5 days and 4 nights. During the program, travelers visit the main highlights of the W Circuit inside Torres del Paine National Park, including Base Torres, the French Valley, Paine Grande and Grey Glacier.
The duration of the circuit is defined by the program itinerary and the logistics of accommodation, transfers and hikes inside the park.
This program visits the main highlights of the W Circuit: Base Torres, the French Valley, Paine Grande and Grey Glacier. Along the route, travelers experience mountain trails, lakes, forests, viewpoints and some of the most iconic landscapes of the Paine Massif.
The W Classic Circuit has a medium to high physical difficulty level. It is recommended for travelers in good physical condition who are used to walking for several hours on mountain trails. Some days include long hikes, uneven terrain, elevation gain and changing weather conditions.
You do not need to be an expert trekker, but it is important to have a good level of fitness and be prepared for several hours of walking each day. Previous experience in long hikes or mountain trails is recommended, especially to enjoy the circuit safely and comfortably.
The W Classic Circuit can be done in a self-guided or guided format, depending on the selected program, travel date and park conditions.
During the winter season, from April 27 to August 30, CONAF requires visitors to be accompanied by an authorized guide for activities on the W Circuit and the Base Torres trail. This measure is intended to improve visitor safety during a season with more demanding weather conditions, fewer daylight hours and possible trail restrictions.
The most popular season is from October to April, when there are more daylight hours, greater availability of services and better general conditions for trekking.
During winter, the landscape is especially beautiful and less crowded, but weather conditions are more demanding and some routes may require an authorized guide or be subject to operational restrictions.
Yes. The W Circuit requires confirmed accommodation inside the park, either in refuges, campsites or other available options depending on the program.
During high season, availability can sell out months in advance, so early booking is strongly recommended.
Yes. The W Classic Circuit includes the entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park, so you do not need to purchase it separately.
Our team will manage this access as part of the program coordination, according to your travel dates and the required booking information. At the park entrance, you must carry your passport or identity document, as the ticket is personal and may be requested at the entrance gate.
We recommend bringing layered technical clothing, a waterproof jacket, trekking shoes that have already been worn, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, personal documents, snacks, a headlamp and a comfortable backpack.
Weather in Patagonia can change several times during the day, so proper equipment is essential.
Cell phone signal is limited or unavailable in many areas of the circuit. We recommend downloading your itinerary, maps, vouchers and important documents before entering the park.
It is also important to inform someone about your route and follow the instructions provided by the program, park rangers and/or authorized guides.
No. Free camping is not allowed inside Torres del Paine National Park. Overnight stays are only permitted in authorized areas and with confirmed reservations.
Camping outside designated campsites or making fire inside the park is strictly prohibited.
Weather in Torres del Paine is variable and can change quickly. The program usually operates with moderate rain, wind or cold, as long as conditions allow visitors to walk safely on the authorized trails.
In case of severe weather, such as strong winds, snow, ice, heavy rain, poor visibility or preventive trail closures, some sections of the itinerary may be modified, delayed or suspended for safety reasons.
In all cases, the final decision will depend on park conditions and the instructions of the local operator, authorized guides and/or park rangers. Passenger safety is always the priority.
"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."