Torres del Paine 5-Day W Circuit Hike Without a Guide

W Circuit

Day 1 (21 kilometers/13 miles)

Welcome to Puerto Natales! At the scheduled time, we’ll pick you up at the Bus Terminal and, from there, begin a 1.5-hour journey to Laguna Amarga, one of the main natural areas of Torres del Paine National Park.

Once we arrive, we’ll take a minibus to the Torres del Paine National Park Welcome Center. There, we’ll give you 5 picnic lunches, one for each day. We’ll also provide all the necessary information so you can enjoy the W Circuit independently. This is the most famous hiking route in Torres del Paine, named after the W shape formed by its trails.

On this first day, you’ll hike a total of 21 kilometers (13 miles) to the Base of the Towers viewpoint. The route ends at a mountain refuge, where dinner and accommodation are included.

Day 2 (13–15 kilometers/8–9.3 miles)

After breakfast at the refuge, you’ll continue along the W Circuit. Today’s hike covers between 13-15 kilometers (8–9.3 miles). The first section heads toward the Cuernos del Paine, a mountain ridge known for its steep peaks.

You can stop here for lunch and then continue toward Lake Nordenskjöld. On its shore, you’ll find the refuge where you’ll have dinner and spend the night.

Day 3 (16 kilometers/9.9 miles)

The third day begins with breakfast at the camp. Get ready for the 16-kilometer (9.9-mile) hike ahead. Today’s route takes you through one of the most beautiful areas of Chilean Patagonia.

The W Circuit trail leads to the French Valley viewpoint, one of the most impressive spots in Torres del Paine National Park. From there, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Lakes Nordenskjöld and Pehoé.

We recommend taking your picnic break at the viewpoint. After lunch, you can continue to the campsite where you stayed on the first night, where dinner will be waiting.

Day 4 (16 kilometers/9.9 miles)

After breakfast at the camp, you’ll be ready for the 16-kilometer (9.9-mile) hike of the day. This time, the route takes you to Grey Glacier, located in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

You can have lunch in this area and then continue to the Grey Lake refuge, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night.

Day 5 (11 kilometers/6.8 miles)

After breakfast at the refuge, you’ll complete this 5-day hike through Torres del Paine, heading toward Lake Pehoé. From its shore, you’ll need to take a catamaran on your own to Estancia Pudeto. From there, we’ll transfer you to the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal, where arrival is scheduled for 9 pm.

Accommodation & Meals

This activity includes 4 nights of accommodation in the following mountain refuges:

• Days 1 & 3: Vértice Paine Grande Refuge & Campsite or similar
• Day 2: Los Cuernos Refuge or Francés Campsite
• Day 4: Vértice Grey Refuge & Campsite or similar

In all cases, sleeping bags are provided.

As for meals, breakfasts and dinners are included at the listed camps and refuges, while lunches are provided as picnic meals.

W Circuit with Guide

If you prefer to follow the itinerary with someone guiding you along the different routes, we recommend booking this 5-day hiking route in Torres del Paine National Park with a guide.