CIRCUIT W

The W, which is the most famous and popular trek, takes in the valley leading to the foot of the Torres, then the Valle del Francés and finally along Grey Lake towards the glacier of the same name, returning to the park administration... or vice versa. In fact, the trek can be made in either direction, but the west-east route (from the park administration) is generally considered easier. The walk along Grey Lake is less demanding than the ascent to the Torres viewpoint, which requires a more sustained effort. However, the panoramas are often more spectacular in the east-west direction, especially the views of the Cuernos... The W circuit can be completed in four days for good walkers, or five days for hikers at a steady pace who want to take full advantage of the joy of early mornings in nature.

Practical tips and safety measures: make sure you're in good physical condition and have the right equipment for the hike. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so be prepared. As far as accommodation is concerned, campsites can fill up quickly during the high season (October to April), so we advise you to book in advance. Also be aware that rivers and streams in the park often offer drinking water, so bring a water bottle, flask or filtration system to replenish your water supply. Stay on the marked trails to avoid getting lost and preserve the environment. Beacons and information panels are there to guide you. Finally, always follow the park rangers' safety instructions: as a reminder, the use of fire or heat sources is forbidden within the park. In case of emergency, the number for contacting the park rangers is 133, who can help you in the event of an accident or other critical situation.

On the first day, from the Las Torres hotel, it takes around 3.5 hours to climb to the Las Torres campground, a strategic resting point at the foot of the mountains. From here, it takes another 30-45 minutes to reach the ultimate reward: the deep-blue lagoon at the foot of the majestic Torres del Paine. The climb is demanding and requires good stamina, with a gradient that gradually offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. That said, it's much more convenient to climb up and down on the same day. Don't be fooled into thinking that the campsites at the top are necessarily less crowded than those at the bottom: plenty of nice hikers will have the same idea as you, and by avoiding the crowds, you run the risk of finding them again.

On the second day, you have two accommodation options: the Los Cuernos camp, for a fee, offers a good level of comfort, or the Italiano camp, free of charge, blends more into the park's wilderness setting, giving the impression of total immersion in nature. The hike offers magnificent views and is a good way to prepare for the Valle del Francés. The day's hike takes you along the turquoise shores of Lake Nordenskjöld, whose intense color contrasts magnificently with the gray and white of the surrounding peaks. The trail winds through meadows and lenga forests, offering panoramic views of the majestic Cuernos del Paine.

The third day, devoted to exploring the Valle del Francés, is often considered one of the most magical moments of the adventure. Leave your belongings at Camp Italiano and prepare for an ascent into wildly beautiful landscapes, marked by towering rock formations, hanging glaciers and lush forests lining the trail. Come back down and sleep in the same spot. That said, if you slept the first night at the Hotel Las Torres campsite, you'll have had time the day before to reach the Italiano campground in the early afternoon and visit the valley until sunset. Lovers of wide-open spaces and solitude will spend the night at Campement Británico.

On the fourth day, departing from Campement Italiano, the itinerary takes you to the Grey refuge and camp, an enchanting site on the shores of Grey Lake. With around five hours' walking ahead of you, you'll pass by the Cerro Paine Lodge, a possible stopover for those wishing to rest before resuming their journey. The afternoon is perfect for strolling around the glacier and admiring its colors.

The fifth day marks the end of your trek on the W circuit. You'll start by returning to the Paine Grande Lodge, either along the magnificent panoramas that border Grey Lake, or by opting for a catamaran shuttle, depending on your mood and energy. If you opt for the catamaran crossing to the Pudeto hut, enjoy the exceptional view of the mountains overlooking Lake Pehoe - an ideal moment to capture the last memories of this wild and grandiose setting. For those who prefer to continue walking, one option is to continue to the park administration. This final trail, although less steep, still requires a good deal of stamina. Remember to check bus schedules for your return. Early departure from Grey Camp is recommended to avoid rushing.