W Trek – The Adventure Day by Day
Where to start?
The dynamics of the W Circuit are quite simple. The tour can start both in the Central Sector and in Paine Grande, depending on whether you decide to do it in an east-west direction (starting at the Torres Base) or in a west-east direction (starting with the Grey Glacier). I opted for the first option, the most common, and it is the one I will explain in detail. The experience itself does not vary significantly from one way to the other, as you walk the same trails and appreciate the same landscapes. The only difference may be in the slopes and availability of shelter or camp accommodations at the time of booking.
The adventure, day by day
Day 1: Central Sector – Base of the Towers
The first day begins with a 20 km circular circuit, with a positive slope of 1200 meters. After leaving the backpacks at the shelter or camp, the challenge begins. This trail, in addition to being part of the W circuit, is accessible to people who go to the park for the day or are staying in hotels within the park as well. Rivers, forests and valleys accompany the journey, until the last section, on rocky terrain, leads to the lagoon with the famous viewpoint of the Towers. It is a demanding ascent, but the satisfaction of arriving and visual reward is incomparable.
Day 2: Central Sector – Cuernos Sector (or French)
After an energetic breakfast, you will set off with your backpacks for a 13 km route with 386 meters of positive elevation gain. This is where the real adventure begins, as the trail is less traveled and quieter.
During the journey, you skirt Lake Nordenskjöld, and little by little you begin to see the French Glacier, whose detachments resonate like thunder. As this day’s route is short, I recommend taking the opportunity to sleep a little more, have breakfast in the second shift and take it easy.
The box lunch can be enjoyed both on the way to Cuernos/Francés, and once you arrive and why not? with a beer from the bar. If you are staying in the Cuernos sector, you can descend to a beach on the lake to sit and relax with the view.
Day 3: Cuernos (or Francés) Sector – Paine Grande Sector
This is one of the most intense days, with a route of 25 km and a positive slope of 887 meters. At dawn, the French glacier is dyed pink with the first rays of sunshine, a spectacle worthy of several photos. After walking the first 5 kilometers on the shore of the lake, the first stop is the Italian Camp, where you leave your backpacks to begin the constant ascent to the French and British viewpoints.
The views are breathtaking, especially from the British viewpoint, where you can enjoy lunch with a 360º view of mountain peaks. Then, you descend to retrieve the backpacks and continue 7.5km to the final destination: Paine Grande. During this last journey you will see two other lakes: Skottsberg and Pehoé. Dinners at Paine Grande are buffet, excellent to take advantage of eating and recover energy after the intense day.
Day 4: Paine Grande Sector – Grey Sector (and Hanging Bridges)
On the fourth day you hike to the Grey Sector, with the option to extend the tour to the glacier viewpoints and hanging bridges, which adds adrenaline to the experience. This day can have a route of 11 or 20 km and a positive slope of 350 or 800m. The initial 11km route includes some steep ascents and descents. You arrive at the Grey refuge/campsite where you can leave your backpacks to continue the adventure to the 3 hanging bridges and viewpoints of the Grey Glacier.
Pay attention to the trails in this sector, it is possible to get lost, although it is easy to return. The views of the glacier are getting better and better and the experience of crossing the hanging bridges fills the body with adrenaline and fun.
Day 5: Return to Paine Grande
The last day of the circuit involves returning to Paine Grande along the same trail traveled the day before, thus completing the 90 km of the W Circuit. If the suspension bridges were not made the day before, there is also the possibility of doing them in the morning before starting the return. This 11 km stretch allows one last look at the Patagonian landscapes before boarding the navigation that takes you to Pudeto station, from where buses return to Puerto Natales.
Final conclusions
The W Circuit in Torres del Paine is much more than just a hike. It is a transformative experience, filled with majestic landscapes, physical challenges, and a deep connection to nature. Despite my lack of trekking experience, I found that with good fitness and an open mind, it is possible to fully enjoy this adventure.
Different types of accommodation, from comfortable retreats to camps under the stars, allow you to customize the experience according to each traveler’s preferences. Every day on the circuit offers a new opportunity to marvel at the natural beauty and push your limits.
In the end, one returns home with indelible memories, a sense of accomplishment, and immense gratitude for having explored one of the most breathtaking places on the planet. Undoubtedly, the W Circuit in Torres del Paine leaves an indelible mark on those who dare to travel it.