Torres del Paine is Chilean Patagonia's flagship trek, built around two classic routes: the W Trek (71 km / 44 mi, 4–5 days) covering the Towers, French Valley and Grey Glacier, and the O Circuit (110 km / 68 mi, 7–9 days) which loops the whole massif. The season runs October–April, the park entrance is about $35 USD for foreigners, and refugios and campsites must be booked months ahead for the December–February peak. This guide pulls the whole plan together.
Take the W for the highlights in less time and the O for solitude and the remote back side over John Gardner Pass. Full comparison in our W Trek vs O Circuit guide.
We guide both: the 7-day W Trek and the 9-day O Circuit.
October–April is trekking season; December–February is warmest, longest-day and busiest; November and March are the sweet spot for good weather with fewer people. Expect wind and four seasons in a day regardless — details in our best time to visit guide.
Plan $800–3,000 USD for a W Trek depending on camping vs refugios, plus the park fee, the Puerto Natales bus (~$20 round trip) and the Grey catamaran.
Entry requires a park ticket, and every night on trail needs a booked refugio or campsite — run by two concessionaires and sold out early in peak season. Book your nights in route order before anything else.
Both the W and O Circuits follow well-marked trails, but each hiking day is long and often takes a full day to complete. Patagonia's weather is unpredictable, with strong winds, cold temperatures, and rapidly changing conditions that require proper preparation and experience. On the O Circuit, crossing John Gardner Pass is one of the most demanding sections, where hiring a guide is highly recommended for added safety and confidence.
Fly Santiago → Punta Arenas (~3.5 h), bus/transfer to Puerto Natales (~3 h), then ~1.5 h into the park. Most travelers overnight in Puerto Natales to sort gear and food.
The Patagonia layer system — base, mid, and a waterproof, windproof shell — plus waterproof boots and a sleeping bag rated to −5 to −10 °C. Full list in our Patagonia packing guide.
Plan your Torres del Paine trek with local expert guides — talk to our team.
The W Trek takes 4–5 days and the O Circuit 7–9 days. Add travel days to and from Puerto Natales on either side.
Not for the W Trek, which is well-marked and refugio-supported. A guide adds the most value on the O Circuit, in shoulder season, or for first-time Patagonia trekkers.
October–April, with December–February warmest and busiest and November/March offering good weather with fewer crowds.
Roughly $800–3,000 USD for a W Trek depending on camping vs refugios, plus the ~$35 USD park entrance and transport.