The W Trek is 4–5 days and about 71 km (44 mi), covering the park's three iconic valleys — the base of the Towers, the French Valley and Grey Glacier. The O Circuit is 7–9 days and about 110 km (68 mi): it includes everything the W does, then loops the remote back side of the massif over the John Gardner Pass with a stunning high view of Grey Glacier. Choose the W for the highlights in less time; choose the O for solitude and the full circuit.
| Factor | W Trek | O Circuit | | Distance | ~71 km (44 mi) | ~110 km (68 mi) | | Duration | 4–5 days | 7–9 days | | Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate–Hard | | Crowds | High | Low on the back side | | Direction | Both ways | Counter-clockwise only | | Unique highlight | French Valley, Towers | John Gardner Pass, Grey from above |
A typical west-to-east W runs: Grey Glacier → French Valley (Mirador Británico) → the base of the Towers, with daily elevation gains of roughly 500–800 m. It's moderate: good fitness helps, but no technical skills are required. The hardest day is usually the French Valley ascent.
The O adds the wild northern back side first (Seron, Dickson, Los Perros) before crossing Paso John Gardner (~1,200 m) — the trip's crux — and descending along Grey Glacier to join the W. It's a true circuit: more remote, fewer people, more weather exposure.
Beds and campsites are run by two concessionaires and sell out months ahead for December–February. Book early and in sequence so each night's stop lines up with your route. [COMPLETAR: refugios que DYT reserva + anticipación real.]
Refugio-based trips cost far more than camping; budget for the park entrance (~$35 USD for foreigners), the Puerto Natales bus (~$20 round trip), beds (~$80–120/night) or campsites, and meals. See our full Torres del Paine cost breakdown.
Take the W if you're short on time, newer to multi-day trekking, or want the icons. Take the O if you're fit, have 7+ days, and crave solitude and the back-side scenery.
Plan your W or O with local expert guides — talk to our team.
Yes if you want solitude and the full Patagonia experience. The back side (Paso John Gardner and Grey Glacier from above) is spectacular and far quieter than the W.
Moderate. About 71 km over 4–5 days with daily elevation gains of 500–800 m. Good fitness is recommended, but no technical skills are needed.
Four to six months in advance for December–February. March and November are easier to book closer to your dates.