What the W route is
The W route circles the main massif of the national park in the shape of the letter W. Total length about 80 km, moderate elevation gain. Most tourists complete it in 4–5 days.
Start — at the Pudeto ferry or at Hotel Las Torres. End — at the national park entrance from the Puerto Natales side.
Three main points of the route
Mirador Las Torres — the final goal of most trekkers. Three granite towers up to 2,850 m above sea level, vertical walls up to 1,500 m. Climb from camp — 2–3 h.
Valle del Francés — the wildest section. Snowy peaks, hanging glaciers, constant rumble of ice. Out and back: 6–8 h.
Glaciar Grey — a glacier flowing into the lake of the same name. You can walk there or take a catamaran.
How to get there
From Ushuaia: flight Ushuaia → Punta Arenas or Punta Arenas → Puerto Natales. Transfer Punta Arenas → Puerto Natales: $290 (bus or transport). Then bus Puerto Natales → national park or transfer.
From Puerto Natales: 112 km to the park, ~2 h. Transfer Puerto Natales → Torres del Paine: $350.
Camping vs Refugio
Camping: own tent or rental. Spots booked through operators Vertice Patagonia and Las Torres — in season (November–March) sold out months in advance.
Refugio: mountain huts with beds, dinner and breakfast. Cost ~$120–180/night.
Practical data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| W route length | ~80 km |
| Duration | 4–5 days |
| Park entry ticket | $35/person |
| Transfer Puerto Natales ↔ park | $350 |
| Best season | November–March |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide? No — the route is well marked. But a guide gives context on geology and wildlife.
Physically demanding? Average level. You need to be comfortable walking 6–8 h per day with a 10–15 kg pack.
Can I do it as a day trip? Only Mirador Las Torres — that's ~8–10 h round trip from Puerto Natales.