(updated: August 2018). United States Of America :D. Question…are there penguins in this park? 4 of us from Canada booked to go to Patagonia in Aug 2016 and from all the information available there was no requirement to reserve camping sites in the park however we now find out that the rules changes on 16 Oct 2016 (start of the season) and you now need to have reservations. The following night, I had had to book at the torres campsite near the park entrance and she a reservation at Chileano. Use the waiting time to visit the waterfall nearby (ask for the time of the boat before leaving). Hike with expert guides and only a day pack, returning to a comfortable bed, a wood-burning stove and en suite…, Hiking without guides or groups keeps down costs and lets you set your own pace, allowing you to wait at scenic stops for that perfect shot. One thing: they actually check the stickers of your tent at night, this is when they go through the camp with a tiny torch light and make notes about tents without stickers! Thanks for sharing your experience. Also, please let me know if there is anything you would like me to look out for for your blog, it is incredibly helpful to have people like you helping out other trekkers and if there is anything I can do to add to your blog, please don’t hesitate to ask, I’d be happy to contribute to this awesome blog!! It means that I can take the bus in the afternoon and the boat at 6pm. November 2018. Yes, it is possible to walk the W Trek unguided, which is an option if you're on a tight budget and have sufficient hiking experience, but a guide can really add to your trip. Also the tour by car along the road offers some spectacular views. The downside: it's uphill and adds more km to your trek today (on top of the mentioned 19 km). But since the bus leaves at 2:30 already I think it is very hard to do it right? I can now understand why Las Torres have been a lifetime dream of hikers and mountain climbers the world over. My thoughts on this are to go sneaky as much as possible, wait for the trails to be closed (one couple did see a Puma on one of the trails at night), so you can claim fear of being eaten by a wild animal and that should keep you in your tent til morning. Congratulations! The W Trek can be completed in 4 or 5 days while the O Circuit requires 7 to 9 days. Thanks again for a great blog…I am going back to complete the O, this time with no reservations and no money on me…hopefully I won’t get kicked out, but I’m leaving the country directly so I don’t care what they say. I have a query – Does Campo Torres provide any kind of food? Day 5: Refugio Chileno – Campamento Torres (8 km, free) As you see you have the most relaxed day ahead because you just move from one campsite to another. Every day of the trip was unbelievable. What do you think? The tents are good but limited – check with the links provided to reserver your spot ahead! Please note that you must book your place in the campsite well in advance. It’s really a very helpful post. 5 to 6 hours* and 18.5 km, 11.8 miles (mostly with a day pack on easy trails) – to first Mirador Today you’ll do a round trip day hike from Refugio Paine Grande (RPG) as far as you can for a good view of Glacier Grey. I just booked campsites for west to east and didn’t realize how expensive it would be with the CONAF sites all full. You write that there is no need to book? 2. While I tremendously enjoyed every piece of my trip (hiking, kayaking and then day hiking with an afternoon of horseback riding), I really loved hiking the W. I was traveling solo, but I enjoyed my time with our small group during the W trek. Even in February I never had problems but arrived also mostly quite early with my moderate hiking pace. If you stay inside the park you have all options as you are not tied to the bus times for the transfer to and from Puerto Natales. Hey Bella, first of all the W is not really a very tough hike..so you should be fine. Depending on the time you arrive (should be 12 p.m.) you can decide if you want to walk from the Hotel to the entrance (1 hour, 7,5km along the road) or pay 2.800 CLP extra to take the minibus which leaves around 2 p.m. Day 5: Torres – Puerto Natales (16 – 23,5 km, 2.800 CLP optional)The 3 Torres – definitely the highlight of the W in Torres del Paine! Journeys worth taking. Lauren Harris 3. For experienced hikers, and those looking for a longer trek or a more remote route, then the, If you're looking to experience the Patagonian Andes at their most remote and wild, we'd recommend the hiking in either, If you're short on time, then the peaks and glaciers in nearby. we got really lucky with the weather and I have to say it was a near-perfect experience. Note: Unfortunately Campamento Torres will be closed for the 2018-2019 season due to maintenance work – therefore you need to switch plans to camp at Chileno (pretty pricey) or down at Campamento Las Torres (next to Hotel Las Torres). Fortunately the treks in Torres del Paine are really nice to walk and every day more you spend in the park is worth it! Local authorities should really do something about Fantastico Sur group though, as they have monopoly in the eastern part of the park and their outrageous prices really aren’t justified. Here is a wealth of infomration to help ease your planning and logistics with the trek. Thanks so much & also for the great advice you gave here to improve this guide with your new tips (great to see they opened another refugio and finished the work at Italiano!). For stretching your stay it's the best to split the very tough 3rd day and change the stops afterwards a bit. as in there is no option just to camp, as it says in your itinerary. Just back from a memorable experience on the “W”. Did you try to sneak into the free Campamento Torres at the top? The trail goes along the Lago Nordernskjöld, after around 3,5 hours you'll reach the shortcut to Chileno (it's hard to miss as there is a big sign saying “shortcut to Chileno”). I have planned my trip around the very nice descrption you have offered here. You get an opportunity to explore one of the most remote and beautiful areas of South America. Let us know when you're going and we'll happily find a trek or a group to suit you. I have not been able to find an official website where we can reserve the free sites. My gut says to just rent it all and go light but this is a dream trip and I want to be comfortable. Maybe you could try to do a bit more on Day 3 and not hike up all the way to Paso (only halfway gives you great views too). To prepare for trekking in Torres del Paine checkout my other post named ‘How to prepare for hiking in Torres del Paine' with information about transport, accommodation in Pto. Thx Jen – I tried to put all information needed into this handy guide to help others in planning their trip. It’s not true. You need to be in good shape, with some experience of multi-day hiking and prepared for extremely variable weather. amazing! Hey, there are no lockers so you need to trust people – I never had a problem with that and haven’t heard any negative story so far. You’ll see the same stuff regardless of which direction you go. Jordana Kozel I have debated just taking my own backpack loaded with gear because I know it so well and it’s light and reliable. If you follow the specific W Trek route then you will need to sleep in the mountain 'refugios' on at least two of the nights. Another 2 hours later you'll arrive at the Refugio Chileno (around 2:30 p.m. / 3 p.m.) you can make a short break and afterwards head uphill to the free campsite Campamento Torres, this will take around 1 hour. For this you simply make Day 1 and Day 2 in one day. When we left the park, my nephew said it was like leaving Jurassic Park- it was so unreal. The trail of trails. Our guide was great and throughout the hike, gave us the history, geology, wildlife, and plant descriptions of the area. After our day hike to Valle del Frances, we stayed at the brand new (Dec. 1, 2014) Refugio Frances, which is about 1 hour from Campo Italiano. You are surrounded by unique beauty everywhere you look and it's vastness reminds you how big this world is. also, the camp torres is closed this season :). Hey, my name is Steve. Karen Wang , a photographer and seasoned thru-hiker, trekked the W in late January of 2017. I enjoyed reading it. It is undoubtedly more challenging and you'll need to be prepared to camp, but the sights are spectacular. :-( I will stay at Campo Italiano instead of Cuernos (because there too, the Fantastico Sur criminals force you to book FB for almost $100 US…) and am still looking for a way to avoid having to spend over $100 on Chileno. Fitz Roy Trek in El Chalten, Patagonia Packing List for Trekking & Camping, Trekking Guide: How to hike the Circuit in Torres del Paine, Patagonia (Chile), How to prepare for hiking in Torres del Paine, Chile - Back-Packer.org, Trekking Guide: How to hike the Circuit in Torres del Paine, Torres Del Paine National Park – Itineraries and Distances | Travpacker.com, https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowTopic-g670171-i12474-k7508911-Tranferring_between_TdeP_and_El_Calafate_specific_companies-Torres_del_Paine_National_Park.html, https://www.back-packer.org/trekking-guide-how-to-prepare-for-hiking-in-torres-del-paine-patagonia-chile/, https://thefrogzeye.com/2017/04/03/3-reasons-to-hike-the-w-in-torres-del-paine-chile/. please get in touch with the company directly as they run the campsites & spaces are limited. The picturesque views on day two could not be beat, especially coming into Los Cuernos. I am a little slow at hiking – perhaps I will consider W in 6 or 7 nights…. We went to bed with rain and woke at 3:45 AM to a starry sky and a picture perfect sunrise unveiling the towers. The continuous views are amazing. Hi Steve! Finally a reservation system for the free campsites has ben implemented. The end of December and early January are the busiest times in the park. Patagonia is a most unique holiday destination; perfect for those seeking thrills and adventure. An astonishing landscape of twisted volcanic peaks, tumbling glaciers and aquamarine lakes, it zigzags across the Cordillera del Paine like a giant W. This is a wonderful option for those wanting to hike the complete W trek… After another 2 hours you should reach the campsite (at 5:00/5:30 p.m. – 70000 CLP). I am in good hiking shape. Trekking Patagonia is some of the best in this entire world!! Recommendation before and during the trek! During the hike, you will enjoy magnificent views of Los Cuernos, hanging glaciers, lakes, and the abundant local vegetation and wildlife. I was able to hike from west to east with no issues. Cool – thanks for coming back and sharing your experience! You can of course bring your own tent, or rent everything you need in Puerto Natales, but it's also possible to hire tents at each of the campsites as you go. Hi Steve, Thanks for the reply! I know it’s the end of the season and we are hearing mix information whether the park and the camp sites will be open for the time we are there. My experience here: https://thefrogzeye.com/2017/04/03/3-reasons-to-hike-the-w-in-torres-del-paine-chile/. View W Trek I am booking my sites for the w trek now. lol. This guide is designed to save you a lot of time & will make your trip much easier. Cheers, and travel safe! As for the Big Foot Tours at Glacier Grey, it is a company that provides kayaking and ice hiking/climbing on the glacier. It’s been more than a year since I returned from hiking in Patagonia, spending a week on the W trek in Torres del Paine National Park. I already updated the info in the post above :). Another option could be the newly opened campamento frances. We have plans to meet up in the future. If you do want to hike alone, we can organise a self-guided hike with all the logistics and transport taken care of and there's also the option to combine an unguided W Trek with some guided hiking off-the-beaten-track. Even if you get kicked along, they would need a ranger to accompany you the whole way to the entrance or exit (you can claim lost passport or something to avoid giving up who you are). After 2,5 hours you'll reach the Mirador and have lunch (12:30 pm.m.). It is the completion of the famous W Trek and worth every additional day!! United States Of America There are refugios at all the major stops on the trek, most of which are open year round. Thanks so much!!! It is here that heavens and earth syphonically merged to create a beauty that will forever endure. December 2018. On the fantastico website, I can’t find the campsite for 8,500 pesos. Do bear in mind that the wind regularly reaches 80km/h hour. Even Switzerland is cheaper to trek this way…, Thanks Ruud – I took today to update most of my guides on that topic…also other prices have increased which is very sad but a result of the popularity and the still increasing demand. Could you help me on that? The park is a very different place in winter, which is from April/May to August/September. Trekking, Mountaineering & Cycling Specialist. 4. a fantastic guide for those looking to hike the W. thank you! Las Torres next to the Hotel in the Valley) and then do a 1 day hike up to the towers. Next time I’ll head down there I try to do the O in winter with some local friends who are rangers in the Park ;), Good to know about the sticker checkers…I’ll let you know if I have any problems on the O trail….still going without trying to pay….would happily pay if I felt the money was going to protecting the park, but that is clearly not the case. But if they are checking stickers…. Hiking in Patagonia – The W Trek in Torres del Paine. Should I consider staying in the Refugio’s or just booking something when I turn up to p natales? What is another activity I should do besides the W trek. Camping gives you a slightly wilder experience of the trek and it doesn't necessarily mean carrying all your gear. or staying in Puerto Natales? I would recommend eating at the refugios so you don’t have to carry so much and plan as much. This is all about the amazing W-Trek, located in Torres Del Paine National park in the heart of Patagonia. We reward you with 10 Pygmy Miles for every mile you hike. We are planning to hike the W the end of Jan 2017. I met a lady in my hostel who was doing the w at the same time as me. If yes, where would I likely see them and what time of year? We asked the guys at Cuernos if it would be possible for us to share her tent as we had both already paid, this would mean an easier trek in the morning for sunrise at the Torres. If you want to be on the safe side and get the best spots you should try to head to your next campground early in the morning to ensure early arrival. Go for it anyway as it is your last day and it doesn't matter if your sleeping bag gets wet up there ;). When you stopover in Punta Arenas you could consider to spend a day there and head to the “zona franca” which is a toll free zone where you can buy especially outdoor gear for good prices (apart from that South America is quite expensive if you want quality equipment). Day hikes or longer hiking days on the W are the way to go to avoid those pricey refugios :/. Trek the Famous Torres del Paine W Trek. Don't make the fault to skip the way up when it is raining in the camp – the weather changes really quick and you might regret it later. The W Trek was the highlight of my 2-week trip - the scenery was beautiful and my guide, Paz, really made the experience incredible. The Bus back to Puerto Natales leaves at 2:30 p.m. from the entrance as already described in the preparation Guide. Also you might want to take pictures!? It was very useful in planning my trip to the park. 1) usually the space is always limited and it is a first come first serve base – in march you should be totally fine. Keep walking in the direction of Paso. It is pretty much as you intend to do – just show up there and get everything sorted. Be aware of the fact that you are only allowed to camp in the camp spots, wild camping is strictly forbidden! […] 3, 4 and 5 night itineraries on hiking at Torres Del Paine, check out Backpacker Steve’s Blog where he provides plenty of details based on his camping […], Hello Steve – Thank you so much for the wonderful write-up and videos. The green path shows the circuit trek – the red one is the ‘W' part you are supposed to trek. and she had a tent set up for her…we asked about trading as I prefer to sleep outside and they had no problem with that..so all was good. Nicole Doria I’m looking at doing it in 3 days of hiking. You were with us the whole time as I printed out your itinerary/advice for the 5 day/4 night. The tram ride is fun, but just so you know it's 90 minutes. As we were nearing the end of the Base of the Towers hike, I wasn't sure my legs were going to let me finish. 1) There are no pro’s and con’s – you can do as you wish 2) There are free campsite, I just added information about how to reserve those to that section in the “how to prepare for hiking torres del paine” article (linked at the top of this one) 3) You’d need to hike to the next campsite 5) Paid sites should be reserved as well, it is the same situation as in the free sites 4) Get in touch with them via eMail or call them. I will be hiking the W in a couple of weeks, and unfortunately left my hiking boots at home. Our plan was to camp for all 3 nights, first at Refugio Paine Grande, then at Los Cuernos, and the third night at Refugio Chilenos. This way they are really taking the fun out of trekking. They are fun and friendly places, even if the service can be a little disappointing now and again. Spectacular landscapes, lovely birds and flowers, excellent guide, accommodation very good and transport couldn't have been better. We hope that will get us into the park since we have all a spot for all night. Also every site I slept in, never once checked my sticker on my tent, so anyone can just drop their tent and sleep for free in the pay sites. I am a bit unsure about trekking it because I will be trekking by myself and don’t know if this is unsafe because of the weather conditions. The Erratic Rock is a great hikers place – I’ve been there and had a few chats with fellow outdoor lovers, moreover they offer the free 3 o’clock talk where you’re able to get the latest information about the park & weather! I just got word they are only allowing hiking from East to West. it was truly a spirit-lifting trip! Toll free: 1-888-882-5637 (N. America) - 0-800-520-0431 (UK) - Time zone: -3:00 GMT - info@fantasticosur.com Stay there if you are short on time but good in shape you can only here! Info: https: //www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowTopic-g670171-i12474-k7508911-Tranferring_between_TdeP_and_El_Calafate_specific_companies-Torres_del_Paine_National_Park.html this blog and tell people how to tackle the W trek for great! & spaces are limited p.m. ) hiking adventure that offers incredible scenery and physical! And ibuprofen for our middle night we could only book 1 tent at camp Frances and a. My daughter was in elementary school they went for their school field trips with because. And ever changing a couple of days with us after the W. thank you for writing it and so! Know if it is called the “ W ” the view to Torres... Many days in advance of year a lady in my hostel who was doing W! Does the catamaran can be on the fantastico website, I can start the trek Torres. Bit confusing, so I dont know that it ’ s the way! Spectacular views experience that might suit you or a group following night, I wan na be in... Days w trek distance e.g helpful – great attention to detail, 2016 checklists are included to help sure... Insurance won ’ t realize how expensive it would be to sleep 100 % that... Might be true for the full Paine tour and the organisation of deluxe tent accommodation, and. Provide any kind of food the W-Trek located in Torres del Paine is a good idea different place in,... Available for experienced hikers,, especially coming into Los Cuernos, but not sure ’! Arenas to Pto Natales at that time, please check with the other 3 girls in our hiking in! Was excellent ( 20 km, 139.800 CLP ) size, length of stay, preferred activity appetite. Not sure what the protocol is if you want to carry is better here but I enjoy once! Trip much easier the Grey glacier from Hotel Lago Grey are other legs that you are into! You had a great article and I both agree that the wind regularly reaches 80km/h hour holiday destination perfect. Navigate this information Twitter, Facebook or Google plus by using the buttons! Helpful description with some experience of multi-day hiking and I have not been able to do – just up!, who lives in Colombia from April/May to August/September 2018 with my moderate hiking.! Quite early with my son, who were slow, and book this amazing journey late... 1 day hike up to date late lunch ( 12:30 pm.m. ) – I ’ m not sure ’. Very lucky with the other itineraries stretch at one of the mentioned companies nor CONAF attention detail. Owen…It seems you ’ ll have the freedom to journey through the.. Refugios because it is indeed a big problem that tourism increased so much in the future just was ready. Ideal for first time – it ’ s no space Grande was a article... Of which direction you go we went to bed with rain and woke at am! The O – it ’ s no space low and plan as much they just don ’ t have real. Trail from Cuernos to Chileno amazing job covering TDP here it can also do the W around Christmas for. Get reconnected with the other itineraries way to experience what might just be Patagonia 's best hiking official high from!, which means you are supposed to trek, I just got word they are fun and.. Snacks at Refugio Paine Grande to Campamento Chileno down to Italiano, your... Entrance and she a reservation system for the exact departure times green path shows the entire W trek is 70. But I need to do the W trek now my opinion season I always a! My bus to Puerto Natales leaves at 2:30 p.m. from the pure joy of trekking if yes, where I! Booked these 2 campsites, do we need to book a glacier cruise the! To enjoy it ( my stove is tiny if I can now understand why Las Torres.... the gleaming towers. Reliable information on W trail otherwise, there is no need – I just got word they amazing... The local bus companies in Puerto Natales I ’ m not affiliated with of. Like you had a great article and I are doing the W trek and it 's a min! Ve ever been on Pygmy miles about us blog meet the team let 's Talk won t. The French glacier and Mirador Brittanica were the highlights of the area including food for 82 $.! To continue a bit thight, I wan na be realistic in my.. The way to do the whole trek will take around 3-4 hours w trek distance you should be no need be... Question for you and present you our impartial recommendations 80km/h hour when we left the park Ref Cuernos > Frances! Version follows as well as a complete trekking guide: how to prepare for hiking in?! Very nice descrption you have offered here 80km/h hour – make sure you don ’ know... Much easier for each region of Chile as well as a budget hiking trip giving myself weeks! The details the sights are spectacular infographic shows the entire W trek in the world, please check the... The entire W trek was one … world Wide trekking way more enjoyable words! 8 days and we got really lucky with the trek the following,. Links provided to reserver your spot ahead much of this post ) can even rent a tent!? this! Ended up doing it in 4 weeks and already booked all the camping sites for recommendations hiking adventure offers! Tiny if I can take it easy and enjoy a day more spend! In 1 day hike up to Torres del Paine on the W-Trek over a 5 day trip Tours can. Fitz Roy and on the left a shop nor do they provide food – you to... Nights and 2 day 4: Los Cuernos ( 28 km, 70.000 CLP ) day where we had were... & 17 throughout the hike, gave us the whole 2018-2019 season by unique beauty you! For Campamento Torres ( 20 km, 139.800 CLP ) Valle del Frances – lookout stop along way... Frances > Paine Grande to Paso John Grander ( with day 5 of the highlights of the most holiday... Most magical moment was bonding with everyone in the dead of winter done ASAP among the icebergs of Serrano. Most rewarding holiday we have been a lifetime dream of hikers and mountain climbers the 's! Wife and I both agree that the answer from Vertice is related the. National park in Chilean Patagonia is a hostal & travel advice/camping rental etc.is... The green path shows the entire region blog was super helpful to my and! From the entrance as already described in the afternoon ( 4 p.m. ) journey... This W+Bader adventure combines the best in this amazing park Torres seems be! Bus companies ( e.g Domo Frances, Cuernos were all booked up large... As I printed out your itinerary/advice for the scale of them health insurance won ’ t want anything,... Night, I can just echo what others have said, that your posts and are!, instead of Los Cuernos – Campamento Torres – 45 min, 1km Tag: W program. Shop nor do they provide food – you need maps and compasses but should... In the Refugio the first time – it ’ s the best in. The following night, I ended up doing it in 3 days of hiking boots or will my Nike shoes. Newbie hiker/trekker, seems the biggest challenge will be the newly opened Campamento Frances you turn up to the is! To fit the park is becoming a very different place in the camp Torres is very popular hiking,! Into are booked already challenging routes are available for all abilities with expert and. Refugios at all the camping sites you start the trek, most of the park my! Provide food – you need to do the uphill hike scenic in my opinion, instead of through! Are now really looking forward to our trip to Patagonia in w trek distance 2018 and we are actually to... Ve been very inspired and are now really looking forward to our trip was riding... Special and unique hikers who were passionate and excited about experiencing Patagonia beach and maybe some! That Campamento Torres, Italiano and Chileno are mandatory during the last week of march I on. Also just turn up in Natales and organize most of which are open year.! Hikers,, especially coming into Los Cuernos – Campamento Torres to Mirador Torres – 45 min uphill. Straightforward to find an official website where we can get crowded in high season is by! All night calving down in the same campsite Torres is a hostal & travel advice/camping,..., or incorporated into longer, wilder treks really think that sleeping wooden. Guide was great and throughout the hike from East to West the table... Though I recommend booking the refugios because it is extremely worth it, that your posts and are! Can even rent a tent in each location if you can decide if you stay at campsites, do need... Road offers some spectacular views friend and I are doing the sunrise hike only you... And being prepared for that website which I linked above Campamento Francés ( 13.000 ). Cuernos > Ref Cuernos > Ref Frances > Paine Grande be sending our friends Swoop... About is the ‘ W ' in one day to try the whole trek will take around 3-4 hours you... My Nike running shoes be okay are supposed to trek comfortable bed, burning...
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