It should be said that the majority of people trek the trail self-guided. The routes are sign-posted clearly with orange-painted poles and are also well-trodden paths and, in the summer season (Dec – Jan – Feb) there will be numerous other hikers about. Nevertheless, this is wilderness country, very remote and subject to sudden changes in weather that can make conditions tough.

Take Note

Do NOT go off the trail because even if you have the slightest incident like a twisted ankle, you may find that no one will find you. It is essential that all walkers have the right clothing and food and know what to do it they are caught out in extreme, unpredicted bad weather.

However, if you are a group, you should take a guide to comply with the Park regulations, or if you are unsure of doing the trek on your own. The guide will also be able to inform you of valuable information during the trek, about geological features, vegetation, and wildlife, as well as handle the check-in.

Porters are available to carry one, back-pack style bag (NOT a suitcase) up to 15kg in weight.

For both a guide and / or porter there is, of course, additional cost.

People coming from Santiago will inevitably pass by Puerto Natales, either coming from Punta Arenas or on a direct flight to the village. Therefore, Puerto Natales is the ideal stop-off for a night or two pre and / or post your visit to Torres del Paine.

Based in Natales

Also, here at Experience Chile, we operate W Trek programs based from Puerto Natales, whereupon you can avoid the dorm-room sleeping situation in the refugios and, instead, enjoy a decent hotel or top-end hotel as well as restaurants and “vibe” of a village.

Alternatively, the other place to stay pre and / or post the W Trek is in El Calafate, over the border in Argentina, which is a 6hr transfer away. Moreover, over at El Calafate you will be able to visit the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier and / or go trekking at El Chalten (3hr transfer).

The W route is called so because the path you walk forms a pattern in the shape of a “W”, when viewed down from above.

For most of the time walking the footpaths in TDP you will be staring at the ground a few paces in front and looking up occasionally, and then stopping to take in the breath-taking views all around.

However, a number of people ask which way is better.

Is There Any Advantage?

In reality there is really no specific advantage over the other, but the main differences are that going West to East means that from Paine Grande you will have the Cuernos del Paine in view for most of the way, hanging glaciers on your left, and lakes on your right as well as the prevailing wind, which, if blowing, will be on your back.

If you go East to West you will have the beautiful view of the lakes to your left and hanging glaciers on your right and the prevailing wind against you, if it is blowing.

Ultimately, it is better to plan the route around the reality of travel logistics and connections you will require.

There is an entrance fee to pay to enter Torres del Paine and this will need to be paid in Chilean Pesos or in USD– equal to approx USD50 per person. Experience Chile will pre-arrange entry tickets for all our clients and have them sent to your cel phone or email.

Extras

Payment for all extras at the refugios can be paid in USD or in Chilean Pesos

Chile has a modern network of ATM machines called Red Bank located in many areas (banks, supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations) in villages, towns and cities.

It is easy to use a debit or credit card to get local currency cash out BUT NOT within Torres del Paine so ensure you have enough CASH with you before entering the park. More refugios are now accepting credit cards too (but do not rely on this).

Torres del Paine offers visitors various accommodation alternatives ranging from camping, to refugios (these are hostels), to hotels and luxury lodges.

For those walking the W Trek, the question for you is what type of person are you and how much money do you have to spend?