South America Chile
Torres del Paine National Park
Photo by Claudio Mota on Pexels
The hike
Chile's Torres del Paine National Park showcases a breathtaking blend of glaciers, towering peaks, and serene lakes. The W Circuit hike traverses through an array of landscapes, from the iconic granite spires known as the Torres to vast valleys adorned with electric-blue icebergs. Each turn on this trek offers stunning vistas, crossing diverse terrain that includes dense forests, tranquil lakes like Nordenskjöld, and the challenging but rewarding climb to the base of the iconic towers themselves.
Official siteTrails in Torres del Paine National Park
- W Trek75.7 km · 3–5 days · ChallengingThe park's classic multi-day trek: up to the granite towers at Base Torres, into the French Valley below Paine Grande, and out to Grey Glacier, sleeping in booked refugios or campsites along the way.
- O Circuit (Paine Massif Circuit)92.9 km · 8–10 days · StrenuousThe full loop around the Paine Massif: the quieter north side through Serón, Dickson and Los Perros, over the John Gardner Pass above Grey Glacier, then back along the W. Closed until at least October 31, 2026.
Plan your trip
Best months: Nov–Mar
- Permits & fees
- Park entry ticket bought online in advance; every campsite or refugio night must be booked before you arrive.
- Getting there
- Fly to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales, then take the bus to Laguna Amarga (about 2 hours from Puerto Natales).
- Good to know
- Book campsites months ahead for December–February.
- Wind above 80 km/h is common — pack a windproof shell and trekking poles.
Gallery
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Sources
Checked October 2026. Distances and times are typical for the route above; conditions, permits and fees change — confirm with the official source before you go.