W Circuit Trek — Torres del Paine

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 8 mi (13.2 km) to Cuernos Sector / 10.5 mi (17 km) to Francés Sector

Total approximate time: 4:30 hours to Cuernos Sector / 6:30 hours to Francés Sector 

Positive vertical drop: 1,115 ft (340 m) up to Cuernos Sector / 1,706 ft (520 m) up to Francés Sector 

Lodging: Francés Sector or Cuernos Sector

Nordenskjöld Lake

After breakfast, your second day on the trek begins. This stage is the easiest of the entire route, with very little elevation gain and well-marked trails. You’ll hike along the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld, cross small streams, and even walk across sandy stretches that form along its beaches.

Almirante Nieto and the Cuernos del Paine

For most of the day, you’ll enjoy the stunning backdrop of Cerro Almirante Nieto and the dramatic Cuernos del Paine peaks. It’s the perfect day to walk at a relaxed pace, soak in the scenery, and capture photos of the incredible contrasts between the turquoise lake, rugged mountains, and lush park vegetation.

French Sector or Cuernos Sector

The duration of this stage will depend on your accommodation, taking between 4.5 and 6.5 hours of hiking. Both sectors are small, cozy, and charming, since they cannot be reached by bus or boat.

Distance: 16.7 mi (27 km) from Cuernos Sector / 14 mi (23 km) from Francés Sector.

Total approximate time: 10 hours from Cuernos Sector / 8 hours from Francés Sector. 

Positive elevation gain: 3,215 ft (980 m) from Cuernos Sector / 2,624 ft (800 m) from Francés Sector. 

Lodging: Paine Grande Sector

Italian Camp - French Viewpoint

Day 3 is one of the most demanding if you choose to hike up to the French and British Viewpoints. You can also opt for the shorter route directly to Paine Grande, which cuts about 8 miles (13 km) and eliminates nearly all of the elevation gain.

The first section from Cuernos to Francés is a flat 2.5-mile (4 km) trail. From there, you’ll continue another 0.9 miles (1.4 km) to a junction where the trail splits: one path climbs to the viewpoints, while the other continues straight to Paine Grande.

If you decide to ascend, it’s a short 0.6-mile (1 km) hike to the Italian Camp, managed by CONAF. Many trekkers leave their large backpacks at the camp “nursery” before tackling the climb. From there, the ascent to the French Viewpoint begins—1.5 miles (2.5 km) with about 985 feet (300 m) of elevation gain.

British Viewpoint

From the French Viewpoint, you can continue on to the British Viewpoint, located about 1.9 miles (3 km) farther with an additional 920 feet (280 m) of elevation gain. At the top, you’ll reach a rocky plateau where you can scramble up for some of the best panoramic views and photos of the valley, surrounded by dramatic peaks.

After enjoying the scenery, you’ll return to Italian Camp to collect your backpack before continuing toward Paine Grande.

Paine Grande Losge

The final stretch of the day is about 5.6 miles (9 km) with a gentle downhill slope leading to the Paine Grande Lodge. Along the way, you’ll walk beside Lake Skottsberg and pass through an area once affected by fire, where the burned tree trunks create a striking and unusual landscape.

Your day ends at the Paine Grande Lodge, the largest in Torres del Paine, located in a stunning spot right in front of Lake Pehoé. Here you’ll spend the night and recover after one of the most intense days of the trek.

Difficulty: Medium-High

Distance: 6.8 mi (11 km)

Approximate time: 4-5 hours

Positive elevation gain: 2,296 ft (700 m) 

Lodging: Grey Sector

Unlike the classic 5-day W Trek, this version includes an overnight stay in the Grey Sector. This means you won’t have to rush to hike out and back the same day just to catch the catamaran.

Instead, you’ll have the time to fully enjoy Grey at your own pace—hike to the glacier viewpoint, cross the breathtaking suspension bridges, and even add unforgettable experiences like kayaking on Grey Lake or ice hiking on Grey Glacier.

For us, Grey is the most spectacular sector of the park, which is why we believe this itinerary is the best way to experience the W Trek in Torres del Paine.

Paine Grande Sector - Lago Grey Viewpoint

Day 4 begins with a hike along the base of the towering Cerro Paine Grande, whose hanging glaciers can be seen right from the lodge. Standing at more than 9,800 feet (3,000 m), this impressive peak will be your backdrop for much of the day.

Your first stop will be the Lake Grey Viewpoint, where you can admire the floating icebergs that have broken off from the glacier. It’s the perfect place to rest, take in the scenery, and snap some incredible photos.

Grey Sector

From the viewpoint, you’ll continue hiking to the Grey Sector, where you’ll spend the night. Here you’ll be face-to-face with the majestic Grey Glacier, one of the most unforgettable views of the entire circuit.

Activities in Grey

By default, the optional activities in Grey take place on Day 5. However, you can also choose to do them on Day 4:

• Ice hike: 2:30 PM
• Kayak excursion: 4:30 PM

Choosing this option allows you to enjoy a different activity the following morning with more flexibility. If you’d like to schedule the activities on Day 4, just let us know when you make your reservation.

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 6.8 mi (11 km)

Approximate time: 4 -5  hours

Grey Glacier

Your final day is one of the most relaxing in terms of hiking, giving you the chance to fully enjoy the stunning Grey Glacier and take part in some of the park’s most exciting optional activities.

Glacier activities

You can choose between two unforgettable experiences:

• Kayaking on Grey Lake: Paddle among floating icebergs on a 4-hour excursion (departure at 8:00 AM).
• Ice hiking on Grey Glacier: Strap on crampons and explore the glacier’s unique ice formations on a 5-hour guided hike (departure at 9:00 AM).

For many travelers, kayaking among icebergs or walking directly on the glacier is the highlight of their entire Torres del Paine adventure. By booking these activities through the links we provide, you’ll get a lower price than adding them as an extra with your trek reservation.

Lodging: not included (return to Puerto Natales)

Kayaking Glacier Grey (Optional activity)

Ice walking (Optional activity)

Trekking back to Paine Grande

After resting or enjoying one of the optional activities at Grey Glacier, you’ll begin your final hike: from the Grey Sector back to Paine Grande.

This gentle 6.8-mile (11 km) trail takes about 4 hours to complete. The path runs along the mountainside and winds through forests of Antarctic beech (ñirre), coigües, and notros, creating a unique and peaceful natural setting.

Catamaran to Pudeto

Once you arrive at Paine Grande, you’ll head to the pier to board the catamaran to Pudeto (included in the tour).

The ride across Lake Pehoé offers one of the last sweeping panoramic views of Torres del Paine National Park—a truly perfect way to close your adventure.

Return to Puerto Natales

At Pudeto, a bus will be waiting to take you back to Puerto Natales, with arrival expected around 9:30 PM.

Remember to manage your time carefully and arrive at the pier at least 20 minutes before departure. The exact catamaran schedule will be confirmed during your pre-tour briefing.