Planning the W Trek in Patagonia: A Complete 2026 Guide

Permits and reservations

You need three things: park entry (buy online at pasesparques.cl, about $49 for foreigners, non-transferable), refugio or campsite bookings (all mandatory — no wild camping), and a shuttle from Puerto Natales. Refugios are split between Vertice (Grey, Paine Grande, Dickson) and Las Torres Patagonia (Central, Chileno, Frances, Cuernos). Both systems open reservations in July–August for the next October–April season, and the popular nights sell out within days.

The classic five-day route

Most hikers walk west to east. Day 1: shuttle to Paine Grande, hike to Refugio Grey (11 km) with side trip to the glacier viewpoint. Day 2: back to Paine Grande, then up the French Valley to the Britanico viewpoint and down to Refugio Frances (about 26 km, the hardest day). Day 3: to Los Cuernos or Central (11–15 km). Day 4: pre-dawn hike up to Mirador Las Torres (18 km round trip). Day 5: shuttle out.

Weather, gear, and what to actually pack

Patagonian weather changes every 40 minutes. You need a genuinely waterproof shell (not just water-resistant), waterproof pants, gaiters, and gloves — even in January. Trekking poles are not optional on the Torres day. Boots must be broken in; the trails are rocky, muddy, and often flooded.

Skip the fresh clothes and pack two merino base layers you'll rotate. Bring 30–40% more snacks than you think you need — the refugio food is fine but portions are small for the effort.

Refugio vs full-camping

A full-service refugio bed with three meals runs $220–290 per person per night. Camping with your own tent and cooking is $25–40 per site plus meals a la carte. Renting a pre-pitched tent with sleeping bag is the middle path at $90–130. For a first W trek, we recommend refugios: after 20 km in the wind, a hot shower is worth every peso.