Torres del Paine W Trek
4–5 days · 50 mi · moderate · Multi-day trek
Quick facts
What the Torres del Paine W Trek is known for
The W Trek is the classic route through Chile's Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, named for the W-shaped path linking its three signature valleys — the base of the Torres towers, the French Valley, and Grey Glacier.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 154 ft to 2,844 ft over 50 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 4.4 mi · 18%
- Downhill 12.0 mi · 49%
- Flat 7.8 mi · 32%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Torres del Paine W Trek?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Torres del Paine W Trek scores 32/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Patagonian summer, roughly November to March.
Permits: Park entry plus advance reservations at refugios or campsites are required.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Torres del Paine W Trek take?
Most backpackers take 4–5 days to hike the Torres del Paine W Trek's 50 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Torres del Paine W Trek?
The Torres del Paine W Trek climbs roughly 9,800 ft total — about 196 ft per mile, topping out near 2,887 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Torres del Paine W Trek?
Patagonian summer, roughly November to March.
Do you need a permit for the Torres del Paine W Trek?
Park entry plus advance reservations at refugios or campsites are required.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Distance/elevation cross-checked against CONAF / Torres del Paine NP. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.