Do you consider visiting Torres del Paine National Park but still unsure about exploring the famous W Trek? Or perhaps you've never heard of this trail and are simply looking for information about hikes in Patagonia?
Maybe Ignacio and Belén can help you make decisions. These two Travel Experience Designers at Cascada Expediciones, who support travel agencies daily with their plans, took on the iconic 5-day trek and share their experiences!
This program is designed for anyone who wants to experience a multi-day hike in Torres del Paine National Park, located in southern Chile, but has limited time. When you book with Cascada Expediciones, the entire program lasts 5 days, including arrival and departure days, with 3 full days dedicated to hiking.
Over these 3 days, you’ll follow a route that, when viewed from above, resembles the shape of a “W.” While you skip one section of the W, you’ll still experience all the main highlights, including the Grey Glacier, the French Valley, and the iconic viewpoint at the towers. In total, you’ll cover approximately 58 kilometers/36 miles over 3 days, with the highest point being the Towers’ Base at 914 m/3000 ft.
The program includes 3 nights at EcoCamp Patagonia and 1 night at Paine Grande campsite. You’ll only need to carry a daypack while hiking, as Cascada takes care of transporting your overnight gear to the campsite. You’ll hike in a group of up to 12 people, accompanied by 1 or 2 certified guides. For more details, check the program.
Ignacio: “My trek went really well. There was a great atmosphere in the group, both with my fellow trekkers and with the guides. The ages in our group varied a lot, but everyone kept a good pace.
I had already done parts of the W Trek before, so it wasn’t entirely new to me. But it’s always amazing to return to Patagonia and see landscapes that are unique in the world. For example, I find the view of the Cuernos (Paine horns) incredibly beautiful—it never fails to impress me."
Belén: “I had a wonderful experience too! I was really hoping to see a carpintero negro (a Magellanic woodpecker) during the trek because I’d been searching for them in other regions without any luck. So, I immediately asked the guides, “Do you think we can spot a carpintero?” They told me it would be difficult. I had almost given up hope when they suddenly told us to stay quiet. And there they were—a family of carpinteros right next to us! This happened on our first hiking day, and the trek was already a success for me. It was definitely the highlight of my trip!”
Ignacio: “Yes, on our departure day from EcoCamp, we saw a puma on the road! It’s completely different to see such an animal in its natural habitat than in a zoo. It’s really impressive—everyone in my group was excited and started taking pictures. Such an unexpected and amazing way to end the trip.”
"The landscape was filled with golden-yellow and green colors. The leaves were changing, giving the trek a magical feel, like walking between two seasons."
- Belén
Belén: “I didn’t find the trek particularly tough, but I do notice that many people assume that because it’s a shorter trek, it must be easier or less intense. That’s not the case. You still have the distance, the elevation gains, the unpredictable weather, and there are certain logistics to keep in mind, like catching the boat back. It’s important not to underestimate the trek. I’d definitely recommend preparing physically so you’re ready for the challenge and the guides don’t have to decide for you whether you can continue or not.”
Ignacio: “I didn’t think it was super difficult either. But what stands out is that you’re hiking every day, often starting early, so there’s not much time to rest. Personally, I found the final section—the hike to the Towers Base—the hardest. For others in my group, the first day through the French Valley was more challenging.”
Belén: “At first, I wasn’t looking forward to the hike to the Towers Base because I already did it once, and it’s hard. But in the end, the rest of the group motivated me. The ascent went smoothly, but I wasn’t too excited about the descent. However, the guide distracted me from these feelings and started talking with me for a long time, and suddenly, we had already covered a big part of the trail. The guides know that it’s a tough section and adjust accordingly.”
Belén: “I regularly use the treadmill with elevation settings and go on treks from time to time, so that was my main preparation.”
Ignacio: “I did a full-day trek in Santiago to be ready. But preparation really depends on your experience and your usual sports routine. It’s different for everyone.”
Belén: “Yes, in my group, there were people who were well-prepared or used to hiking regularly, and for them, it was easy. But some people struggled a lot after just one day.”
Belén: “I bought a new 22-liter backpack with ventilation, and honestly, it might be the best purchase I’ve ever made.”
Ignacio: “I also got a new backpack and trekking poles. In the end, I couldn’t bring the poles because they’re not allowed in carry-on luggage on flights, so I borrowed a pair once I arrived. I highly recommend using them—they make the trek a bit easier. Especially on multi-day hikes when your legs start to get tired, they’re helpful.”
Belén: “I’d recommend bringing a small first aid kit with essentials like blister treatment. I had a kit with some basic medication, but I didn’t bring special blister plasters. Luckily, the guides had tape to help me out.”
Ignacio: “Same here—the guides had some basic first aid supplies, which was good because I forgot my sunscreen. But they can’t provide medication, so you should bring your own if you need any.”
"On our departure day from EcoCamp, we saw a puma on the road! Such an unexpected and amazing way to end the trip."
-Ignacio
Belén: “I hiked in April, which meant the landscape was filled with golden-yellow and green colors. The leaves were changing, giving the trek a magical feel, like walking between two seasons. I also had a lot of sunshine during my trip.”
Ignacio: “I went in March. Usually, the weather is better in March than in April, but in Patagonia, you never know. The weather during my trek was worse than Belén’s. It was very cloudy: the Towers cleared up briefly, and then the clouds rolled in again. But we didn’t get much rain.”
Belén: “They were great! Every morning after breakfast, they gave us a detailed briefing about the day—where we needed to be and when, for example, to catch the boat. They always explained everything clearly using a map.”
Ignacio: “During the hike, they stopped to share insights about the vegetation, wildlife, and their experiences. They also reminded us when to hydrate and have a snack. One of our guides, Hans, was more experienced, while the assistant guide, Willy, was still learning, but both were excellent.”
Belén: “They also made sure the group stayed together at key points. Sometimes one guide walked ahead with part of the group while the other stayed in the back with those moving at a different pace.”
Ignacio: “Yeah, and when they stopped, they would switch places so everyone got a chance to interact with both guides. They made sure everyone felt comfortable throughout the trek.”
A view that’s forever in your mind?
The Paine Horns, Lake Pehoé, and the sunrise on the first day
Best meal or snack? The dinners and breakfasts in EcoCamp
One word to describe your experience? Magical (Belén) - Disconnection (Ignacio)
Interesting information/advice from the guides? Lento pero seguro! (Slow but steady!)
Belén: "I’m not a big fan of camping in general, but everything went smoothly. The tents and facilities were great, and I didn’t have cold at all. One thing I’d recommend is bringing your own small bottle of shampoo and shower gel because there wasn’t any. Maybe I was unlucky, and they had just run out. The only downside was the food—it wasn’t very good, and everyone in my group agreed."
Ignacio: “Yeah, after all the excellent meals at EcoCamp, the food in Paine Grande was disappointing—lots of bread and processed food. As for the campsite itself, I’d suggest bringing an inflatable pillow. It would have been useful to have. It doesn’t take up much space in your backpack, either. You do get a sleeping mat, sleeping bag, and liner.”
Belén: “On the campsite, we also got electrolyte powder. You mix it with your water bottle, and it keeps you hydrated.”
(*An external company owns the Paine Grande campsite. EcoCamp buys their services, which include campsites, facilities, and meals.)
Belén: “The group atmosphere was really great! We had good conversations, laughed a lot, and my fellow trekkers were super friendly. They even invited me to visit them at their home.”
Ignacio: "Same for me—the group had a great vibe, everyone was really nice. It was a diverse mix of people, and it was interesting to get to know them and their lives. When we returned from the Towers Base, which was the last hiking day, we all felt that the trek was coming to an end. So we had a beer together on the terrace at EcoCamp to look back on our experiences together."
Both: "In addition to what we’ve already mentioned about physical preparation, it’s important to read the information you receive beforehand and and maybe do a bit of research on the destination. That way, you’ll know better what to expect and won’t forget any essential gear. And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the experience!"
Feeling inspired by the adventures from Ignacio and Belén? Book your 5-day W Trek in Torres del Paine!