A guide to Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine National Park in Southern Patagonia is a extraordinary fusion of ice, rock, water and wind.
At the center of its 180,000 hectares is the Paine Massif, a granite and ice mountain range, which rises from flower meadows, ice-blue lakes and rivers and miles and miles of golden pampas. All is crisscrossed by trails and treks that attract visitors from around the world.
The W Trek
The W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park is one of Patagonia's most iconic multi-day hikes, named for the W-shaped route it traces through the park's valleys. Covering roughly 70 to 80 km over 4 to 5 days, it passes several of the park's most famous landmarks: the soaring granite spires of the Torres del Paine, the vast Grey Glacier, the vivid turquoise waters of Lake Nordenskjöld, and the dramatic French Valley with its hanging glaciers and rugged peaks.
The trek is moderate to challenging, with well-marked trails but steep ascents, changeable weather, and long hiking days. Landscapes range from windswept pampas and lenga forests to alpine ridges and glacier-fed lakes, offering some of the most varied and spectacular scenery in southern Patagonia.
The Circuit Trek
The Torres del Paine Circuit, also known as the O Trek, is a demanding 8 to10 day route that circles the entire Paine Massif, covering about 110 km. It includes all the highlights of the W Trek, such as the Torres del Paine towers, French Valley, and Grey Glacier, while adding the park's remote northern section.
Key landmarks include Dickson Lake, Los Perros Glacier, and the challenging John Gardner Pass, which offers sweeping views over the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The trek is challenging, requiring good fitness and preparation for strong winds, river crossings, and unpredictable weather.
The landscape transitions from open steppe and dense lenga forest to high mountain passes and glacier-carved valleys, showcasing the full range of Torres del Paine's wild and untamed terrain.