5 reasons why you should absolutely do the W Trek in Torres del Paine, Patagonia

If you’re going to Patagonia and planning to visit Torres del Paine National Park, you absolutely should consider doing the W Trek. It is probably the highlight of my entire trip in South America, so I couldn't recommend it more! Yes, it’s a bit of a commitment. Yes, it is not so budget friendly. But trust me, it's so worth it!

The W Trek is a 4-5 day hiking route that goes through some of the most jaw-dropping scenery - not only in southern Chile, but the world. It gets its name from the shape of the trail, which is shaped like a "W". Along the way, you'll see glaciers, turquoise lakes, wild forests, and of course, the iconic towers that you have probably seen everywhere on social media. It was my very first multi-day hike, and honestly, I was pretty nervous going into it. I didn’t know if I had the physical strength and endurance, or if I’d even enjoy it. But I’m so glad I pushed through those doubts. It ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences of my life!

Here are 5 reasons why the W Trek should be at the top of your Patagonia plans:

1 . The Nature is unbelievable

Seriously, it’s breathtaking. I've seen many beautiful mountains before, but never anything like this! One minute you’re staring at a glacier, the next you're walking alongside a picturesque turquoise lake with snow-capped peaks in the distance. The landscapes constantly change and surprise you and photos truly don’t do it justice.

2. You’ll challenge yourself

and likely find out something about yourself that you never knew before

It’s not an easy hike, but that’s part of what makes it so satisfying. Chances are you’ll be tired, sore and possibly wet, but you’ll also feel strong, capable, and completely alive. This hike definitely challenged me in all possible ways: managing body aches, dealing with broken hiking boots (I had to tape them with duct tape to keep them together, thankfully they made it through the end!), and I almost convinced myself I was not going to make it… well, one thing that I learned from this experience is how resilient and strong our bodies can be! Also, the thing is: once you’ve started the 50+km hike, walking from one refugio to the next, there’s only one way to go: forward. Unless you’re cool with spending the night in the wild with pumas!

3. Meet fellow adventurers

Even if you're going solo, you are not going to be alone! You’ll easily meet strangers who soon become trail buddies. During this hike, I met so many amazing people from all over the world. We shared our stories, encouraged each other through the tough spots, and always met in the evenings at the refugio for a celebratory drink. That shared experience is truly special and something that I'll cherish forever!

4. Disconnect and breathe

One of the best things about Torres del Paine is that there is no phone signal. Not even one bar. No WiFi, no scrolling, no distractions, just you and the wild. It’s rare to be this off-the-grid, and honestly, stepping away from it all can be exactly what you didn’t know you needed. How often do you get a chance to truly connect with nature and with the present moment, without the distraction of phones and social media? When I finally reconnected to WiFi after the trek, I was really surprised to realize how much I did NOT miss Instagram. Now, I find myself craving the next chance to go off the grid again!

5. It’s more than just the towers

Most people know Torres del Paine for the famous towers, and yes, they’re amazing. But there’s so much more. Valle del Francés, Britannico (probably my favorite!), Glacier Grey are equally epic, and you only get to experience them if you do the full trek.

So if you’re debating between a day trip to the towers or committing to the full W Trek, I say: absolutely go for the trek!

Planning an adventure in Patagonia and got questions about your itinerary? I can help you map it out - get in touch!