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- 1 What is Torres del Paine and where is it located?
- 2 How to get to Torres del Paine
- 3 Trekking Circuits in Torres del Paine: W Trek & O Circuit
- 4 Accommodations in Torres del Paine National Park: How they work
- 5 All-Inclusive Tours in Torres del Paine: why choose one?
- 6 Full-Day Excursions in Torres del Paine
- 7 Ready to Book Your Torres del Paine Adventure?
Hi traveler! If you’re here, it’s probably because you want to book a Patagonia Trekking tour to Torres del Paine to hike the W Trek Patagonia, the O Trek Patagonia, or even just a section of these circuits, but you don’t know where to start. Well, welcome, and let’s begin at the beginning.
What is Torres del Paine and where is it located?
Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most stunning trekking destinations in Patagonia. It is located in southern Chile, close to the city of Puerto Natales, which is the most commonly used gateway to the Park.
The National Park has become increasingly well-known due to its famous Patagonia trekking routes, especially the “W” and “O.” That’s probably why you’ve also heard of it and ended up reading this article. These trails allow you to explore some of Patagonia’s most stunning hiking landscapes, such as the Towers of Paine, Grey Glacier, French Valley, or Base Torres Viewpoint.
The “W” route is popular for its accessibility and breathtaking views over several days (4 to 5), while the “O” route is more extensive and offers a more complete experience of the park, connecting various valleys and key points of interest. The “O” route also covers the park’s northern side.
Let me share a secret: whether you’re an experienced hiker or a first-timer, there’s a route in Torres del Paine for you.
How to get to Torres del Paine
Getting to Torres del Paine is part of the adventure. First step: Get to the city of Puerto Natales in Chile.
Puerto Natales is the most commonly used gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Plus, it’s highly recommended to spend the night before your trek in the city and stay one or two nights after to rest and enjoy the wide range of activities Puerto Natales has to offer.
So, how can I get to Puerto Natales?
- Fly to Punta Arenas (PUQ) from Santiago, Chile. Then, take a bus or private transfer (3-4 hours) to Puerto Natales.
- Fly to El Calafate, Argentina. Then, take a bus or private transfer (3-4 hours) to Puerto Natales.
- Bonus tip: Book a tour from another city that lets you finish in Puerto Natales and make the most of your trip!
Spending a night in Puerto Natales before your Patagonia hike is a great idea. You can stock up on last-minute supplies, try some delicious local food, and unwind before heading into the park.
Additionally, this will allow you to leave any luggage you won’t be using during the trek at your hotel in Puerto Natales and hike with a backpack containing only what you’ll need for the days of the trek.
Trekking Circuits in Torres del Paine: W Trek & O Circuit
Now that we have a clear understanding of what Torres del Paine is, where it is located, and how to get there, let’s talk about the “W” and “O” circuits. Why have they become so popular, how do they differ, and most importantly, which one should you do?
In this other article, we discuss all the differences between the “W” and “O” routes, but I’ll also give you a brief summary below:
The “W” and “O” circuits are Torres del Paine’s most popular treks, each offering a unique adventure. W route is a 4–5 day moderate trek linking the park’s highlights—Base Torres Viewpoint, French Valley, and Grey Glacier. The “O” is a more challenging 8-day loop that circles the entire park, offering a deeper, less crowded experience. While the “W” suits those with limited time, the “O” is perfect for adventurers seeking full immersion in Patagonia’s wilderness.


Key Differences:
- Duration: The “W” is shorter, taking about 4-5 days, while the “O” takes 8 days.
- Difficulty: The “W” is moderate, whereas the “O” is more demanding.
- Coverage: The “W” covers the park’s most famous sites, while the “O” offers a more comprehensive view, including remote, less-visited areas.
- Season: The W Route can be completed from early October to mid-April, while the O Route is open from early November to mid-March.
Accommodations in Torres del Paine National Park: How they work
If you’re trekking the “W” or “O” circuits, knowing how accommodations work in Torres del Paine is essential. The park offers 6 lodges and 9 campsites, strategically placed along the trails to provide trekkers with overnight rest stops.
Two official providers manage these accommodations:
- Provider 1: Central Lodge & Campground, Chileno Campground, Serón Campground, Cuernos Lodge & Campground, Francés Lodge & Campground, and Hotel Las Torres (Central Sector).
- Provider 2: Paine Grande Lodge & Campground, Grey Lodge & Campground, Los Perros Campground, and Dickson Lodge & Campground.
Reservations are mandatory and should be made well in advance, especially during peak season, as spots fill up quickly due to high demand.


All-Inclusive Tours in Torres del Paine: why choose one?
If you’re hiking the W Trek, you’ll need 3 to 4 nights in the park. For the O Circuit, at least 7 nights are required.
While you can book accommodations directly, the process is complex and time-consuming. It requires upfront payments and securing availability for each night—without the convenience of platforms like Booking.com. Due to these challenges, many travelers opt for hassle-free self-guided Patagonia trekking packages, which include:
- Welcome kit
- Round-trip bus ticket from Puerto Natales
- All nights of accommodation with full board (no need to carry food or cooking gear)
- Catamaran ticket
- Pre-trek briefing with essential info

Why Book an All-Inclusive Patagonia Trekking Package?
By choosing a package, you guarantee your accommodations without the stress of managing reservations yourself. Plus, you can focus on the adventure—while everything else is taken care of.
With Howlanders, you can customize your experience by choosing between Lodge or Camping accommodations, both offering well-deserved comfort after a long day on the trail.
- Full-Board Meals: Enjoy a hearty breakfast and dinner at the lodge’s dining area, plus a packed lunch to keep you energized during the hike.
- Lodge Stay: Stay in shared dorm-style rooms with pre-made beds—no need to carry a sleeping bag. Just rest and recharge for the next day.
- Luxury Camping Experience: Sleep in a private double tent, fully set up with a high-quality mattress and warm sleeping bag—combining comfort with adventure in Torres del Paine.
Book the Torres del Paine tour in advance.
No matter which option you choose, everything is taken care of so you can focus on the adventure—without the hassle of logistics. Book your trek today and experience Torres del Paine the easy way!
We offer a variety of trekking programs with different durations to fit your schedule and preferences. Check out the options below and find your perfect adventure!
🚨 Torres del Paine is one of South America’s most popular trekking destinations, and spots fill up fast! For the high season (October to April), we recommend booking 6–12 months in advance to secure your place.
Choose your perfect Torres del Paine Adventure
Whether you’re looking for a classic W Trek, the challenging O Circuit, a guided experience, or a full-day tour, there’s an option for you. Explore the different trekking programs and find the one that best suits your schedule, experience level, and adventure style.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour—from quick getaways to extended treks, self-guided or guided, and even all-inclusive options for those who prefer a touch of comfort. Which one will you choose?
W Trek Self-Guided Options
- Torres del Paine W Trek 3-Day Tour (Partial Trail)
- Torres del Paine W Trek 4-Day Tour (Short Version)
- Torres del Paine W Trek 5-Day Tour (Classic Route)
- Torres del Paine W Trek 5-Day Tour (West to East Route)
- Torres del Paine W Trek 6-Day Tour (Extra Day in Grey)
O Circuit Self-Guided Option
- Torres del Paine O Circuit – 8-Day Trek
- Circuit C Torres del Paine (Partial Trail)
- Tour to the Grey and Paine Grande sectors (Partial Trail)

W Trek Guided & Special Programs
Prefer to trek with a guide? You have two options:
- Add a private guide to any of the self-guided packages.
- Join a guided tour—ideal for those who want a more immersive experience.
A guide isn’t required to hike Torres del Paine, but having one adds an extra layer of safety and insight to your adventure!
- Torres del Paine 2-Day Hike Tour
- W Trek Guided 4-Day Tour
- All-Inclusive Torres del Paine Tour – Hotel Accommodation
Full-Day Excursions in Torres del Paine
If you’re short on time, visiting in winter, or on a budget, you can still experience Torres del Paine with a guided day tour from Puerto Natales.
💡 Top Full-Day Tours:
- Trekking Base Torres Viewpoint
- Torres del Paine and Milodon Cave Tour
- Grey Glacier Boat Tour
- Trekking Miradores del Paine
- French Valley Hike in Torres del Paine
- Trekking to the Grey Glacier Viewpoint
Ready to Book Your Torres del Paine Adventure?
At Howlanders, we make trekking in Patagonia hassle-free. Whether you prefer a self-guided trek or an all-inclusive guided tour, we take care of all the logistics—so you can focus on the adventure.
📍 Spots fill up fast! Secure your trek today and get ready to experience the breathtaking landscapes of Torres del Paine.
👉 Book now and start your journey with Howlanders!
