Confirmed Dispatch:  February 2013

The W Circuit is the shorter route in Torres del Paine National Park and can be done in four to five days.  The route takes in the three most famous features of the park; the Torres, the Cuernos del Paine, and Glacier Grey and lake.  This trek is named the “W” because each of the treks goes roughly from Lago Nordenskljöld (the base) into the mountains and ice fields, then back to the base and up again, three times.

Day 1: From Guarderia Lago Amarga, take the bus to Guardería Lago Pudeto.  From Salto Grande, ferry across Lago Pehoé to Refugio Pehoe.  From there, hike to Lago Grey, and set up camp at Refugio Grey.

Day 2: Explore Glacier Grey and maybe take a guided walk on the ice before returning to the refugio at Lago Pehoé.  From Pehoe, hike to Campamento Italiano and set up camp for two nights.  The upper campsite is usually less crowded.

Day 3: Backpack to Campamento Britanico from where you can climb up to a viewpoint and see the Torres from the southeast, as opposed to the usual view towards the southwest.

Day 4: Hike along the northern bank of Nordenskljöld to the Hostería Las Torres.  Along the way you can veer north to Refugio El Chileno along the rio Ascensio and on to a small lake just below the Torres del Paine and the three fantastic granite towers.  Stay overnight at the refugio.

Day 5: Trek to the Hostería Las Torres for your last night in the park.