What I Wish I Knew Before Doing the W Trek in Patagonia

Trekking the W Trek through Torres del Paine National Park is one of those experiences that stays with you – the kind of adventure that lives up to the photos and then some. But like many great journeys, it helps to know a few things before you lace up your boots.

Whether you’re preparing for your first long-distance trek or you’ve done a few hikes already, here are the things most people wished they'd have known before starting the W Trek – the kind of tips that would have helped you prepare better, walk easier and savour it all even more.

1. The weather on the W Trek does what it wants – all in a single day

You can be trekking in sunshine one minute and pulling on a rain jacket the next. Patagonia is notorious for fast-changing weather – it’s what makes the scenery so dramatic. Expect sun, wind, rain and maybe even snow in the same day.

What helps: A proper layering system, waterproof everything, and a sense of humour when the wind tries to steal your hat.

2. You don’t have to be a mountaineer to enjoy the W Trek

One of the best surprises? You don’t need technical skills to enjoy the W Trek. It’s challenging enough to feel like a proper adventure, but with well-marked trails and no high-altitude sections, it's accessible for most people with reasonable fitness.

What helps: Training with hill walks and a loaded daypack for 2–3 hours at a time, three times a week, is a solid base.

3. The scenery hits you early – and keeps going

You don’t have to wait long for a wow moment. From the first day, the jagged spires of the Paine Massif make it feel like you’ve stepped into a different world. Glacier-fed lakes, hanging valleys and the sheer scale of the landscape make every day feel distinct.

What helps: Take it slow, especially on the viewpoints. You’ll want the time to just stop and absorb it.

4. Why it’s called the W Trek – and yes, there are climbs

The trail is named after the shape it makes as it zigzags through three dramatic valleys – Ascencio, Francés and Grey – forming a giant “W” across the Paine Massif. To complete the route, you’ll hike in and out of each valley, crossing rugged ridges and glacial basins along the way.

None of the climbs are technical or high-altitude, but they do involve a steady effort – especially with a full pack.

What helps: Choose an option that suits how you want to walk – there are supported trips with luggage transfers and camp-based comfort if you prefer not to carry everything.

5. Campsites and refugios on the W Trek have character – and often a view

Staying in Torres del Paine isn’t about luxury – it’s about immersion. And that means watching sunrise over the mountains, or sipping a hot drink while a glacier calves in the distance. Some sites are quite basic, others are surprisingly well equipped, all are very clean and offer showers.

What helps: Go in knowing that comfort means a warm sleeping bag and a good meal – and that nature does the rest.

6. Seeing the Torres at sunrise is worth the early start

Yes, it means waking up in the dark. Yes, the trail is steep. But standing in silence as the first light hits the granite towers is one of the most rewarding moments of the W Trek.

What helps: A head torch, warm layers, and a guide who knows the best spot.

7. You’re sharing the W Trek – and that’s part of the magic

People come from all over the world to walk the W Trek. Whether you’re staying in refugios or camping, there’s a shared spirit on the trail – swapping stories, helping each other out and quietly taking it all in.

What helps: Be patient, be kind and bring a few extra snacks – it’s amazing what a handful of trail mix can do for morale.

8. Going with experienced local guides changes everything

Having someone who knows the route, the history, the wildlife and the terrain takes a lot of the stress away. It also means richer experiences – hearing local stories, spotting wildlife you’d otherwise miss, and understanding how the land is changing.

What helps: Choosing a guided experience that prioritises small groups, responsible travel, and regional knowledge.

9. The memories don’t fade – but your photos might not do it justice

You’ll take hundreds of photos, but it’s the feeling you’ll remember – the sound of ice cracking on the Grey Glacier, the colour of the lakes, the satisfaction of walking across such a wild, beautiful corner of the world.

What helps: Put the camera down sometimes. Let Patagonia imprint itself the old-fashioned way.

10. W Trek accommodation is limited – and it books out fast

Unlike other popular treks, the W Trek has a fixed number of campgrounds and refugios, and they’re all inside the national park. This means accommodation is strictly limited – especially during the main trekking season from November to March.

Booking early isn’t just smart – it’s essential. The best dates and comfort-based options fill quickly, and some routes can't even be walked unless every night's stay is locked in.

What helps: Start planning at least 6–9 months in advance. Guided treks often handle all the permits and accommodation for you, which makes the process easier – and ensures you don’t miss out.