by Leandro Zamprogno
Travel Specialist in Trips SouthAmerica
Discover how to prepare for the W Circuit in Torres del Paine.
Preparation and Tips of the trip. Equipment, accommodation, and practical tips for your adventure in Chilean Patagonia.
A Patagonian Dream:
My Adventure on the W Circuit
There are moments in life that mark us forever. For me, that moment came a few weeks ago when my feet first touched the trails of the famous W Circuit in Torres del Paine. Never before had I felt so captivated by the immensity of a landscape, so small in the face of nature’s grandeur.
With a mix of excitement and nervousness, I packed my backpack and set off on this adventure in the heart of Chilean Patagonia. Every step I took in those days was a step towards wonder, towards discovery, not only of one of the most beautiful places on the planet but also of myself.
Discovering the W Circuit
The jewel of Chilean Patagonia
Imagine a place where mountains touch the sky, where ancient glaciers sculpt the landscape, and where impossibly turquoise lakes reflect the majesty of the surroundings. That place exists, and it’s called Torres del Paine National Park.
With over 180,000 hectares of pure wild beauty, this park is much more than a tourist destination: it’s a natural treasure that takes your breath away at every step. Its iconic granite towers, vast ice fields, and incredible diversity of flora and fauna make it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
But how can you experience all this beauty? Torres del Paine offers options for all tastes and levels of adventure:
• The Classic Day Visit:
For those with limited time, day trips from Puerto Natales (just 2 hours from the park) offer a quick but stunning glimpse of the park’s wonders.
• Luxury in the Heart of Nature:
If you’re looking for a more immersive experience without giving up comfort, hotels inside the park allow you to wake up every morning to views that seem straight out of a dream. Just be prepared: this option usually includes transfers, meals, and excursions, which significantly raises the cost.
• The True Adventure – Trekking Circuits:
For the more adventurous spirits, trekking circuits offer the most authentic and rewarding experience. Sleep in “refugios” (shelters) or under the stars, earn each view with the effort of your legs, and feel the pulse of the park in every kilometer traveled.
The main circuits are the W and the O, named after the shape they trace on the park map:
1. The W Circuit: A 4 to 5-day adventure covering 90 km of pure Patagonian beauty.
2. The O Circuit: For the bolder, 7 to 8 days covering 120 km around the entire Paine massif.
In my case, I ventured on the W Circuit, and I can tell you that every kilometer, every steep climb, every cold dawn, was absolutely worth it. This is my story, and I hope it inspires you to create your own in this magical corner of the world.
Preparing body and mind: How difficult is it really?
Despite not being an experienced trekker, I always had the W Circuit on my dream list. What attracted me were the stunning landscapes it promised, rather than the physical challenge itself. And I have good news for novice adventurers like me: even without specific training, this adventure is totally achievable for anyone in generally good physical condition.
My experience taught me that the key lies in:
• Maintaining a positive attitude and open mind
• Listening to your body and respecting your limits
• Enjoying every step of the way, regardless of speed
Remember: it’s not a race, it’s an experience. Everyone has their own pace, and that’s perfectly fine.
Shelter under the stars: Choosing where to rest
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is where to spend the nights: shelter or camping? The good news is that both options are excellent, and the choice will depend on your personal preferences.
Shelters
• Well-equipped and modern
• Facilitate drying of damp clothes
• Offer WiFi (for an additional cost)
• Comfortable beds for a good rest
• Lights out at midnight to ensure silence
Camping
• The quintessential adventurous experience
• Located near shelters to access their facilities
• Options for traditional or premium elevated tents
• Tents already set up upon arrival, with sleeping bag and pillow included
Tip: Regardless of your choice, don’t forget to bring a microfiber towel, as they’re not included in any option.
The best part is that, regardless of where you sleep, you’ll share common spaces with other travelers, creating opportunities to make new friends and share experiences.
Equipping the adventure
Essentials for conquering Torres del Paine
Once you’ve decided where to sleep, it’s time to think about packing.
The key here is practicality: you’ll be carrying your backpack for several days, so every gram counts.
Packing tips
• Leave part of your luggage in Puerto Natales. Only take essentials to the circuit.
• Use an extra backpack in addition to your main luggage.
• Personal tip: Wrap your clothes and objects in plastic bags. This extra precaution can save you from unpleasant surprises if it rains and your backpack cover fails.
Essential gear
• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
• Quality warm jacket
• Quick-dry clothing
• Windproof and waterproof layer
• Sunglasses and hat or buff
• Sunscreen (very important!)
• A book for rest moments
• Deck of cards for socializing in the shelters
Remember! The weather in Patagonia is unpredictable. You can experience all four seasons in a single day. The key is to dress in layers to easily adapt to changes.
We’re ready for the adventure!
With our backpack ready, body prepared, and spirit eager for adventure, we’re set to embark on the W Circuit of Torres del Paine. But preparation is just the beginning. What challenges await us on the trails? How does it really feel to wake up surrounded by ancient glaciers and imposing mountains? What secrets does each corner of this Patagonian paradise hold?
In the next part of this story, I’ll take you step by step through my experience on the W Circuit. From the first day full of expectations to the last, filled with emotions and achievements. Get ready to discover the most impressive landscapes, the most rewarding challenges, and the most valuable lessons that only nature can offer.
Don’t miss the continuation of this adventure in Torres del Paine, where every kilometer traveled is a story to tell.
Leandro Zamprogno
Travel Specialist, Trips SouthAmerica.
lzamprogno@trips-southamerica.com
