Each year, more and more adventurers seek to reconnect with nature, explore breathtaking landscapes and experience transformative moments. Among the world’s most impressive destinations for this type of adventure is the Torres del Paine National Park, located in Chile’s extreme south.
Famous for its granite towers, turquoise lakes and massive glaciers, the park offers trails for all levels of fitness – from short walks to multi-day circuits.
In this article, you can learn about the main trekking itineraries organized by Hotel Las Torres, one of the most complete accommodation options within the park.
We introduce you to everything from the iconic Base Torres Viewpoint to the challenging O Circuit – programs that can take between three and eight days.
So many trails that require a lot of stamina!
If you dream of seeing the famous granite towers that give the park its name up close, the trek to the Base Torres Viewpoint is one of Patagonia’s most emblematic.
The route begins by skirting Mount Almirante Nieto, offering incredible views of the mountain range. Following the Ascencio Valley, you cross the Los Vientos Pass before taking a well-deserved break at the Chileno Mountain Stay – an excellent spot to refill your water bottle, have a snack and use the restroom.
The path then enters a forest of lenga beech (trees typical of the region), which leads to the most challenging part of the trail: the rocky section known as La Morrena.
The effort is worth it. From the top, you are rewarded with an impressive view of the Las Torres Mountains. An unforgettable experience.
The W Circuit is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world, and the “Express” model allows you to explore the park’s main attractions in just four days. This is the perfect option for those who don’t want to miss anything, but have limited time.
This itinerary takes in the Base Torres Viewpoint, Los Cuernos Mountains, Francés Valley, Mount Paine Grande and Grey Glacier – five of the most iconic spots in Chilean Patagonia. The name “W” comes from the shape the trail draws on a map, ascending and descending through valleys that, viewed from above, form the letter W.
Accommodation options include campsites, mountain stays with beds and meals, and private hotel rooms.
If you want to complete the W Circuit with more calmness and time to enjoy each of the stages, the classic five-day version is the one for you.
The itinerary is similar to the Express – including the park’s main viewpoints and landscapes – but it includes an extra day to acclimatize and get to better know the Central Sector of the park before starting the trek.
With comfortable accommodation (including beds, hot showers and delicious meals), this option combines adventure with a touch of convenience.
For the more experienced adventurers, the O Circuit is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in the world. The route completes a full loop around the mountain massif of the Torres del Paine National Park, revealing landscapes that are not accessible on other trails.
Over eight days, you cross native forests, glacial rivers, open fields and emblematic points such as the Grey Glacier (seen from the top of the John Gardner Mountain Pass), Francés Valley and, of course, the Base Torres Viewpoint.
The route is circular, beginning and ending at the same point, and can be done self-guided (individually or in a group) or with a private guide.