Located at the southern tip of South America, Torres del Paine in Patagonia, is a trekker’s dream come true. This location has been gaining more and more popularity due to its jaw-dropping landscapes and challenging but approachable hiking track. A multi-day trekking trip in Patagonia can be accomplished by anyone that’s reasonably capable and willing to hike for 4-6 hours a day. To make it even easier, here are 5 tips for you to review when planning to visit one of the world’s natural wonders:
1. Best times for Patagonia Trekking
The most popular time to travel to Patagonia is during the summer. Down south, summer happens between December to February during which you’ll pleasant 60-70 degree weather. However, since those months are also peak season the trail may be more crowded, and accommodation will book up far in advance. We prefer to go during the fall or spring months just before or after summer, when it might be slightly cooler, but the crowds of people are less and the intense winds decrease too. In addition, during the fall you’re likely to catch the trees change color and during the spring you’ll be delighted with blossoms sprinkled across the landscape.
2. Travel Insurance
As travel lovers, we have learned with time and experience that it is always important to secure some sort of insurance policy before traveling. Of course, this is even more true when the trip revolves around hiking in remote areas, such as Patagonia. While it’s never fun to think about, if something does go wrong, a good travel medical insurance policy can save you from expensive bills, and a comprehensive trip protection policy will cover the damages for that camera you accidentally dropped in a stream! Read more of our best travel insurance tips here.
3. Backpack & Gear
To have the best experience, it’s crucial to pack wisely for the type of hike you’re about to undertake. Be sure to take into consideration the weight of the gear because, after all, you will be carrying it the whole way (unless you hire a porter)! Patagonia is known to be full of surprises. It can rain, snow, deliver intense winds, or be warm & sunny all in one day. So be prepared for anything! Here are a few essentials:
1 lightweight pair of waterproof hiking boots / shoes
Lower body: hiking socks, light weight long underwear bottoms, breathable windproof pants, breathable shorts (summertime) — all quick-dry materials. 1 pair waterproof rain paints.
Upper body: long sleeve & short sleeve t-shirt (both quick-dry materials), winter hat, light gloves, 1 fleece or pile coat no matter which season you’re traveling, 1 windproof & waterproof jacket.
Lightweight sleeping bag (rated -5°C for November – March trips; -15°C for April – October trips)
Water bottle (no filtration necessary, fill up directly from the rushing, spring-fed streams!)
Trekking poles, toiletries, sunglasses, sunscreen, chapstick, insect repellent, headlamp and/or flashlight, camera, basic first-aid kit.
4. Plan which trek to hike
There are several different treks you can choose from when hiking Torres del Paine in Patagonia.
W Trek: The most popular route to take while hiking this area. It is about 50 miles long, includes Glacier Grey, and can be completed in 3-5 days.
O Trek or Circuit: Encompasses the W route, adding on a path that connects each point of the W in order to create a loop. More difficult & challenging. It takes between 6 to 9 days to complete.
Q Trek: Covers the same as the Circuit with an extra day of hiking to the Refugio Paine Grande.
Custom W or ‘VW’ as we prefer. Another option when looking at the W trek would be to add the in/out trek through the under-visited Bader Valley before (or instead of) the French Valley. This is a great way to explore the famous ‘W’ route, with an additional excursion that will offer you the feeling of having the trail all to yourself! Though most trails of Torres del Paine can be trekked independently, Bader Valley is only possible with a guide. The ‘VW’ takes 4-6 days in total.
5. Water & Food
Water and food are two essential staples to consider when planning a hiking trip. Fortunately, one of these two is as easy it gets in Patagonia! Many hikers in Torres del Paine simply carry a reusable water bottle (or even a cup) when traversing these paths, since it’s entirely possible to continuously fill your water receptacle from the rushing, spring-fed streams as you go. These sources are only about 40 mins apart from each other in most of the W trek so you can refill and re-hydrate without worrying about carrying a day (or several days) worth of water on your back.
As for food, it is important to plan beforehand what to purchase and bring before entering the park. Once inside, the price of food and snacks (while sporadically available at Refugio’s as you go) will of course be much more expensive.
For the main meals of the day, focus on carbohydrates & protein which will keep your energy up and sustained for a longer time. Think about packing into small reusable containers the individual portions of each of these you’re planning to consume for breakfast, lunch and dinner each day you’re planning to hike. As for protein, options include hummus, dried meat, tuna packs and other legumes that are easy to bring. When it comes to snacks think of options that aren’t as heavy, but densely packed with protein & energy. Good options can be dried fruits, nuts and seeds, nutrition bars and even vegetables like carrots with hummus.
…Or, let the experts manage planning & logistics!
Interested in hiking Torres del Paine with a small group of travelers led by a fantastic local guide, or as a self-guided adventure but without having to plan all the logistics? Well, lucky for you, we can provide those experiences! Our 9-day small-group trip to Chile includes 5 full days to explore Torres del Paine with local guides, all transport, meals & other logistics pre-arranged. Plus your travel buddy who’s maybe not exactly a hiking enthusiast can join the trip too and opt for the non-hiking option!
Alternatively, for those who prefer a more independent or custom experience, check out our expertly planned 6-day self-guided adventure in Patagonia, which allows you to add-on kayaking excursions, cycling trips, or even ice-hiking on Glacier Grey! However you decide to explore the might & splendor of this remarkable hunk of planet, just be sure that you do it.
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