Ultimate Guide To Hiking The W Trek In Patagonia (2024)

Situated in the southern realms of South America, Patagonia is one of the world’s last untouched wildernesses. Chilean Patagonia is a land of towering peaks, crystal-clear rivers, blue-hazed glaciers and treeless steppe, it offers vistas like nowhere else on Earth.

Ultimate Guide To Hiking The W Trek In Patagonia (1)

Often at the top of hiker’s bucket list, the region’s most celebrated trekking route, the W Trek, takes a ‘W-shaped’ path through Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia. There’s perhaps no better way to explore the region’s dramatic landscapes than on foot, so we’ve created a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about hiking Patagonia’s famed W Trek.

Contents hide

1 Travel Guide to Hiking the W Trek in Patagonia

1.1 Hiking the W Trek Basics

1.2 Accommodation on the W Trek

1.3 When to Tackle the W Trek

2 Getting Started: Where to Fly Into and How to Get There

3 W Trek Itinerary

3.1 Day 1

3.2 Day 2

3.3 Day 3

3.4 Day 4

3.5 Day 5

4 What to Pack when Hiking the W Trek

4.1 Conclusion

Travel Guide to Hiking the W Trek in Patagonia

Hiking the W Trek Basics

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While scenic, hiking the W Trek is no gentle stroll in the park. Demanding in places, it requires a good level of basic fitness to cover its 50-mile length successfully. This is not least because altitude is a significant factor on the route, topping out at more than 3,500 feet above sea level. After all, the W Trek lies deep within the southern reaches of the mighty Andes mountain range. Located within Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, the W trek can usually be hiked in four or five days.

There are a number of options available for those looking to hike the W trek. Some choose to pre-plan the lodging, purchase a pass and do it on their own. While this is certainly an option, the lodges fill up months in advance. Another option for those that don’t want to hike the W trek alone or are booking closer to your hike date and the lodges are full, is to book a guided hike.

Guided hikes can be private or you can book a small group hike to go with a guide and some other people.

Accommodation on the W Trek

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Most of this multi-day hike will require overnight camping in tents or at a designated lodge, with hostels and hotels accessible at the start and end of the trek. Camping is only permitted with designated refuges, or refugios at Torres del Paine National Park. Keep in mind that these often get booked up a year in advance so make sure to plan ahead to get the best spots at your favorite refugio.

Lodging at the refugios are either tent camping or a shared room inside the lodge. Tents provided at the refuge are meant for the colder weather, rain and wind so they are warmer than tents you may be used to. Still, if you require the comfort of your own bed inside a warm, cozy lodge then make sure to book even further out because those rooms book up the fastest.

The upside of this arrangement is that you’ll have access to shared bathroom facilities, which generally include hot showers ideal for soothing sore muscles after a day’s walk. Refuges also have heating and electric lighting, and a communal dining room for eating meals sheltered from the elements. Most contain a small shop selling basic items.

Many of the refugios even have wifi so you can catch up on communication with loved ones. Keep in mind that the cost is much higher because it is satellite internet. You will not have cell service while hiking the W trek so make sure your loved ones are aware.

HOT TIP: If you find that individual reservations are booked up in all of the refugios, there may still be availability through a guided tour. You can join a guided hiking tour that is organized by the companies that own the shelters and this comes with a guide for your hike as well as lodging at the shelters along the way. It will be slightly more expensive than hiking and booking everything solo and you will be restricted to one company of shelters versus being able to pick and choose but the upside is your dates will be more likely to be available when planning closer to your travel date.

When to Tackle the W Trek

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Hiking the W Trek is open right throughout the year, but if you’re planning on heading along it independent of guides and tour groups you’re limited to the period between October and April. This coincides with the southern hemisphere’s summer months and is also great to combine with a visit to the beautiful Atacama desert.

Independent hiking is complicated by the fact that places at refugios need to be reserved ahead of time, and can be fully booked months in advance. This is particularly true for the high season, which lasts from December to February. The route is also at its busiest during these months, which some trekkers find takes away from the overall experience of solitude and isolation Patagonia is renowned for.

Getting Started: Where to Fly Into and How to Get There

The standard gateway to the W Trek is the town of Puerto Natales, Chile. It lies more than 1800 miles south of the Chilean capital, Santiago. Limited flights connect the airport at Puerto Natales with Santiago, and it’s often easier to fly to either Punta Arenas further south in Chile, or even to El Calafate, just across the border in Argentina.

From either of these latter airports, you’ll then have to head to Puerto Natales by road. Long distance buses cover the distance from Punta Arenas in around three hours, or around 7 hours from El Calafate including border formalities. There is also an opportunity to rent a car and drive yourself.

If coming from Argentinian Patagonia, you should arrange your visa for Chile ahead of time. However, most European, North American and Australian passport holders require nothing more than six months validity on their passport for tourist visits of less than 60 or 90 days (dependent on nationality).

Puerto Natales – The Gateway to Torres del Paine National Park

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Puerto Natales has a good cluster of hostels and hotels that are well used to welcoming those starting or finishing hiking the W Trek. Perhaps even more helpfully, this once small fishing village has a number of stores where hikers can rent any equipment they may need. Most stay open until 8 or 9 pm, allowing you to organize any kit requirements even if you arrive later in the day.

It’s also possible to securely store gear you won’t need during the trek. Ideally, your backpack won’t weigh more than around 30 lbs.

Storage can be arranged with your guiding service if you hire a guide, with your hostel/hotel depending on where you are staying or you can rent storage at the bus station. Ask your hotel or hostel if it is possible to store some of your items while you do the W trek. If they don’t have storage available, you can store your items at the bus station. Be aware of the opening hours if you choose this option as you will only be able to drop off or pick up your items during specific hours.

Getting to the W Trek from Puerto Natales, Chile

It’s possible to walk the W Trek in either west to east or east to west directions. That said, the vast majority of trekkers start the trail at the end closest to the entry gates into Torres del Paine National Park, which means they tackle the route from west to east. In turn, starting the trek in this direction means you’re not thrown into the deep end on day one.

Several trustworthy companies run buses that drop off and pick-up hikers from the park entrances. The trip takes between two and four hours depending on which entrance is used. They all have departures in the morning from Puerto Natales, usually around 7 am. If you’re struggling to get a seat, less popular services also operate in the early afternoon, leaving Puerto Natales around 2.30 pm.

You should buy your ticket ahead of time at the company offices inside Terminal Rodoviario, where the buses depart from. You’ll find the terminus on Avenida Espana. Round trip tickets (around $20) permit a ride on any of that company’s returning buses.

Buses generally have stops at Laguna Amarga, Pudeto, and Administrativa. The stop at Laguna Amarga is primarily used by those heading along the W Trek from east to west as it connects with the minibus to Las Torres base camp.

If you’re following the majority of trekkers in starting the W Trek at its western end, you’re better off buying a ticket to either Pudeto or Administrativa. From Pudeto, a catamaran crosses Lake Pehoé in around half an hour. Its destination is Paine Grande. As it lies midway along the W Trek route, arriving via Pudeto means repeating your day one walk on day two.

A way of avoiding this is to head instead to Administrativa and then catch the three-hour ferry that travels the length of Lago (Lake) Grey towards the stunning Grey Glacier where there is a campsite.

Fees for entering the park are the equivalent of roughly $30, and can be paid in Chilean pesos, US dollars or euros. If you pay in dollars or euros try and have the exact amount and don’t rely on there being change available. There are numerous currency exchanges in Puerto Natales. Tickets last as long as you stay within the park, or for five consecutive days of entry.

W Trek Itinerary

Day 1

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For those crossing Lake Grey, day one of hiking the W Trek will be mostly taken up by arrival at Grey Campsite, situated between the lake and montane forest. However, there’s still a chance to give your hiking boots a little action, with a trail leading to a viewpoint of Grey Glacier. Approximately one mile in either direction, it has an ascent and descent of around 1,200 feet in total.

If you get lucky with the weather you will have incredible views of the glacier and the glacial lake with icebergs swimming in it. The day we went was cloudy, windy and rainy making it very difficult to complete the hike. While you can’t predict the weather, be aware that the glacier creates a micro climate so just because it is sunny in other parts of the park does not mean that it will be the same nice weather near the glacier. Pack a hat and a warm jacket as it can get very cold, windy and wet.

Day 2

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Day two is usually the first full day of hiking the W Trek, with the path following the eastern shore of Grey Lake for the first third of the day’s route before moving inland.

The path is relatively gentle, and the scenery simply extraordinary from early on. The campsite of choice is called Refugio Italiano, which sits at the southern end of French Valley. In all, hikers usually take around eight hours to reach this point, covering around 13 miles and a further 1,000 feet in altitude.

Day 3

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Day three is normally dedicated to hiking French Valley which is the favorite part of hiking the W trek for many.

Following streams and rivers much of the way north, the valley offers spectacular views of glaciers towards the lookout at Britanicos Camp, although it’s uphill all the way. After taking in the majestic scene, you then complete the central part of the ‘W’ by returning to your previous night’s camp, having covered around ten miles and another 1,000 feet in altitude.

The day’s trek usually lasts around seven hours. Just like with the previous treks, the glaciers here can create microclimates which means that the weather could be unpredictable. Parts of this trek can be especially windy so hold on to your hats!

Day 4

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Day four of the W Trek sees hikers take on the second ‘V’ of the W-shaped route, along the Sendero Paso Los Cuernos trail. Much of the day’s path follows the shores of Lago Nordenskjöld, which are typified by alpine grasslands crisscrossed by small streams. You’ll more than likely end the day at Chileno Camp, after seven hours and 12 miles of walking.

Day 5

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Day five is normally the last day of hiking the W Trek, although it’s possible to cover shorter distances each day thanks to a chain of intermediate campsites along the way.

For most though, day five means the journey to the base of Los Torres mountains, which rise to a height of 9,500 feet. Heading towards their granite towers you’ll follow the sound of the River Asencio. The trek ends with a scramble over loose moraine, so be sure to save some energy.

In all, you’ll cover around nine miles in six hours, allowing plenty of time to meet the bus back to Puerto Natales.

What to Pack when Hiking the W Trek

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Camping equipment can be rented at refugios, but this will add to your costs. If you’re completing the W Trek as part of a tour, tents and meals will be prepared for you. Even so, you’ll still need some specialty equipment to finish hiking the W Trek. In addition to cold weather gear, you should take waterproof clothing, as well as a battery-operated head torch for nights in camp and early morning starts.

Weather can really vary in the summer so you will need both warm clothing on the cold days and nights and light clothing for hotter days.

Below is a brief checklist of the must have things to pack along with you so you are prepared for the elements when hiking the W trek.

T-shirts
Light-weight, foldable rain jacket
Rain pants
Warm waterproof jacket/parka
Layers (thermal under shirt, thermal leggings)
Sweaters
Wool socks
Headlamp
Hiking poles
Camping gear (if not renting at refugio)
Comfortable hiking backpack
Hiking leggings
Shorts
Fast drying tank tops
Ski mask
Warm hat
Baseball hat
Gloves
Water container (either water bottle or a hydration bladder)

Conclusion

While there are many tours and ways to visit Torres del Paine National park, The W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park is an ultimate bucket list experience for anyone visiting Patagonia in Chile. Taking in incredible mountain, lake and glacier views there’s really nothing else like it. Follow the recommendations in our guide to hiking the W Trek in Patagonia, and you’ll be well on your way to being able to tick off this bucket list.

Looking for more epic bucket list destinations in South America? Check out our content for Ecuador for some incredible places to explore.

Ultimate Guide To Hiking The W Trek In Patagonia (2024)

FAQs

How difficult is the W trek in Patagonia? ›

The W Trek is not a difficult or technical trek. Hiking the W Trek doesn't require you to be a pro, but some hiking experience is highly recommended. Compared to lots of other hiking destinations in South America – especially in the Andes mountains – Patagonia is low altitude.

How long does it take to hike the W in Patagonia? ›

The W Trek is Torres del Paine's most famous hiking route, with views of the granite towers that give the park its name. In full, it's a four or five day hike that can be walked without carrying gear or food, between refugios or campsites.

Do I need a guide for the W trek? ›

Doing the W Trek without a guide is the most cost efficient way to trek through the park and it feels very rewarding to do it yourself. However, sorting out the W Trek was one of the most challenging bookings we have made to date.

Where should I start Patagonia W trek? ›

Your destination is the campsite and hut at the base of the Grey Glacier, a starting point for the west-to-east W Trek route. An alternative option here is to catch the catamaran ferry across Lake Pehoé (Lago Pehoé) and then walk to the Grey Glacier lodging from there.

Do you need a guide for W Trek Patagonia? ›

The simple answer is yes, you can hike Patagonia without a guide, and there are certainly some perks. If you're looking to move at your own pace – stopping to admire views, take photos and be in the moment – then self-guided trekking will award you this privilege.

Is the W trek well marked? ›

Generally, the hiking trail is quite well marked. In the high season, you should encounter other hikers on the trail more often than you may wish. Still, a map is helpful in planning out the logistics of the day, as it lists hiking times and distances.

How do I train for Patagonia trek? ›

Suggested conditioning activities for our Patagonia Trek include running, walking on an inclined treadmill, doing stair stepping or stepmill training, trail running, working on an elliptical machine, walking up and down hills, or participating in step aerobic classes.

What is the best time to hike Patagonia? ›

High Season – December to February – is the best time for hiking, whitewater rafting and penguin-spotting. The weather is at its best during Patagonia's summer. You may enjoy warm, long days (punctuated by gusts of fierce Patagonian winds) as you hit the hiking trails or Chile's whitewater rapids.

How do I book Torres del Paine W Trek? ›

The campsites on the W trek can be booked online together through Booking Patagonia, or separately on the CONAF, Vertice Patagonia, and Las Torres Patagonia (Fantastico Sur) websites. As of July 2022, the CONAF campsite (Italiano) can't be booked online and there is no information on when (and if) it'll be open.

Can you swim in Torres del Paine? ›

Don't swim in the rivers or lakes. It's prohibited in Torres del Paine.

Is there cell service in Torres del Paine? ›

You Won't Miss Your Laptop or Mobile Phone

Hiking in Torres del Paine means complete disconnection from your electronic existence. You're unlikely to take your laptop hiking with you and there are many places within the park where there's no cell phone signal at all.

Is Torres del Paine worth? ›

Torres del Paine National Park has the most spectacular trails in South America, namely the W Trek and the Torres del Paine Circuit (“O Trek”). These multi-day hikes are mainly recommended for experienced hikers, though beginners may opt for the shorter version of the W Trek.

Do you need a guide to hike Torres del Paine? ›

Both W and O Trek can be done on your own without a guided tour during the summer season. However, you will need to arrange a guide for the winter season.

Where do you fly to hike the trek? ›

Getting Started: Where to Fly Into and How to Get There. The standard gateway to the W Trek is the town of Puerto Natales, Chile. It lies more than 1800 miles south of the Chilean capital, Santiago.

Do you need a permit to hike Torres del Paine? ›

Hikers in Torres del National Park need to purchase a permit. Permits are cash only and can be obtained at any of the entrance stations Laguna Amarga, Sarmiento or Serrano.

Is the O trek difficult? ›

It's a moderately difficult trekking route that goes through some remote areas of Torres del Paine National Park. The most challenging part of the O route is a 900-meters ascent to John Gardner Pass.

How long does Torres del Paine take? ›

5 days is a good amount of time to see the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park (towers' base, french valley, Grey glacier). You can also mix one or two of the highlights with another off-the-beaten path option and take some time for wildlife observation.

How long does it take to hike Torres del Paine? ›

You need 7-8 days to complete the trail. The circuit covers off-the-beaten-path areas of Torres del Paine as well as its famous landmarks. The O trek is open only during the summer season from 1st November to April.

Can you do the W trek alone? ›

You can be guided or do the w trek self guided (in the warmer months anyway). You can stay in lodges and enjoy a cooked meal and a warm bed. You can carry your own gear and pitch your tent in one of the campsites along the way, or carry no gear and book a tent and sleeping bag at each site.

How hard is Torres del Paine? ›

From here, the Torres del Paine towers hike is just shy of 21 km/13 mi round trip and takes 8- 10 hours to complete. The hike to Mirador de las Torres is rated difficult/strenuous and has an elevation gain of 901 m/2956 ft.

How should I prepare for Patagonia? ›

How to Prepare for Trekking in Patagonia
  1. You seriously do need hiking boots. ...
  2. 2. … ...
  3. Bring Compeed. ...
  4. Bring the right clothing with you. ...
  5. Get a tent suited for Patagonian weather. ...
  6. For the love of God, do NOT buy your camping gear in Argentina. ...
  7. But honestly, Chile isn't that much better. ...
  8. Get lightweight cooking gear.
13 Jul 2021

What is the altitude of Patagonia? ›

Patagonia - a region covering almost half a continent and about 800000 km2. It is the southern part of South America, approximately south of Monte San Lorenzo (around 47°S), covering southern parts of Chile and Argentina.
...
The Patagonian Andes.
Peak namealtitude (m)
Cerro Grande2804
11 more rows

Can you climb Mount Fitz Roy? ›

The final approach to Mount Fitz Roy is on a very steep, rock-strewn trail that guides hikers to a viewpoint overlooking Laguna de los Tres. The Fitz Roy trek is about 21.4 km/13.3 mi round trip and requires 8- 10 hours to complete. It's rated moderate to hard and has an elevation gain of 864 m/2835 ft.

Which side of Patagonia is better? ›

If it comes down to size, the Argentine Patagonia is a winner. It's larger than Chilean Patagonia, meaning there are more places to visit and more things to see and do. However, while Chilean Patagonia may be smaller, that also means it's easier to see and do all the best things in that region.

How many days do you need in Patagonia? ›

Planning Your Trip to Patagonia

To get the most out of the experience, plan on 7-10 days. That will give you enough time to explore two different regions, visit famous glaciers, and enjoy rewarding circuit hikes through the area's beautiful national parks.

Where do you fly into to get to Torres del Paine? ›

The Nearest Airport: Punta Arenas

The Punta Arenas airport, located 360 kilometers and 5 hours south of Torres del Paine National Park. It's the closest airport to the park and has daily non-stop flights from Santiago.

How do I get from Santiago to Torres del Paine? ›

The fastest route is from Santiago to Puerto Natales, which takes about 3 hours, and from there, to Torres del Paine by car. However, flights are only available during high-season months between these two cities. The second option is to fly to Punta Arenas, then rent a car or take the bus.

What is a Refugio in Patagonia? ›

refugio masculine noun. english translation of REFUGIO: refuge, shelter. swoop definition of REFUGIO: warm, friendly, convivial places with shared dorm-style rooms for 6 people, and hot meals and showers. The accommodation is basic but comfortable You will find a communal dining room… ….shared bathrooms…..

What is the best time to go to Torres del Paine? ›

Spring (September to November) and Fall (March to May) are some of the best times to visit Torres Del Paine. It reveals its true colors through springtime blossoms and fall foliage. And since they're the shoulder seasons, the crowds are fewer to immerse yourself more in nature.

How do I get to the O Circuit in Patagonia? ›

The "O" Circuit can be walked in either direction. Most people start and finish at the Laguna Amarga ranger station or Refugio Lago Pehoe, the drop-off point for the catamaran. The walking times on the CONAF map are reasonably accurate but good hikers will hike slightly faster.

What time does Torres del Paine open? ›

Torres del Paine National Park is open all year round. You can enter Torres del Paine any day of the week and the official opening hours are from 8am to 7pm. Some trails might be closed depending on the weather conditions, and you need to be with a certified guide if you want to hike on the trails of the W Trek.

Are there mosquitos in Patagonia? ›

Currently, there is evidence of 16 mosquito species distributed in the Argentine Patagonia region belonging to the genera Aedes, Culex and Orthopodomyia [16], with Tierra del Fuego Prov- ince (52–55°S) being the southernmost area in the world where a mosquito species (Aedes albifasciatus) is permanently established [17 ...

Is there WIFI on the W trek? ›

Surprisingly, wifi is available at every refugio along the W trail.

Are there easy hikes in Patagonia? ›

Easy hikes can be found all over Patagonia. There are so many destinations to visit that can be difficult to navigate through without the proper guidance. Read this article and find which easy hike trail you can take in each destination of Patagonia Argentina and Chile, and feel 100% alive!

How much does it cost to hike Torres del Paine? ›

The entrance ticket to Torres del Paine National Park costs $21,000 CLP ($30 USD) for an adult. This grants you either as many days within the park as you wish (i.e. you stay in the park and hike the W or the O) or three days of consecutive entry (leaving at the end of each night).

Is it better to stay in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales? ›

Definitely go to Puerto Natales, and if you can, even stay in the park for a few nights. From Punta Arenas to the main entrance of Torres del Paine is about 5 hours each way so really not doable for day trips.

How do you get around Torres del Paine without a car? ›

OR Take Bus to Torres del Paine

A cheaper option is the bus, though you'll have to follow the bus schedule and you'll be in trouble if you miss the return bus. The same bus companies as above travel from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine each morning and tickets cost around $15,000 CLP ($23 USD) for a return ticket.

Can you do W trek in 4 days? ›

Hiking the W Trek is a phenomenal experience, whichever way you choose to do it. But, if you are not afraid of long distance hiking and want to save money doing so, we can testify to hiking the W Trek independently in 4 days. Beck and I had a wonderful experience and highly recommend you hike the W Trek this way.

How long is the O trek? ›

The O trek, O Circuit or Full Circuit all refer to the 136-kilometre (85-mile) hike that is the second most popular trail in Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia*.

How do you get from Santiago to Puerto Natales? ›

How to Get from Santiago to Puerto Natales
  1. By Plane. Duration: 3 hours 15 min. Taking a flight is the fastest way to get from Santiago to Puerto Natales and takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes. ...
  2. By Plane and Bus. Duration: 8-9 hours. ...
  3. By Bus. Duration: 42 hours. ...
  4. By Car. Duration: 37 hours. ...
  5. By Train and Bus. Duration: 44 hours.
7 Aug 2019

How hard is Torres del Paine? ›

From here, the Torres del Paine towers hike is just shy of 21 km/13 mi round trip and takes 8- 10 hours to complete. The hike to Mirador de las Torres is rated difficult/strenuous and has an elevation gain of 901 m/2956 ft.

Is the O trek difficult? ›

It's a moderately difficult trekking route that goes through some remote areas of Torres del Paine National Park. The most challenging part of the O route is a 900-meters ascent to John Gardner Pass.

How do you hike the W circuit? ›

To hike the W Trek from east to west, you will get off the bus at the park office at Laguna Amarga, then head to the Central Sector. To hike the W Trek from west to east, you can get off at the Pudeto stop and catch the catamaran across Lake Pehoé to the refugio at Paine Grande.

Is it safe to hike in Patagonia? ›

Yet the truth is that hiking in Patagonia is actually incredibly safe and is enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year with no problems at all.

Do I need bug spray in Patagonia? ›

8. You Might Need Bug Spray at Any Time of Year. Patagonia has a reputation for cooler temperatures and it's true that snow is not unheard of even in summer, so you might think that biting bugs and midges would be the last of your worries. Think again!

Are there mosquitos in Patagonia? ›

Currently, there is evidence of 16 mosquito species distributed in the Argentine Patagonia region belonging to the genera Aedes, Culex and Orthopodomyia [16], with Tierra del Fuego Prov- ince (52–55°S) being the southernmost area in the world where a mosquito species (Aedes albifasciatus) is permanently established [17 ...

Do you need a guide to hike Torres del Paine? ›

Both W and O Trek can be done on your own without a guided tour during the summer season. However, you will need to arrange a guide for the winter season.

How long does the O trek take? ›

The Torres del Paine "O" Circuit (6–10 days) is the full loop around the Cordillera del Paine—the "W" plus the more remote backside that gets fewer trekkers. All told, the total distance of the "O" is approximately 110 kilometers depending on side hikes.

How long do you need in Patagonia? ›

Planning Your Trip to Patagonia

To get the most out of the experience, plan on 7-10 days. That will give you enough time to explore two different regions, visit famous glaciers, and enjoy rewarding circuit hikes through the area's beautiful national parks.

What should I pack for O Circuit? ›

Simple Recommended Gear List for the Torres del Paine “O” Circuit:
  • Map, Passport and confirmation of campsite booking.
  • Backpack (50-70L)
  • Pack liner and dry bags.
  • Sleeping bag & sleeping bag liner to help boost the temperature.
  • Sleeping mat.
  • Small Pillow.
  • Tent.
  • Hiking boots.

How do I train for Patagonia trek? ›

Suggested conditioning activities for our Patagonia Trek include running, walking on an inclined treadmill, doing stair stepping or stepmill training, trail running, working on an elliptical machine, walking up and down hills, or participating in step aerobic classes.

What is the best time to hike Patagonia? ›

High Season – December to February – is the best time for hiking, whitewater rafting and penguin-spotting. The weather is at its best during Patagonia's summer. You may enjoy warm, long days (punctuated by gusts of fierce Patagonian winds) as you hit the hiking trails or Chile's whitewater rapids.

How do I book Torres del Paine W Trek? ›

The campsites on the W trek can be booked online together through Booking Patagonia, or separately on the CONAF, Vertice Patagonia, and Las Torres Patagonia (Fantastico Sur) websites. As of July 2022, the CONAF campsite (Italiano) can't be booked online and there is no information on when (and if) it'll be open.

Are there snakes in Patagonia? ›

If you're not one who hopes to encounter spiders and reptiles, fear not! There are no venomous snakes known in Patagonia, and it is highly unlikely that you'll encounter any poisonous crawlers.

Can you drink water in Patagonia? ›

Yes. You can drink the tap water in Patagonia as the water is safe. However, If you have a sensitive stomach, then it's advisable to drink bottled water as gastrointestinal discomfort can affect those unaccustomed to the region's water.

Is Patagonia expensive to visit? ›

The cost of a trip to Patagonia

A cheapest daily budget for Patagonia can come in at around $50 USD per day. This includes staying in cheap, dorm-style accommodation, self-catering and taking public transport.

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