Complete Guide to Hiking the W Circuit in Torres del Paine (ALL You NEED to Know)

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  • Опубліковано 22 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 111

  • @LukeGeeTravels
    @LukeGeeTravels  Рік тому +19

    Hope you enjoyed this guide I put together on how to PLAN and BOOK your W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park! Let me know in the comments anything else you would like to know!

    • @worldtraveler1236
      @worldtraveler1236 Рік тому +1

      That was such a well put together video. Well done explaining everything - I will definitely bookmark this for my future planning!

    • @lawrenceseow7252
      @lawrenceseow7252 3 місяці тому +1

      Hi, can anyone tell me if it is possible to drive in the park. Does the 3-day ticket allow/include multiple entry (exit and return the following day)? So I don't stay in the park. I'm thinking of staying in Puerto Natales and drive to the park in the morning and return to PN in the evening. Is this possible? Any info would be much appreciated.

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  3 місяці тому +1

      I am not aware of a three day ticket but if there is one, yes you can enter whenever. You can drive your car up to Hotel Torres or on the other side to Estacia Pudeto. Driving to/from Puerto Natales is about 1.5h each way, you can find accommodations in the park (which will be pricey) or outside of the park - look around Amarga. Hope this helps!

    • @ScuffleYT
      @ScuffleYT 2 місяці тому +1

      @@LukeGeeTravelsHello. Really appreciate the information in the video, including the prices (we can compare to current ones). Could you tell me how you got back from the end of the W trek to Puerto Natales? We’d like to avoid the catamaran from Grey camp to the bus stop in the south and would rather hike to a different bus stop (sorry, couldn’t find very good info on this online). Thank you in advance!

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  2 місяці тому +2

      I’m glad you found this helpful! To my knowledge the buses only serve two locations - Laguna Amarga in the EAST and Estancia Pudeto in the south. I think from the grey area, your only option is Catamaran from Paine Grande but check the timetables as they only arrive 2-3 times per day

  • @BobI-jb4rk
    @BobI-jb4rk Рік тому +6

    I don’t see how you could go on a trip like that and not come back a changed man! Life changing adventure!

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  Рік тому

      I tell ya, after every trip I feel like I become a better person. Learning about new places and cultures just keeps opening up my eyes and makes me a better person

  • @pizaliasta8369
    @pizaliasta8369 Рік тому +10

    This was the most informative W trek summary I have seen so far. Thank you!

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  Рік тому

      Thank you very much! I’m happy it was helpful to you!

  • @worldtraveler1236
    @worldtraveler1236 Рік тому +8

    Wow, this may be one of the best videos to date! You explained everything so well and the visuals were just perfect, thank you so much for all the hard work you put into your videos!

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  Рік тому

      Thank you so much, that means a lot. I plan on making more types of these videos in the future:)

  • @dakotagarcia7391
    @dakotagarcia7391 11 місяців тому +3

    Very, very, very beautiful. Thank you for take us this landscapes. And thank you for your work filming go and come back for the camera😊
    Perfec photo composition.

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  11 місяців тому

      Thank you so much for watching! I’m glad the video has helped you and that you enjoyed it!😊

  • @zachcake6231
    @zachcake6231 8 місяців тому +3

    Suuuuuuper great video, amazingly informative! Thank you!

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  8 місяців тому

      I’m happy you like it and that it hopefully has helped you plan an amazing trip to Torres del Paine!

  • @Azim0000
    @Azim0000 26 днів тому +2

    Thank you for sharing, the details were very insigtful and helpful.

  • @mwd0884
    @mwd0884 10 місяців тому +2

    Great guide, man! I did this trek with my wife in Jan 2023, in the same direction as you. I think E->W has a lot of advantages despite being less travelled (I think).
    One note about the wind: we got unlucky and experienced a few days around PG and grey with high winds. It can get seriously crazy, we got literally knocked over multiple times, and at PG I saw a few people whose tents collapsed in the night! Definitely something everyone should think about and prepare for as it's so unpredictable!

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  10 місяців тому

      I appreciate that and congrats to you two! It’s an unbelievable place! I found especially hiking between Camp Frances and Paine Grande, there were large groups hiking W -> E and it would have just been harder to pass them! E -> W is by far the better option, in my opinion!
      The winds there are crazy! When I woke up early in the morning to hike from Paine Grande to the bridges past Grey Glacier, I hiked against the winds, it was the most intense hike I’ve ever done but something I will NEVER forget! Next up, hopefully El Chalten in the near future!

    • @mwd0884
      @mwd0884 10 місяців тому +1

      @@LukeGeeTravels that stretch from PG to grey is definitely an experience, we still remember it and laugh about it now and then! never experienced anything quite like it. wishing you some more good trips in the future and hope you make it out to chalten!

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  10 місяців тому

      @mwd0884 it’s not pleasant to be almost blown away but those are the kinds of memories neither of us will ever forget! Thank you for stopping by my channel, wish you many amazing travels in 2024!

  • @BhaktiDesai-v4y
    @BhaktiDesai-v4y 10 місяців тому +2

    Thank you for the full details of W track, much appreciated.

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  10 місяців тому

      You’re welcome! I’m glad it helped!

  • @relaxingtravel-LosAngeles
    @relaxingtravel-LosAngeles 10 місяців тому +2

    hope you get more subs and views.. I was able to visit El Chalten in November 2023.

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  10 місяців тому +1

      I appreciate the kind words! El Chalten is another place I’d love to visit and Perito Glacier! One day!

  • @jersey6809
    @jersey6809 5 місяців тому +3

    Brawo Luke flaga piekna , widoki super - my ruszamy luty 25 Dzieki za info

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  5 місяців тому +1

      To tak juz pod jesień co? Będzięcie mieli kolorowe widoki, bawcie się dobrze!

  • @andrewchua1425
    @andrewchua1425 8 місяців тому +3

    Thank you for the video. It's very useful.

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  8 місяців тому

      Glad you liked it, have an amazing trip!

  • @JB_FLYA69669
    @JB_FLYA69669 28 днів тому +1

    Great video you have inspired me to go here and thanks

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  28 днів тому

      Happy to hear that! Enjoy your trip when you decide to go

  • @jefflitton1922
    @jefflitton1922 10 місяців тому +2

    Thank you so much for posting this information. Great video!!

  • @Zimbant
    @Zimbant 5 місяців тому +1

    Great video. Excellent information and photography! Well done.

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  5 місяців тому

      Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @mariaj9235
    @mariaj9235 12 днів тому +1

    Well done!!

  • @deyfranko
    @deyfranko Рік тому +2

    Can't wait to go there!!! 😍

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  Рік тому

      I hope this video will help you plan your trip! Have an amazing time!🏔️

  • @dutzik
    @dutzik 9 місяців тому +2

    Good tips! thanks for sharing mate

  • @FuadRafi
    @FuadRafi 5 місяців тому +1

    Such an awesome video. You deserve million views.

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  5 місяців тому

      Thank you for your kind words! I wish i did!

  • @georgigray743
    @georgigray743 Рік тому +3

    Such a helpful video, thank you so much!
    We hope to hike Patagonia during our backpacking trip to South America. Do you know if it is possible to leave luggage in Puerto Natales?

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  Рік тому +1

      I’m so happy to hear that this was helpful! YES you can! I left my luggage with my bed & breakfast host and she didn’t charge me anything although I left a small tip! Let me know if you have any other questions

  • @charliec2627
    @charliec2627 Місяць тому +1

    Hello, great video. What do yoy mean by reservations on the part when you enter the park? Don’t you just need to show the tickets? I am staying outside the park in a hotel

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  Місяць тому

      Campsite reservation along the treks - that was my understanding. I would double check but whether you’re day hiking or trekking, you need to purchase your tickets ahead of time and show them at the park entrance. With that said, when I went the park rangers were on strike so no one checked my reservations and I didnt pay an entrance fee

  • @deborahbrown2998
    @deborahbrown2998 2 місяці тому +1

    Hi Luke
    Great video. I want to break up some of the longer days. Are there refugios where I can do this? Any companies you would recommend to set this up? Thanks

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  2 місяці тому

      Are you looking to do the W Trek? In that case you can spend your first night on Hotel Las Torres or hike up to Refugio Chileno and spend a night there. In the middle of the trek, you can hike up to Los Cuernos (which is shorter hike) or hike further down to Camp Frances (tents only). The following day, it’s a relative short hike to Paine Grande. Last night you can stay in Refugio Grey.
      For tour companies, you can google ‘Torres del Paine trekking’ or contact local companies in Puerto Natales. Hope this helps!

  • @richarddabal565
    @richarddabal565 10 місяців тому +2

    I will be there in early February. What type hiking pants you wore? Heavy nylon or heavier fabric,? On the winday days you wear a pair of polypro botoms for added warmth

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  10 місяців тому

      You’re looking into end of the summer months but never underestimate the weather there! In the mornings, when it was chilly, i wore simple swear pants. For added warmth i would recommend leggings underneath and some sort of outer shell/windbreaker that’s also water proof! I was never cold during the day or ar night. Hope this helps!

  • @NickandSabs
    @NickandSabs 3 місяці тому +1

    so glad we stumbled on your video, such a great video like everyone says! Currently planning our trip and hope you dont mind us asking the following questions:
    1. after going E-W, what are your thoughts on the W-E route?
    2. did you purchase food at the campsites or bring your own?
    trying to cost everything out for us as we dont plan on bring any camping gear and are 50/50 on purchasing the meals ($$$$$ haha!) or packing our own. Thank you in advance!

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  3 місяці тому

      Glad you guys enjoyed it!
      1. I encountered many people hiking West to East so it would have made it harder to pass these large groups on the trail AND hiking East to West made it feel less crowded if that makes sense.
      2. I purchased as much snacks as I could/food that would last longer while trying to balance out the weight. I did purchase some hot meals and they were reasonably priced and tasty!
      It was not as EXPENSIVE as I had imagined to tell you the truth. Feel free to ask anything else you want to know!

    • @NickandSabs
      @NickandSabs 3 місяці тому +1

      @@LukeGeeTravels thanks so much! so interesting you say that, current "research" definitely makes it seem like E-W is busier! Ahh! Im sure both will be awesome either way, just need to lock in accommodations.
      Regarding the food, totally makes sense. seems prices may have gone up just a tad, with the full board meals at $100/person/day. Appreciate you getting back and sharing your wealth of info!

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  3 місяці тому

      @@NickandSabs it may depend on the time of the year? I went over Thanksgiving and I couldnt be happier with the weather. Only experienced those powerful Patagonia winds you read about ONCE! And sunshine all around. It seems food has gotten more expensive so just pack some food for day 1-2 and you can get small meals here and there. Paine Grande has DELICIOUS pizza!

    • @NickandSabs
      @NickandSabs 3 місяці тому +1

      @@LukeGeeTravels oh man, wicked cool you got some awesome weather then! Last question haha shoes: are you team boots or trail runners for the average, able bodied 20-30 year old 😂

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  3 місяці тому

      @NickandSabs my rule of thumb is anything less than 10 miles is trail runners. ALL multi-day hikes I take my boots. The ankle support, TRUST ME, will help when you least expect it.

  • @frankstark3036
    @frankstark3036 8 місяців тому +2

    Surprised there’s such little snow on the mountains. What season and month did you go?

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  8 місяців тому

      I went in November, so that is late spring/ beginning of summer. Fantastic time! Perfect temperatures, not a lot of people, and we didn’t encounter crazy winds that Patagonia is known for

  • @Andy-x3i8y
    @Andy-x3i8y 9 місяців тому +2

    Great video! But where did you fly from?

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  9 місяців тому +1

      I flew in from Chicago. Chicago - Toronto - Santiago. And then from there i flew to Punta Arenas

  • @juanmoreno5418
    @juanmoreno5418 Рік тому +1

    It looks amazing. Loved all the information. Planing to do this but i only get September off. Do you recommend August and September.

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  Рік тому +1

      Thank you Juan! August going into September is the end of winter/beginning of spring so temperatures will be a bit cooler. On the plus side, it should be a lot less busier which would also mean lower prices and greater availability for you. I don’t think that’s a bad idea. I always try to travel around shoulder season. BE SURE TO CHECK the opening dates of certain campsites!

    • @juanmoreno5418
      @juanmoreno5418 Рік тому +1

      What month did you go?

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  Рік тому +1

      @@juanmoreno5418 I visited towards the end of November of last year. For me, the weather was absolutely perfect

  • @wtlj
    @wtlj Рік тому +1

    Hi Luke, thank you so much for such detail video, I plan to visit in March 2024, arrived Punta Arena and rent a car to Puerto Natales , should I book 4 nights ahead in Hotel Las Torres and do the hikes each day to Torres Del Paine back to hotel and the next day to Mirador Britanico , next day Siera Del Torro and last day Lago Grey ? OR, to stay in camp site is a must ? Please let me know so i can book my hotel and we plan to drive by ourself, is there any parking for private car ?

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  Рік тому

      Hello! No, it is not necessary to book campsite. You can stay in Hotel Las Torres and do each of these as day hikes. If you want to do Mirador Britanico, I HIGHLY SUGGEST you take the ferry from Pudeto to Paine Grande and hike from there - it will be about 17 miles ROUNDTRIP. To visit Grey Glacier, again, take ferry from Pudeto to Paine Grande and hike to the glacier - another 14 miles Roundtrip. Ultimately, you can take a boat tour to Grey glacier and consider doing ice climbing, another great way to experience it. Let me know if you have other question, anything I can do to help!

  • @arnoldchua6310
    @arnoldchua6310 11 місяців тому +1

    Hi Luke nice informative videos!, just want to ask if the hotel & campsite reservations you recommended (Vertice & Las Torres) are they direct booking to the accomodations? they seem to be offering tours with hotels, packages so I am not sure if I am booking straight to the hotel/campsites, please help! thanks in advance! - Arnold

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  10 місяців тому +1

      Hi Arnold, you can book strictly campsites/hotels via their website by going to reservations! I think the packages are unnecessary and you can book every campsite/refugio individually! Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions

    • @arnoldchua6310
      @arnoldchua6310 10 місяців тому +1

      Thank you for your reply luke, I am planning to go also in November and yes will do ask you questions if I need help 😀

  • @GaryEllington-dy8li
    @GaryEllington-dy8li 11 місяців тому +2

    Absolutely 💯 beautiful 😍.

  • @pizaliasta8369
    @pizaliasta8369 Рік тому +2

    NM I figured it out!

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  Рік тому

      If you need anything else, let me know! It can be confusing/overwhelming so I tried my best to explain it all

  • @brianhammster
    @brianhammster 11 днів тому +1

    What is in your pack? Or what do i need to bring?

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  11 днів тому

      It depends. You can stay in refugios and pay for a room in refugio chileno, paine grande or grey. You can also opt to camp and you have the option to rent a sleeping bag and tent so you don’t need to bring anything. Food you can also buy at the campsites I have talked about. What I had in my bag was food, sleeping bag and some camera gear + raincoat and clothes

  • @MY-dg7rd
    @MY-dg7rd Рік тому +1

    how cold would it be in Nov? I am planning a trip there next month and just wondering whether a light down jacket would suffice? Thanks!

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  Рік тому

      I went in november of last year and I would HIGHLY recommend layers, base layer and some kind of outer shell. The weather is unpredictable and it can get chilly. Light jacket, in my opinion, will not be enough

  • @CrazyHikers
    @CrazyHikers Рік тому +1

    Hi Luke, awesome video. I'm planning to do the O trek during this New Year. Just wondering how do you book your park permit?

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  Рік тому +1

      Once you have your camping/lodge reservations, you will have to go to aspticket.cl websites (you can change the menu to English) and select Parque Nacional Torres del Paine and purchase there. It must be purchased 24h prior to you visiting the park. I also believe, if you are coming from Puerto Natales, you can visit one of the tour agencies and they can help you there as well.

    • @CrazyHikers
      @CrazyHikers Рік тому +1

      @@LukeGeeTravels Thanks Luke! That's very helpful. I'm staying at Dickson - Los Perros - Paine Grande - Cuernos. So I would be doing like 25km a day. Is this doable?

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  Рік тому +1

      @@CrazyHikers The hike to Dickson will be long but it's relatively flat so that's fine. Dickson - Perros is a smart choice because you'll have a big climb ahead of you. Hiking from Los Perros to Paine Grande is, again a long hike. I would consider staying in Grey to ENJOY the scenery because it is absolutely magical. Staying in Paine Grande is beautiful, it's also very busy but you'll enjoy it. Staying in Cuernos when you visit Mirador Britanico and French Valley is smart although I would look into Camp Frances because it is closer. Then you can hike from Camp Frances to Refugio Chileno, stay the night, and go a day hike to Mirador Las Torres for sunrise! End it in an epic way. You're flying half way across the world, last thing you want to do is RUSH!

    • @CrazyHikers
      @CrazyHikers Рік тому +1

      @@LukeGeeTravels Thanks a lot for the info! Really helps with my planning. The campgrounds are mostly booked, so the last night I will be staying in luxury which would be nice

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  Рік тому +1

      @@CrazyHikers Hotel Las Torres? That would looks very nice and I’ve heard great things about it! If that’s where you are staying, it’s about 14 miles roundtrip to Mirador las Torres. My only regret was not seeing sunrise on the granite peaks but overall, i cant complain! You will have a blast and what a way to ring in the New Year!

  • @pedaling.z
    @pedaling.z 22 дні тому +1

    did you do it in august? is a guide a requirement for that month?

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  22 дні тому

      I did it in November, right around thanksgiving. No need for a guide, you can do it all yourself 😊

  • @pizaliasta8369
    @pizaliasta8369 Рік тому +1

    If I know where I want to stay each night do I book through Vertice or Las Torres? Or can I book direct?

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  Рік тому +1

      If you are looking to do the W trek, Vertice operates the following campsites: Refugio Grey and Paine Grande. Las Torres operates: Central, Refugio Chileno, Refugio Cuernos and French Valley. Wherever you decide to camp is the website you would need to book with. Hope this helps!

  • @LoLzEx123
    @LoLzEx123 10 місяців тому +1

    What's your backpack size? Do you think a 28L would be enough? Was it easy to do it self guided?

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  10 місяців тому +1

      The backpack I have is Osprey 65L which I use for my travels whether it’s backpacking or International.
      Self guided is very straightforward on the W trek, there are facilities in every campsites for shower and food. It depends what you want to do. If you plan on renting a rental/sleeping bag in each of the campsites then a 28L pack is more than enough for food/clothes/camera. I would just recommend bringing plenty of your own food as the options are limited. You can have nice warm meals in the refugios so it’s all up to you!

    • @LoLzEx123
      @LoLzEx123 10 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for the reply. I will be staying at the refugios and buying the food there, so the backpack is mostly for food/clothes

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  10 місяців тому

      @LoLzEx123 then you should be perfectly fine! Definitely bring layers because the weather is unpredictable! Not sure what route you’re taking but consider East to West, less crowded. Majority of the people start at Paine Grande, I started at Las Torres

    • @LoLzEx123
      @LoLzEx123 10 місяців тому +1

      Will do. I will be doing the exact route you did on your video. It was very helpful, thanks!

  • @deanbay
    @deanbay 6 місяців тому +1

    Hi, which month did you go there?

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  6 місяців тому +1

      I visited end of November, it’s their spring season. Summers can get extremely windy!

  • @robertczarnecki3639
    @robertczarnecki3639 11 місяців тому +1

    hey Luke what month did you book your trip ? pleas

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  11 місяців тому +1

      I booked mine in July. You will have to check with both Vertice and Las Torres because they open up booking at different times!

  • @Lifesvagabond
    @Lifesvagabond 4 місяці тому +1

    Is there any cowboy camping or are hikers required to stay at designated campsites?

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  4 місяці тому +1

      Unfortunately you cannot wild camp. Whichever company’s site you stay in - conaf or las torres - you will need reservation even for basic camping

    • @Lifesvagabond
      @Lifesvagabond 4 місяці тому

      @@LukeGeeTravels Bummer. Sounds like they're trying to commercialize nature.

    • @Lifesvagabond
      @Lifesvagabond 4 місяці тому +1

      @@LukeGeeTravels Regardless, thanks for putting this video together. Good info here.

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  4 місяці тому +1

      @pdvision2194 i think it’s more about crowd control just like they do in USA with timed entry. Most people can behave themselves but it’s the few who leave trash behind that ruin it for the rest of

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  4 місяці тому +1

      @@Lifesvagabond thanks a lot, I appreciate that and wish you safe travels!

  • @ChileCL-z8e
    @ChileCL-z8e Рік тому +1

    La señal 4G o 5G estaba disponible?

  • @vladlenat7196
    @vladlenat7196 8 місяців тому +1

    so how do you get back once you are finished trekking? What are the option to get back to civilization? :)

    • @LukeGeeTravels
      @LukeGeeTravels  8 місяців тому +1

      If you are finishing in Paine Grande, like I did, you would take the catamaran back to Estancia Pudeto ~ $20USD and from there, the buses will take you back to Puerto Natales. There are about 2-3 rides per day, depending on the season. Hope this helps!