Puerto Natales, the gateway to the park
Puerto Natales is the town from which almost every visit to Torres del Paine is organized, about two and a half hours by bus from the park (fares from roughly 8,000-10,000 CLP one way). It's where you buy last-minute supplies, pick up rented camping gear, and pay the park entrance fee, managed by CONAF, which runs around 30,000-40,000 CLP for foreign adults in high season. Plan to arrive one or two days early in case of flight or bus delays. Most visitors first fly into Punta Arenas from Santiago (about a 3-hour flight), then take a three-hour bus to Puerto Natales.
The W circuit in 4-5 days
The W is the park's most popular trek, roughly 60-70 km split into three branches that form the letter shape: Valle Francés, Base Torres and the Grey sector. Most hikers cover it in 4 or 5 days, sleeping in refugios or campsites between stages. The hike to Base Torres, about 9 hours round trip from Refugio Chileno, ends at the viewpoint facing the three granite towers, one of Patagonia's most photographed landscapes.
Booking refugios and campsites
A refugio bunk with full board costs between 60,000 and 90,000 CLP per night, while a campsite pitch with your own tent runs about 10,000-15,000 CLP; several sites also rent tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads for an extra fee. Bookings go directly through the two authorized operators' websites, and locking them in at least three to four months ahead is wise for the austral summer season.
Valle Francés and the Grey sector
Valle Francés offers views of the Francés glacier and the Paine Grande and Cuernos del Paine peaks; the climb to the Británico viewpoint adds roughly 7-8 hours round trip from Italiano camp. At the western end of the W lies Grey glacier, reached on foot or by catamaran from Refugio Paine Grande, with a one-way fare of about 30,000-35,000 CLP and limited schedules worth booking in advance.
The O circuit, the full loop
The O circuit adds the less-traveled northern section, stretching the trek to 7-9 days and about 130 km total. It crosses John Gardner Pass, the highest and windiest point on the route, with views over the Southern Ice Field. Booking refugios and campsites months ahead is essential, since the two authorized operators, Vertice Patagonia and Las Torres, have limited capacity that sells out fast in high season (December-February). Along the way it's common to spot guanacos and condors, and since 2005 the park has completely banned open fires outside refugio-designated areas, following several careless-ignition wildfires that burned thousands of hectares.
Weather, wind and essential gear
Patagonia is famous for its wind; gusts over 80 km/h are common around the viewpoints, and weather can flip from sun to rain within minutes. Layered clothing, a waterproof windbreaker, trekking poles and well broken-in boots (never new ones) are essential. The recommended season runs October to April; January and February are the busiest months and also the mildest weather-wise, while March and April bring fewer crowds and autumn colors across the lenga forests.
Options for non-hikers
You don't need several days of walking to enjoy the park. Day tours from Puerto Natales cover the main viewpoints by vehicle, with short walks to spots like the Cuernos viewpoint or Salto Grande waterfall, just minutes from the parking area. Lodges with views inside the park also allow half-day walks without carrying a heavy pack, a comfortable alternative for travelers who prefer comfort over prolonged physical effort. Salto Grande, a waterfall between Lake Nordenskjöld and Lake Pehoé, is just a fifteen-minute walk from the parking area and delivers one of the park's best photos without hours of hiking.