Frequently asked questions

The most popular starting point is the W Trek Classic (7D/6N, all lodges). It covers every arm of the W Trek with comfortable overnight stops and no camping. If you have limited time or a tighter budget, the W Trek Express (5D) covers the same three highlights in fewer days. If you want a bigger physical challenge, the W Trek Active (6D, 2 camping nights) or the full O Trek (10D, full circuit) are the next steps up. For families, couples on honeymoon, or guests who prefer a slower pace with guided boat tours, the W Trek Alternative is ideal.

Not within a single booking — each program is a fixed group departure. However, if you're flexible on dates, some guests split travel companions across different program start dates and meet back at Garden Domes. Get in touch and we'll help you figure out what works.

Most programs run with a minimum of 2 persons. The O Trek requires a minimum of 3–4 due to the logistics of the back-circuit. If you're travelling solo, contact us — we can often match you with another individual or couple on the same date.

Yes. If you have 4 or more people, we can organise a private departure on dates that suit you. Private groups also have more flexibility to adjust the itinerary slightly based on fitness level and interests. Contact us with your group size and preferred dates.

For the Classic, Alternative, and Express: general hiking fitness is sufficient. Expect 6–9 hours walking on longer days, on well-marked trails with cumulative elevation of 400–900m. You don't need to be a runner, but regular walks of 3–4 hours should feel comfortable before you arrive. For the Active and O Trek, prior multi-day hiking experience is strongly recommended.

There is no minimum or maximum age for the W Trek programs. We've had guests in their 70s complete the Classic with no issues. The important factor is general fitness and mobility on uneven terrain, not age. Children over 10 with regular hiking experience are welcome on the Classic. Discuss your specific situation with us before booking.

Walk 2–3 times per week at a brisk pace on hilly terrain. Practice in your trekking footwear to break them in. If you have the opportunity, complete a 6–8 hour day hike in the month before your W Trek. Arrive in Puerto Natales one day early (already included in all our programs) to settle before the hiking starts.

Torres del Paine sits at relatively low altitude (the base refugios are at 200–500m). The highest point on the W Trek is the John Gardner Pass at 1,241m (O Trek only). Altitude sickness is generally not a concern for the W Trek programs. Guests arriving from high-altitude destinations (e.g. Bolivia or Peru) should mention this when they contact us.

Your daypack should weigh 6–8 kg. Essentials: water bottle (2L), snacks, base layers, rain jacket and rain trousers, warm mid-layer fleece, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, headlamp, personal medications, and your lunch box (provided by ChileTour). All other bags stay at the refugio or at Garden Domes.

Waterproof mid-cut hiking boots are ideal — most trails are well-maintained but conditions include mud, wet rock, and stream crossings. Running shoes or trail shoes work for the Express or Alternative but are not recommended for the Active or O Trek. Break in your boots before arriving.

Yes. Trekking poles are included in all programs and available at Garden Domes before departure. You're welcome to bring your own.

On the Active and O Trek programs, sleeping bags and sleeping mats are provided by ChileTour for the camping nights. You carry them from Day 2 onwards. They're rated to -5°C which is appropriate for Patagonian summer camping. You do not need to bring your own.

The trekking season runs October to April. November, December, and early January offer the best balance of long days, reasonable temperatures, and stable weather. February and March are good alternatives with slightly fewer crowds and mellower winds. October and April are shoulder months — conditions are more variable but trails are quieter. We do not run programs May to September.

Expect four seasons in one day. Wind is the defining feature of Patagonian weather — gusts above 70 km/h are not unusual on exposed sections. Rain is possible at any time, so waterproofs are non-negotiable. Temperature ranges roughly 5–18°C during the day in peak season. The weather also changes fast: grey mornings often clear by 10am, and sunny afternoons can turn within an hour.

Our guides assess conditions each morning and adjust the program where needed. The Torres viewpoint, in particular, can be closed by the park or inaccessible due to cloud cover — if this happens on Day 2, we add a second attempt window where itinerary allows. In rare cases of extreme weather across multiple days, we discuss options with your group including rest days or modified routes. Safety is always the first priority.

Yes. All meals are included from the welcome dinner on Day 1 through the departure breakfast on your final day. This includes breakfasts, boxed trail lunches, and hot dinners at each refugio or hotel. Welcome dinner and celebratory pizza night are also included.

Yes. We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and most other requirements. Please note your dietary needs when you book — we pass this information to each refugio in advance. Very specific requirements (e.g. severe allergies, multiple combined restrictions) should be discussed with us directly before booking to confirm refugio capabilities.

El Brisket is our restaurant in Puerto Natales — open to the public for lunch and dinner, located at Huerto 105. The menu focuses on Patagonian meats, homemade pastas, and local wines. The welcome dinner and exit pizza night both take place here. It's become one of the most popular restaurants in Puerto Natales. Walk-in for lunch is fine; evenings can get busy in December–January.

You can book directly via our WeTravel booking page (linked from each tour page), or contact us via WhatsApp or email. We recommend booking at least 2–3 months in advance for peak season dates. A 30% deposit secures your place, with the remaining balance due 60 days before departure.

Cancellations more than 60 days before departure: full refund minus booking fees. 30–60 days before: 50% refund. Less than 30 days before: non-refundable. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance with trip cancellation cover. Force majeure events (natural disasters, government travel restrictions) are handled case by case — we will always work to offer a date change or credit where possible.

We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and emergency repatriation. For the O