Patagonia, with its iconic landscapes and rugged beauty, is a perfect destination for trekkers seeking remoteness. The region is home to some of the world's most breathtaking hiking trails, particularly in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. Two of the most popular treks in this park are the O Trek and the W Trek. While both offer incredible experiences and both offer views of the famous granite towers, they cater to slightly different types of hikers. So which one is right for you?

The W Trek

The W Trek is named for the shape the trail makes on the map. The W trek itself typically takes around 5 days to complete and covers approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles). However, we extend this out to explore more of this stunning landscape and places many people pass by.

Highlights

Las Torres: The iconic granite towers that give the park its name. Seemingly jumping straight out of the pages of a National Geographic magazine, it’s a sight to be seen in the flesh.

French Valley: One of the area's most famous valleys, surrounded by towering peaks and hanging glaciers.

Grey Glacier: An impressive glacier that extends from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, a stunning sight.

Who is it for?

The W Trek is perfect for hikers who want to experience the highlights of Torres del Paine without committing to a tougher expedition. The trek is challenging but manageable for most hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.

The O Trek

The O Trek, also known as the Circuit, is a more extensive and demanding trek that circumnavigates the Paine Massif. This trek takes about 10 days to complete and covers around 130 kilometres (81 miles).

Highlights

John Garner Pass: The highest point of the trek, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Dickson Lake and Los Perros: Remote and scenic areas that are less crowded than the W Trek.

Complete Circuit: Experience all the major sights of the W Trek plus the less-visited northern section of the park.

Who is it for?

The O Trek is suited for experienced hikers looking for a more challenging experience. The rewards are worth the extra exertion, with fewer crowds and more diverse landscapes, while still taking in the famous Torres del Paine.

Whichever trek in Patagonia you choose, you will be exploring one of the most stunning corners of the globe. It is a place where every corner turned reveals a new breathtaking vista, from towering granite towers to endangered glaciers. The W trek is a slightly lower activity grade, but still enough to get you off the busy trail and leave you feeling like you earned the reward of that stunning view few will ever see. However, if you are looking for a great challenge and want to explore further then why not take on the O trek.