1. The W Trek
Looking for a hike that will offer you the highlights reel of Patagonia? The five-day W Trek through Torres Del Paine National Park is, perhaps, the most quintessential experience in the south of South America and a rite of passage for any avid hiker. It’s also the best trail in Patagonia for solo travelers (or female hikers) as you’re guaranteed to meet others along the way to share the journey.
Most visitors enter Torres Del Paine on a bus from the regional hub of Puerto Natales and begin the 71-kilometer W Trek at Refugio Las Torres. Head north from there to hike to the base of Las Torres before swinging back around and heading into the French Valley. Continue onward into the second U of the W and over to the massive Grey Glacier, part of the Patagonian Ice Field.
2. The O Circuit
If you want the full-on Patagonian experience that includes the best of the W Trek, and layers on the best of the true backcountry of the region, consider the O Circuit.
This will add an additional 50 kilometers to your hike for a grand total of 136 kilometers. Hikers are limited to 80 per day, and with the incredible vastness of this area, solitude is almost guaranteed.
The trail runs counter clockwise only and starts in Laguna Armarga, where it ascends along the Rio Paine through the Patagonian steppes, and passes beautiful Dickson Lake and the panoramic view of the Perros Glacier near Campamento Los Perrosand. It’s at this point, you’ll begin the ascent up and over Paso John Gardner. You’ll then descend into the far side of the park and begin the classic W Trek.
