"The "W" hike in Torres del Paine National Park" Top 5 Page for this destination Torres del Paine by amy312

The "W" is a multi-day trek in Torres del Paine National Park. It's called the "W" because the trail makes the shape of a W, going up three valleys in the mountains to three great sites, the towers that give the park its name, the Valle del Frances (a beautiful valley surrounded by jagged peaks), and Glaciar Grey.

We had gorgeous views throughout our 6 days of hiking - of glaciars, open plains, mountains, turquoise lakes, and wildflowers (in late November). We had rainy days, sunny days, and got hailed on. Only the wind was constant.

This was our favorite day. If you can wait for good weather for one part of the hike, I'd recommend it for this over the Torres (close call though). Looking down the valley, you see a glacial-blue lake, looking left are the Cuernos, and to the right, a glaciar, where we saw this avalanche.

Warning - don't do this hike for the wildlife. We saw far more on a 4-hour hike near Laguna Verde (where we saw this austral parakeet, and several guanacos - more info under "Things to do") and on the drive back to Puerto Natales than during the entire "W" hike.

• Pros:stunning scenery, well-maintained trail system
• Cons:expensive, crowed refugios/campgrounds