Hiking the Self-Guided W Trek: My First Trek in South America

Before this year, South America was a blank spot on my map. I’d hiked through the French Alps, roamed the Dolomites, and spent countless weekends in the Canadian Rockies. But something about Patagonia had always felt a little out of reach; maybe it was the distance, the wildness, or just not knowing where to start.

That changed the moment I set foot in Torres del Paine National Park.

What to Expect on the Self-Guided W Trek

Thinking about the W Trek for yourself? A few things worth knowing:

• Roughly four to five days: the W Trek covers about 70-80 km in a “W” shape, taking in the Base of the Towers, the French Valley and Grey Glacier, usually over four to five days.
• Best in the southern summer: the main season runs from roughly November to March, when days are long and the refugios and campgrounds are open. Patagonian weather is famously changeable in any month, so pack for four seasons in a day.
• Self-guided means freedom plus support: on a self-guided trip the route, permits, transport, campsites and meals are arranged for you, but you hike at your own pace without a guide.
• Book early: campsites and refugios along the W are limited and sell out months ahead for peak dates, so plan well in advance.

First Impressions of Patagonia

The landscapes of southern Chile stunned me from the moment I arrived. Wind-swept steppe, turquoise lakes, impossibly jagged peaks… Patagonia isn’t just beautiful, it’s otherworldly. And the W Trek, one of the most iconic hiking routes in the world, is the perfect way to experience it.

This was my first time hiking in the Andes and my first-ever trip to South America. I went in with a mix of nerves and excitement, but what I found was a trail that was not only jaw-dropping at every turn. It was welcoming, well-marked, and easy to navigate.

Why I Chose to Go Self-Guided

I opted for the self-guided W Trek with 10Adventures, and honestly, it was the best decision I could have made. I wanted the freedom to move at my own pace, with the ability to linger at viewpoints, take long lunch breaks by the lakes, and soak in the quiet moments without feeling rushed.

At the same time, I appreciated the structure and security that came with booking through 10Adventures. All the logistics were handled: permits, transportation, meals, campsites, even the gear. I didn’t have to worry about any of the behind-the-scenes work, which made it easy to simply be present and enjoy the experience.

Camping Under the Southern Stars

While the W Trek offers the option to stay in cozy refugios, I chose to camp in tents, and I’m so glad I did. There’s something incredibly grounding about waking up to the sound of wind rustling through lenga trees, zipping open your tent to watch the sun rise over the Cuernos, and falling asleep beneath the clearest night sky I’ve ever seen.

The campgrounds were well-equipped, and meals (often shared with fellow hikers) became a nightly ritual of storytelling and laughter. There’s a real sense of community on the W Trek. Even though I was hiking independently, I never felt alone.

The Power of the Trail Community

What surprised me most about the W Trek was the people. Hikers from all over the world - solo travelers, couples, friends - were all out there chasing the same sense of wonder. We shared trail tips, swapped stories, and looked out for one another.

When the weather turned (which it can do in an instant in Patagonia), someone was always there with an encouraging word or a helping hand. It reminded me that while the W Trek is rugged and remote, it’s also incredibly accessible - thanks in part to this amazing trail community.

Highlights I’ll Never Forget

There are moments etched into my memory forever:

• Reaching Base of the Towers before sunrise, watching the granite spires glow with the first light of day.
• The vast, glacier-fed Lake Nordenskjöld, shimmering in brilliant blues under a dramatic sky.
• Feeling dwarfed by the creaking mass of Grey Glacier, its ancient ice stretching toward the horizon.

These were moments of awe, of humility, and of deep connection with nature, with others, and with myself.

Why You Should Go

If you’ve never travelled to Chile, or even South America, let me be the first to tell you: go. Patagonia is wild, yes, but it’s also welcoming. The W Trek strikes a rare balance, being remote and rugged, yet approachable and safe, especially with a self-guided itinerary like the one I did.

It’s perfect for experienced hikers who want a taste of freedom without compromising peace of mind. You get the adventure, but with logistics taken care of. It’s adventure on your terms.

So if you’ve ever dreamed of hiking in the Andes, of standing at the foot of glaciers, or of sharing stories with fellow wanderers under southern stars, make this your next trip. I waited far too long to visit Patagonia. Don’t make the same mistake.

The W Trek changed me. And I think it just might change you too.

Ready to hike the W Trek?

Check out the exact self-guided tour I did with 10Adventures: Self-Guided W Trek in Torres del Paine, and discover the incredible beauty that Chilean Patagonia has to offer… I can guarantee you will not regret it!

Other Best Patagonia Treks and Tours

• Torres del Paine Trekking Tours: W Trek vs O Circuit guide
• Self-Guided O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine
• Guided W Trek in Torres del Paine
• Torres del Paine Tours
• Chile Hiking Tours