Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine is Patagonia’s most famous national park, one that boasts an impressive array of unique wildlife and some of Latin America’s most incredible landscapes. Remote, volatile, pristine and arresting: that’s Torres del Paine in a nutshell. Here, you’ll see snow-capped volcanic peaks, glacial lakes, raging rivers and wild horses, all the while experiencing some of the world’s harshest climate. Torres del Paine is the undisputed hiking king of the continent, and it boasts a collection of short and long trails for all types of thrill seekers. The W-walk, named after the shape of the trail when seen on a map, definitely belongs to the latter. This arduous 5-day, 80km-long trail guides you around a mesmerizing glacier, through a luscious forest set in a deeply-carved gorge framed by sky-reaching peaks, finally ending on a glacial lake. Sensational mountain views the entire time, a startling array of climatic changes that range from warm and balmy to eyeball-freezing cold, sprinkled with the kind of wind that threatens to send you home without the need for a plane. The scenery along this trail is unrivalled perhaps anywhere on earth, as is the satisfaction that comes from successfully completing it. Verdict: The W-walk isn’t particularly difficult if it weren’t for that darn crazy climate. A guide is not necessary, although it’s advisable to trek this in company, should anything happen. At the height of trekking season here (October to March) there can be hundreds of people on the trail and although that’s comforting, it also means you must book your beds and meals in refugios well in advance.