CIRCUIT W
Go there and contact
The W, which is the most famous and popular trek, consists of following the valley that leads to the foot of the Torres, then the Valle del Francés and finally along the Grey Lake towards the glacier of the same name and then back to the park administration... or vice versa. The west-east direction (i.e. from the park administration) is easier: the walk along the Grey Lake is much less strenuous than the one along the Valle del Francés, which is itself less difficult than the one to the viewpoint of Les Torres. However, we prefer the panoramas in an east-west direction, except perhaps for the views of the Cuernos on the last day. The W circuit can be completed in four days for good walkers, five days for regular walkers who want to enjoy the joy of early mornings in nature.
On the first day, from the hotel Las Torres, you can climb up to the camp Las Torres in about 3 hours 30; another 30 to 45 minutes are needed to reach the lagoon and the Torres. That said, you can climb up and down the same day; it is much more convenient. Don't think that the campsites at the top are necessarily less crowded than those at the bottom: many nice hikers will have exactly the same idea as you and, by running away from the crowd, you might find it again.
On the second day, you reach the Los Cuernos camp and hut, or even the Italiano camp. The first one is paying, the second one is free.
On the third day, we visit the Valle del Francés, a marvel. Leave your things at the Italiano camp, climb to the top and come back down to sleep in the same place. That said, if you slept the first night at the Las Torres hotel campsite, you had time to get to the Italiano campground in the early afternoon the night before and visit the valley until sunset. Lovers of wide open spaces and solitude will sleep at the Británico campground.
On the fourth day, you can go to the Grey hut and campground, superbly located on the lakefront, and especially convenient in terms of timing. It takes about 5 hours to walk from the Italiano camp via the Cerro Paine Lodge. Walk around the glacier in the afternoon.
On the fifth day, return to Paine Grande Lodge, and cross to Puedeto hut with the catamaran, or walk to the administration. Don't forget the bus return times: if you plan to walk to the administration, leave early from the Grey campsite and don't spare your efforts.