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==Introduction==

The '''Torres del Paine Trek''' is one of the most spectacular destinations in the world. In fact, according to a review of 9 specialized books that make their own selections of the best routes in the world, Torres del Paine is the most frequently named (you can check the study out in [[Best Treks / Hikes of the World, top 100]]). Unsurprisingly, it is extremely popular, and it is strongly advised to visit the route from November to early December, to avoid the massive flow of walkers of January and February.

===Day 1: Hostería Las Torres - Serón===

'''Note: Altough it has been designated as day 1, it may also be the 2nd day if you choose to hike to the base of Torres del Paine (day 8 here) first instead of last'''.

===Day 2: Serón - Dickson===

[[imagen:Torres_por_detras.jpg|thumb|280px|left|Unusual look of Las Torres del Paine viewed from the north, by Francisco Reyes]]

From Seron advance 200 meters parallel to a fence, and then cross it. The walk still goes through the meadow of daisies and occasional ñirres. It will continue along a marshy area located to the right of the path. After about 25 minutes, it passes through a stream that flows to a tributary of the Paine River. Then the trail climbs along the river and becomes more rocky, while the first ''neneos'' arise, a curious shrub with a rounded form, as well as some calafates (possibly without its famous fruit, due to the frequent passage of walkers). After 250 meters, it will be possible to observe a lagoon with a characteristic kidney shape, at which point there is a sign indicating the route. It will then start a zigzag ascent along a section of screes, to an altitude of 400 meters, in the so called Paso del Viento ("windy pass"), a name well earned. At that point, the trail bends to the west, allowing the Paine lake to be observed in its entirety. From this point, you enter a wilder area of ​​the park, and the path forward is clearly seen: the way to Coirón, the Dickson camp, Los Perros Glacier to the left and the valley leading to the John Garner Pass. To the right, away from the trail, Mount Ohnet of 1,929m can be seen. The path descends by the side of Paine Lake. Half way there is a small spring. After the second half of the lake, progress is retarded by fluctuating ups and downs.

===Day 3: Dickson - Los Perros===

The day starts with the path marked by a flag, which leads to a dense forest composed mainly of ''lengas'', but also by ''coigües'' and ''notros''. After 15 minutes you will be see at your back Dickson Lake and the glacier of the same name. At 350 meters of altitude you must cross an old fence. A more mature forest follows, and a wooden walkway follows.

===Day 4: Los Perros - Paso John Gardner - Guardas===

This is the hardest day. From Los Perros continue down the path across the river by the footbridge. Then turn left, heading towards the Pass. The trail has been marked in the trees for some stretch. Then cross a swampy area (it's the only part of the whole trek where gaiters would de helpful) that will last for the next hour. There are some open areas with good views.

After an hour and a half, at 760m, the trails approaches the Paso river, Cross guided by the orange markings on a narrower section. It is important to get this place right, because it is not easy to cross at other points. The path continues climbing on the other side of the river, leaving behind the swampy area. Now it is usually windy, and the terrain rocky, with the orange markings on the rocks. From several hundred meters below the pass, it becomes likely to find snow even in the summer months. If there is rain forecasted for the park, it is likely that here it will snow.

===Day 5: Guardas - Paine Grande===

From Los Guardas the route continues through the forest. After 35 minutes a viewpoint of Grey Glacier is reached. Then the trail leaves the glacier and takes us through forest. An hour and a half from Los Guardas there is a signposted junction leading to the ''refugio'' and to the trail that leads to the viewpoint.