The short answer: We did the W Trek with our 5 and 7 year old. It was challenging, magical, and absolutely worth it. This guide shares everything we learned.
Can Kids Really Do the W Trek?
The W Trek is a 50-mile (80km) route through Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. Most adults complete it in 4-5 days. With kids, plan for 5-6 days minimum.
The question isn't whether kids can do it—it's whether your kids are ready. Here's how to assess:
Your Kids Are Ready If...
- ✓ They've done 5+ mile day hikes before
- ✓ They can carry a small daypack (2-5 lbs)
- ✓ They handle weather changes without meltdowns
- ✓ They're excited about the adventure
- ✓ Ages 5+ (younger is possible but harder)
Wait Another Year If...
- ⚠ They struggle with 2-mile hikes
- ⚠ Unpredictable sleep affects mood severely
- ⚠ They need frequent snacks/bathroom (under 4)
- ⚠ You'd need to carry them most of the way
- ⚠ They're not excited about it
The Family-Friendly W Trek Itinerary
Here's our recommended 6-day itinerary with kid-adjusted distances:
Puerto Natales to Paine Grande
7 miCatamaran + easy walk to refugio
✨ First views of the Cuernos!
French Valley
9 miOut-and-back, no packs
✨ Hanging glaciers, minimal elevation
Paine Grande to Los Cuernos
7 miStunning lakeside walk
✨ Best refugio for families
Rest Day at Los Cuernos
0 miPlay, explore, recharge
✨ Kids need this!
Los Cuernos to Chileno
6 miShorter day before Torres
✨ Prepare for early start
Torres Base & Exit
11 mi4am start, tough but iconic
✨ Sunrise at the towers
Best Refugios for Families
Not all refugios are created equal. Here's our family ranking:
Refugio Los Cuernos
Best for families! Private rooms available, excellent food, friendly staff, stunning location. Book the family room early—it sells out months ahead.
Refugio Paine Grande
Large refugio with good facilities. Easy access via catamaran. Dorms can be noisy—request lower bunks for kids.
Refugio Chileno
Basic but well-positioned for Torres sunrise. Get kids to bed by 7pm for the 4am wake-up.
Essential Packing for Kids
👕 Clothing (per kid)
- • 2 merino wool base layers
- • 1 fleece mid-layer
- • Rain jacket (not poncho!)
- • Rain pants (essential)
- • 4 pairs wool hiking socks
- • Warm hat + sun hat
- • Buff/neck gaiter
- • Gloves (even in summer)
🎒 Gear
- • Broken-in hiking boots
- • Trekking poles (sized for kids)
- • 20L kid backpack
- • Headlamp with red light
- • Sunglasses with strap
- • Favorite small toy/book
- • Waterproof stuff sacks
Pro Tips from Parents Who've Done It
Book refugios 6+ months ahead
Family rooms sell out first. Fantastico Sur and Vertice are the two operators.
Bring ALL the snacks
Chilean snacks are different. Pack familiar favorites from home. Trail mix, jerky, gummy bears.
Start the Torres day at 4am
It sounds brutal but the sunrise payoff is worth it. Kids can nap at the top.
Pack a small surprise for each day
A new small toy or treat each morning keeps motivation high.
Build in a rest day
Day 4 at Los Cuernos saves your trip. Don't skip it.
Lower your mileage expectations
Kids move at 1/2 to 2/3 adult pace. A 7-mile day might take 8 hours with breaks.
Cost Breakdown for a Family of 4
| Refugio full-board (6 nights × 4 people × $180) | $4,320 |
| Park entrance (2 adults × $40 + 2 kids × $15) | $110 |
| Catamaran transfers | $160 |
| Bus from Puerto Natales | $80 |
| Snacks & extras | $200 |
| Total (trek only) | ~$4,900 |
* Does not include flights, Santiago/Puerto Natales hotels, or gear.
Ready to Plan Your W Trek?
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