By: Esther JuLee
In reply to <a href="https://localadventurer.com/torres-del-paine-w-trek/#comment-101747">Dan</a>.
It's not necessary if you're hiking any other time of year, but unless they changed their policy, you can't hike without a guide in the winter. You might be able to sneak in without one and get away with it, but even if you do with the snow, you can't see the trail half the time. Unless you've done the hike a few times before, I wouldn't recommend trying it alone in the winter. In the summer, I hear there's so many people, it's hard to get lost.
By: Dan
Hi,
I was curious if a guide is necessary? Thanks!
By: Esther JuLee
In reply to <a href="https://localadventurer.com/torres-del-paine-w-trek/#comment-53101">Milly</a>.
Hi Milly. Unfortunately, I'm not sure on how strict they will be since you're hiking right on the cutoff. I would call the ranger station and see what they say. As for finding a local guide, when we went the park was so empty, so we didn't really meet anyone else. We only have experience with our guide, who was with OneSeed. We did a full package including food and lodging, but you can contact them at info@oneseedexpeditions.com if you can hire just the guide and what that pricing might be.
By: Esther JuLee
In reply to <a href="https://localadventurer.com/torres-del-paine-w-trek/#comment-53264">Sylvie Bourgeois</a>.
Hi Sylvie. We hiked it in mid-July, but as far as how deep the snow is.. it really depends on how much snowfall they get and each year will be different. Trails are really difficult to follow especially when they're covered in snow, but you also don't have the option to go without a guide since the park doesn't allow it. If you want to go without a guide, you may have to hike it in the summer instead.
By: Sylvie Bourgeois
Hi Jacob, during what month did you hike the W? Me and my boyfriend are going to be there at the end of June 2018 so we're wondering if the snow will be as deep as what you guys experienced! Also, do you think we could do this trek on our own instead of paying for a guide, is the trail well marked?
Thanks a lot!
By: Milly
Hey guys,
We'll be doing the W trek in winter this year, starting on the 29th April. We just found out hikers are now required to have a guide during the winter months. We were hoping this wouldn't apply to us because we were starting before May, and ending on the 3rd May – however, it seems we'll need to find a local guide.
I've heard they're super expensive (like, $110 AUD a day!), and our budget wasn't really allowing for this.
Do you have any advice on whether or not we should be worried about that, or how to find a good guide (that won't cost us an outrageous amount?)
Thanks heaps!
Milly