Can I do the trek without reservations?

No. Rangers check your printed or digital booking confirmations at every campsite. You will be turned away if you do not have a spot.

Is it better to stay in a tent or a bed?

Beds in refugios are warmer and require less gear, but they sell out months earlier than tent sites. If you are on a budget, renting a pre-pitched tent is a good middle ground.

Planning the Torres del Paine W Trek

To hike the W Trek, you must book your campsites or refugios at least 6 months in advance through two separate companies (Las Torres and Vertice). You will hike roughly 80 kilometers over 4 or 5 days, so ensure you have waterproof gear and a strict reservation itinerary before you arrive in Puerto Natales.

Determine your direction. Decide between West-to-East (starting at Paine Grande) or East-to-West (starting at Central). Most hikers prefer West-to-East to save the sunrise at the Base of the Towers for the final day.
Secure your accommodation. This is the most critical step. Book sites via 'Las Torres' (for Central, Chileno, Cuernos, Frances) and 'Vertice' (for Paine Grande, Grey). If these are full, the trek is effectively sold out for those dates.
Arrange your transport. Book a bus from Puerto Natales to the Laguna Amarga entrance (for East-to-West) or the Pudeto catamaran crossing (for West-to-East). These tickets are separate from your park entrance fee.
Purchase park entry. Buy your digital entrance ticket via the official CONAF website (pasesparques.cl). You must show this QR code at the park entrance.

Can I do the trek without reservations?: No. Rangers check your printed or digital booking confirmations at every campsite. You will be turned away if you do not have a spot.
Is it better to stay in a tent or a bed?: Beds in refugios are warmer and require less gear, but they sell out months earlier than tent sites. If you are on a budget, renting a pre-pitched tent is a good middle ground.