Pages 39 and 57
Since the second edition of this guide was published, the small airport at Puerto Natales has been developed, with direct seasonal flights operating from Santiago – saving the considerably longer journey time of flying to Punta Arenas and taking a bus up to Puerto Natales from there.
Unfortunately, as of 1 November 2017, it is no longer possible to walk from the Conaf Administration to Refugio Paine Grande – this route (Walk 1 / Stage 1) can now only be walked in reverse, ie as an exit from the W or Circuit, and not (as previously) as an entry point for the Q as described in the guidebook.
Also, Conaf have stated that the free campsite, Campamento Torres, requires mandatory booking in January/February (' You can book in Puerto Natales, at CONAF’s Provincial Office or in the park, at the Porteria Laguna Amarga entrance or at CONAF’s Campamento Italiano. Bookings must be done in person and are operated on a first-come first-served policy.') A local guide however described it as 'closed'. The author is currently trying to find the status of this campsite from Conaf.
(Thanks to Alison Bramhall for sending in this information)
April 2017
There have been two major changes to the regulations for hiking in Torres del Paine national Park, which apply to both the Circuit and the 'W'. As of 2016 it is now mandatory to book all accommodation before arriving in the park (easiest done through the two companies that run the campsites and refugios, Fantastico Sur and Vertice; and the Circuit can only be walked anticlockwise (ie the way it is described in this guide).
Also the 'new' Camp Francés, mentioned in the guidebook, also has 3 geodomes, each sleeping up to 8 people – meaning that it is possible to do the 'W' without needing to camp.
Thank you to Mirrlees Dolley for this information.