December through February offers the longest daylight and warmest weather - ideal for multi-day trekking. Winter tours (June-August) are exclusive and atmospheric but demand cold-weather gear and shorter daylight hours. Shoulder months (November, March) are less crowded. Check before you go for weather stability, as Patagonia can surprise you any time of year.

The classic W circuit and Big Circuit fill up weeks in advance during peak season (December-February). If you're traveling then, aim to book 4-6 weeks out. Off-season offers more flexibility, but popular puma safari and exclusive winter tours still benefit from early booking. Check specific tour operators for their lead times.

Both work. Independent W trek options exist and let you set your own pace, but guided versions come with logistics sorted and often include wildlife knowledge - the puma route and fauna tours especially reward local expertise. If you're trekking alone for the first time in Patagonia, a guide removes stress. If you're experienced and self-sufficient, independent trekking works fine.

The W circuit takes 4-5 days and covers the iconic W-shaped route through three valleys. The Big Circuit (also called Macizo circuit) is 8+ days and loops the entire park - more remote, fewer crowds, more physical demand. Choose W if you're time-limited; choose Big Circuit if you want deeper wilderness immersion.

Yes, absolutely. Glacier tours require technical safety and ice expertise. Puma safaris depend entirely on a guide's knowledge to spot the animals and read the landscape - it's not something solo travellers pull off. These are genuinely specialized experiences.

This varies by operator. Most include accommodation (huts, camping, or lodges depending on the tour), meals, park entrance, and guide services. Some add gear rental or transport from Puerto Natales. Check before you go - ask each operator what's covered and what you need to bring or buy separately.

Most tours include transport to and from the park as part of the package. If you're not on a guided tour, check for shuttle services from town. Once in the park, you walk - there's no public transport between trailheads. Having a tour operator handle logistics removes the coordination headache.