With a title like that, how could I not click.
ADAM SEPER:
A big part of our RTW trip, particularly in South America, was built around hiking and trekking. We hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon in Peru, and various hikes in and around El Chalten. All were in preparation for our biggest trek yet, hiking the “W” in Parque Nacional Torres del Paine (TDP) in the Patagonia region of Chile.
In addition to being drop dead gorgeous, one of the other main appeals of hiking in TDP is that all hikers and trekkers can do it independently if they want. Sure, you can sign on with an expensive tour, but it’s unnecessary. Going at it without a guided tour is highly recommended so you can go at your own pace, take the route that’s right for you, and have a multitude of choices along the way. …
click through for more – Traveling Around the World for Couples
Related Posts linked from the bottom of that article:
A Trekking Guide (for those who like to eat and drink a lot)
Trekking Torres del Paine-Which Route to Take
Trekking Torres del Paine-What to Pack
Trekking Torres del Paine-Where to Sleep
Trekking Torres del Paine-Transportation, Admission, and Costs
Chile
There’s more to come.
That really is the most up-to-date guide for independent trekkers. Many are scared off making the long trip south due to lack of details on our Paine information page.
Thanks Adam.
besthike.com 
I experienced the same thing: it’s remarkably difficult to figure out what’s going on down there. Until you get down there; then it’s easy. Just show up in Puerto Natales; the bus leaves the next morning; be on it. My advice:
1) Just go; it’s hard from here but easy from there.
2) Forget the W; it’s jammed with Argentinian college kids, leaving litter and TP on the trail; do the Circuito. It’s fantastic and moderate.
3) The much-vaunted weather is not bad down along the path; it only gets bad when you get up a cerro, which none of us will feel inclined to do anyway.
I agree with Buzz – you’ve gone all that way, make the extra effort and do the circuit. We did it anti-clockwise and I wasn’t expecting too much of the ‘back’ section and was waiting for the honeypot valleys of the W but in fact the scenery was superb and really wild. Way less people too – usually only 8 or 10 at each campsite compared to the 100 or so at some of the campsites on the W.
Regarding the weather it can and sometimes does get bad even lower down so go prepared. Wind is the main problem.
Beautiful hike – for sure one of the best in the world.
Phil
We did the Circuit, slow and leisurely, counter clockwise.
It was all great, but I’d say we enjoyed the backside best too. Coming up and over to the big Glacier perhaps the single best moment.
WIND … Yeesh.
We hiked Torres Del Paine back in November and it was perfect! http://www.nykeiko.com/2013/03/mini-feature-travel-guide-torres-del.html