Welcome to the Chilean hikers paradise. Read about how to get to Torres del Paine, the main attractions and things to do inside this reputed national park in Chilean Patagonia.
Torres del Paine National Park, created in 1959, is one of the most visited destinations in Chilean Patagonia. Its first inhabitants were the Tehuelches, a native community of skilled hunters, which only survives today in Argentina. With its 227,298 hectares, extended hiking trails, glaciers, lakes and stunning mountains, the park hosts thousands of travelers per year. In 1978, the park was declared as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, and the 8th wonder of the world in 2013. Impressive mountains like the Paine Grande and its famous “towers” are the natural attractions that everybody comes to see! Several glaciers that belong to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field can be seen if you walk the park. There are hotel and campsite options for those wanting to stay a couple of nights inside the park (Let’s show you things to do in Torres del Paine!).
Known for its turquoise lakes, emerald woods and raging rivers, Torres del Paine National Park is the perfect place for hiking. Each of its treks its special in its own way: Los Cuernos del Paine, Torres del Paine and Valle del Francés are some of them.
Check out our most recommended attractions in Torres del Paine!
Los Cuernos del Paine
Los Cuernos del Paine, also known as ‘Paine horns’, is the name given to a group t of granite peaks in Torres del Paine, a visually impressive group of mountains, standing at 2000 metres high. The Cuernos are located in the middle of the W Trek, the most popular route for trekking in Torres del Paine National Park. From the top of Valle Francés and Pudeto viewpoint you’ll get the best views of Los Cuernos!
Address: Commune of Torres del Paine
Days and times: Open every day, at all hours.
Price: Included in the price of the National Park (1- 2 days 34 USD / + 3 days 47 USD)
Valle del Francés
It is a 10-hour, medium-difficulty trek (round trip). It starts from the Cuernos del Paine or from Lake Pehoé. On clear days, this hike is one of the most beautifuls inside the park, and if you complete the hike and reach the British camp, it’s possible to see the Paine Grande to the west and the spectacular Torres del Paine and the Cuernos to the east, surrounded by glaciers .
Address: Valle del Francés.
Days and times: Open every day, at all hours.
Price: Included in the price of the National Park (1- 2 days 34 USD / + 3 days 47 USD)
Lago Pingo
This lake is one of the least visited, thus,an excellent place for bird watching. The trail begins with an easy walk through a pleasant valley, past an old baqueano post. From there, the trail will take you through the forest on rolling terrain, further on you will find the Pingo waterfall until you finally reach another old baqueano post, a bit ramshackle but picturesque. You can make this path as long or as short as you want. The trail starts from the same parking lot that goes to Gray Lake.
Address: Lago Pingo.
Days and times: Open every day, at all hours.
Price: Included in the price of the National Park (1- 2 days 34 USD / + 3 days 47 USD)
Mirador Nordenskjöld
The trailhead for this ride begins near the Pudeto catamaran dock. This trail begins with an up-close visit to the Salto Grande waterfall. Then the road winds through a deserted beach and thorny bushes to a lookout point with spectacular views towards the French Valley and the Horns, looking over Lake Nordenskjöld. This trail is a good place to see wildflowers in the spring, but it can get very windy in late summer.
Address: Lake Nordenskjöld
Days and times: Open every day, at all hours.
Price: Included in the price of the National Park (1- 2 days 34 USD / + 3 days 47 USD)
Glaciar Grey
You can reach the Grey Glacier by taking a 4-hour trek that becomes a little more challenging at the end. You will go through a beautiful path that ends with a view of the lake and the Grey Glacier, after crossing extensive forests of lengas, coigües and ñires. You can also enjoy views of this glacier by taking a 3-hour boat trip through floating icebergs.
Address: Grey Glacier.
Days and times: Open every day, at all hours.
Price: Included in the price of the National Park (1- 2 days 34 USD / + 3 days 47 USD) (Except the boat trip)
Salto Grande
Another noteworthy attraction in Torres Del Paine is the Salto Grande waterfall. Found within a beautiful setting, Salto Grande lies on the Paine River and is located nearby the famous Cuernos (Horns) of Torres del Paine, which provides visitors gorgeous views while surveying the falls. Guests can hike to the waterfall, where they will experience unusually strong winds, a feature that makes this attraction even more unique. Together with the gorgeous colors of the water and the sky above, the picturesque surrounding scenery and the sporadic gusts of wind, the Salto Grande waterfall is a great place to visit while in Torres del Paine.
Address: Torres del Paine National Park
Days and times: Open every day, at all hours.
Price: Included in the National Park entrance ticket (1- 2 days 34 USD / + 3 days 47 USD)
Las Cuevas del Milodon
To visit these caves is to make a direct trip to prehistory and discover the size of one of the largest animals that inhabited this area, known as “Milodon”. This is an ideal family outing.
Address: Y-290 8, Natales, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, Chile
Days and times: Every day from 09:00 to 18:00 (last entry 17:00).
Villa Turística Río Serrano
This town, popularly known as “little town” Serrano, is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. It is located 80 kilometers away from Puerto Natales and is frequented by travelers seeking tranquility, privileged nature and activities typical of this area, like fishing, horseback riding and hikes through the Magellan pampas. A fabulous opportunity to go into forests of lengas and ñires, breathe fresh air and contemplate guanacos, huemules and caiquenes.
Address: Río Serrano
Days and times: Every day, at all times.
Price: Free.
Torres del Paine
Several granite peaks nearby simulate the teeth of a tiger, rising dramatically about a kilometer (more than half a mile) into the sky. The national park is named after them. To see them requires an eight-hour round trip.
Address: Torres del Paine National Park
Days and times: Open every day, at all hours.
Price: Included in the price of the National Park (1- 2 days 34 USD / + 3 days 47 USD)
Check out our most recommended Restaurants & Bars in Torres del Paine!
Coiron Restaurant
Hotel Las Torres Amargura, Torres del Paine National Park. Tel: + 56-61-617450
Regional / Vegetarian Friendly
The best time to visit is during the day since the view from its living room, surrounded by mountains and parks, is incredible. There are many options for different palates and they are all very tasty and do not disappoint. There are several vegetarian-friendly dishes.
Quincho Pampa Lodge
Lot 1, Rio Serrano Sector, Torres del Paine National Park. Tel: + 56-53-162911.
International /Southamerican / Chilean.
A very quiet restaurant with beautiful views. Its bread basket stands out for its variety of breads, always warm. It offers a good variety of grill and meat. There are those who think that its cuisine is the best in the area!
Asador Patagónico
Prat 158, Puerto Natales. Tel: 56-61 / 413-553.
Grill /South American / Chilean.
If you are in the mood for a Patagonian barbecue, Asador Patagónico will not disappoint you. Authentic family atmosphere. Rich food and rich wines. Their bread basket is very particular, you’ll see why…
Coffeeshop El Ovejero Patagónico
Cerro Castillo, Torres del Paine National Park Chile. Tel: + 56-61-2414952
Coffeeshop / Minimarket
You can enjoy a quick sandwich or a delicious cappuccino. In this confectionery and mini-market you will find different snacks that will satisfy you and fill you with energy for your excursions.
Pehoe
Lake Pehoé Torres del Paine sector. Tel: + 56-61-2722853
Regional / Meats
The restaurant of Hostería Pehoe invites you to enter one of the most remote passageways of Patagonian cuisine and enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the Cuernos del Paine. You can have lunch, dinner or enjoy a drink in the lounge accompanied by a table of meats, cheeses and seafood in a warm atmosphere.
Hotel Lago Grey Bar & Restaurant
Lago Grey sector. Tel: + 56-61-2410172
Regional food / Meat / Pasta
This restaurant combines delicious gastronomy with the unique surroundings of Hotel Lago Grey, ensuring a unique experience in each dish. Two menus are offered daily for lunch and dinner. Selected and absolutely natural products are used in its preparation. In addition, its varied wine cellar offers the best of Chilean vines.
Torres del Paine
Check out our most recommended Restaurants & Bars in Torres del Paine!
Tours You Might Like
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Tips & Advice
How many days should I stay in Torres del Paine?
You can do a full-day visit to the main attractions from Puerto Natales or El Calafate, but we recommend that you stay at least one night in one of the hostels,hostels or refugios inside the park. If you are really into hiking you can do the famous W circuit (4 days, 3 nights)
Best time to visit Torres del Paine
The climate in Patagonia is a very important factor to consider. The maximum temperature reaches 20 °C in summer and drops to 0 °C in winter.
Although it is possible to visit the park throughout the year, it is recommended to do it between October and April, when you can enjoy days with more than 16 hours of light, sunny and with less rain. In low season, it is likely that many services are closed, although the lower influx of tourists can be a plus for those seeking greater tranquility on their trip.
The park officially lies in the “temperate climate of cold rain without a dry season”.
How to get to Torres del Paine?
Flight: If you are travelling from Santiago de Chile, this is the most direct and fastest way to get to Punta Arenas, the city with the closest airport to Torres del Paine National Park. With a LATAM direct flight you can reach Punta Arenas in 3h 30 min. From the Punta Arenas Airport you must continue the trip by public bus or rented vehicle to reach the park (around 3 hours driving on paved road). And, if you are in Buenos Aires, the fastest option to get to Torres del Paine National Park is to take a plane from the Argentine capital to the city of El Calafate and then take a bus or rented vehicle to reach the park and drive for about 6 hours.
Bus: You can take a public bus from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales (Chile) (240 kms, approximately 3 hrs). Or you can take a public bus from El Calafate (Argentina) to Puerto Natales (Chile), a 7-hour trip (depending on the waiting time at the border crossing).
Self-drive: You drive to Torres del Paine from different points of Patagonia, such as El Calafate (Argentina), Punta Arenas (Chile) and Puerto Natales (Chile).
Can I find ATMs in Torres del Paine?
No, there aren’t. You can provide yourself enough Chilean pesos in the nearest town (Puerto Natales o El Calafate in Argentina) Even though some hotels have credit cards, connections might be lousy due to the remoteness of some areas.
What is the proper tipping?
In restaurants, it’s customary to tip about 10% of the bill. Note that tips can’t be added to credit-card bills, so carry cash for this purpose.
For tour guides , estimate around USD 10/15 per person, for a full day tour and half of it for the driver.In hotels, you should tip porters for handling bags:USD1.00 for every two bags.
Same amount is calculated for drivers if they help you with your suitcases, the housekeeping (between USD0.50 – 1.00 per night), and the concierge staff if the have helped you to arrange dinner reservations, transportation or leisure activities.In Chile we don’t regularly tip taxi drivers.
How much money can I spend per day in Torres del Paine?
If you haven’t booked a full-board program (all meals included) calculate some money for lunch (US 25 +) and dinner (US 40 + ) depending on the restaurants / hotels you visit. Some hotels accept credit cards, but we recommend taking cash in case the connection does not work. To have cash will help you with the tipping as well.
Do I need a visa?
When it comes to tourism purposes, nationals of certain countries can travel to Chile visa-free, provided that they will stay for less than 90 days. The visa-exempt nationals can travel to Chile with their passport and obtain a Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) from the immigration authorities upon the border crossing. Learn about countries requiring a visa to visit Chile here.
What to include in your luggage
Torres del Paine National Park is characterized by having an unstable trans-Andean climate, with strong winds, especially in summer. The average temperature in summer is 12 ° C, with a minimum of 0 ° C and a maximum of 23 ° C, the annual precipitation reaches 700 mm.
Warm clothes and fleece are always a great choice because they will warm you and protect you from the winds, quick-drying clothes (the advantage of special fibers is that they dry very quickly and the body does not get cold), windbreakers and / or waterproof jacket, walking shoes and sunscreen. Dress up in layers. So this could be your packing list:
Tickets to Torres del Paine National Park
The entrance fee to the park is unique, independent of the length of stay of the person who pays it and varies according to season.
During the high season (that is, from October 1 to April 30) only cash payments are accepted in Chilean pesos, dollars or euros. The entrance fee for a foreign adult is 24USD. During the low season (that is, from May 1 to September 30) only Chilean pesos are received and the ticket price is 15USD.
Where to go for a run in Torres del Paine?
It all depends on where you are staying. If you are staying in the hotels within the park, the possibilities are endless since contact with nature and the large expanses of green invite you to run everywhere. If instead, you are staying in Puerto Natales, a good option for running is the waterfront (Avenida Pedro Montt), that features an incredible view of the sea.
Where to meditate?
In the same way as with physical activity, meditation can be practiced in any corner of Torres del Paine. Contact with nature and with the impressive landscapes that this corner of the world offers invite you to connect with the environment and with yourself.
Where to watch the sunset?
- Hosteria Pehoe
From this inn, both sunrise and sunset are dreamlike. If you don’t stay there, you can visit the restaurant, organize an early dinner and take a few photos of this fairytale sunset
Sustainability
Local businesses
- Etnia Patagonia
Etnia fabrics are handy made with sheep’s wool and alpaca. In addition, handicrafts with recycled materials and souvenirs are also offered. Only products made in Chile are marketed in a sustainable way. You can learn more about Etnia here.
Address: Manuel Bulnes 1004,Puerto Natales, Patagonia,Chile.
Mon – Sat: 10:30-20:00 hrs, Sun:11:00-13:00 hrs
- Ñandú Artesanías
Ñandú Artesanía is a meeting place for typical products from Chile and Patagonia. In its premises in Puerto Natales, Cueva del Milodón and Villa Cerro Castillo you will discover handicrafts, jewelry, wooden figures and souvenirs, books, tourist guides and maps, as well as accessories with regional motifs such as hats, blankets and jackets.
Address: Capitán Eberhard 301, Magallanes Puerto Natales, Chile
Mon-Sat: 09:00 – 22:00 hrs, Sun: 10:00-22:00 hrs
Who to meet
- Artisanal fishermen in Puerto Natales
On the Puerto Natales waterfront, in the southern sector, there is a great diversity of boats at the dock. Meeting the artisanal fishermen while they engage in their typical activities is a very special experience that will bring you closer to the native traditions of the area.
How to help
- AMA Torres del Paine
In November 2004, the AMA Torres del Paine Environmental Group was formed, with the aim of supporting and financing research for the development of programs aimed at environmental care and preservation. AMA’s goals include supporting conservation, scientific research, and environmental education. These activities within Torres del Paine National Park and surrounding areas can minimize negative impacts and reduce the risk of future environmental problems, while maintaining the area’s natural and cultural resources. You can learn more about AMA here.
- Torres del Paine Legacy Fund
This project seeks to ensure a sustainable future for Torres del Paine National Park and its surrounding communities. At Torres del Paine Legacy Fund they see the growth of tourism as an opportunity to create a positive impact, uniting travelers, residents, the public and private sectors to carry out local sustainability initiatives that strengthen the long-term health of the region. 100% of all donations go directly to sustainability initiatives that preserve, support and celebrate the park and its surrounding communities. To make a donation, please follow this link.
Sustainability tips
- Take your reusable bag with you when you go shopping.
- Choose the consumption of local products from artisans and small producers.
- Travel the city by bike or on foot, it is healthy and does not leave a carbon footprint.
- When you go on an excursion, ask for food without plastic wrap.
- Don’t leave trash in nature.
- Take a reusable bottle with you to carry water in restaurants.
- Don’t feed native fauna.
- Use rechargeable batteries and batteries.
FAQs
Can you hike Torres del Paine without a guide? ›
Both W and O Trek can be done on your own without a guided tour during the summer season. However, you will need to arrange a guide for the winter season.
How far in advance do you need to book Patagonia? ›Patagonia travel tip: You'll need to book your accommodation and campgrounds in Torres del Paine, at least four months before you plan to hike. Reservations theoretically open in September but if you email the companies directly, you can often get a reservation before this time.
What is the best way to travel in Patagonia? ›Renting a car gives you the most flexibility
Patagonia's roads are very lightly trafficked and incredibly scenic. Hiring a car gives you the most flexibility, and you'll need your own wheels to get to remote national parks and attractions, particularly off Chile's Carretera Austral.
As a consequence, you will need a 4X4 car and tire chains if you drive to Torres del Paine in Winter. Inside the national park, you will have to drive slowly, both for wildlife and for the eventual ice on the road.
How hard is Torres del Paine hike? ›From here, the Torres del Paine towers hike is just shy of 21 km/13 mi round trip and takes 8- 10 hours to complete. The hike to Mirador de las Torres is rated difficult/strenuous and has an elevation gain of 901 m/2956 ft.
How much does it cost to hike Torres del Paine? ›The entrance ticket to Torres del Paine National Park costs $21,000 CLP ($30 USD) for an adult. This grants you either as many days within the park as you wish (i.e. you stay in the park and hike the W or the O) or three days of consecutive entry (leaving at the end of each night).
How much money do I need for Patagonia? ›...
How much does it cost to go to Patagonia for one person?
| Expense | Cost (daily) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20 USD dorm* |
| Food | $10 USD |
| Transportation | $15-$20 USD |
Best for size. If it comes down to size, the Argentine Patagonia is a winner. It's larger than Chilean Patagonia, meaning there are more places to visit and more things to see and do. However, while Chilean Patagonia may be smaller, that also means it's easier to see and do all the best things in that region.
Do I need a guide for Patagonia? ›Can you hike Patagonia without a guide? The simple answer is yes, you can hike Patagonia without a guide, and there are certainly some perks. If you're looking to move at your own pace – stopping to admire views, take photos and be in the moment – then self-guided trekking will award you this privilege.
Are there gas stations in Torres del Paine? ›There are NO gas stations
If you decide to rent a car to drive yourself to Torres del Paine, please be advised that there are NO gas stations in the park. The nearest gas station to the Torres del Paine is in Puerto Natales (1.5 – 2 hrs away).
Can you do Torres del Paine on your own? ›
The W Trek is Torres del Paine's most famous hiking route, with views of the granite towers that give the park its name. In full, it's a four or five day hike that can be walked without carrying gear or food, between refugios or campsites.
Can you see Torres del Paine by car? ›If your question is if you can drive around Torres del Paine, the answer is yes, but in a 4×4. This has become a very interesting option to enjoy this wonderful landscape from another point of view.
What is the best time to go to Patagonia? ›The best time to visit Patagonia is in the austral Spring and Summer, between September and March. Days are longer and warmer and there's less rainfall than other times of the year. However, the few who are lucky enough to visit in winter are tend to experience less wind and more blue sky days.
How many days do you need in Patagonia? ›Planning Your Trip to Patagonia
To get the most out of the experience, plan on 7-10 days. That will give you enough time to explore two different regions, visit famous glaciers, and enjoy rewarding circuit hikes through the area's beautiful national parks.
You can fly straight to Patagonia's main airport, Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ), but you may experience long layovers in other cities or countries. Flights are most likely to stop in Chile at the Santiago International Airport (SCL). Consider booking a flight to Patagonia's El Calafate International Airport (FTE) first.
Do I need bug spray in Patagonia? ›8. You Might Need Bug Spray at Any Time of Year. Patagonia has a reputation for cooler temperatures and it's true that snow is not unheard of even in summer, so you might think that biting bugs and midges would be the last of your worries. Think again!
Are there mosquitoes in Patagonia? ›Prepare for mosquitos.
Patagonia may be a bit cool, dry and windy, but the mosquito population can explode anytime rainy weather happens in the summer. Consider repellant mandatory and consider bringing along a mosquito net for even more protection.
Don't swim in the rivers or lakes. It's prohibited in Torres del Paine.
How many days do you need to see Torres del Paine? ›5 days is a good amount of time to see the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park (towers' base, french valley, Grey glacier). You can also mix one or two of the highlights with another off-the-beaten path option and take some time for wildlife observation.
Is Torres del Paine worth visiting? ›5. 2022 is a great year to spot wildlife in Torres del Paine. Patagonia's wildlife is fascinating, and Torres del Paine is the icing on the cake when it comes to animals. Here, you will find some of South America's most beautiful animals, such as pumas, guanacos, condors and the endangered South Andean deer (huemul).
How difficult is the W trek in Patagonia? ›
The W Trek is not a difficult or technical trek. Hiking the W Trek doesn't require you to be a pro, but some hiking experience is highly recommended. Compared to lots of other hiking destinations in South America – especially in the Andes mountains – Patagonia is low altitude.
Can you do Torres del Paine on your own? ›The W Trek is Torres del Paine's most famous hiking route, with views of the granite towers that give the park its name. In full, it's a four or five day hike that can be walked without carrying gear or food, between refugios or campsites.
Do you need a guide for the W trek? ›8. Should I do the W Trek with a guide? While it is possible to opt for a self-guided W Trek, we highly recommend to book a guided tour. Though the W Trek is not a difficult trek, a guide will improve the experience while showing you some hidden gems of Torres del Paine.
How do you get around Torres del Paine? ›- Hike the W Trek. The W trek is considered one of the best treks in the world. ...
- Stay in a Hotel inside the National Park. ...
- Rent a Car and Explore Yourself. ...
- Do day tours from Puerto Natales.
5 days is a good amount of time to see the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park (towers' base, french valley, Grey glacier). You can also mix one or two of the highlights with another off-the-beaten path option and take some time for wildlife observation.
Can you swim in Torres del Paine? ›Don't swim in the rivers or lakes. It's prohibited in Torres del Paine.
Is Torres del Paine worth visiting? ›5. 2022 is a great year to spot wildlife in Torres del Paine. Patagonia's wildlife is fascinating, and Torres del Paine is the icing on the cake when it comes to animals. Here, you will find some of South America's most beautiful animals, such as pumas, guanacos, condors and the endangered South Andean deer (huemul).
Is Torres del Paine too crowded? ›Thousands of people come here for backpacking every year, as a result, it gets quite crowded during the season. The park has good infrastructure; well-marked trails, designated campsites, picnic areas, restaurants, shops, hotels, rangers' posts, etc. Torres del Paine is definitely a not-to-miss place in South America.
How much does it cost to do the W trek in Patagonia? ›The W trek can cost you anything from US$250 per person for 5 days (camping with your own gear and making food). The cost will depend on the chosen accommodation option and meal plan.
Is there cell service in Torres del Paine? ›You Won't Miss Your Laptop or Mobile Phone
Hiking in Torres del Paine means complete disconnection from your electronic existence. You're unlikely to take your laptop hiking with you and there are many places within the park where there's no cell phone signal at all.
What is so special about Torres del Paine? ›
Torres del Paine National Park is best known as a hiker's paradise. Its most famous hike involves a demanding 31-mile walk up and down the park's valleys to see its most famous sights. The route takes the shape of a “W”, hence the name W Trek.
What is special about Torres del Paine? ›For many, Torres del Paine is probably the world's most spectacular national park. Its unrivaled landscapes of crazy jagged peaks, remarkable blue lakes, deserted pampas and iceberg-loaded lakes and rivers truly makes it a luxury place to visit.
How many days do you need for Patagonia? ›Planning Your Trip to Patagonia
To get the most out of the experience, plan on 7-10 days. That will give you enough time to explore two different regions, visit famous glaciers, and enjoy rewarding circuit hikes through the area's beautiful national parks.
Spring (September to November) and Fall (March to May) are some of the best times to visit Torres Del Paine. It reveals its true colors through springtime blossoms and fall foliage. And since they're the shoulder seasons, the crowds are fewer to immerse yourself more in nature.
Can you do Torres del Paine a day? ›Can you visit Torres del Paine in a day? Yes, it's possible to visit Torres del Paine National Park in one day. However, because it takes around 1.5-2 hours to drive from Puerto Natales (the nearest town) to the park, you can expect a tour of the national park to constitute a very long day.
Where do you fly into for Torres del Paine? ›The Nearest Airport: Punta Arenas
The Punta Arenas airport, located 360 kilometers and 5 hours south of Torres del Paine National Park. It's the closest airport to the park and has daily non-stop flights from Santiago.