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THE 10 BEST Torres del Paine National Park Tours & Excursions

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1. Full Day Torres del Paine

2. Torres Del Paine Full Day Overland Truck 4x4 from El Calafate

3. Full day tour Torres del Paine + Milodon cave

4. Full-Day Tour to Torres del Paine National Park from Puerto Natales(First Class)

5. FULL DAY Torres del Payne from Puerto Natales

6. Base Torres del Paine - Full day hike from Puerto Natales

7. Trekking Base Las Torres sin almuerzo

8. Puerto Natales: Full day tour Torres del Paine

9. Full Day Tour to Torres del Paine National Park

10. 13-Day Best of Patagonia Tour from El Calafate to Ushuaia: Los Glaciares, Torres del Paine and Tierra del Fuego National Parks

11. Grey Glacier Boat Tour from Puerto Natales (round-trip included)

12. 9-Day Patagonia Tour: El Calafate, El Chalten and Puerto Natales

13. Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours

14. 4-Days Trip to Puerto Natales & Torres del Paine National Park

15. Torres del Paine Full Day Tour departing from El Calafate

16. Private Torres del Paine & Milodon, departing from Punta Arenas

17. Full Day Tour to Torres del Paine from El Calafate

18. Self Drive Experience in Torres del Paine National Park - 6 Days

19. Full day Torres del Paine Shared Tour From Puerto Natales only

20. Full-Day Hiking Base Las Torres - Torres del Paine National Park

21. 5-Day El Calafate and Torres del Paine

22. Full Day Torres del Paine Tour

23. 2 Imperdible Tours Torres del Paine and Perito Moreno

24. Full Day Torres del Paine & Milodon

25. Full Day Private Tour to Torres del Paine

26. 4-Day Private Patagonia Tour: Torres del Paine, Glaciers & Penguins

27. Private Tour: Torres del Paine National Park and Milodon Cave with Lunch

28. Torres del Paine national park

29. Full-Day Hiking Tour to the Base of Paine Towers at Torres del Paine National Park

30. Full Day Torres del Paine Private

What travelers are saying.

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Torres del Paine National Park, Chile: Hiking, Wildlife & Sustainable Adventure

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 13th November 2023

Home to superlative landscapes rich with glassy lakes, shimmering glaciers, and the granite hulks of the Paine Massif, there’s a reason Torres del Paine National Park has become Chile – and Patagonia’s – landmark protected area.

But planning a trip to this national park can feel complicated, to say the least. Whether you’re looking to backpack the five-day W trek , the nine-day O circuit or instead spend a few days in a hotel in the park day hiking or enjoying a multi-sport programme of activities, trying to organize the logistics of a visit to Torres del Paine can start to overwhelm.

Luckily, I’ve visited the national park on three occasions: to hike the W, then the O Circuit and, most recently, to stay at multiple hotels and enjoy some of the other activities you can find here. As a result (and thanks to my work as the sole author of Moon Chile ), I’m an expert on the local area.

This article aims to answer the key questions you have about visiting Torres del Paine National Park and links out to other articles on the site that explore each topic in even greater detail – thus guiding you through the planning and booking process and setting you up for an unforgettable trip. 

As one of the most incredible destinations in Patagonia , it’s a place in which you’ll find yourself hoping to spend even longer – so this guide should help you spend your time most efficiently in the park.

Click to navigate this article:

Where is Torres del Paine National Park?

Torres del Paine National Park lies in the far south of Chile, in the Magallanes region. It’s located 47 miles (75 kilometres) from Puerto Natales and a further 318 kilometres (198 miles) from Punta Arenas, the region’s only city. 

It’s also part of Chilean Patagonia, a region (not a country) that covers the southern stretches of both Chile and neighbouring Argentina.

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What previous clients have said:

Steph’s itinerary exceeded all expectations. She provided off-the-beaten-path hikes, great restaurants and accommodations, and very helpful local contacts. Due to the weather, we had to deviate from our original plan, however, Steph quickly responded to our email during the trip with further recommendations. Her service took all the guesswork out of planning our vacation and led to the most fun and unforgettable trip we have ever had!

How much does it cost to visit Torres del Paine National Park?

The cost of entering the park varies according to how long you plan on staying. For up to three days in the national park, it costs $35 USD for adults and $17 USD for children aged 12 to 17. For over three days in the park, the cost is $49 USD for both adults and children.

You must book your entrance ticket before you enter the park using this website . You need to download the QR code in Puerto Natales while you have internet (there is no signal in the park) and may need to show a copy of your passport to prove you do not live in Chile.

How can you get to Torres del Paine National Park?

There are various different ways to reach Torres del Paine National Park, depending on whether you’re coming from Chile or Argentina. 

From Santiago, Chile

To get to Torres del Paine National Park from the Chilean capital, Santiago, you first need to fly to Puerto Natales . Note that there aren’t always direct flights, particularly outside of the main summer tourism months (December through February); you may find flights have a stop in Puerto Montt. These cost from $240 USD (including checked luggage).

Alternatively, you can fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas , a city 150 miles (242 kilometres) and a 2.5-hour drive or bus journey south of Puerto Natales. Flights to Punta Arenas are more frequent and you should find direct departures multiple times daily. These cost from $150 USD (including checked luggage).  

The best place to check flights is using Skyscanner ; be aware prices rarely include checked luggage. I recommend making reservations directly with the airlines in case you need to make changes to your booking – this can be difficult with third-party aggregator websites. 

To get from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales , you can either drive north along Ruta 9 or take a public bus. These leave more-or-less hourly, with companies Bus Sur and Buses Fernández offering this route (costs $10,000 CLP/$10 USD). 

A final alternative is to take a public ferry to Puerto Natales . The four-day, three-night Navimag ferry is a service that departs from Puerto Montt (at the northern tip of the Carretera Austral or a 13-hour bus journey or two-hour flight south of Santiago). Accommodation is in comfortable cabins, with all meals included. 

From the deck and the windows of bedrooms and the lounge area, you can admire the sublime scenery of the Patagonian fjords as you head south alongside the Carretera Austral and then deeper into Southern Patagonia. 

A second alternative is the 41-hour TABSA ferry from Caleta Tortel (at the bottom of the Carretera Austral), which similarly takes you down through the fjords into Southern Patagonia. Accommodation is far more basic; you get a 160° reclining chair in an open room with other passengers, while food is provided (if a little scant in terms of portion size).  

From Puerto Natales, Chile

Puerto Natales is the closest town to Torres del Paine National Park and sits 47 miles (75 kilometres) south. 

Because of this, it’s highly likely that you’ll need to spend at least one night in Puerto Natales before traveling to Torres del Paine National Park.

We’ve written a whole guide to Puerto Natales hotels , so check that out before you arrive in Patagonia.

The easiest way to get to Torres del Paine National park is from Puerto Natales. Twice daily, two different companies provide public bus services into the national park, with tickets costing from $10,000 CLP/$10 USD one-way or $15,000 CLP/$14 USD round-trip. 

Their schedules are as follows:

Bus Sur: From Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park

Bus Sur: From Torres del Paine National Park to Puerto Natales

Find the most up-to-date schedules for Bus Sur here . 

Turismo Zaahj: From Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park

Turismo Zaahj: From Torres del Paine National Park to Puerto Natales

Find the most up-to-date schedules for Turismo Zaahj here . 

You can hire rental vehicles either in Punta Arenas (where there is plenty of stock and prices are lower) or in Puerto Natales (where there is much-reduced stock, so cars are booked up very quickly). 

I recommend Rental Cars as they give you insurance documents in English. Bear in mind you need additional insurance if you plan on crossing into Argentina; organise this with your rental company at least a few weeks in advance and expect to pay around $100 USD for this. 

The national park has two main entrances:

• Portería Serrano : located in the south of the park and accessed by the Y-290. It is the closest entrance to Puerto Natales. However, the road to enter here is not fully paved, so most traffic (including the public buses) enter the national park via the other entrance. It does, however, have the best views of Los Cuernos (the mountains at the heart of the Paine Massif) as you drive north through the park.  
• Portería Laguna Amarga: located in the east of the park and accessed by the Y-150/Y-156. It is the closest entrance to El Calafate, but is also accessible from Puerto Natales. This road is fully paved and therefore is the quickest route into the park from Puerto Natales. The scenery isn’t as impressive as entering the park via Portería Serrano. 

From Buenos Aires, Argentina

To reach Torres del Paine National Park from Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital, you will need first to reach El Calafate, the closest Argentine town. It lies 258 kilometres (160 miles) and a 3.5-five-hour drive northeast of the national park, via the Paso Río Don Guillermo border crossing. 

To reach El Calafate, there are at least five daily flights from Buenos Aires, which can cost from $205 USD (including checked luggage).  

Because there is less competition between airlines, domestic flights within Argentina can typically be double the price of those in Chile.

From El Calafate, Argentina

From El Calafate, you can either drive, take public transport or opt for a direct private transfer.

Drive directly from El Calafate to Paso Río Don Guillermo by heading south down Ruta 40 (a 2.5-hour, 127-mile (204-kilometre) drive). The border crossing can take over an hour during busy periods during the high travel season (November through March) and you will need additional insurance from your rental company to take an Argentine car across the border. 

From the border, it’s a one-hour, 55-kilometre (34-mile) drive to reach Portería Laguna Amarga along the Y-150 and Y-156.

Bear in mind there is only a gas station located here between El Calafate and Torres del Paine National Park. Bring US dollars or Argentine pesos as it’s unlikely they will accept cash. 

Take a bus from El Calafate to Puerto Natales, which is operated by Bus Sur and Turismo Zaahj , with typically two/three morning departures (7am-8am) and one afternoon departure (3.30pm). These buses can take five to seven hours, depending on delays at the Chilean border and cost around $25,000 CLP/$26 USD.  

From Puerto Natales, take the public bus into the national park (see above). 

By private transfer

A more direct option is a transfer with South Road . These are part of a day trip to visit the national park, so are a great choice if you only want to visit for the day. 

They’re also a good choice if you’re trying to reduce the amount of time it takes to get from El Calafate to Torres del Paine, however, this option is very expensive, costing $200 USD. Because this tour explores the national park, you’ll also have to adapt your plans within Torres del Paine to match their schedule. 

For example, this tour doesn’t reach the east of the park where the O Circuit and the hike up to the torres (towers) begins until mid-afternoon. 

When’s the best time to visit Torres del Paine National Park?

Torres del Paine National Park is open all year round, however hiking conditions are best during the summer months (December through February) and the shoulder season (October/November and March/April). 

During these months, you can visit Torres del Paine independently without hiring a licensed guide. Outside of these months, you are required to visit the national park with a licensed guide.

While climatic conditions are very hard to predict in Patagonia (it’s not uncommon to experience four different seasons in one day!), you can generally expect the following weather:

Torres del Paine National Park in spring: September, October and November

As the snow beings to clear in Torres del Paine National Park, the official hiking season begins. Bear in mind that if you’re visiting during the month of September, you will need to be accompanied by a licensed hiking guide.

During these months, highs average around 16°C (60°F) and can drop to 3°C (37°F) at night – so bring plenty of layers, including thermal underwear, if you plan on camping in the national park. Winds are also much weaker during these months (they reach their strongest in the summer).

This is the second quietest season within Torres del Paine, so it’s a brilliant time to visit if you want to see Patagonia in her quiet splendour or want to hike up to the torres (towers) at dawn (which can be as late as 7am). However, as spring moves towards summer, the number of visitors does increase.

Torres del Paine National Park in summer: December, January and February

The austral summer is when Torres del Paine National Park is at its busiest. The bulk of visitors enters the park between the months of December and February when you can expect temperatures to hit 20°C (68°F), and drop to 8°C (46°F) overnight. 

Dawn is much earlier, so if you’re planning on hiking up to the torres (towers) from Torres Central (four hours) or Chileno (two hours), then you can expect an early start.

As this is the peak time for tourism, you will need to make camping or refugio reservations for the W trek and the O Circuit, as well as any hotel reservations within the national park, at least three months in advance. 

For example, as of August 2022, practically all reservations for December and January were taken for both treks and hotels within the national park. Reservations are now open for the 2023/24 season . Save yourself a tonne of time and book through Torres Hike rather than the complicated mess that are the Vertice Patagonia and Las Torres websites (trust me, I had to do the latter and it was long-winded).

Torres del Paine National Park in autumn: March, April and May

The second shoulder season, the months of March, April and May see the high visitor numbers of the summer begin to dwindle. This is accompanied by a fall in temperatures to highs of 13°C (55°F) during the day and -3°C (27°F) at night.

From the end of April, you will need a licensed guide if you wish to do any of the W trek in the park or attempt any of the other day hikes in the park, while the O Circuit can close to hikers at the end of March. 

Torres del Paine National Park in winter: June, July and August

As winter sets in, the national park falls quiet, with few tourists. During this period, you must have a licensed guide with you if you plan on hiking in the park and only a handful of hotels and campgrounds are open. The O Circuit is completely closed to hikers, while for the O, you will need to organise a tour with a local operator (we recommend Chile Nativo – mention Worldly Adventurer and you’ll get a 5% discount on your tour).

Despite the higher costs of visiting during winter, Torres del Paine is at its most bewitching, blanketed with snow and empty of visitors. Bear in mind that high temperatures hover around 8°C (46°F) and drop to -3°C (27°F)  at night, so you’ll want thermal underwear and plenty of warm layers for hiking.

Most tourist services, such as hotels, tours (aside from the W) and some restaurants are closed during this period and flights can get cancelled due to poor weather, so ensure you’ve got plenty of slack in your itinerary and pre-book hotels in advance.

Read more about the best times to visit Patagonia . 

How many days should you spend in Torres del Paine National Park?

It depends. 

If you’re planning on hiking the W trek, you’ll want a minimum of four days/three nights in the park (although most people tend to complete it in five days/four nights). 

For the O Circuit, you’ll need a minimum of eight days/seven nights (although, again, people may choose to do this hike at a slower pace).

If you’re going to be staying in an all-inclusive hotel with tours included, or rent a vehicle and explore the national park independently, it’s best to have at least three or four full days in the park. 

Remember, it takes around 1.5 hours to drive into the national park from Puerto Natales or a least 3.5 hours from El Calafate, so factor that into your plans.

What is the elevation of Torres del Paine National Park?

While the Paine Massif, the mountains at the centre of the national park, might form part of the Andes Mountain Range, they’re not actually as high as you might expect. 

If you’re hiking the W trek, the highest elevation you’ll meet on the trail is 900 metres (2,950 feet) at Laguna Torres and the Mirador Las Torres. 

For the O Circuit, you’ll summit the Paso John Gardner (John Gardner Pass) at an altitude of 1,241 metres (4,071 feet). As a result, there are no concerns about altitude sickness or the requirement to acclimatise when visiting Torres del Paine.

The top 11 things to do in Torres del Paine National Park

From hiking through spellbinding scener, to puma tracking and exploring relics of ancient cultures past, there are plenty of activities to do in Torres del Paine and, surprisingly, it’s not just a paradise for avid hikers. 

1. Hike the W trek

The best-known activity and most popular hike within Torres del Paine is the W trek, a five-day/four-night hike that takes you to the park’s most striking locations. Named after the shape the trek follows, the W is a brilliant introduction to multi-day hiking.

Well-marked paths with plenty of footfall and the possibility of hiring an already pitched tent or a bed in a cosy dorm plus meals at each campground make this hike easy enough to attempt by yourself without a guide or heavy camping equipment, too. 

It also explores what many consider to be Torres del Paine’s finest terrain, including epic views of Glacier Grey, which calves icebergs into the frosty waters of Lago Grey, as well as the possibility of spotting rare huemul deer in the Valle Francés (French Valley) and, if the weather is good, Mirador Britannico (British Viewpoint). 

But the cherry on top for most hikers is the final day’s trek up into the Ascencio Valley to reach Mirador Las Torres, the park’s trademark viewpoint of the three-pronged granite torres (towers) after which the park is named and which sit majestically above a glassy, glacier-fed lake.

Covering 46 miles (74 kilometres) in total, this is a challenging hike, but one that many first-time trekkers successfully achieve. You can read our full guide to planning the W trek for more information.

Reservations are now open for the 2023/24 season .

2. Hike the O Circuit

For more serious hikers, or those who want to see Patagonia as pristine and quiet as possible, the typically nine-day/eight-night O Circuit is an extended version of the W and my preferred trail. With a cap of 70 hikers per day on this path, the first three days before you join the W are blissfully quiet and a glorious way to connect with Patagonia’s wild landscapes. 

This trail starts from Laguna Amarga in the east of the park and heads in a loop (hence the name, O) around the back of the Paine Massif – the mountains that sit at the very centre of the national park.

With a lot more climbing, including up to the 1,241-metre (4,071-feet) Paso John Gardner for panoramic views of Glacier Grey from above, and covering a distance of 136-kilometre (85-mile) this trek is more challenging than the W, but worth the extra exertion. 

As with the W trek, you can even rent all food and camping gear along the trek, meaning you can hike this trail with just a day pack or you can opt to carry all your camping gear and food.

For more details about hiking the O Circuit, read our comprehensive guide to hiking the O , learn what to pack for the O Circuit , what food to bring for a multi-day hike and find out the things you need to know before you head out onto the trail .

3. Hike sections of the W

Only have a couple of days in the park or can’t get reservations for campgrounds along the W ? Some of the key parts of the W trek can be explored as part of day hikes, whether you’re staying within the park or at lodging further away in Puerto Natales. 

The most famous is the hike up to Mirador Las Torres , the viewpoint for the park’s namesake towers. It’s a challenging trek: 16 kilometers (nine miles) return and with an altitude gain of 750 meters (2,460 feet), it’ll take between seven and nine hours, but it’s more than work the effort, particularly at dawn when the light turns the three granite towers a deep orange color. 

You can also explore other sections of the W on a day hike. The easiest is the section from Paine Grande refugio and campground into the Valle Francés (French Valley) , a trail that takes you beneath the shadows of Los Cuernos and up into the glacier-fringed valley.

Weather can affect your views on this trek, as low cloud gripping the tops of the Paine Massif can prevent you from seeing much at all once you reach Mirador Francés and head deeper towards Mirador Britanico.

But the views back across the national park, over the wind-whipped waters of Lago Nordenskjöld can be remarkable, whatever the weather. 

For logistical information about hiking each of these treks, head to our guide to day hikes in Torres del Paine National Park . 

4. Hike shorter day hikes across the national park

Don’t fancy a full-day hike in the glorious scenery of Torres del Paine National Park? No problem; there are plenty of short hikes to keep you busy and experiencing the park’s stunning landscapes. 

If you want to catch a view of the torres (towers) at the heart of the national park but don’t have the time or energy for an eight-hour hike, head east to Laguna Azul, a lake on the very edges of the national park from where you can hike a short trail towards the north of the national park or just admire the views of the torres from the lake itself.

Though they’re partially concealed because of the angle, it’s one of the best views you can get without approaching them directly on foot.

Other hikes can grant you equally spellbinding views of other key Torres del Paine landmarks. For example, the five-kilometre (three-mile) round-trip hike from the Pudeto catamaran stop to Mirador Cuernos grants panoramas of Los Cuernos, perhaps the most enchanting of all the prongs of the Paine Massif. 

The lung-bustlingly steep, four-kilometre (2.5-mile) round-trip hike up to Mirador Ferrier , right next to Hotel Lago Grey, promises truly spectacular vistas across the entire park from its elevated position

Strap on your hiking boots and read everything you need to know about the best day hikes in Torres del Paine National Park . 

5. Breathe in striking viewpoints around Torres del Paine

If mobility is an issue or you’re just not much of a hiker, you can still appreciate the majesty of the national park.

A rental car or a day tour from Puerto Natales (such as this one ) will allow you to cover a number of the different key viewpoints, which include Mirador Nordenskjöld (possibly the most dramatic of the viewpoints), Mirador Condor (a true photographer’s favourite) and Mirador Pehoé (another ubiquitous view of the national park’s mountains, the Paine Massif). 

Find logistical information about these viewpoints and how to reach them in this post about day hikes and viewpoints in Torres del Paine National Park . 

6. Go puma tracking

On my first-ever trip to Torres del Paine National Park back in 2016, I came a whisker away from seeing a puma in the campground at Torres Central when I was hiking the W.

Since then, puma numbers have soared, with the national park now estimated at having the highest density of pumas on the planet – and perhaps even 200 individuals calling this area home. 

While there’s a chance of spotting one while hiking any of the park’s trails (and, if you do, maintain a safe distance), the closest you’ll get to a guaranteed sighting is by heading on a puma tracking tour. I went out into the park with Chile Nativo, their top puma guide and a local rancher turned puma spotter.

The results? A brief encounter watching two pumas on a failed attempt at hunting a pack of guanaco, followed by an hour spent watching a mum and her two cubs cuddling in the long grass in another section of the park. 

Puma tracking doesn’t come cheap at $895 USD per person for this two-day tour , but this does include a night in Chile’s Nativo’s rustic but still comfortable Riverside Camp, plus really delicious, traditional meals. You can also secure a 5% discount by adding “Worldly Adventurer” to the referral discount box when you book! 

7. Explore the powder blue crevasses of Glacier Grey with an ice-trekking tour 

Another of the park’s most striking sights is Glacier Grey. This hunk of millennial ice wallows on the edges of Lago Grey, connected to the Southern Patagonia Ice Field by 28 kilometres (17 miles) of compacted ice split apart with crevasses and ice caves that disappear beneath the glacier’s surface. 

One of the best ways to encounter this hidden world is by taking an ice trekking tour. You’ll either need to be hiking past Grey refugio and campground along the W or O Circuit treks or need to take a boat out across Lago Grey (see #10) to reach the start of this tour, which is operated by ice trekking experts BigFoot Patagonia. 

It takes five hours, with around one hour of that spent on the ice. Learn more about the tour (which costs $180 USD and is only available between October and April) and book it here . 

8. Dodge icebergs and kayak through the park 

Another way to get up close and personal with Glacier Grey is with a kayaking trip across Lago Grey. There are two main tours on offer, both operated by BigFoot Patagonia.

The first starts from Grey refugio and campground and takes you padding through icebergs calved from the snout of the glacier, before heading back in the same direction you came. This trip takes around 2.5 hours, costs $100 USD and is available between October and April. 

An alternative is a half-day kayaking trip starting out from Hotel Lago Grey and paddling up to the icebergs as they float down Lago Grey, before following the route of the water as it flushes into Río Grey and wiggles south through the national park. 

Not only do you get close enough to icebergs to touch them, but commanding views of Los Cuernos are part and parcel of the experience – plus the chance to see the park from an unusual angle: the water. 

This tour takes around three hours, costs $275 USD and is available all year round. 

9. Sail out to Glacier Grey

If soft adventure is more your cup of tea, boarding the catamaran ferry from the beach beside Hotel Lago Grey out to the very skirts of Glacier Grey may well be more your pace. 

While you’re required to walk for around 15 minutes from the hotel to reach the ferry, this trip allows you to absorb views of the Paine Massif, with Los Cuernos in the background and Lago Grey in the foreground, from the comfort of the boat. 

You’ll sail up to the edges of the glacier, watching as it calves bus-sized icebergs into the lake’s milky blue waters if you’re lucky, and sample a pisco sour shaken with glacier ice as the boat heads back to dry land. 

The boat isn’t the cheapest but allows for very close views of the glacier that are otherwise only possible for those hiking one of the multi-day trails or kayaking on Lago Grey. There are normally four boats a day and you can also use this boat to drop you off at Grey refugio and campground if you want to start the W trek from there rather than at Paine Grande. 

For boat schedules and to reserve your place on the ferry go here and consider booking a night at Hotel Lago Grey to absorb the fine views of the lake, too. 

10. Spend a day horseback riding

Patagonia’s relationship with horses stems back over a hundred years when colonisers flocked to this remote region to toil the land, founding ranches for sheep farming to fulfil the demand for raw wool in Europe.

Ranch hands soon became incredibly skilled riders and the ranches around Puerto Natales and in Torres del Paine date from this period, with many now open to tourists keen to learn more about the region’s history and have a go on horseback. 

One of the best places to do it is at Hotel Las Torres, right beneath the trailhead for the hike to the torres (towers). 

Owned by the Kusanovic family, whose former ranch turned conservation area sits right within the national park, Hotel Las Torres’ stables shelter over 200 horses, which are looked after by a team of baqueanos (Patagonian cowboys).

They can take you out along horse-only trails to absorb the scenery surrounding Lago Nordenskjöld and even up into the mountains opposite Mirador Las Torres for an alternative perspective of the torres (towers). 

Find out more about their tours here and book a stay at Hotel Las Torres (a great option for a night of relaxation post-W trek or O Circuit). 

11. Visit an authentic local estancia (ranch)

Keen to learn more about the traditional sheep farming culture of the region? Head to Cerro Guido , a working ranch turned hotel on the eastern outskirts of the national park.

With 50,000 sheep on 90,000 hectares (222,000 acres of land)  – of which 2,000 hectares (2,900 acres) are now dedicated to conservation and puma research – this ranch is a fascinating place to learn about the region’s history.

There’s also a brand-new boutique hotel and exquisite dining options and views of the torres directly from the dining room window. 

Wildlife safari tours, where you learn about the ranch’s conservation efforts and have a chance to spy puma, flamingo, foxes and guanaco, cost $320 USD (learn more here ), while all-inclusive lodging in their brand-new hotel rooms start from $790 USD (including all meals) and can be booked here .  

Where to stay in Torres del Paine National Park

You might be surprised to learn that accommodations in Torres del Paine National Park don’t just take the form of basic refugios or campgrounds. In fact, everything from sustainable yurts to luxurious, five-star hotels are available within the park, with accommodations available according to all budgets. That said, prices are elevated compared with hotels in other parts of Chile and Patagonia.

Reservations for accommodation in the park also are snapped up very quickly, so aim to book your accommodation at least four to six months in advance of your planned travel time, particularly if you’re hoping to visit the park between December and February.

Here are some of the best places to stay in Torres del Paine National Park. 

The best all-inclusive accommodation in Torres del Paine

If you’ve only got a couple of days in the park or just want all of the logistics to be organised for you, your best option is to consider an all-inclusive hotel or tour package. These can be expensive but allow you to explore the national park during the day and head back to comfortable lodgings and high-quality dining in the evening. 

Patagonia Camp

Situated just outside the Portería Serrano entrance to the national park in the south, Patagonia Camp ($1,800 USD double all-inclusive, three-night minimum) has 20 centrally-heated, luxury yurts tucked into old forest and dotted across a hillside overlooking Lago del Toro and the dazzling Paine Massif, with Los Cuernos at its heart, beyond. 

The views are dramatic and the hospitality first class. A ratio of two staff per guest ensures attention feels personalised, while the restaurant (which has similarly incredible views from its cosy interior) cooks up a storm with delicately presented dishes inspired by Patagonian and Chilean classics. Best of all, meals are paired with the owners’ award-winning wine from the organic Matetic Winery just outside of Santiago. 

Kayaking and hiking can be organised directly from the hotel, while you can explore the whole park with their guides by selecting from a wide menu of excursions, which are included in the price. Choose a yurt with a jacuzzi (11 have this luxury!) for a stint of relaxation – just with an outstanding view – at the end of each day.  

The best hotel accommodation in Torres del Paine

If you’ve hired a car and want the freedom to explore the national park self-guided, but still want a comfortable place to rest your head after a busy day hiking, staying in one of the park’s hotels is the ideal choice. 

Prices are much higher than what you can expect to pay in the rest of Patagonia, but views across the national park from many of the top options are outstanding.

Río Serrano Hotel + Spa

Located right on the banks of the Río Serrano and just a 10-minute drive south of the Portería Serrano entrance, the large Río Serrano Hotel + Spa ($765 USD double all-inclusive) is the most upscale but still affordable lodgings in this part of the national park. Opt for a Superior room for the best views in the house: right across the national park to Los Cuernos’ hulking lumps of jagged granite. 

Part of the appeal of this hotel is its facilities, which include a stunning pool with similarly spectacular views, plus an ample spa, with a sauna, gym and rooms for massages and other treatments. 

There are also cosy reading areas on the ground floor, plus a large restaurant. They do offer a limited number of excursions, but these are only available at an additional cost.    

Pampa Lodge

For a much quieter stay, the nine-bedroom Pampa Lodge ($320 USD double with breakfast) has similarly compelling views of the Paine Massif from the large windows of its understated bedrooms. A small outdoor terrace allows you to enjoy the surroundings with a pisco sour in hand after a busy day on the trail, while their on-site restaurant serves up classic Chilean dishes. 

It’s also located just a short drive from Portería Serrano, making it a great spot just outside the park. If you’re on more of a budget, Pampa Lodge Refugio offers dorm accommodation in pleasant bedrooms, with breakfast included and access to the hotel’s restaurant. 

Guests of both can join horseback riding excursions for an additional fee. 

The best low-budget accommodation in Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine isn’t an easy place to visit on a budget, particularly as public transport is poor and you’ll need to either bring your own transportation or be open to hitchhiking. Hotels are at a much higher cost than otherwise found in Patagonia, so the most budget-friendly choice is at one of the campgrounds. 

Camping Pehoé

One of only two campgrounds in the national park that aren’t part of the W or O trek, Camping Pehoé ($12,000 CLP pitch pp,  $100,000 CLP double dome) is a great budget choice that’s located within the park’s boundaries. 

A 10-minute drive south of the Pudeto catamaran ferry stop (where many start the W trek) and within a 45-minute drive of the trailhead for the Mirador Las Torres hike, this campsite has 40 pitches, hot showers and is very well-located, with its own restaurant (open to the public) right next door. 

You can either pay for just a pitch, a pitch with hired tent and sleeping bag or a dome (these come with a sleeping bag and blanket). Pitches have roofed structures to protect your tent from Patagonia’s notoriously strong winds, plus a table and a barbecue (they sell firewood). 

You can also pay for boxed lunches for when you’re out on the trail and there’s a small grocery store here if you need to stock up on basics.   

Torres Central camping and refugio 

While Torres Central camping and refugio ($25 USD pitch pp), which is situated right at the trailhead for the Mirador Las Torres hike, is used by campers along the W and O treks, it’s also a good spot if you’ve got your own transportation and want an affordable place to stay. 

It’s one of the biggest in the whole park, which means it often has space available for campers – even if you’re quite last-minute with your reservations. They can provide meals through their restaurant, which you generally need to book in advance but can sometimes it’s possible to arrange this on the day if you’re lucky.

There’s also a small grocery store and every pitch has access to hot showers and Wi-Fi at an additional cost. 

Camping Kau Laguna Azul

Right on the other side of the national park beside Laguna Azul, Camping Kau Laguna Azul ($36 USD tent and sleeping bag pp) is another very affordable choice for accommodation in Torres del Paine. It’s a 30-minute drive north of Portería Laguna Amarga in the northeast side of the park, but still well-placed for driving to the main sights. 

There’s a small cafe on-site for basic meals, as well as access to a large kitchen/dining area for preparing your own food. There are no charging points, so bring battery packs for key items and plenty of warm clothing. 

The best Torres del Paine tours 

If you’d rather explore the national park with a guide but don’t want to fork out the high rates charged by the park’s luxury, all-inclusive hotels, taking a multi-day tour from Puerto Natales into the national park is a great compromise. 

All of the tours I recommend are with Chile Nativo, an outstanding local operator with whom I’ve been proud to work for a number of years. They offer Worldly Adventurer readers a 5% discount if you add “Worldly Adventurer” to the referral discount box when you book! 

Torres del Paine five-day multisport adventure

I recently came back from exploring the national park for the third time. On this occasion, I joined Chile Nativo’s five-day Torres del Paine multisport tour (from $2,295 USD pp), which included a wealth of activities around the national park, such as kayaking on Lago Grey and trekking to the Mirador Las Torres and through some of the lesser-known parts of the national park. 

At night, we stayed in the comfy yurts at the Riverside Camp, which sits on the Río Serrano and, much like the expensive hotels mentioned above, has incredible views of Los Cuernos. 

Transportation, accommodation and all meals are included (the latter giving you a taste of classic Chilean dishes prepared exquisitely) and Chile Nativo’s guides are second to none. You can also opt for a three-day multisport tour (from $1,795 USD pp) if you’ve got a shorter window of time for the park. 

Discovering Torres del Paine tour

If you’re keen on a soft adventure in Torres del Paine, Chile Nativo’s five-day discovering Torres del Paine tour is a better choice. Staying in hotels in the national park, this tour takes you to the park’s highlights. These include some of the best viewpoints around the national park, by boat to see Glacier Grey, on a guided tour of the nearby Milodon Cave, and on other trails in the park to observe wildlife, including condors and guanaco. 

Again, transportation, accommodation and all meals are included, with lodgings in three of the park’s high-end hotels. 

Wildlife and landscapes in Torres del Paine photo safari

Torres del Paine National Park is a destination that has been drawing photographers in their droves for decades and it’s not hard to see why. If you want to spend five days capturing this pristine part of Patagonia through your lens then Chile Nativo’s Torres del Paine photo safari ($2,495 USD pp) is the ultimate way. 

You’ll get to embark on a puma tour to discover the big cats in their natural habitat, as well as catch each and every sunrise and sunset from different places around the park. Along the way, you’ll keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife, including foxes, flamingoes, and condors, and have the opportunity to capture the park’s most dazzling landmarks, too. 

Again, transportation, accommodation and all meals are included. You’ll stay in their cosy Riverside Camp on the banks of Río Serrano. 

Hunting for fossils in Torres del Paine

With landscapes dating back millions of years, it’s no wonder that Torres del Paine National Park is packed with fossils from this bygone time. Chile Nativo’s brand-new hunting for fossils tour takes you far beyond-the-beaten trail into the barely-visited Zapata Valley. Here, Ichthyosaurus fossils and remote glaciers clinging to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field await. 

This tour makes the perfect combination with the W trek, as it’ll give you the chance to bid farewell to the busy trails of the national park and head into an area where few tourists go.

Again, transportation, accommodation and all meals are included, with accommodation taking the form of a local ranch and wild camping. 

How can you visit Torres del Paine National Park sustainably? 

I’m always keep to lower the impact of my visit when travelling – and particularly when I’m spending time in destinations that run the risk of falling victim to over-tourism. 

Torres del Paine National Park is one of South America’s most visited destinations, with over 300,000 tourists exploring its spectacular landscapes each year. Every visitor, consciously or not, leaves their mark on the trails and ecosystems found within the park.

As a result, it’s all of our responsibility to consider how we can best tread lightly and ensure the park remains pristine and ready to receive careful visitors for generations to come. Here are some of the best ways to explore Torres del Paine sustainably.  

Stay longer

While it’s possible to see the park on a whistlestop day tour from Puerto Natales or even El Calafate, to truly appreciate its sensational scenery and special wildlife, a longer trip is better. 

Lengthening your stay to three or four days (and your trip to Patagonia to as long as possible) will see you spending more money that goes into local pockets (particularly if you follow the suggestions below) and lowers your travel footprint, too, by reducing your emissions.  

Stick to trails and leave no trace

Trails along the W trek in particular have widened through the years as more hikers have hit the route and, increasingly, deviated from the main path. This is sometimes caused by poor weather conditions (muddy paths can be very challenging to follow) and also as trekkers meet others on the trail. 

However, it’s still essential to stick to the marked paths and, as ever when hiking, leave no trace. That means no rubbish, no toilet paper and certainly no fires – the latter of which have, historically, been caused by irresponsible visitors, resulting in devastating fires that have damaged thousands of hectares of pristine national park lands. 

Explore lesser-visited areas

While I’ve hiked both the W and the O, what I realised on my most recent visit to the park is how much more there is to see and do beyond these two ubiquitous hiking routes. 

Opting for some of the lesser-visited day hikes that take you far beyond where other visitors ever go within the national park is a great way of spreading the impact of tourists. It also enhances your experience; you’ll see Patagonia at its most pristine and, more importantly, silent. 

Camp rather than stay in a hotel 

While the luxury hotels in the national park are a very pleasant way to while away an evening in the park, the most sustainable places to stay are in one of the glamping sites (such as Patagonia Camp and Chile Nativo’s Riverside Camp ) or straight-up camping. This is because these locations can theoretically be dismantled without leaving damage to the environment and the water use is typically lower, too. 

If you’re still set on staying in a hotel, then consider donating to the Torres del Paine Legacy Trust , a nonprofit that supports conservation projects in the park, as well as community development initiatives in the wider area 

Reach Patagonia by boat rather than flight

Flights are the quickest means of getting to Patagonia, covering the thousands of miles separating Torres del Paine from Santiago and Buenos Aires in a few short hours. However, if you’re coming from anywhere else in Chile, the most sustainable means of reaching the park is aboard one of the public ferries that sail to nearby Puerto Natales. 

You’ve got two options: the four-day, three-night Navimag ferry from Puerto Montt (at the northern tip of the Carretera Austral ) or the 41-hour TABSA ferry from Caleta Tortel (at the bottom of the Carretera Austral). Both are an incredible opportunity to see the sublime landscapes of the Patagonian fjords slowly and without the carbon impact of a short-haul flight. 

Take a tour or public transport rather than hiring your own vehicle 

Exploring the length and breadth of Torres del Paine is made more challenging by limited public transport, which has been designed to ferry passengers from Puerto Natales to the trailheads for the W and the O (as well as a handful of other places in the park). 

However, the carbon footprint of thousands of vehicles a day entering the national park is one that doesn’t fit with a sustainable approach to Patagonia. As a result, it’s far more eco-friendly to travel either by public transport (again, only for the W and the O as it’s not designed to get you between sights or trailheads) or as part of an organised tour or all-inclusive package.

I highly recommend all of those offered by Chile Nativo , but the higher-end hotels also offer these services. 

Book directly through a local tour operator  

As part of my own commitment to you, my reader, and to the travel industry as a whole in Latin America, I only work with companies that I know are doing a brilliant job in their respective destinations across the continent. Not only does this ensure that you get a quality experience if you book a tour I recommend (not something that’s guaranteed through faceless companies such as Viator and GetYourGuide), but it also means I can directly support local companies. 

Therefore, if you do decide to visit Torres del Paine National Park as part of a tour, then book directly with the local companies based there. 

Chile Nativo is my chosen local partner because they’re recognized across the industry for the excellent work they do to support sustainable tourism in Patagonia, and they deliver fantastic service to tourists, too. They offer Worldly Adventurer readers a 5% discount if you add “Worldly Adventurer” to the referral discount box when you book! 

Friday 8th of March 2024

The bus schedules posted for buses from Port Natales to Torres del Paine were super useful. Please be aware that if your ticket says a particular time and bus stop you may be able to get on that bus at another stop. Also be aware that the time could be up to two hours different at another stop (mine was!).

Steph Dyson

Sunday 10th of March 2024

Thanks for this info Grant! Steph

Friday 19th of January 2024

I would like to visit with my friend Torres del Paine in February 2024 and do this one day trekking to the Mirador Base Torres and return to Puerto Natales. I have checked bus from Puerto Natales. The earliest leaves at 6:50 and arrives at Laguna Amarga at 8:50. I am a little bit confused because I could not receive exact information ( answer depended on the person who replied me). Once they said from that there is only one shuttle bus at 8:45. The other person that there are shuttle buses each 30min or 1 hour. On blogs I have read that there are shuttle buses synchronised with Bussur from Puerto Natales. What is the truth? And what about the return?

Do shuttle buses go all the time during a day from Laguna Amarga to the Welcome Center and return? And no matter what time we will be in Laguna Amarga there will always be shuttle bus? And maybe do you know till which hour in the evening shuttle buses are available? I would like to have Bussur from Laguna Amarga around 20:00 or 20:30. So around 20:00 there will be also some shuttle buses from the Welcome Center?

I would be very grateful for the answer.

Friday 9th of February 2024

Hi Karolina, Las Torres Hotel (who run the shuttle) said that the shuttles are there to connect with the bus that gets in at 8.50am. I'm not aware that there are continuous shuttle buses to and from Laguna Amarga and the Welcome Centre; she said that there are specific times per day when these run. Steph

Mitch Wilenchik

Thursday 4th of January 2024

Hi Steph, I have a question. I am staying in puerto Natales the night before hiking Mirador las Torres. Can I get in the park earlier than the official opening time? I’d like to start the hike by 7 am if possible to beat the crowds but not sure if the gate is open to enter that early. Thanks for your comprehensive article! Best regards, Mitch

Sunday 14th of January 2024

Hi Mitch, I'm not actually sure but I think so. You can email CONAF to find out. Steph

Monday 27th of November 2023

Hi, my wife and I are going to do the O hike in March as part of a longer SA/Antarctica trip, so we will need a place to store some of our luggage while we are on the O hike. Any suggestions for places to store luggage in the park or in Puerto Natales? Thank you!

Tuesday 28th of November 2023

Hi Rollie, most hotels in Puerto Natales will let you store you're belongings while you're in the park. Steph

Wednesday 6th of September 2023

You don't mention this in your BA to Torres section, but it looks to us like it might be feasible and cost-efficient to fly BA-Santiago-Puerto Natales with LATAM, as a way to get closest to Torres. Is there anything against this? One con may be that it looks like you have to spend a night in Santiago.

Wednesday 20th of September 2023

Hi Elizabeth, that normally adds a lot to the cost but yes, is a viable option. Steph

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Torres del Paine National Park Tours & Trips

• Torres del Paine National Park from Puerto Natales
• Torres del Paine National Park Small Group
• Torres del Paine National Park Budget
• Torres del Paine National Park Seniors
• Torres del Paine National Park Singles and Solo

62 Torres Del Paine National Park tour packages with 126 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes
• Christmas & New Year

Torres del Paine - The W Trek

"The W-Trek was a wonderful experience. Patagonia is beautiful and the trip certainly met all expectations!" Carol, traveled in January 2020

Essential Patagonia

"Very wholesome, met great people and enjoyed everyday of the trip!" Claudia, traveled in December 2022

• Sightseeing

4-Days Discovery Puerto Natales & Torres del Paine

"Marilda responds immediately each time I message, email or what's app her. This trip would not be possible without her help." Ket, traveled in October 2019

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

W-Trek in Torres del Paine Standard – Self Guided (5 Days / 4 Nights)

"Really enjoyed this trip!!! Overall well done. I printed out all of my vouchers because sometimes the National Park was a little disorganized." Adriene, traveled in November 2023

• Wildlife Trekking

Patagonia: Torres Del Paine ‘W’ Trek – 5 Days

"We felt super lucky to have Humberto and Bastian as our guide / porter as they were knowledgeable about the trek itself and some of the history." Roxy, traveled in June 2023

8 - Days Experience in San Pedro de Atacama & Torres del Paine National Park

"Everything was very well organized. This turned out to be the highlight of my trip with close views of a lot of wildlife." Ravipreet, traveled in June 2023

Classic Hikes of Patagonia

Torres del Paine - Full Circuit Trek

"Extremely well prepared and organised with exceptional people skills to lead a diverse group of participants." Bruce, traveled in November 2018

Full Circuit Patagonia

"The trip was incredible. Everything else went smoothly." Kathryn, traveled in January 2023

Patagonia: Torres Del Paine ‘O’ Trek – 8 Days

"This was a great experience- well run with thought and care and the group were great" Elana, traveled in April 2023

Glaciers and Paine Adventure (4 Nights)

"Incredible experience!" julia, traveled in October 2022

Patagonia: Torres del Paine Classic W Trek

• Health, Spa & Wellness

Mountains and Glaciers: El Calafate and Torres del Paine

"El Calafate has plenty of options to do and Perito Moreno Glacier was absolutely incredible." Monica, traveled in June 2023

6 Days Inspiring Chilean Patagonia

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park - GROUP TOUR

"Amazing from beginning to end - both the trek and the whole process!" Francis, traveled in December 2022

What people love about Torres Del Paine National Park Tours

Had an amazing experience with Natasha, Martin and Nacho! They were so knowledgeable and kind and made the trek SO fun and enjoyable! They always had the biggest smiles on their face and shared so much kindness to everyone in the group. Would recommend this trip to everyone I know!

An incredible trip with OneSeed - I was debating between this and a G Adventures tour and so glad I chose them! I had only three people in my group and the guide was the loveliest man, and so kind. It was the best way to do the W Trek and took out all of the stress! Highly recommend to all thinking of booking with this company! They were so good in the run up too, and even helped me with other parts of my Patagonia itinery.

Je recommande vivement ce tour: c’était fantastique et toutes nos attentes ont été comblées. Le parc national Torres del Paine est tout simplement superbe et il y a des sentiers de marche pour tous les niveaux. L’excursion en catamaran nous amenant au parc national Bernardo O’Higgins pour voir des glaciers nous aura permis de voir des animaux marins, et que dire des glaciers! L’arrêt à un ranch pour le lunch était aussi très bien. L’équipe nous accompagnant à bord est d’un professionalisme inégalé! L’hôtel à Punta Arenas superbe! N’allez pas au Chili sans acheter ce circuit!

Top operators

"If you are over forty forget G adventures. You’ll be treated with disrespect, risk getting booted from the trek with NO financial compensation if you happen to be part of a group of 20 year olds- something over which you have no control. This is because there is a minimum pace you have to maintain (this info is not in the descriptions). That pace is set by the group composition. That means that although you are fully capable of completing the hikes in reasonable time but not at the pace of a 20-something, you still risk getting booted from the trip. The guides are arrogant and insensitive. And. As an aside, the food is quite awful. And I repeat-if you are asked to leave at their discretion - they refuse to refund your very considerable fees. Avoid G Adventures!!!

G Adventures is an expert in:

"An incredible trip with OneSeed - I was debating between this and a G Adventures tour and so glad I chose them! I had only three people in my group and the guide was the loveliest man, and so kind. It was the best way to do the W Trek and took out all of the stress! Highly recommend to all thinking of booking with this company! They were so good in the run up too, and even helped me with other parts of my Patagonia itinery.

OneSeed Expeditions is an expert in:

"The organization was excellent and Marilda from Signature extremely helpful. The Atacama portion was with a fabulous tour agency. Very professionally run. The Torres del Paine portion was a bit short so I added an extra 3 days there on my own which were great. Remember that Patagonia is very windy when you book. But absolutely beautiful and worth it!

Signature Tours is an expert in:

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• Hike to Mirador Los Torres , with the three spires aboveTorre Sur, Central y Norte and bright blue lake. A full day hike.
• Cuernos del Paine can be viewed from the southern side of the park. Approach the base from the Italian camp.
• Salto Grande waterfall   connects the two lakes (Nordenskjold & Pehoe), the first being higher elevation.  
• Lago Grey is popular for boating or kayaking next to glowing blue icebergs & glaciers crumbling into the lake.  
• Lago Pehoe is in the middle of the park with some of the best 360 degree views of the National Park.

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Torres del Paine - Full Circuit Trek

11 days, puerto natales to puerto natales.

• Full itinerary
• Tour details

Gazing upon the towering, steeple-like peaks of Patagonia’s Cordillera del Paine for the first time, you’d swear they were lifted straight from The Lord of the Rings movie. But these massive rock formations are very real. Built for physically-active travellers, not hardcore mountaineers, this trip brings you to remote, lesser-visited sections of the Torres del Paine National Park and the truly unimaginable scenery to be found here. With top-notch mountain guides at your side, you’ll be able to concentrate on spotting condors in flight instead of staring blankly at a map.

Puerto Natales to Puerto Natales

Is this tour for me, travel style: active.

Hiking, trekking, biking, rafting, and kayaking adventures all over the world, made for outdoor types.

Service Level: Camping

Camping most nights with some hotel/hostel stays to start and throughout; affordable public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 5 - Challenging

Serious high-altitude hikes, cycling, or other instances of heavy exercise. Come prepared to sweat a bit.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 11

Ripple Score

Create ripples that change lives. The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 99

Places visited

Ready to take on Patagonia? Get familiar before you go.

Day 1 Puerto Natales

Arrive at any time. If arriving into Punta Arenas in Chile, it is recommended to arrive prior to 14:00 to allow enough time to transfer to Puerto Natales for the welcome meeting. If arriving to El Calafate in Argentina, you will need to get there a day before and then take the bus to Puerto Natales today.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Day 2 puerto natales/laguna azul camp.

Embark on a 9-day excursion within Torres del Paine NP, hiking the full Torres del Paine circuit known as the O circuit. Start the 130km (80.7 mi) route by trekking to the base of Las Torres to see the dramatic three towers and turquoise lagoon below.

Meals included:

Day 3 torres del paine/camp serón.

Transfer by van to the Las Torres area. Today we start our trek around the Paine Massif. Head out across ancient glacial moraines on the way to camp Serón. The trail goes through Lenga forests where we can spot some wildlife. The hike today will be around 5 hours. Arrive to Camping Serón where the group will have dinner and rest up for tomorrow.

Day 4 Camp Serón/Lake Dickson Camp

Eat an early breakfast before the hike to Lago Dickson, a glacial lake on the edge of the Southern Patagonia Ice Cap. Hike past bright blooming Notro bushes and cross a stream along the lake. A beautiful, leisurely hike that will take around 6 hours today. Arrive at Camping Dickson and opt for a hot shower and a beer as a reward.

Day 5 Lake Dickson Camp/Los Perros Camp

Continue along the north side of the park to an incredible lookout point of Lake Dickson and the surrounding valley. Follow the trail through the tall forest to reach another lookout for Perros Glacier, well worth the climb.

Day 6 Los Perros Camp/Grey Glacier Camp

Today is the toughest day of the O trek, start with an uphill climb for 2-3 hours, passing over the highest point. The beginning of the trail is through forest, but once you reach 800m of altitude, the path starts to get rocky and may become a little slippery. Take in the first view of Grey Glacier and gaze into the distance to take in its 270km² (104 mi²) spread. Climb vertical ladders and pass a suspension bridge en route to Grey Camp.

Day 7 Grey Glacier Camp

Enjoy the day exploring Grey Lake and Grey Glacier. The spectacular scenery is a highlight of the trek with the back drop of snow-capped mountains and floating pieces of piercing blue glacier. The afternoon is free for resting and exploring the area. Opt for a short trek along the west side of the Grey Glacier.

Day 8 Grey Glacier Camp/Paine Grande Camp

Head out on an optional morning kayak on the coast of Lake Grey with amazing views of Grey Glacier and its icebergs. Later, hike along Lake Grey to appreciate different viewpoints of the glacier. Hike to join the famous W Trek and end at Lake Pehoé. Relax at Paine Grande Camp and share trekking stories with the other hikers.

Day 9 Paine Grande Camp/Cuernos Camp

Hike to the French Valley lookout to see the mountain range spread across the national park, take in the contrasting greens and greys of the landscape.

Day 10 Lake Nordenskjöld/Puerto Natales

The concluding day of the O circuit continues along Lake Nordenskjöld. Take in the final views of Torres del Paine, reflect on the last nine days and relish in the sense of accomplishment before heading back to Puerto Natales.

Day 11 Puerto Natales

Depart at any time.

What's Included

• Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
• Camping and hiking excursion of the full circuit through Torres del Paine National Park with porters (9 days)
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels (2 nts), camping (8 nts).

10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners Allow USD80-105 for meals not included.

Transportation

Van, hiking.

Staff & experts

Specialist mountain guides in Torres del Paine National Park.

Available extras  (Add these to your tour when you book)

My own room - from $119.00.

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

• Huasco Valley
• San Pedro de Atacama
• Elqui Valley
• Antofagasta
• Limarí – Fray Jorge National Park
• Bahía Inglesa
• Alto El Loa
• La Serena and Coquimbo
• Copiapó Valley
• Tagua Tagua – Almahue Valley
• Alto Colchagua Universidad Glacier 
• Cachapoal Valley
• Portillo Ski Resort
• Pirque and Maipo Valley
• Aconcagua Valley
• Valle Nevado Ski Resort
• El Colorado Ski Resort
• Curicó Valley
• Maule Valley
• San Antonio/Leyda Valley
• Colchagua Valley and Santa Cruz
• Casablanca Valley
• Viña del Mar
• Cajón del Maipo
• Robinson Crusoe Island
• Rancagua and Sewell
• La Parva Ski Resort
• Rano Raraku
• Llanquihue Lake
• Chillan Ski Resort
• Puerto Montt
• Osorno and Puyehue
• Valdivia and Corral
• Pucón and Villarrica
• Panguipulli
• Temuco and Lago Budi
• Arauco Territory
• Puerto Varas
• Chilean Antarctic Destination
• General Carrera Lake
• Tierra del Fuego
• Coyhaique and Puerto Aysén
• Carretera Austral

Torres del Paine

• Puerto Natales
• Punta Arenas
• Family recreation
• Coastal beaches
• Lakeside Beaches
• Hot Springs
• Spa and relaxation
• Patagonian cruises
• Lake sailing
• International cruises
• Visits to observatories
• Astronomical facilities
• Indigenous Peoples and Ethnotourism
• World Heritage Sites
• Archaeology
• Paleontology
• Poetry and Literature
• Typical gastronomy
• Gastronomy of the world
• Hiking y trekking
• Skiing and snowboarding
• Mountainbike
• Horseback Riding
• Mountain and rock climbing
• Sport fishing
• Kitesurfing and water sports
• Ice walking
• Overland 4×4
• Paragliding and aerial sports
• Wildlife watching
• Landscape photography
• National Parks
• Bird Watching

The cinematic scenery of the eighth wonder of the world will leave you in awe. Get your backpack and sneakers ready and venture out to trek the huge Torres del Paine National Park. Enjoy the 17 hours of light that will accompany you during the summer and do not miss the sunrise, when the horns of the Torres del Paine massif are dyed purple and red. Sail across Lake Grey to admire the glacier of the same name and be an eyewitness to the wildlife in Torres del Paine. The great condors greet you from the fresh air that you will begin to breathe once you get closer to this magical place. Spot foxes, huemuls and guanacos along the way or wait patiently for the impressive puma to make its flamboyant appearance.

Find information on how to get to this destination

Explore the charms Torres del Paine

The so-called W trekking trail runs around the main tourist attractions of Torres del Paine. The journey is named by the union of the three large areas which the trail runs through: the Ascencio Valley, the Francés Valley and the Grey Glacier Valley.

It is definitely one of the favorite treks for nature lovers. Dare living this adventure which lasts between 4 and 7 days, walking through lenga forests, amazing lookouts and steep slopes. Get ready to push yourself to the limit!

A complete and demanding path along the wonderful Torres del Paine is what the so-called “O Trail” offers. The 93.2 km long walk begins in the Amarga Lake area and completely circles the famous mountain.

Dare to be part of this challenge, lasting between 7 and 10 days and feel the privilege of getting to know places such as the John Garner Pass, the highest place on the circuit which, at 1,350 meters, has a impressive view of the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields.

Located inside the Torres del Paine National Park, the lake provides one of the most impressive postcards of Chile. A declared International Biosphere Reserve, its waters covered by ice sediment and huge floating icebergs will leave you breathless.

Its deep grey waters at more than five hundred meters of depth, let you kayak and canoe across it. Capture the moment with your camera and behold the rocky masses leading to the Southern Ice Fields that surround it.

Enjoy a privileged view of unspoiled nature and adrenaline filled experiences at the Serrano River Tourism Villa. Visit the wonderful landscape on horseback or be thrilled while kayaking through its rapids.

Lick your fingers tasting the delicious Magellanic food where fire-pit roasted lamb is the main attraction. When the day ends the unique tranquility of its accommodation and the variety of therapeutic massages will leave you totally renewed.

Sail through the Patagonian crystal-clear waters of this impressive scenic lake. Surrounded by endemic vegetation, it is a dream spot to see animals and to practice sport fishing.

Relax on its shores where you’ll have an spectacular view of the Cuernos del Paine Mountains. Fingers crossed, if the weather allows it, you’ll be amazed by the reflection of the mountains on the water. A one of a kind spectacle.

Tour 365 - Tours a Torres del Paine | Base Torres | Navegaciones por los Glaciares | transporte a torres del paine

• Full day Torres del Paine
• Trekking Base Torres
• Navegación en Lago Grey
• Full day Glaciar Perito Moreno (Argentina)
• Navegación a los Glaciares Balmaceda y Serrano
• Cabalgata al Cerro Dorotea
• Kayak en Fiordo Eberhard
• Tour Milodón - 3 Cavernas
• TOUR PRIVADOS
• QUIENES SOMOS

Chile: +56982812481

Torres del Paine

W TREK CLASSIC

6 nights, 7 days

All-inclusive, w/ Garden Domes

W TREK ACTIVE

5 nights, 6 days

9 nights, 10 days

W TREK ALTERNATIVE

4 nights, 5 days

Day tours from Puerto Natales operated by our sister company, Paine Travel

WTREK EXPRESS

4 nights accomodation, 5  days (3 days of  hiking, a ll-inclusive)

Trekking routes in Torres del Paine and tours in incredible landscapes

O Circuit Torres del Paine (Patagonia)

Torres del Paine W Trek 6-Day Tour

Torres del Paine W Trek tour (Patagonia)

W trek circuit in Torres del Paine (short version)

W trek in Torres del Paine 3 days tour

Tour to the Grey and Paine Grande sectors

Tour to Paine Grande and Frances sectors in winter

All Inclusive Torres del Paine Tour

W Trek Guided Tour

Balmaceda Serrano Glaciers Tour

Trekking Base Torres Viewpoint

Torres del Paine and Milodon Cave

San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni 4 day Tour

San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni Tour

4 Day Atacama Desert Tour

Atacama to Uyuni Round Trip

3 Day Atacama Desert Tour

Grey Glacier Boat Tour

Lake Sarmiento Hike to Amarga Lagoon

Ice Hike Grey Glacier

Glacier Grey Kayak

French Valley Hike in Torres del Paine

Mirador Glacier Grey

Tour Sierra Baguales

Estancia Day Tour Puerto Natales

Private transfer from Puerto Natales to El Calafate

Transfer between Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales

Private transfer between Calama and San Pedro de Atacama

Piedras Rojas Tour Atacama

Puritama Hot Springs

Cejar Lagoon Atacama Tour

Geysers del Tatio tour

Atacama Desert Stargazing Tour

Moon Valley tour Atacama

Rainbow Valley Atacama

Private transfer between Torres del Paine and El Calafate

Kayak Serrano River

Full Day Perito Moreno Puerto Natales

Easter Island

Torres del Paine W Trek Winter season

Tours in chile.

If you are an adventurer looking for new experiences and amazing places, our tours in Chile are designed for you. With a unique nature and breathtaking landscapes, this country is the perfect destination for adventure and nature lovers.

At Howlanders we offer a variety of tours that will allow you to explore the most spectacular places in Chile. From excursions through the driest deserts in the world to expeditions to the most impressive glaciers in Patagonia.

One of the most popular destinations among travelers is the Atacama region in the north of the country. Here you can explore the driest desert in the world with its impressive rock formations, canyons and oases. In addition, in this area you can observe the stars in one of the best astronomical observatories on the planet. And not only that, but it is also the starting point for some tours to the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, being so close to the border.

Another of the most popular destinations for adventure tours in Chile is Patagonia, at the other end of the country. Here the famous Torres del Paine National Park awaits you. A place located between the Andes Mountains and the Patagonian steppe with a territory of almost 230,000 hectares. The park is full of landscapes that will leave you speechless: mountains, lakes, glaciers that make this place one of the best trekking destinations in the world.

Travel Torres del Paine through the famous O Circuit , or the well-known W Trek . Stay in its lodges and meet travelers from all over the world who love nature like you.

Information for travel to Chile

If you are going to take any of our tours in Chile, there is some information you should take into account when traveling to this wonderful country.

The 💸 official currency in Chile is the Chilean peso. It is advisable to bring some cash, because although in most cities accept credit cards, keep in mind that our tours are in the middle of nature, and between national parks and glaciers is likely that this option does not exist.

The 🌞 climate in Chile varies according to the area. The north is warm and dry, the center is temperate and the south is cold and rainy.

Chilean 🍴 gastronomy is delicious and varied. Among its typical dishes we highlight the asado , the pastel de choclo (corn pie) and the curanto , don't leave without trying it!

Book online your tour in Chile quickly and easily and live a unique experience in one of our favorite destinations. 💚🌎✈

Popular tours in Chile

Main destinations in chile, popular tours.

Patagonian Pumas Photography Trip |

Puma tracking tours | a quest for the lord of the andes.

Puma tracking tours. A trip committed to watch and photograph Puma (Mountain Lion or Cougar) in the remote and stunning Patagonian wilderness of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park and the adjacent Ranch Laguna Amarga .

Far South Expeditions as an entirely local Chile-based tour operator have been conducting puma trips here for more than 20 years ; join our expert local naturalist guides and puma trackers, in the best place in the world for watching this magnificent and inspiring predator of the Andes.

Frequently praised by visitors as one of the most beautiful and majestic wild places in the planet, declared as the World’s 8th natural wonder, Torres del Paine National Park is a remote refuge of life where wildlife is normally quite tame and it’s not rare to see relaxed and inquisitive guanacos, foxes and other animals at close quarters; seeing the lone hunter that dwells in the vast and barren hills, the mighty Puma, is something else.

Puma tracking tours. This expedition has been geared to seek out, contemplate and photograph this big and elegant cat in one the wildest places throughout its entire range in the American Continent. We have pioneered puma tours here in Patagonia, and have always worked by our strict environmental ethos and in permanent contact with the park authorities and ranchers, as the wildlife welfare is our first and foremost concern.

At the ranch Estancia Laguna Amarga, we are one of the few selected operators to work inside this property and search for puma along the grounds of this magnificent private area, adjacent to the park and now, entirely committed to Puma conservation. Estancia Laguna Amarga is where we devote most of our efforts to look and photograph Patagonian Pumas.

Patagonian pumas, especially around Torres del Paine, are the largest race of the species in the Americas. With an uncommon higher density rate, this national Park and surroundings have become the most sought-after places to watch and photograph wild pumas on Earth. This is mainly due to the stable growing of Guanaco populations in the Patagonian steppes, and the protection that Puma has been granted in the past years.

Join us on this quest, to discover the wildlife of Torres del Paine and one of its most secretive and yet most awe-inspiring inhabitants. puma tracking tours

2024 departures |

July 6 - 11, 2024, october 23 - 28, december 6 - 11, 2025 departures |, april 17 - 22, 6-day trip from punta arenas or puerto natales, chile, group size: 3-6 guests, click for space request |, interested in our private trips click here., patagonian pumas © claudio f. vidal, far south expeditions, itinerary in brief |.

Day 1 • Meeting at Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales, Chile – Transfer to Cerro Castillo (5 nights)

Days 2 to 5 • Four full days of puma tracking at Laguna Amarga Ranch, including 8 field sessions – one in the morning and one in the evening – Exploring Torres del Paine.

Day 6 • Torres del Paine – Drive back to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas

Trip Highlights |

• A trip conceived to maximize the chances of seeing and photograph puma (mountain lion) in the wild.

• Puma tracking activities carried out from dawn to dusk; there will be a break in the middle of the day when the cats are resting.

• We have the assistance of a 4×4 vehicle which is a great asset to optimize our field time in the ranch, while looking and photographing puma.

• This trip will be led by an experienced naturalist guide plus one of our puma trackers.

• In-depth wildlife and natural history exploration of Torres del Paine National Park, UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve

• An interesting array of mammals and birds restricted to the Southern Andes and Patagonia.

Read also trip details about our Pumas, Penguins & Whales trip, the Ultimate Wildlife Safari in Patagonia. Learn more . puma tracking tours.

Trip Gallery |

Detailed Itinerary and Activities |

For each day of our trip, we have organized a busy schedule of daily outings to search for pumas. We will inspect the guanaco-rich puma hunting grounds located to the east, beyond the park limits into the private ranch Estancia Laguna Amarga, where Pumas occupy the same habitat as in the park. The area comprised by the northern coast of Sarmiento Lake, Laguna Amarga and Laguna Azul is well known for holding one of world’s largest concentrations of pumas in the wild.

A typical day in the field starts quite early and this depends on the season of the year. We have to remember that Patagonia is a high latitude location (51°S). We will have longer daylight hours during the spring and summer and much shorter field days during the autumn and winter.

We will have an early breakfast and will drive right after for approximately 30 minutes, from our hotel at the village of Cerro Castillo to the puma search area at Estancia Laguna Amarga. Beforehand, your guide will have coordinations with the puma tracker in order to determine where individual pumas are concentrating.

Our puma tracker will patrol puma corridors by car and on foot, and using this information we will plan our movements inside the ranch, where we will have flexibility and freedom to walk off-trail, looking for pumas.

We will have the support of a 4×4 vehicle to move inside the ranch but we can also have easy to moderate walks, so a minimum degree of fitness is required in order to be able to keep up with the group. Topography is usually not too demanding but there might be differences in altitude of around 50-250m / 160-1,000ft sometimes, although your group will walk at a slow and gentle pace. Maximum elevation during this trip will be 300m/1,000ft above sea level. You must be able to carry your own gear. If this is difficult for you, we ask you to coordinate this in advance with your guide in order to arrange some help. Our company does not provide porters but we are always eager to provide help.

Pumas are normally quite active at night, early in the mornings and late in the evenings. Our activities will gravitate around these preferred times by cats, when they are usually patrolling their territory, hunting guanacos and other prey, interacting with their offspring or commuting from their hunting grounds to their dens. We will have two sessions each day, a morning session and an evening session (app. 4 hours each). During the middle of the day, we will not be watching pumas in order to avoid disturbance at a critical time, when they are resting, sleeping after a long night hunting elusive guanacos. Normally and depending on the light and condition of the day, we can continue photographing other wildlife in the park or provide our guests with some time to rest, charge batteries and get ready for the evening puma session.

Estancia Laguna Amarga model is very good in preventing overlapping among different groups of puma enthusiasts as they limit the number of visitors on a daily basis. We will investigate our own designated areas of the ranch (which will shift every day) and concentrate on individual pumas.

We will have packed lunches, snacks and drinks for our field days. Later in the evening, we will have dinner back at our hotel or sometimes inside the park, depending on the daylight hours and the season.

To see a female puma and its cubs against this magnificent mountain backdrop and big sky is one of the most magnificent wildlife spectacle in this part of the world. In company of our guide and puma tracker, we will follow pumas at a prudent distance with the help of binoculars and spotting scopes. The approach distance varies but there is a 50-meter (164ft) rule. Sometimes pumas are inquisitive and indulging, being very habituated to the human presence. Those will be our stars but we must respect their space; we must be prepared in advance and bring your longest lenses (400mm +) in order to take advantage of our photographic opportunities. Bringing a tripod or monopod is always recommended; a light-weight carbon-fiber version is always the best option.

If we have time, we will also take the opportunity to look for other wildlife species including Andean Condor and Chilean flamingo. We will have great opportunities to photograph the ubiquitous Guanaco; the local Andean Deer or Huemul, Patagonian Hog-nosed Skunk and the two canid species are also present in the park, Chilla and Culpeo foxes. Puma tracking tours.

Day 1 • Meeting at Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales, Chile – Transfer to Torres del Paine

After meeting your guide at your hotel or at the airport, you will be transferred in a private vehicle to the village of Cerro Castillo. During our journey to the park, we will look for guanaco, southern grey fox, and Patagonian skunk while enjoying our first views of Southern beech ( Nothofagus ) forest. While visiting the valleys we will be given a geological interpretation of the origins of the dramatic backdrop of Torres del Paine, one of the finest natural spectacles in Patagonia. Drive from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales (3h) and then drive to Cerro Castillo (45 minutes).

Overnight at Hotel Ovejero Patagonico , Cerro Castillo, Torres del Paine (Lunch, Dinner)(Guide).

Days 2 to 5 • Exploring Torres del Paine - Puma tracking at Laguna Amarga Ranch

We have organized a busy schedule of outings for pumas in the area from days 2 to 5 (four full days). We will inspect the puma hunting grounds located in the eastern flank of the park and throughout the property of Estancia Laguna Amarga, where we have special granted access and an excellent relationship with the owners. The area comprised by the northern coast of Sarmiento Lake, Laguna Amarga and Laguna Azul is well known for holding one of the largest concentrations of pumas in the wild.

There are two daily puma sessions; one in the morning and one in the evening. In-between, there is time to explore some parts of Torres del Paine NP, searching for other interesting mammals such as the Andean Deer (or Huemul), Patagonian Hog-nosed Skunk and Patagonian Hairy Armadillo.

Overnight at Cerro Castillo, Torres del Paine

Overnight at Hotel Ovejero Patagonico , Cerro Castillo, Torres del Paine (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (Guide & Puma tracker).

Day 6 • Torres del Paine – Drive back to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas

During the morning we will continue our exploration in different areas of the park. A sensational vista from Laguna Azul on the eastern side of the park will be a superb grand finale to this exciting journey of discovery among the natural wonders of the end of the world . Later, we will be transferred to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales where our trip ends. We can arrange your transfer to El Calafate, southern Argentina, if needed.

(Breakfast, Lunch) (Guide). Puma tracking tours

Dates & Rates |

Scheduled departures, what the trip includes/excludes.

The trip price includes: All accommodations, meals and guide services as stated in the itinerary, private ground transportation during the tour, and park entrance fees. The services of one of our experienced puma trackers is included in the trip price in addition to the company of one of our tour leaders throughout the trip.

The trip price excludes: Domestic flights, tipping, travel insurance, excess baggage charges, private excursions, à la carte dishes, snacks, drinks, laundry, telephone calls and anything else of a purely personal nature.

"Ginger" © Claudio F. Vidal, Far South Exp

Tour leaders |, jürgen schulmeister.

David Couve is a local birder, naturalist, and keen explorer of the Patagonia’s wilderness.

He lives on the island of Tierra del Fuego, and devotes his time working for Far South Expeditions as well as exploring and researching a range a natural history subjects of the island; from documenting archaeological sites of the first hunter-gatherers living in the area some 11,000 years BP ago to explore glacial deposits, which shaped the Magellan Straits and the southern archipelago more than 65,000 years ago.

David is a very keen birder and has lately specialized in finding and studying small cats, especially surveying reliable locations for both Andean and Puna Pampas cats, in company of his father and mentor, Enrique.

Susanne Widmer

Geographer & Naturalist Guide | Puma-tracking & Whale-Watching trip Specialist

Nature has been important in Susanne’s life ever since. Already when she was a young girl, her parents used to take her out for hiking, riding her bike, swimming etc., mainly within their beautiful and diverse home country Switzerland. It therefore wasn’t a big surprise that she later degreed in geography. After a few years of working, she quit her job and travelled around the world during one year. What an amazing and formative experience this was! Back home she worked in the tourism industry, until one day, she felt the very urgent desire to go abroad again and to get to know Patagonia. She got a job as a tour guide in the Straits of Magellan, thus being an active part of a scientific-touristic project focussing on humpback whales. Susanne’s been in the far south of Chile since 2017 and still feels very comfortable and happy here.

Throughout her whole life, the mountains have been her second home. She loves hiking, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, camping whilst enjoying those marvelous places. She’s a member of the Swiss Alpine Club and has successfully completed several mountain-related trainings.

One of her favorite regions in Patagonia is the Big Island of Tierra del Fuego. Susanne is amazed by her natural and historical richness and diversity. Especially Karukinka and Yendegaia with their gorgeous mountains, lovely waterbodies and vast forests in the very south of the island fascinate and impress her.

She is multilingual (English, Spanish, French, Swiss German, German) and loves sharing outdoor experiences with guests and friends. In her free time, Susanne likes practicing all kind of (outdoor) sports, cooking and baking or enjoying a glass of wine while having a good conversation with her partner Claudio. Currently, she is supporting Far South Expeditions in product development, communication and marketing matters.

Matias Ballarini

Expedition Leader & Naturalist Guide | Puma-tracking and Wildlife trips Specialist

Matias Ballarini | Originally from Santiago, capital city of Chile, Matías came to live and work in Magallanes 12 years ago. Ever since he was a young boy he has been a nature enthusiast. He worked for 6 years at El Colorado, a ski resort nestled in the heart of the central Chilean Andes, where he was in charge of the designing and developing the terrain park.

In 2004 he decided to move south and settle in Punta Arenas in Chilean Patagonia, where he can work as a guide while still enjoying nature and the outdoors, as well as working on his skills as a birder, after developing an avid interest in birdwatching. He has had the privilege of visiting King George Island in Antarctica, guiding touristic flights and excursions to that remote island, part of the South Shetlands. Between 2008 and 2013 he worked with an American company as a local guide and program director. He worked managing groups travelling to destinations such as Buenos Aires, Brazil and the Chilean Lake District, as well as both Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia.

Matias shows an interest in photography (he is a graphic designer by profession), and participates in local ecological non-profit organizations, which help take care of the local environment and ecosystems. He often joins in courses offered by local universities in order to expand his knowledge about biodiversity, guiding, and conservation. Here at Far South Expeditions he is in charge of our Wildlife and Nature Tours such as  Patagonia Explorer ,  Pumas of Torres del Paine  and other study and wildlife programmes, and his skills as a graphic designer come in handy in the shaping and looks of our website.

Jorge Valenzuela

Tour Registration |

To book this tour, please complete our online registration form . We will process your booking form and will send you (within 24 hours) a note with space confirmation and a deposit invoice with payment instructions. The deposit amount is US$ 500 per person. Full payment of the tour fee is due 90 days prior to tour departure.

Note: Inquires received on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays will be replied during the following working day.

Cancellation Policy Notice of cancellation can only be accepted in writing from the person who signed the booking form and takes effect on the day such noticed is received by us.

Refunds are made according to the following schedule:

• If cancellation is made 120 days or more before departure date, the deposit less US$ 200 is refundable.

• If cancellation is made between 120 and 60 days before departure, the deposit is not refundable, but any payments covering the balance of the fee will be refunded.

• If cancellation is made fewer than 60 days before departure date, no refund is available.

This policy and fee schedule also applies to pre-trip and post trip extensions, as well as any transfers from one tour to another. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance to protect yourself.

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Lonely Plan-it: how to organize a hike on Chile’s famous W Trek in 2023

Jan 14, 2023 • 8 min read

Tackling the W Trek in Chile’s Parque Nacional Torres del Paine is a challenge and a thrill © sharptoyou / Shutterstock

In this series, we take you step by step through how we planned some of the most complicated travel adventures, so you can recreate them yourself with ease. Here, writer Sarah Reid takes you through how she planned her hike on Chile’s famous W Trek. 

Tracing the foothills of the snow-capped Paine Massif in southern  Chile ’s famous  Parque Nacional Torres del Paine , the W Trek one of the world’s most epic multi-day tramps. Named for the shape sketched by the 80km (50-mile) trail, the W Trek immerses you in some of Patagonia’s most mesmerizing scenery, with turquoise lakes, oozing glaciers, gnarled subpolar forests and wildlife spotting opportunities aplenty (you might even spot a puma).

While it’s easy to follow the well-trodden if not always well-marked trail, planning the expedition is complicated by the numerous ways to access the route and the multiple reservations required before you set out. Having recently experienced the trail in two different ways, I’ve figured out all the tricks you’ll need to plan one of the most memorable hikes of your life. Here’s what I learned.

Step 1: Time it right

Find the best mix of good weather and accommodation availability. 

Hiking the W Trek hinges on the availability of the half-dozen currently operational refugios (hostels with limited dorm beds, a restaurant, hot showers and campsites) dotted along the route, which can book out months in advance during the November-to-February peak season. This is the warmest time of the year comes with the added bonus of long daylight hours – but it can also be very windy. The less-busy shoulder seasons (March to April and September to October) offer increased camping availability and more agreeable weather (potentially; this is Patagonia, after all). A guide is required for a wintertime hike (May to August, when refugios are closed). Wildlife, including pumas, can be spotted year-round.

To get to Torres del Paine, you’ll need to travel to the small, beautifully situated gateway city of  Puerto Natales . You can fly here (or to nearby  Punta Arenas ) from Santiago , take a four-day ferry trip from Puerto Montt  or travel overland from  Argentina (a 5.5-hour bus ride from El Calafate to Puerto Natales). From Puerto Natales, expect a two-hour bus ride to the eastern end of the W Trek, and a three-hour bus ride followed by a 45-minute ferry to the western end.

Step 2: Decide which direction to hike in

You can start or finish your trek with one of the hike’s most epic views. 

The W Trek can be hiked from east to west or vice versa, independently or guided, and you can take as many days as you like (pending refugio availability). Hikers with a good level of fitness will find it’s an achievable four-day independent hike. Factor in an extra day to add a glacier kayaking or ice-trekking excursion departing from Refugio Grey (arrange in advance; more on this below).

The benefits of hiking east to west include frequent daily bus services from Puerto Natales (from 7am) to the trailhead. You’ll also knock off the challenging hike to  Mirador las Torres , at the base of the three granite towers that give the national park its name, on the first day. Hiking in this direction also means you don’t have to worry about securing a spot on the first ferry of the day across Lago Pehoé to access the western end of the W (critical for a four-day itinerary), as ferry tickets can’t be booked in advance. The early ferry (9am) only operates from November to March.

The beauty of hiking west to east is the opportunity to spend your last night at Refugio Chileno, making it easier to catch the sunrise at Mirador Las Torres on your final day and be back in Puerto Natales by dinnertime (finishing at Paine Grande gets you back to town closer to 10pm). With Patagonia known for its strong westerlies, hiking eastward also keeps the wind at your back for most of the journey.

Step 3: Consider your booking options

Reserve your accommodation, transit and park pass in advance to simplify your life. 

This is where it gets tricky. The two refugios at the trail’s western end (Paine Grande and Grey) are operated by Vertice Patagonia , which also runs glacier trekking and kayaking tours. The other four refugios  (Francés, Cuernos, Chileno and Central; there’s an additional bunkhouse near Central called Torre Norte) are operated by  Las Torres Patagonia . You can book preferred campsites and dorm beds (some refugios also have rooms) separately through their websites, or make reservations at camps run by both operators in a single booking via Booking Patagonia .

Meals, pre-pitched tents, sleeping bags and mats can be prebooked for additional fees,  pushing the cost of a four-day hike from as little as $62 (camping costs only; wild camping is forbidden) to around $400 if you book all the extras (and it’s worth doing so if you’re not keen on carrying all your supplies, including cooking equipment). Booking bus tickets to and from Puerto Natales in advance is also recommended;  Bus Sur services both ends of the trail.

An easier if more expensive option is to book an all-inclusive package. These come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from classic unguided through-hikes, to hikes along sections of the trail each day with a guide then shuttling back to an off-trail camp or lodge each night. (Note that it’s difficult to complete all legs of the W Trek as day hikes given the volume of backtracking required to the two exit points.) Local operators offering good-value unguided through-hike packages with an east-west itinerary (about $1000) include Chile Nativo and ChileTour Patagonia . Las Torres Patagonia and Vertice Patagonia also offer packages with accommodation at their own properties (a through-hike is only possible with the former). International operators including  G Adventures and  World Expeditions also offer through-hike packages.

You’ll also need to book a multi-day national park pass via the  CONAF website ($35), which will be checked at the entrance to the park.

Step 4: Prep for the adventure

Find the perfect gear for your adventure. 

With the entire trail located between 100-900m (330-2600ft) above sea level, there’s no altitude to factor in on the W Trek. But it’s the ever-changing Patagonian weather, along with the uneven, often-exposed trail, that will likely test you. Layers are key, and a waterproof jacket, rain pants and pack cover are essential year-round.

Expect to have next-to-no cellular reception throughout the journey. Wi-fi coupons are available for sale at refugios (provided the router is working) but it’s more fun to stay disconnected and mingle with fellow hikers at the bar instead; every refugio has one. Be mindful when packing that everything you carry into the national park must come out with you – the only rubbish bins at refugios are designed for toilet paper. With a limited number of power points in refugios for charging devices, packing spare batteries is a good idea.

Step 5: Nail the trail

Be adaptable to conditions to get the most out of your journey. 

Days on the trail can be long on a four-day hike; set out by 8am in autumn and spring to arrive in camp well before nightfall. If you’ve booked meals, most refugios have two sittings; book the first sitting when you arrive in camp each day to ensure an early night, and early start the next morning.

On foggy days, reconsider rising early to hike to Mirador las Torres for sunrise. You might also wish to reassess the mostly uphill return hike from Mirador Francés to Mirador Británico (the middle arm of the “W”) in poor weather, though I hiked the latter in average conditions and enjoyed it, particularly as I spotted a pair of endangered huemul deer right below Mirador Británico. Consider leaving non-essentials in a dry bag at Italiano (a CONAF-run camp not currently open for overnight stays) on your way up, as you’ll pass this camp again on your way back down.

If you’re making good time between Paine Grande and Valle Francés (French Valley), consider veering off the main path to hike the lesser-tramped alternative trail around the slightly more scenic eastern side of Lago Skottsberg, which adds about 30 minutes to the trip. Turn left at the first bridge after Italiano if you’re coming from the east, and head right at the fork after the first bridge you cross if you’re coming from Paine Grande.

If I could do it all again…

I booked a last-minute four-day through-hike package on my first W Trek experience. I hiked east to west in March 2022, and camped at Central, Cuernos and Paine Grande, and this itinerary was perfect for me. I’ve since hiked sections of the trail on a guided multi-day, multi-sport tour with Chile Nativo, with superb perspectives on Torres del Paine that complemented my first experience.

If I were to do the W Trek again, I’d aim to tackle the extended version of the trail called the O Circuit, ideally in late September, as I found the weather superb and the crowds thin when I visited then. I’d cut costs by making independent bookings, and I’d book my meals again (though extra comforts are not available at all refugios on the O Circuit).

Since my feet were soaking from the second day onward, I’d also wear waterproof boots; pack fewer snacks, as the boxed lunches were sufficient; and go easier on the Carménère (Chilean red wine) at the refugio bars. Did I mention you can order pisco sours, too? 

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Capture the Stars of Patagonia: Astrophotography in Torres del Paine

Home » Capture the Stars of Patagonia: Astrophotography in Torres del Paine

If there’s one thing you can’t forget on your list of things to pack when visiting Torres del Paine, it’s your camera. In Torres del Paine National Park, you’ll visit wonderful places that offer unique opportunities that can be immortalized with a single click. And one of the best shots you can take here is of the blanket of stars that keeps you company every night. Today, we’ll give you pro tips for taking the best night photographs of the stars in Patagonia.

What is Astrophotography?

As its name suggests, astrophotography is a discipline that combines a passion for astronomy with photography. In astrophotography, different techniques are used to get the most out of photographic and audiovisual equipment in order to capture in greater detail the different celestial bodies present in the night sky. 

With the democratization of technology and inexpensive modern photography equipment, now anyone can start recording the night sky as long as certain conditions are met in terms of the equipment used, and weather and light conditions. 

Why Astrophotography in Torres del Paine?

Torres del Paine National Park has several advantages that facilitate astrophotography, similar to a few other areas in Chile. To begin with, it is located far from urban centers, which allows total darkness at dusk. 

To measure the efficiency of this approach, we can use the Bortle scale, which is used to categorize skies by their nighttime brightness. According to the leading astrophotography group in Chile, Torres del Paine has a class 1 sky on the Bortle dark sky scale, which is the scale’s highest standard.

However, for astrophotography to be at its most effective in the national park, you must count on clear skies— something that can be quite unpredictable due to Patagonia’s changeable climate. So we recommend that if you are going to try astrophotography in Torres del Paine, you should try in the summer. 

Precautions For Taking Pictures at Night

When you enter Torres del Paine National Park, you are entering an area where wildlife roams freely. This includes pumas, foxes, and the Geoffroy’s cat. At night, these animals may search for prey such as small birds and hares, which increases the possibility of encounters.

If you are staying at Hotel Las Torres, it’s recommended that you bring someone with you as you take photos at night so that they can watch as you set up your camera. Ideally, you should set up near the hotel, since the building doesn’t generate enough light to spoil your photos. If you’re staying in our mountain hostels or in the premium camping area, it’s also recommended that you don’t go too far away from the human settlements and avoid going out alone, given the wildlife that may prowl at night.

What Kind of Camera do I Need?

SLR cameras are among the most accessible options, both because their settings are easy to handle while taking pictures, and because of their versatility in producing different types of photos.

Mirrorless cameras are also a good option. As photography has advanced among amateurs, many are preferring to move from SLRs to mirrorless, the latter being more practical due to their size and lighter weight. 

Another type of camera is the Full Frame CMOS sensor camera, which specializes in astrophotography and is specifically designed to capture video in low light situations.

If you want to try astrophotography with a smartphone, you have to make sure that your phone meets conditions for sensor size, aperture, megapixels, and stabilization, among other details that influence the final image quality.

How do I Take Photos of the Stars?

First of all, we recommend using a tripod and relying on the viewing screen as you capture the image that you want. The first thing you’ll do is to look carefully through the screen for a celestial object that is visible to the naked eye, and try to focus your lens on that point in the sky. Once you’ve focused, you can try different zoom levels. 

Now you go to your camera’s settings in Manual mode, and start trying different settings. The first setting to try is ISO, which is the sensitivity to light. A higher ISO will give you more brightness in your images, but it will also increase graininess. For this type of photo you will want to keep the ISO sensitivity as low as possible, in addition to enhancing light sensitivity so that your sky images are as sharp and clear as possible.

Next, you’ll need to set the shutter speed, which determines how long the iris of your camera will stay open— in other words, how much light will enter your camera for a given time. Depending on the results that you want, try 5, 8, 10, or 20 seconds for the shutter speed. 

Finally, the last setting to adjust is the aperture, which controls how much of your camera’s  iris will open when taking a picture. Here, you want to set it to have the highest aperture possible. 

With these tips, all you’ll need to enjoy night photography at the Hotel Las Torres or at our other accommodations is for the night to fall. Enjoy our excursions by day, and at night be a master of astrophotography. Book with us, and take the best photographs:

https://lastorres.com/circuitos-y-tours/todo-incluido/

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