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Torres del Paine
Patagonia’s most famous national park, with granite towers, glaciers and turquoise lakes
Patagonia’s most famous national park, with granite towers, glaciers and turquoise lakes
Dramatic two-coloured peaks of dark sedimentary rock capping pale granite, seen across Lago Nordenskjöld and Lago Pehoé and along the W trek.
Photo: Pedro Szekely, CC BY-SA 2.0
A large glacier flowing from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field into Lago Grey, where icebergs float. Boat trips sail close to its face, and trails lead to viewpoints.
Photo: Betty Wills (Atsme), CC BY-SA 4.0
A turquoise lake with views of the Cuernos and Paine Grande. A catamaran crosses it to the Paine Grande refuge on the W trek.
Photo: Mpazmarzolo, CC BY-SA 4.0
Inside the park, food is available at refugios, campsite shops and hotels; refugio meals and full board must usually be booked in advance. Try Patagonian lamb (cordero al palo) and calafate berry desserts.
Bring snacks and water purification for long hikes; prices in the park are high.
Most visitors travel via Puerto Natales, about 2 hours by road from the park entrances; buses run several times a day in season. Puerto Natales has seasonal flights, and Punta Arenas airport (PUQ) is about 3 hours by bus from Puerto Natales.
Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada and many other countries can visit Chile visa-free for up to 90 days; a digital tourist card is issued on arrival. Check current rules for your nationality before you travel.
Park entry tickets must be bought online in advance, and campsites, refugios and hotels inside the park fill up months ahead in peak season. Chile uses the peso (CLP). Card payment is widespread. Foreign tourists who pay for hotel rooms in US dollars or by foreign card can often avoid the 19% VAT (IVA); ask when booking.
Plus the park entry ticket.
The classic route.
Hike from the Central/Welcome Centre area to the Mirador Base Las Torres, about 18–20km return with a steep final climb.
Walk along Lago Nordenskjöld to the Cuernos area.
Hike up the French Valley for views of glaciers and peaks, then continue to Paine Grande.
Walk to the Grey Glacier viewpoints, then return by catamaran across Lago Pehoé.
Buy park tickets online and reserve campsites or refugios months ahead for December to February.
Gusts can be extremely strong; secure your belongings and take care on exposed trails.
Fires are strictly forbidden outside designated areas; past fires burned large parts of the park.
Trekking is only allowed on marked trails, and the O circuit must be walked counter-clockwise.
Quick answers for planning time in Torres del Paine.
Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada and many other countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Usually four to five days, covering around 70–80km depending on the route.
Yes, park tickets must be bought online, and campsites or refugios on the W and O treks must be booked in advance.
Yes, from Puerto Natales by tour or car, though the park is best with at least two or three days.
November to March has the longest days; October and April are quieter but colder.
Offline maps are essential in the desert, Patagonia and on Easter Island, where signal is limited.
Free
Spanish is the language, spoken fast and with local slang; English is limited outside tourist services.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Chile travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.