Magallanes Region, Chilean Patagonia · Chile
Granite towers, turquoise lakes and glaciers in one of the world's great national parks.
Photo: Thomas Fuhrmann · CC BY-SA 4.0
Torres del Paine National Park is the crown jewel of Chilean Patagonia. Its landscape combines the sheer granite spires of the Paine massif, the striped Cuernos, glacial lakes in impossible shades of blue, and the huge Grey Glacier, set in a windswept steppe of guanacos and condors. It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Most visitors come to hike. The W Trek takes four to five days, linking the Grey Glacier, the French Valley and the Base Torres viewpoint, while the O Circuit adds the remote back side of the massif in seven to ten days. Those short of time can do day hikes, boat trips and drives, and wildlife viewing is excellent, with guanacos, foxes, condors and, with luck, pumas.
The weather is notoriously changeable, and strong winds are common. Refugios and campsites must be reserved well in advance for the summer season, usually many months ahead. Puerto Natales is the base town, with gear shops, restaurants and tour operators.
Why visit
Torres del Paine offers some of the best hiking scenery in the world.
Iconic peaks in the Andes.
Grey Glacier and turquoise water.
Guanacos, condors and pumas.
W, O and day hikes.
Big skies and wind.
Main attractions
The park has several signature viewpoints and hikes.
A steep hike to a lake beneath the three towers.
Tip Start before dawn for sunrise.
Striped horn-like peaks above Lake Nordenskjold.
Tip Viewed from the W Trek.
A huge glacier on Lago Grey with a boat trip.
Tip Book the boat ahead.
A valley with hanging glaciers.
Tip Allow a full day.
A turquoise lake with a famous view.
Tip Take the catamaran.
A waterfall between two lakes.
Tip An easy short walk.
Things to do
Treks dominate, but there are easier ways to see the park.
A 4 to 5 day hike.
Tip Book refugios early.
A longer, quieter loop.
Tip Add three days.
A long day trip.
Tip Start early.
Sail to the glacier face.
Tip Dress warmly.
Guanacos and condors.
Tip Bring binoculars.
Across the steppe.
Tip Book with a ranch.
Local food
Food at refugios is basic, in Puerto Natales better.
Roasted over a fire.
Where to try it Puerto Natales restaurants.
Centolla.
Where to try it Seafood restaurants.
Cocktail with the local berry.
Where to try it Bars.
Pastries.
Where to try it Cafes.
Packed lunches.
Where to try it Refugios.
Accommodation
Choose between refugios, camping and lodges.
Transport
Most visitors come via Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales.
Inside the park you walk or use shuttles and boats.
When to go
Summer days are long and trails are open, but winds are strong.
Spring flowers and fewer crowds.
Long days, but busy.
Autumn colours and calm.
Cold and short days; many facilities closed.
Worth planning around: Winter, when trails and services close.
Itinerary
The classic hike.
Puerto Natales to the park
Views
Valley
Lakeside
Sunrise
Travel tips
Book early and prepare for the weather.
FAQ
Four to five for the W.
Yes, with day tours.
November to March.
Yes.
Not for the W.
Yes but rarely seen.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Torres del Paine, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Aysen Region, Patagonia, Chile
One of the world's great road trips, from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins, passing Queulat, Marble Caves, Cerro Castillo and the Northern Patagonian Ice Field.
Don't miss Drifting by boat through blue marble caves on Lake General Carrera.
Explore Destination — Carretera AustralAntofagasta Region, northern Chile, Chile
A small oasis town in the Atacama Desert at 2,400 metres, base for the Valle de la Luna, El Tatio geysers, flamingo lagoons, salt flats and astronomy tours.
Don't miss Stargazing in one of the driest places on Earth after a day of salt lakes and geysers.
Explore Destination — San Pedro de AtacamaSantiago Metropolitan Region, Chile
Chile's capital and gateway: Plaza de Armas, La Moneda, Mercado Central, bohemian barrios, hill-top parks and Maipo Valley wineries within an hour.
Don't miss Looking out from Cerro San Cristobal as the Andes glow pink at dusk.
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