Torres del Paine: How to get there and where to stay to enjoy its landscapes (original) (raw)

If you would like to visit the Torres del Paine National Park, but you are not sure where to stay or how to get there, we will now clear up all your doubts and answer all your questions for your trip to this magnificent place in Chilean Patagonia.

Come on then! Huge massifs, unique flora and fauna, and amazing lakes and glaciers await you in the eighth wonder of the world.

How do I get to Torres del Paine?

The best way to get to Torres del Paine is by plane. You can take a 3-hour and 17- minute flight from Santiago to the Julio Gallardo Airport in Puerto Natales in the Magallanes region.
You can also arrive at Presidente Carlos Ibañez del Campo Airport in Punta Arenas, and then travel by vehicle until you reach Natales.
You will find buses, transfers, and taxis in Natales that will take you to Torres del Paine. It takes the bus almost two hours to reach Laguna Amarga, and it also stops at Pudeto, Pehoé Camping, Administración, and Lago Grey Hotel.

Find more information on how to get to Torres del Paine in the following article.

Where do I stay in Torres del Paine?

You will find different services in Torres del Paine**, from top-notch hotels to camping services** where you can sleep under the stars. These require you to schedule your trip in good time, so you need to get in touch with them via their website or social media platforms.

Please prefer lodging services registered within Sernatur. Some of the options are:

You can also stay at any of the establishments found in the area. We tell you everything about the places where you can connect with the traditions and lifestyle of the locals here.

What are the trails in Torres del Paine?

There are trails of varying difficulties in Torres del Paine**. One of the most famous is the “W”**, available to all visitors, where you will walk around 8 hours daily for 4 or 6 days.
For people looking for a bigger challenge, there is the “O” trail. It extends for 100 kilometers that you can complete in 6 to 8 days, with rocky paths and descents that require both trekking experience and a great physical condition.
There are also easier trails that last from an hour to an entire day. One example is sendero Base, an eight-hour round trip that will allow you to have an excellent view of the massifs.
Other options are the trails towards Ferrier, Cóndor, and Cuernos lookouts, and the trail to Laguna Cebolla, located a few steps away from the entrance to the park, and they have free entry.

Where do I book in Torres del Paine?

To access Torres del Paine, you have to get your tickets at least 24 hours in advance at https://pasesparques.cl/.
Warning! It is mandatory for you to book a place to stay at shelters with facilities within the park (Las Torres Patagonia Reserve and Vértice) to walk the “W” and “O” trails, otherwise you will not be able to access the mountain area.
This is not a measure you have to take for daylight visits, full day, or in camping areas located at the side of the road, such as the Serrano and Pehoé areas.

When can I visit Torres del Paine?

You can visit Torres del Paine all year round! Keep in mind that between the months of December and February there are more tourists than usual, since the days are longer, the weather is nicer, and most of the trails are available.
Meanwhile, the quietest seasons are from June to August. The prices are lower then and you will be able to enjoy amazing snowy landscapes. However, temperatures are lower at this time, and you will not be able to leave your hotel due to snowfall on some days.

How much does it cost to visit Torres del Paine?

Entry tickets for the Torres del Paine National Park can be acquired at https://pasesparques.cl/. The prices are the following:

Chileans:

3-day pass for adults over 18: CLP $ 9,000
More than 3-days pass for adults over 18: CLP $ 13,000
3-day pass for teenagers between ages 13 and 17: CLP $ 5,000
More than 3-days pass for teenagers between ages 13 and 17: CLP $ 13,000
3-day pass for kids under 12, adults over 65, and disabled people: Free
More than 3-days pass for kids under 12, adults over 65, and disabled people: Free

Foreigners:

3-day pass for adults over 18: CLP $ 31,200
More than 3-days pass for adults over 18: CLP $ 44,500
3-day pass for teenagers between ages 13 and 17, and adults over 65: CLP $ 6,000
More than 3-days pass for teenagers between ages 13 and 17, and adults over 65: CLP $ 44,500
3-day pass for kids under 12 and disabled people: Free
More than 3-days pass for kids under 12 and disabled people: Free

Can I take my kids to Torres del Paine?

Yes, you can bring your children! It will be an enriching activity for them that will leave them with valuable experiences for their personal development. However, it is crucial that you plan your trip accordingly, considering things such as food, beverages, accommodation, and safety.
Additionally, we do not recommend that you take them on complex trails, since they can take a long time to complete, and the weather conditions can change abruptly. Take them to lookouts and other options that will be easier on their bodies.

What should I take to Torres del Paine?

You have to wear comfortable clothes, waterproof clothes, windbreakers, and additional garments.
You should also bring the proper equipment such as the correct shoes, backpacks, compass, sunscreen, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and your personal documents.
Remember you cannot start a fire inside the park, so it is crucial to bring a portable gas kitchenette, especially on trips such as the “O” or “W” trails.

Should I bring cash to Torres del Paine?

Yes, it is fundamental to have cash on you. There are no ATM machines int the Torres del Paine National Park, so we recommend that you withdraw money in Puerto Natales. You can also find exchange houses there to exchange foreign currency for Chilean currency.

Is there anything that is forbidden in Torres del Paine?

Torres del Paine has rules in place to protect the environment. It is forbidden to start a campfire or smoke on the premises, as this could cause a fire.
Dumping trash and disturbing/feeding the local fauna.
Straying away from the marked trails, camping in spaces that have not been made available, using drones (without authorization from Conaf), nor hunting, fishing, or collecting plants.
Find out more about responsible tourism in our article.
It is also mandatory to register at every ranger’s post, as well as registering your check-out from camping Paso and Perros spots for safety reasons.