Torres del Paine National Park (2024)

FAQs

How long do you need in Torres del Paine National Park? ›

5 days is a good amount of time to see the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park (towers' base, french valley, Grey glacier). You can also mix one or two of the highlights with another off-the-beaten path option and take some time for wildlife observation.

Torres del Paine National Park had been on my bucket list for more than 10 years before this trip. I'd seen so many amazing photos from this part of the world. Glacier Grey, los Cuernos del Paine (the famous Patagonia “horns)”, the impressive Mirador Las Torres (towers), and unique wildlife…

The difficulty of the W hike in Torres del Paine can vary depending on your fitness level, experience with hiking and the weather conditions at the time of your trip. However, in general, the W trek is considered a moderately difficult hike, without a lot of intense elevation gain.

Torres del Paine National Park, located in the extreme south of Chilean Patagonia, is world-renowned for its spectacular views, formidable mountain ranges, and unpredictable weather.

Enjoy Full day Torres del Paine «First Class»

Visit during the day the Torres del Paine National Park and the Milodon Cave being picked up from your hotel or lodging in Puerto Natales (Urban radio).

Can you get to know Torres del Paine National park without doing any hiking? Yes, it's possible, and here we'll tell you which are the activities so you can do so. The W circuit and the O circuit are the two most famous ways to get to know Torres del Paine National Park, but they are not the only ones.

For the warmest temperatures and the best chances of bright, clear skies, visit between December - February. Bear in mind this is the peak summer season with the most visitors, although in the vast wilderness of Patagonia you are hardly short of space.

It can be said that the difficulty of the trekking in Torres del Paine has a medium level. This part of the Chilean Patagonia is not a place where only experts can go, but you should always be very careful. The routes are marked and with the previous explanation, you will not have any problem in making the route.

In Torres del Paine, for example, only guided groups are permitted to head off the beaten track. At the risk of sounding dramatic, hiking Torres del Paine without a guide is not always a rosy experience.

If you're looking to be wowed by the sheer majesty of hiking in Chilean Patagonia, then yes, the W Trek is most certainly worth it. This relatively low-altitude trek takes you through areas of the national park that are widely considered to be the most incredible places in Patagonia.

Is the W trek too crowded? ›

How crowded is Torres Del Paine? When we did the W Trek in Torres Del Paine in November, the park was pretty full – most lodging/campsites were booked up each night. We shared scenic points with others and passed fellow trekkers both ways on the trail but it never felt over-crowded.

How difficult is the W Trek? The W Trek is not a difficult or technical trek. Hiking the W Trek doesn't require you to be a pro, but some hiking experience is highly recommended. Compared to lots of other hiking destinations in South America – especially in the Andes mountains – Patagonia is low altitude.

Park Regulations

1 Open fires are strictly forbidden, without exception. 2 Camp stoves are only allowed in authorized areas. 3 All trash must be taken out of the Park, including cigarette butts and organic waste.

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best trail for scenic driving in Torres del Paine National Park is Mirador Laguna Las Mellizas, which has a 4.7 star rating from 14 reviews.

Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and the eighth wonder of the world in 2013, Torres del Paine National Park is undoubtedly a world-class tourist attraction that delights for so many reasons that it becomes difficult to put it into words.

The W Trek is a moderately difficult hike lasting around four to five days, covering 46 miles on mainly gentle terrain, with more challenging days involving climbs of 600-800 metres. You need to be in good shape, with some experience of multi-day hiking and prepared for extremely variable weather.

Accommodations in Puerto Natales are plentiful and in all price ranges. Accommodations in Torres del Paine National Park are less but pretty cool as you are in the park itself which is spectacular. Tours range anywhere from a basic US$65 for a few hours tour to upwards of a thousand dollars for a multi-day trek.

Due to its popularity, its hiking trails are most crowded. Additionally, it's the windiest time of the year. Spring (September to November) and Fall (March to May) are some of the best times to visit Torres Del Paine. It reveals its true colors through springtime blossoms and fall foliage.

Whether you are visiting one park or several, plan on spending at least one day in each park, with 2-3 days planned for larger and more popular parks such as Yellowstone and Glacier. Make sure you leave half a day to a full day of travel between your chosen parks.