16 Wonderful day hikes in Torres del Paine – 2023/24 season

There are lots of unbelievable day hikes in Torres del Paine Nationwide Park of various lengths and issue ranges. From brief and simple trails appropriate for hikers with kids to difficult routes for skilled hikers. Backpacking in Torres del Paine you’ll be able to benefit from the improbable Patagonian surroundings, spectacular landscapes, and numerous wildlife. Right here it’s attainable to mix consolation and journey. You’ll be able to keep in a pleasant lodge/cabin contained in the park and go to the primary sights by doing day hikes.

In the event you’re planning to remain for a few days in Torres del Paine and do a number of day hikes I’d recommend deciding on the routes you need to stroll earlier than reserving your lodging contained in the park.

In the event you don’t have a lot time for mountain climbing across the park however nonetheless need to go to the park you are able to do a full-day tour from Puerto Natales. You’ll have the ability to see many park sights in sooner or later and do a brief 1-hour hike. This tour could be a great possibility in the event you go to Torres del Paine within the winter.

You should purchase your Torres del Paine ticket on-line. It’s legitimate for a number of days. In the event you keep exterior the park you’ll be able to enter it with out paying the price once more.

Are you able to do day hikes in Torres del Paine?

Sure, there are lots of day mountain climbing routes with breathtaking surroundings in Torres del Paine Nationwide Park. So in the event you don’t have time to do one of many multi-day routes you’ll be able to select a few day hikes to benefit from the lovely surroundings on this Patagonian Nationwide Park.

Not like multi-day trekking routes, day hikes may be walked throughout any season with out superior reserving. You’ll be able to resolve on the finest time to go to Torres del Paine primarily based in your preferences and never on the provision of spots.

Journey insurance coverage for mountain climbing in Torres del Paine

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Since 2002, World Nomads have been defending, connecting and provoking impartial vacationers. They provide easy and versatile journey insurance coverage and security recommendation that will help you journey confidently.

For simpler navigation, we determined to divide Torres del Paine into three zones; east, south, and west.

Torres del Paine mountain climbing map

Easy methods to guide entrance tickets to Torres del Paine?

In line with the data on the official CONAF web site, hikers must buy their entrance tickets on-line at the least 24 hours earlier than their go to.

The doorway price for non-Chilean guests is US$35 in the event you’re staying contained in the park for 3 days or much less and US$49 in the event you’re going to remain for greater than 3 days, kids below 12 years previous enter totally free.

You’ll be able to print your affirmation or present it on the display of your cell phone on the entrance gate.

Day hikes within the east a part of Torres del Paine

This a part of the park has each; off-the-beaten-path trails and among the hottest routes which are elements of the W trek and the O Circuit, two multi-day routes in Torres del Paine. You get an ideal likelihood to see among the highlights and hidden gems of Torres del Paine.

Day hikes in Torres del Paine map

The Fauna Path (Portería – Portería)

An off-the-beaten trekking route in Torres del Paine the place you’ll be able to see many guanacos, and condors gliding within the skies, and even spot a puma at dawn or sundown. The path begins and finishes at completely different Porterías (entrances). The path may be walked solely in a single route from Portería Lago Sarmiento to Laguna Amarga. Alongside the route, you’ll be able to spot some wild animals similar to guanacos, huemuls (deer), porcupines, condors, and so forth.

It’s attainable to do that hike as a day tour from Puerto Natales (transport, information, and lunch included).

• Distance – 8 km
• Required time – 2-3 hours
• Closest lodge/campsite – Resort Las Torres/Central campsite
• Start line – Portería Lago Sarmiento
• Ending level – Portería Laguna Amarga
• Accessibility – by automotive
• Problem – simple

Laguna Azul/Cebolla

Trails on this a part of the park are fairly off the overwhelmed path in comparison with the paths on the multi-day mountain climbing routes. You’ll see just a few folks and plenty of guanacos, birds, and in the event you’re very fortunate within the early morning even a puma. The hike is brief and simple, a great possibility for households with kids. The surroundings on the best way isn’t actually particular, however the view over the lake with the Towers within the background is beautiful.

From Laguna Azul, you’ll be able to proceed strolling for one more 6 km until you attain Laguna Cebolla’s lookout. It’s a straightforward stroll that may be achieved with kids. The one factor to think about is the gap it’s higher to start out waking within the morning to have sufficient time to finish the route. Laguna Cebolla is far smaller than Laguna Azul. The path isn’t actually marked nevertheless it’s clear and simple to observe.

• Distance – Laguna Azul – 8 km, return; Laguna Cebolla – 20 km, return
• Required time – 2-3 hours to Laguna Azul; 4-5 hours to Laguna Cebolla
• Closest lodge – Resort Las Torres/Central campsite
• Beginning/ending level – Porteria Laguna Azul
• Accessibility – by automotive, 45 min. drive from the Laguna Amarga entrance, on the best way you’ll be able to cease on the Paine Waterfall
• Problem – simple

Mirador Las Torres

Mirador Las Torres is probably the most well-known attraction in Torres del Paine. The hike to the point of view is certainly one of the very best hikes in Patagonia and one of the crucial tough day hikes within the park. The best way to the Mirador is one lengthy and steep ascend to Laguna and Las Torres, the final couple of kilometers it will get very steep. After {that a} descent all the best way again to the lodge/campsite. Strolling sticks are extremely really useful for this route. Take water and snacks with you you’ll spend most a part of the day mountain climbing. You’ll be able to cease at a restaurant/store on the Chileno campsite for lunch or espresso. 

• Distance – 19 km, return
• Required time – 6-7 hours
• Closest lodge – Resort Las Torres/Central campsite
• Beginning/ending level – Resort Las Torres
• Accessibility – by bus/automotive
• Problem – difficult

Lago Nordenskjold

It’s a pleasant day hike with lovely views over Nordenskjold lake. This path is part of multi-day mountain climbing routes so anticipate to see fairly lots of people. This hike may be achieved both means from Resort Las Torres or Refugio Cuernos. It’s attainable to finish this route on horses from Resort Las Torres if you wish to expertise Torres del Paine differently. Take meals or snacks with you there are not any outlets or eating places alongside the best way.

• Distance – will depend on the place you begin and the way far you go. From Resort Las Torres to Refugio Los Cuernos – 11,6 km a technique. You don’t must go all the best way to Los Cuernos, you’ll be able to stroll 5 km a technique, benefit from the lovely lake surroundings, flip round and stroll again to the lodge. On this case, it’ll be about 10km.
• Required time – 4-5 hours.
• Closest lodge – Resort Las Torres or Refugio Los Cuernos
• Start line – Resort Las Torres or Refugio Los Cuernos
• Ending level – Resort Las Torres or Refugio Los Cuernos
• Accessibility – Resort Las Torres by automotive/bus; Los Cuernos accessible solely on foot
• Problem – reasonable, with a number of ascents and descents on the best way

In the event you’re planning to discover extra of Chilean Patagonia think about doing a day hike to the Mirador Cerro Castillo in Cerro Castillo Nationwide Park on the Carretera Austral.

Day hikes within the south a part of Torres del Paine

Mirador Francés/Británico

The hike alongside the turquoise Nordenskjold lake to the point of view from the place you’ll be able to admire the beautiful fantastic thing about the realm. To stroll all the best way to the Británico viewpoint is sensible solely in good climate. If it’s overcast and wet you gained’t see a lot up there. This path is without doubt one of the most tough day hikes in Torres del Paine. The views from the highest are unbelievable and nicely definitely worth the effort.

We’d suggest making an attempt this trek provided that you’re in good mountain climbing form and used to strolling lots. You’ll be able to at all times flip round on the Mirador Francés in the event you run out of time or really feel too drained to proceed. The views from the Francés viewpoint are simply as lovely.

Many trekkers stroll this path as part of the W-trek or the O-circuit from the Italiano campsite which is correct initially of the climb.

Take water and snacks with there can be no locations to purchase meals. You’ll have the ability to get water on the best way from streams and small rivers.

This route may be achieved with a tour as a day mountain climbing journey from Puerto Natales.

• Distance – Mirador Francés – 7 km, return; Mirador Británico – 11 km, return
• Required time – 2 hours Mirador Francés; 4-5 hours Mirador Británico
• Closest lodge/campsite – Refugio/campsite Los Cuernos or refugio/campsite Francés
• Beginning/ending level – Italiano ranger station
• Accessibility – on foot
• Problem – difficult, a really steep ascent from the Italiano campsite to the viewpoints

Mirador Cóndor

A straightforward and brief stroll to the point of view from the place you’ll be able to see Laguna Negra and Pehoé lake.

• Distance – 4 km
• Required time – 1h30min.
• Closest lodge – Resort Explora Salto Chico
• Beginning/ending level – Pehoe campsite
• Accessibility – by automotive
• Problem – simple

Mirador Lago Toro/Laguna Verde

A brief and simple day hike to the Mirador Lago Toro in Torres del Paine from the place you’ll be able to benefit from the view over the Laguna Toro, an enormous turquoise lake surrounded by greenish hills and plains. In the event you proceed strolling farther from the Mirador Lago Toro for about 2 hours you’ll attain Laguna Verde, the path finishes at Guardería Laguna Verde however we´d suggest turning round earlier as you continue to must stroll all the best way again.

• Distance – Lago Toro – 4 km, return; Laguna Verde 20 km, return
• Required time – 1h30min. Lago Toro; 5 hours Laguna Verde
• Closest lodge – Resort Explora Salto Chico
• Beginning/ending level – quarter-hour drive from the Administration entrance
• Accessibility – by automotive
• Problem – easy-moderate

Mirador Cuernos

A ravishing route that begins at lovely turquoise Pehoé lake and spectacular waterfall Salto Grande and after an hour finishes at Nordenskjold lake – one of the crucial lovely easy-to-access viewpoints within the park.

• Distance – 5 km
• Required time – 2 hours
• Closest lodge – Hosteria Pehoe
• Beginning/ending level – Salto Grande
• Accessibility – by automotive
• Problem – simple

Day hikes within the west a part of Torres del Paine

Mirador Ferrier

A troublesome hike-climb to the point of view with beautiful panoramic views over the lake, the glacier, and the valley, and just about all of the lakes and rivers of this a part of Torres del Paine. Good mountain climbing footwear and rain jackets are extremely really useful for this route. Don’t neglect to take water there isn’t any water on the route. Earlier than you begin you could register on the Guardería.

• Distance – 3 km, return.
• Required time – 3 hours
• Closest lodge – Resort Lago Gray
• Beginning/ending level – Guardería Gray
• Accessibility – by automotive
• Problem – tough, very steep lengthy ascend to the Mirador – 700m/2300 ft with the following descent again to the street.

Cascada Pingo/Mirador Zapata

One other huge waterfall however this time with fewer folks evaluate to Salto Grande. Getting there may be fairly a stroll however nicely definitely worth the effort as you get an opportunity to discover the waterfall and benefit from the tranquility of this a part of the park. The path is well-marked and simple to observe. To start with, you’ll stroll previous an deserted campsite with a shocking view of Cerro Paine Grande from there.

In the event you proceed strolling farther from Pingo waterfall in 2,5 km you’ll get to Zapata campsite – an deserted campsite on the river financial institution. The stroll is comparatively flat and simple. From the campsite, it’s one other 3 km to Mirador Zapata – a viewpoint from the place you’ll be able to see Pingo lake and the glacier. The a part of the path between the waterfall and the point of view isn’t probably the most spectacular. It’s price persevering with strolling provided that you’re planning to go all the best way to the Mirador in any other case flip round on the waterfall and return.

• Distance – cascada Pingo – 20 km, return; Mirador Zapata – 30 km return
• Required time – 5 hours to Cascada Pingo; 7-8 hours to Mirador Zapata
• Closest lodge – Resort Lago Gray
• Beginning/ending level – Guardería Gray
• Accessibility – by automotive
• Problem – reasonable (Cascada Pingo); difficult (Mirador Zapata)

Lago Gray hike

A straightforward stroll that may lead you to Lago Gray and the ferry (catamaran) that goes to Gray glacier and Refugio Gray so you’ll be able to mix it with the boat journey.

• Distance – 5 km
• Required time – 2 hours, return.
• Closest lodge – Resort Lago Gray
• Beginning/ending level – Guardería Gray
• Accessibility – by automotive
• Problem – simple

Mirador Lago Skottsberg

One other viewpoint not removed from the lodge, first via the burnt forest after which alongside Skottsberg lake, when strolling subsequent to the lake test on occasion reflections of the mountains within the water. This hike may be accomplished as part of an extended hike to Mirador Francés.

• Distance – 5 km, return
• Required time – 1h30min.
• Closest lodge – Refugio/campsite Paine Grande
• Beginning/ending level – Paine Grande
• Accessibility – by boat
• Problem – simple

Mirador Pehoé

Straightforward stroll from the lodge in the direction of the Administration entrance alongside Pehoé lake to the second Mirador (the primary one is on the opposite facet of the lake, at Hosteria Pehoé). You’ll be able to stroll so far as you want there’s a viewpoint about 3 km away from the lodge.

• Distance – 5-6 km, return
• Required time – 1h30min.
• Closest lodge – Refugio/campsite Paine Grande
• Beginning/ending level – Paine Grande
• Accessibility – by boat
• Problem – simple

Mirador Gray

The Mirador Gray viewpoint is positioned proper within the center between the Refugio Gray and Refugio Paine Grande. From this viewpoint, you’ll have the ability to see Lago Gray and Gray glacier within the distance. In the event you stroll from Paine Grande you’ll stroll previous small and exquisite Laguna Los Patos (a pleasant spot to cease for relaxation and snack) and a waterfall simply earlier than the lake on the right-hand facet.

You are able to do a day mountain climbing tour (transportation included) from Puerto Natales to the point of view of Gray Glacier.

• Distance – 11 km, return
• Required time – 3 hours
• Closest lodge – Refugio/campsite Paine Grande
• Beginning/ending level – Refugio/campsite Paine Grande
• Accessibility – by boat
• Problem – reasonable

You’ll be able to mix a visit to Torres del Paine with a go to to Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina. It’s attainable to get to El Calafate (the closest to the glacier city) by bus from Puerto Natales.

Suspension bridges (Glacier Gray viewpoints)

Glacier Gray is without doubt one of the principal highlights of Torres del Paine and is unquestionably price visiting. The stroll begins at Refugio Gray in the direction of Campamento Paso, as much as the hill. This route is a part of the O circuit and it offers you an opportunity to admire the immense Gray Glacier. Stroll throughout the suspension bridge from there you’ll be able to see the glacier and the lake surrounded by mountains with snow peaks. Right here you’ll be able to flip round and stroll again to the Refugio or maintain strolling until the subsequent suspension bridge.

From the primary bridge, you’ll be able to proceed strolling in the direction of Paso campsite until you attain the second suspension bridge, after the bridge, there’s a viewpoint from the place you’ll get a  beautiful view over Gray glacier. The space isn’t lengthy nevertheless it’s fairly a steep ascend all the best way to the bridge and descend on the best way again. Take a snack and there’s no place to get meals alongside the route.

• Distance – Suspention bridge 1 – 5 km, return; suspention bridge 2 – 10 km, return
• Required time – 2 hours to the primary bridge; 4 hours to the second bridge
• Closest lodge – Refugio/campsite Gray
• Beginning/ending level – Refugio/campsite Gray
• Accessibility – by boat
• Problem – reasonable (the primary bridge); difficult (the second bridge)

Gray Glacier is without doubt one of the few glaciers on this planet that you would be able to attain with a brief boat journey. In the event you don’t have time to stroll all the best way to the Refugio Gray from Paine Grande you are able to do a return journey together with getting off on the Refugio and spending a few hours there. In order for you you’ll be able to keep on the Refugio Gray and take a catamaran again the subsequent day.

The ferry leaves from Resort Lago Gray. Verify the ferry timetable right here. Within the excessive season (1st October – thirtieth April) catamarans depart 3-4 instances per day. Value for adults – CLP 90 000/US$103 a technique, for kids – CLP 45 000/US$50 a technique. A return tickes for adults is CLP 100 000/US$115, for kids – CLP 50 000/US$107. 

If you wish to sail up near the huge wall of ice of the Gray Glacier you’ll be able to be a part of a cruise on the Gray Lake and the Pingo River. The entire period of the cruise is 3 hours.

• Required time – 3 hours return boat journey
• Closest lodge – Resort Lago Gray
• Beginning/ending level – Rio Pingo
• Accessibility – by automotive
• Problem – simple; stress-free and pleasing boat journey

Glacier Gray ice mountain climbing

It’s an unforgettable expertise and an actual journey, particularly in case you have by no means walked on ice in crampons and with an ice ax. It’s not a finances exercise – CLP 125 000/US$200, it contains; boat switch, information, ice ax, crampons, and harness. Excursions depart thrice a day at 8.30am, 10.00am and 14.30pm from October to April.

It’s attainable to go to the glacier on a day tour from Puerto Natales (no glacier mountain climbing).

• Distance – about 10 km, return (ice hike + strolling to the glacier)
• Required time – 5 hours in whole; 2h30min. ice mountain climbing itself, 2 hours to stroll to the glacier and again, 1-hour return boat journey.
• Closest lodge – Refugio Gray
• Beginning/ending level – Refugio Gray
• Accessibility – by boat
• Problem – reasonable

To get the final word Patagonia expertise you’ll be able to mix mountain climbing in Torres del Paine with trekking in El Chalten, the adventurous capital of Argentina. El Chalten like Torres del Paine gives an ideal number of day hikes and multi-day trekking routes.

The place to remain earlier than mountain climbing in Torres del Paine?

You’ll be able to select to remain in Puerto Natales, the closest to Torres del Paine city, to remain simply exterior the park at one of many few motels/refugios, or to be primarily based within the park. The final possibility is the very best if you wish to spend a few days in Torres del Paine and do a number of day hikes.

Staying inside Torres del Paine

Execs

• You save loads of time driving to the park and again each day, particularly in the event you keep in Puerto Natales.
• You’ve got unbelievable surroundings round you for twenty-four hours.
• There are a number of campsites in Torres del Paine appropriate for day hikers (not removed from the park entrances) which suggests your lodging gained’t be costly in the event you’re keen to camp.

Cons

• In the event you don’t need to camp, staying within the park (motels or refugios) is kind of a bit dearer in comparison with staying exterior the park.
• In addition to consuming within the park is kind of dear.

Inns and campsites inside Torres del Paine

Staying exterior the park

In the event you don’t need to pay lots and on the similar time keep near the park try some motels and hostels simply exterior Torres del Paine. It’ll prevent loads of driving time that you would be able to fairly spend on mountain climbing and can be cheaper than staying contained in the park.

Lodging exterior Torres del Paine

To make it simpler we determined to divide the park into three areas; east, west, and south. You’ll be able to resolve if you wish to base in a single a part of the park and do day hikes accessible from there or transfer round extra and go to completely different areas of the park.

Staying in Puerto Natales

Execs

• In Puerto Natales, you’ll find finances and middle-price vary lodging.
• There are a number of outlets and eating places in Puerto Natales. Meals is less expensive within the city than contained in the park.

Cons

• Puerto Natales is 112 km away, it takes between 2-3 hours to get to Torres del Paine from there after which 2-3 hours again.
• You would possibly save on lodging however spend fairly a bit on petrol in the event you drive a few instances.

Inns and hostels in Puerto Natales

Easy methods to get to Torres del Paine? 

In the event you’re planning to go to completely different elements of the park and transfer round fairly a bit the best choice is to lease a automotive in Puerto Natales. In the event you’re a few folks sharing a automotive it could be even cheaper than utilizing a bus/taxi mixture. Not many trails within the park are accessible by public buses to get to a few of them you’ll want a automotive or a taxi.

In the event you’re flying to Punta Arenas, the closest to Torres del Paine airport, first it’s a must to get to Puerto Natales which is 240 km south. There are a number of day by day buses that join two cities. The bus journey takes 3 hours.

From Puerto Natales there’s a direct bus to Torres del Paine. It stops at three principal park entrances; Administration, Pudeto, and Laguna Amarga. The buses depart from the bus terminal in Puerto Natales. You’ll be able to purchase tickets on-line or on the bus station. Throughout the peak months I’d recommend shopping for tickets at lelast 1 day upfront.

The journey takes between 2 and three hours relying on the place in Torres del Paine you get off. The worth is CP 12 000/US$14 a technique. The ticket to Lago Gray is CP 20 000/US$23 a technique.

There could be extra buses in the course of the peak months between December and February.

To get to Resort Las Torres from Laguna Amarga take a shuttle bus. Its departure time is linked to the arrival time of buses from Puerto Natales, the journey takes 10 min. Value US$6 a technique. 

You may get again from Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales the identical means.

To get to Refugio Paine Grande from the Pudeto entrance take a catamaran (ferry). It takes 30 min. to get to Paine Grande. The worth is US$30 a technique. You should purchase tickets and make sure the present timetable on the Hip Sur web site.

Entrance charges and transport bills

Entrance price – US$49 in the event you’re going to remain within the park for greater than 3 days, US$35 in the event you’re going to spend 3 or fewer days within the park.

Transport. Bus Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine – US$14 a technique, US$23 one solution to Resort Gray. Bus Laguna Amarga – Resort Las Torres (a technique) – US$6, free for the visitor of Resort Las Torres. Catamaran Pudeto – Refugio Paine Grande – US$30 a technique.

Renting a automotive. On the airport in Punta Arenas from US$40 per day, relying on the automotive, season, and rental interval.

Excursions in Torres del Paine. A ship journey from Resort Lago Gray to Gray Glacier is from US$115 pp.; ice mountain climbing on Gray Glacier from US$200 pp.; kayaking to Gray Glacier from US$128 pp. for a 2.5-hour tour. Horse using tour from US$75 pp. for a 3-hour tour.  

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The beautiful half of Stingy Nomads, answerable for all our land adventures (mountain climbing, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a toddler, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack fairly than to do a ten 000 km street journey (really any street journey). Alya is an enormous fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.