Amazing day hikes in Torres del Paine, Patagonia

Torres del Paine National park is one of the highlights of Patagonia and is definitely worth visiting even if you’re not a seasoned hiker and rather prefer to stay in the comfort of a hotel than sleeping in a tent. Luckily here you can combine comfort and adventure – staying in a nice hotel and exploring the park by doing day hikes.

Torres del Paine boasts two multi-day trekking routes; the W trek and the O circuit as well as many day trails. Several parts of the long routes can be walked as day hikes from different parts of Torres del Paine. If you’re planning to stay for a couple of days in the park and do several day hikes we’d suggest first to decide what routes you want to walk before booking your accommodation. 

If you don’t have much time for hiking around the park but still want to see several highlights you can do a full-day tour from Puerto Natales you’ll a chance to see many park attractions in one day, there will be no hiking involved. This tour might be a good option if you visit Torres del Paine in winter.

If you like hiking you might enjoy other amazing hikes in Patagonia. The region has a great variety of walking routes of different difficulty and lengths that you can include in your Patagonia itinerary.

What about travel insurance?

Even if you’re planning to do only a couple of day hikes in Torres del Paine it’s still an outdoor activity and involves risks of getting an injury, losing or breaking gear, etc. it’s recommended to have travel insurance that will cover you in case something goes wrong. It’s important to choose a reliable company that won’t let you down when you need help.

World Nomads is a reputable international insurance company that insurance travelers all over the world. They focus on outdoor activities like hiking. Torres del Paine is one of their top hiking destinations which means they have experience in working in the region. A great thing about World Nomads insurance policy is that you can buy it online at any time even if you’re already on the road and it’ll take just a couple of minutes. You can buy insurance to cover the whole trip or just a period of the hike, even if it’s only one day. Get an instant quote here.

Note! Always read carefully Terms and Conditions of the policy.

Suggested tours and activities in Patagonia

• End of the Earth (G-Adventures)
• National Geographic journeys. Discover Patagonia in-depth (G-Adventures)
• National Geographic journeys. Explore Chile & Argentina (G-Adventures)

Staying inside Torres del Paine vs staying outside the park

Staying inside Torres del Paine

Pros

• You save a lot of time driving to the park and back every day, especially if you stay in Puerto Natales.
• You have incredible scenery around you 24 hours.

Cons

• Staying in the park (in hotels or refugios) is quite a bit more expensive compared to staying outside the park.
• As well as eating in the park is quite pricey.

Hotels inside Torres del Paine

| Hotel Explora Patagonia | Hotel Lago Grey | Hotel Las Torres |

The following hotels inside the park can be booked only through their websites, reservation through other booking systems is not available.

• Hostería Pehoe
• Refugio Paine Grande
• Refugio Grey
• Refugio Los Cuernos

Staying in Puerto Natales

Pros

• In Puerto Natales, you can find budget and middle price range accommodation.
• There are several shops and restaurants in Puerto Natales food is not a big expense here.

Cons

• Puerto Natales is 112 km away, it takes between 2-3 hours to get to Torres del Paine from there and then 2-3 hours back.
• You might save on accommodation but spend quite a bit on petrol if you drive a couple of times.

Hotels and hostels in Puerto Natales

• Budget | Hostel San Agustín | Refugio Hoshken | Yellow Plum Tent House | We are Patagonia Backpacker |
• Middle price | Hostal Treehouse Patagonia | Antiguos Bed And Breakfast | Refugio Bulnes Hostal | Xalpen B&B |
• Luxury | Cabaña Kauyi Kren | Hostal Andes Patagonicos |

A compromise option

If you don’t want to pay a lot and at the same time stay close to the park check some hotels and hostels just outside Torres del Paine. It’ll save you a lot of driving time that you can rather spend on hiking and will be cheaper than staying inside the park.

Accommodation just outside Torres del Paine

• Laguna Amarga entrance | Goiien House |
• Administration entrance (Villa Serrano)| Konkashken Lodge | Vista al Paine Refugio de Aventura | Pampa Lodge Quincho & Caballos | Río Serrano Hotel & Spa |

Best day hikes in Torres del Paine 

To make it easier we decided to divide the park into three areas; eastern, western, and southern parts. You can decide if you want to base in one part of the park and do day hikes accessible from your hotel or move around more and visit different areas of the park.

Day hiking trails in the eastern part of Torres del Paine

This part of the park has both; off-the-beaten-path trails and some of the most popular routes that are parts of the multi-day hike. You get a great chance to see some of the highlights and hidden gems of Torres del Paine.

*Note! Refugio Los Cuernos is located right at Skottsberg lake and can be accessed only walking either from Hotel Las Torres or Refugio Paine Grande.

The Fauna Trail (Portería – Portería)

An off-the-beaten trekking route in Torres del Paine where you can see many guanacos, condors gliding in the skies and even spot a puma at sunrise or sunset. The trail starts and finishes at different Porterías to get back to your car you’ll have to walk back. As an option you can walk half of it and turn round and walk back, the scenery is very similar all the way, and chances of spotting animals in different parts are even.

It’s possible to do this hike as a day tour from Puerto Natales (transport, guide, and lunch included).

• Distance – 8 km
• Required time – 2-3 hours
• Closest hotel/campsite – Hotel Las Torres
• Starting point – Portería Lago Sarmiento
• Finishing point – Portería Laguna Amarga (can be walked either way)
• Accessibility – by car
• Difficulty – easy

Laguna Azul

Trails in this part of the park are quite off the beaten path compare to the trails on the multi-day hiking routes. You’ll see a few people and many guanacos, birds, and if you’re very lucky in the early morning even a puma. The hike is short and easy, a good option for families with children. The scenery on the way is not really special, but the view over the lake with the Towers on the background is stunning.

• Distance – 8 km return
• Required time – 2-3 hours
• Closest hotel – Hotel Las Torres
• Starting/finishing point – Porteria Laguna Azul
• Accessibility – by car, 45 min. drive from Laguna Amarga entrance.
• Difficulty – easy

Laguna Cebolla

The trek starts at the same place as the previous one, at Porteria Laguna Azul. You walk the same route and after the lake, continue walking for another 6 km till you reach Laguna Cebolla lookout. An easy walk that can be done with children, just keep in mind the distance. Laguna Cebolla is much smaller than Laguna Azul. The trail is not really marked but clear and easy to follow.

• Distance – 20 km return
• Required time – 4-5 hours
• Closest hotel/campsite – Hotel Las Torres.
• Starting/finishing point – Porteria Laguna Azul
• Accessibility – by car, starts at the same parking spot as Laguna Azul hike.
• Difficulty – easy

Mirador Las Torres

The most iconic sight of Torres del Paine and the climax of multi-day hikes, at the same time one of the most difficult day hikes. The way to the Mirador is one long and steep ascend to Laguna and Las Torres, the last couple of kilometers it gets very steep. After that a descend all the way back to the hotel. Walking sticks are highly recommended for this route. Take water and snacks with you’ll spend the most part of the day hiking. There is a restaurant/shop at Chileno campsite. 

It’s possible to do a day hiking tour from Puerto Natales to the Mirador Las Torres.

• Distance – 19 km, return
• Required time – 6-7 hours
• Closest hotel – Hotel Las Torres
• Starting/finishing point – Hotel Las Torres
• Accessibility – by bus/car
• Difficulty – difficult

If you’re planning to explore more of Patagonia you might like a day hike to Mirador Cerro Castillo in Cerro Castillo National Park on the Carretera Austral.

Lago Nordenskjold

A nice walk with a beautiful view over Nordenskjold lake, a part of multi-day hiking routes so expect to see quite a lot of people. This trail can be done either way from Hotel Las Torres or Refugio Cuernos. It’s possible to complete this route on horses from Hotel Las Torres if you feel tired from walking or want to experience the park in a different way, riding a horse is a good option. Take food or snack with there will be no shop or restaurant on the way.

• Distance – depending on where you start and how far you go. From Hotel Las Torres to Refugio Los Cuernos – 11,6 km one way. You don’t have to go all the way to Los Cuernos, you can walk 5 km one way, enjoy beautiful lake scenery, turn around and walk back to the hotel, in total it’ll be about 10km.
• Required time – 4-5 hours.
• Closest hotel – Hotel Las Torres, Refugio Los Cuernos
• Starting point – Hotel Las Torres, Refugio Los Cuernos
• Finishing point – Hotel Las Torres, Refugio Los Cuernos
• Accessibility – by car/bus, Los Cuernos accessible only on foot
• Difficulty – moderate, several ascends and descends on the way

Mirador Francés

Walk along beautiful Nordenskjold lake to the viewpoint from where you can appreciate the stunning beauty of the area. Take water and snacks with there will be no places to buy food. You’ll be able to get water on the way from streams and small rivers.

This route can be completed as a day hiking tour from Puerto Natales.

• Distance – 14km, return
• Required time – 6 hours
• Closest hotel – Refugio Los Cuernos. 
• Starting/finishing point – Refugio Los Cuernos
• Accessibility – on foot
• Difficulty – moderate, Los Cuernos – Italiano – relatively flat, Italiano – Mirador Frances – steep ascend.

Mirador Británico

To walk all the way to this viewpoint makes sense only in good weather, if it’s cloudy you won’t see much up there. The view is incredible and well worth effort. We’d recommend attempting this trek only if you’re good hiking shape and used to walk a lot, otherwise turn around at Mirador Francés. Most people walk it as a part of the W-trek or O-circuit from the Italiano campsite which is right at the beginning of the climb.

• Distance – 21 km, return
• Required time – 8-9 hours, make sure you have enough time to get back before the dark.
• Closest hotel – Refugio Los Cuernos
• Starting/finishing point – Refugio Los Cuernos
• Accessibility – on foot
• Difficulty – difficult, long and steep ascent to the viewpoint – 2-3 hours.

Day-hikes in the southern part of Torres del Paine

Most hikes in this part of the park are quite short and easy but keep in mind that it can get very windy here, most of the time the trails go through open non-protected areas – make sure you have the right clothing e.g. windproof jacket, beanie, sunglasses.

Mirador Cóndor

An easy and short walk to the viewpoint from where you can see Laguna Negra and Pehoé lake.

• Distance – 4 km
• Required time – 1h30min.
• Closest hotel – Hotel Explora Salto Chico
• Starting/finishing point – Pehoe campsite
• Accessibility – by car
• Difficulty – easy

Mirador Cuernos

A beautiful route that starts at beautiful turquoise Pehoé lake and impressive waterfall Salto Grande and after an hour finishes at Nordenskjold lake – one of the most beautiful easy to access viewpoints in the park.

• Distance – 5 km
• Required time – 2 hours
• Closest hotel – Hosteria Pehoe
• Starting/finishing point – Salto Grande
• Accessibility – by car
• Difficulty – easy

Mirador Lago Toro

Another short and easy hike to a point from where you can enjoy the view over Laguna Toro – a big turquoise lake surrounded by greenish hills and pampa.

• Distance – 4 km, return
• Required time – 1h30min.
• Closest hotel – Hotel Explora Salto Chico
• Starting/finishing point – 15 minutes drive from the Administration entrance
• Accessibility – by car
• Difficulty – easy

Laguna Verde 

If you continue walking further from Mirador Lago Toro for about 2 hours you’ll reach Laguna Verde, the trail finishes at Guardería Laguna Verde but we´d recommend turning around earlier as you still have to walk all the way back.

• Distance – 20 km, return
• Required time – 5 hours
• Closest hotel – Hotel Explora Salto Chico
• Starting/finishing point – 15 minutes drive from the Administration entrance
• Accessibility – by car
• Difficulty – moderate

Lago Grey hike

An easy walk that will lead you to Lago Grey and the ferry (catamaran) that goes to Grey glacier and Refugio Grey so you can combine it with the boat trip.

• Distance – 5 km
• Required time – 2 hours, return.
• Closest hotel – Hotel Lago Grey
• Starting/finishing point – Guardería Grey
• Accessibility – by car
• Difficulty – easy

Glacier Grey (catamaran trip)

Glacier Grey is one of the main highlights of Torres del Paine and is definitely worth visiting. It is one of a handful of places in the world where you can get that close to the glacier on a short boat trip. You can do a return trip including getting off at and spending a couple of hours there or you can stay at Refugio Grey and take a catamaran back in a day or two.

Confirm the ferry timetable at Hotel Lago Grey to make it in time, the one-way walk is an hour. In high season (1st October – 30th April) catamarans leave every 3 hours. Price; one way – adults – CLP 70 000/US$105, children – CLP 35 000/US$52; return – adults – CLP 80 000/US$120 , children – CLP 40 000/US$60. 

Want to sail up close to a massive wall of ice at the Grey Glacier in Torres del Paine National Park? Join a cruise on the Grey Lake and the Pingo River! The total duration of the cruise is 3 hours, for details and booking click here.

• Required time – 3 hours return boat trip
• Closest hotel – Hotel Lago Grey
• Starting/finishing point – Rio Pingo
• Accessibility – by car
• Difficulty – easy; relaxing and enjoyable boat trip

You can combine a trip to Torres del Paine with a visit to Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina. It’s possible to get to El Chalten (the nearest to the glacier town) by bus from Puerto Natales or join a tour.

Mirador Ferrier

A tough hike-climb to the viewpoint with stunning panoramic views over the lake, the glacier, and the valley and pretty much all the lakes and rivers of this part of Torres del Paine. Good hiking shoes and rain jackets are highly recommended for this route. Don’t forget to take water there is no water on the route. Before you start you must register at the Guardería.

• Distance – 3 km, return.
• Required time – 4 hours
• Closest hotel – Hotel Lago Grey
• Starting/finishing point – Guardería Grey
• Accessibility – by car
• Difficulty – difficult, very steep long ascend to the Mirador – 700m/2300 feet with the subsequent descent back to the road.

Cascada Pingo

Another big waterfall but this time with fewer people compare to Salto Grande. To get here is quite a walk but well worth the effort as you get a chance to explore the waterfall and enjoy the tranquility of this part of the park. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. In the beginning, you’ll walk past an abandoned campsite check out the view on Cerro Paine Grande from there. Take sandwiches or snacks with there will be no places to buy anything on the way.

• Distance – 20 km, return
• Required time – 5 hours
• Closest hotel – Hotel Lago Grey
• Starting/finishing point – Guardería Grey
• Accessibility – by car
• Difficulty – moderate, quite a long distance

Mirador Zapata trail

If you continue walking further from Pingo waterfall in 2,5 km you will get to Zapata campsite – an abandoned campsite at the river bank. The walk is relatively flat and easy. From the campsite, it’s another 3 km to Mirador Zapata – a viewpoint from where you can see Pingo lake and the glacier. The part of the trail between the waterfall and the viewpoint is not the most spectacular it’s worth to continue walking only if you’re planning to go all the way to the Mirador otherwise turn around at the waterfall and go back.

• Distance – 30 km, return
• Required time – 7-8 hours.
• Closest hotel – Hotel Lago Grey
• Starting/finishing point – Guardería Grey
• Accessibility – by car
• Difficulty – moderate/challenging due to long-distance, no steep ascends or descends.

Day hikes in the western part of Torres del Paine

This part of the park is probably the busiest – both hiking routes – W trek and O circuit go through this area, be ready to meet many people in high season.

Mirador Pehoé

Easy walk from the hotel towards the Administration entrance along Pehoé lake to the second Mirador (the first one is on the other side of the lake, at Hosteria Pehoé). You can walk as far as you wish there is a viewpoint about 3 km away from the hotel.

• Distance – 5-6 km, return
• Required time – 1h30min.
• Closest hotel – Refugio Paine Grande
• Starting/finishing point – Paine Grande
• Accessibility – by boat
• Difficulty – easy

Mirador Lago Skottsberg

Another viewpoint not far from the hotel, first through the burnt forest and then along Skottsberg lake, when walking next to the lake check from time to time reflections of the mountains in the water. This hike can be completed as a part of a longer hike to Mirador Francés.

• Distance – 5 km, return
• Required time – 1h30min.
• Closest hotel – Refugio Paine Grande
• Starting/finishing point – Paine Grande
• Accessibility – by boat
• Difficulty – easy

Mirador Grey hike

This viewpoint is located right in the middle between Refugio Grey and Refugio Paine Grande. From the viewpoint, you’ll be able to see Lago Grey and Grey glacier in the distance. If you walk from Paine Grande you’ll walk past small and beautiful Laguna Los Patos (a nice spot to stop for rest and snack) and a waterfall just before the lake on a right-hand side.

You can do a day hiking tour (transportation included) from Puerto Natales to the viewpoint of Grey Glacier.

• Distance – 11 km, return
• Required time – 3 hours
• Closest hotel – Refugio Grey, Refugio Paine Grande
• Starting/finishing point – Refugio Grey/Refugio Paine Grande
• Accessibility – by boat
• Difficulty – moderate

Glacier Grey viewpoint, suspension bridge 1

The walk starts at Refugio Grey towards Campamento Paso, up to the hill. This route is the part of the O circuit and it gives you a chance to admire the immense size of the glacier Grey. Walk across the suspension bridge from there you can see the glacier and the lake surrounded by mountains with snow peaks. Here you can turn around and walk back to the Refugio or keep walking till the next suspension bridge.

• Distance – 5 km, return
• Required time – 2 hours
• Closest hotel – Refugio Grey
• Starting/finishing point – Refugio Grey
• Accessibility – by boat
• Difficulty – moderate

Glacier Grey viewpoint, suspension bridge 2

From the first bridge, you can continue walking towards Paso campsite till you reach the second suspension bridge, after the bridge, there is a viewpoint from where you’ll get a  stunning view over Grey glacier. The distance is not long but it’s quite a steep ascend all the way to the bridge and descend on the way back. Take a snack with there is no place to get food on the route.

• Distance – 10 km
• Required time – 4 hours
• Closest hotel – Refugio Grey
• Starting/finishing point – Refugio Grey
• Accessibility – by boat
• Difficulty – difficult, long steep ascend with a subsequent descend back to the Refugio.

Glacier Grey ice hiking

It’s an unforgettable experience and a real adventure, especially if you have never walked on ice in crampons and with an ice axe. It’s not a budget activity – CLP 125 000/US$200, it includes; boat transfer, guide, ice axe, crampons, harness. Tours depart three times a day at 8.30am, 10.00am and 14.30pm from October to April.

It’s possible to visit the glacier as a day tour from Puerto Natales (no glacier hiking).

• Distance – about 10 km, return (ice hike + walking to the glacier)
• Required time – 5 hours in total; 2h30min. ice hiking itself, 2 hours to walk to the glacier and back, 1-hour return boat trip.
• Closest hotel – Refugio Grey
• Starting/finishing point – Refugio Grey
• Accessibility – by boat
• Difficulty – moderate

To get the ultimate Patagonia experience you can combine hiking in Torres del Paine with trekking in El Chalten, the adventurous capital of Argentina. El Chalten like Torres del Paine offers a great variety of day hikes and multi-day trekking routes.

Trails accessibility in Torres del Paine

How to get to Torres del Paine? 

If you’re planning to visit different parts of the park and move around quite a bit the best option is renting a car in Puerto Natales. If you’re a couple of people sharing a car it might be even cheaper than using a bus/taxi combination. Not many trails in the park are accessible by public buses to get to some of them you’ll need a car or a taxi.

There is a public bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine that stops at three main entrances; Administration, Pudeto and Laguna Amarga. In high season buses leave twice a day, in low season only in the morning. The journey takes between 2h30min. and 3 hours. Price CLP 10 000/US$12 one way.

Bus Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine	Morning	Afternoon
Puerto Natales	7.30am	2.30pm
Laguna Amarga	9.45am	4.45pm
Pudeto (catamaran)	10.30am	5.15pm
Administrations	11.45am	6pm

To get to Hotel 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. Price CLP 3000/US$5 one way. 

You can get back from Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales the same way.

Bus Torres del Paine – Puerto Natales	Afternoon	Evening
Administration	1pm	18.30pm
Pudeto (catamaran)	1.30pm	7pm
Laguna Amarga	2.30pm	7.45pm
Puerto Natales	5pm	10pm

To get from Pudeto to Refugio Paine Grande take a catamaran (ferry). It takes 30 min. to get to Paine Grande. Price CLP 20 000/US$26 one way, CLP 30 000/US$39 return. Note! First, you have to get off at Laguna Amarga (the first bus stop) to pay the entrance fee and then get back to the same bus (it’ll be waiting there) and go to Pudeto (the second stop). You can’t pay the entrance and register at Pudeto.

Catamaran	Pudeto – Paine Grande	Paine Grande – Pudeto
Departure 1	9am	9.35am
Departure 2	11am	11.35am
Departure 3	2pm	2.35pm
Departure 4	4.15pm	5pm
Departure 5	6pm	6.35pm

What to pack for hiking in Torres del Paine?

If you’re planning to do only day hikes in the park and staying in hotels or hostels you won’t need any camping gear only proper clothes, shoes and a day pack that is big enough to put your camera, water, and snacks.

If you’re planning to do more hiking or camping in Patagonia you will need camping gear and a bigger backpack. We have a detailed post where you can find a complete gear list for hiking and camping in Patagonia.

The cost of trekking in Torres del Paine

Transport – bus Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine (return) – CLP 15 000/US$23*. Bus Laguna Amarga – Hotel Las Torres – CLP 3000/US$5, free for hotel guests. Catamaran Pudeto – Refugio Paine Grande – CLP 20 000/US$26 one way, CLP 30 000/US$39 return.

Renting a car – at the airport in Punta Arenas from US$30 per day, depending on a car and rental period.

Entrance fee – CLP 21 000/US$27 in season, off-season (May – September) – CLP 11 000/US$17. The ticket is valid for 3 days during which you can enter and exit the park several times. There is no extra charge for a car.

Accommodation – hotels inside the park start at US$250 for a double room, depending on the location and facilities. It’s cheaper to stay outside the park or in Puerto Natales. In nearby hotels, you can find a dorm bed  – from US$50 and private double rooms from US$120. In Puerto Natales hostels are from US$20 and rooms from US$40. 

Food – eating in hotel restaurants (inside the park) – between CLP 11 000/US$17 and CLP 16 000/US$25 per meal. Some hotels have packages that include three meals and stay.

Tours in Torres del Paine – boat trip Hotel Lago Grey to Grey glacier – from CLP 70 000/US$107 pp.; ice hike on Grey glacier – CLP 125 000/US$200 pp.; kayaking to Grey glacier – CLP 85 000/US$128 pp. for a 2,5-hour tour. Horse riding tour – CLP 50 000/US$75 pp. for a 3-hour tour.  

* You can check up-to-date currency conversion here.

Practical information for hiking in Torres del Paine

The entrance ticket for Torres del Paine is valid for 3 consecutive days. Remember every time you exit the park ask at the gate to stamp your ticket. After 3 days you have to pay the entrance fee again and buy a new ticket.

Park entrance fees can be paid only in local currency (Chilean Peso) and only cash.

In high season – December – February it’s recommended to book hotels a long time beforehand as they might be often fully booked.

If you’re planning to stay for several days in the park, print your booking confirmation and take your passport with you to show them at the entrance.  

If you’re planning to visit different parts of the park – the best way to move around is to rent a car. There is a public bus that goes to Torres del Paine from Puerto Natales but it stops only at three main park entrances, to get to some hotels and hiking trails you’ll need another transportation.

Drinking water can be found throughout the park; several creeks, rivers, and waterfalls, it’s said to be good quality but if you have a sensitive stomach rather bring a UV filter or A LifeStraw bottle.  

In December and January, it can get very windy in the park make sure you have the right clothing; a windproof jacket, beanie, sunglasses, etc.

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