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 – several parts of these 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.
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 18 000/US$28 one way, CLP 28 000/US$42 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$32 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 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 trail 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 UV filter or lifestraw.
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.
Information on multi-day trekking routes in Torres del Paine you can find in our posts W trek guide and O circuit guide.
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 the 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
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.
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.
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.
Hotels inside Torres del Paine
Hotel Explora Patagonia – this is not a budget option at all, but a great place for a romantic stay in one of the most beautiful corners of the park – Pehoé lake, right at Salto Chico waterfall. Only all-inclusive packages are available, they include; accommodation, three meals a day with drinks for dinner, park entrance fee and a choice of 40 activities from a horse riding to a boat trip. It’s a 5-star resort inside Torres del Paine National park – you stay here will be unforgettable.
Hotel Lago Grey – another luxury stay in the park. Perfectly located at Lago Grey great place to explore the lake, Grey glacier and do some off the beaten track hikes that start right behind the hotel. This part of the park is less busy and touristy none of the multi-day hiking route goes through this area. You can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the surrounding area, take a boat trip to the glacier or maybe even go on an ice hiking adventure. All the rooms are big with nice views over the lake or forest, comfortable and nicely decorated. Excellent continental breakfast is included.
Hotel Las Torres – a beautifully located hotel offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms in the heart of Torres del Paine. The location is perfect to explore the eastern part of the park. Rooms are spacious with big comfortable beds, beautiful views, private bathroom with bathtub and shower, continental breakfast included in the price. There is a beauty treatment with a spa and sauna for guests’ use.
The following hotels inside Torres del Paine can be booked only through their websites, reservation through other booking systems is not available.
Hotels outside the park
Goiien House – another budget place to stay, located very close to Laguna Amarga entrance offers bunk beds in dormitory rooms with a shared bathroom. A very basic place for its price but the most budget option in such proximity to the park. Good location if you want to explore the eastern part of Torres del Paine.
Most nearby accommodation options can be found in a small village Villa Serrano, south of Torres del Paine, close to the Administration park entrance.
Konkashken Lodge – probably the most budget option to stay near Torres del Paine this place offers cabins and family cottages with private bathroom, located in beautiful surroundings, only 3 km away from the Administration entrance. There is a dormitory room with shared facilities for a more budget stay.
Vista al Paine Refugio de Aventura – the second budget place to stay just south of Torres del Paine, close to the Administration entrance. There are double rooms with private and shared bathrooms as well as bunk beds in dormitories. Good location, nice views, very helpful and friendly staff.
Hotel del Paine – a bit more expensive than two previous places offers double and triple rooms with private bathroom, nice, comfortable and cozy place. Beautiful views from the hotel, buffet breakfast is included. There is a small inside pool for guest. Very helpful staff.
Pampa Lodge Quincho & Caballos – Amazing luxury place to stay. It offers spacious double rooms with big windows overlooking the mountains. All rooms have a private bathroom, free toiletries, heating, a big comfortable bed, a beautiful view etc. Big continental breakfast is included. It’s a great place to relax after an intensive hiking day.
Río Serrano Hotel & Spa – another great higher end place to stay just outside Torres del Paine, 15 min. drive to the Administration entrance. This hotel offers both an all-inclusive stay and basic room+breakfast. The panoramic view on the Paine massive from the pool is stunning – what can be better relaxing in a spa after a long hiking day.
Hotels in Puerto Natales
For budget accommodation – Refugio Hoshken is a good option. They have dormitories and double rooms with a shared bathroom. A nice, clean and very social place, great for solo travelers. The hostel features wi-fi, hot shower, shared kitchen, heating, garden. laundry service etc. Breakfast included.
Hostal Treehouse Patagonia – super nice and cozy place in middle price range, they have double rooms and dorm beds. The dormitory has only 4 beds if you’re a family or a group of friends you can have the whole room for yourself. Very comfortable place with good facilities; hot shower, heater, wi-fi, fully equipped kitchen, located in the center. The kitchen here is awesome; wood stove, wooden furniture and all you need for cooking. Continental breakfast is included in the room price.
What can be better than checking into a cozy room after a week of hiking and camping in the wild!? If you’re not on a very tight budget Toore Patagonia is a great place to consider their bungalows look very inviting and have good facilities; private bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, wi-fi, big bed, heating, etc. The outside garden with BBQ is a great place to relax and celebrate the end of the trek with wine.
What to pack for trekking
You can find a complete packing list including clothes and gear recommendations in this post. ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
How to get to Torres del Paine
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 15 000/US$23 return.
You can get back from Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales the same way.
To get from Pudeto to Refugio Paine Grande take a catamaran (ferry). It takes 30 min. to get to Paine Grande. Price CLP 18 000/US$28 one way, CLP 28 000/US$42 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 park entrance and register at Pudeto.
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.
Day hikes in Torres del Paine National park
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.
Eastern part trails
This part of the park has both; off the beaten path trail 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.
1. 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
2. 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 at early morning time 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
3. 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
4. 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
5-6. Lago Nordenskjold
A nice walk with a beautiful view over Nordenskjold lake, a part of multi-day hiking routes 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, walk in 5 km enjoy beautiful lake scenery, turn around and walk back to the hotel – about 10 km in total.
- 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
7. 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.
- 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.
8. 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 of 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 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.
Southern part trails
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.
9. Mirador Condor
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
10. 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
11. 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
12. 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
13. Lago Grey
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
14. 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 on a 3-hour journey across Grey Lake and the Pingo River? Get spectacular views of the peaks of the Cuernos del Paine during lunch. The total duration of activity is 10hours, for details and booking Check 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
15. 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 descend back to the road.
16. 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 of 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
17. Mirador Zapata
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.
Western part trails
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.
18. 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
19. 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
20. Mirador Francés
A long walk first to Campamento Italiano and from there steep ascend to the viewpoint. The first half of the walk is along the beautiful Skottsberg lake, second half past smallish lakes. There are some ascends and descends on the way to Italiano but not very steep, last hour is a steep uphill walk. Take food or snacks with there will be nothing on the way.
This route can be completed as a day hiking tour from Puerto Natales.
- Distance – 20 km, return
- Required time – 6 hours
- Closest hotel – Refugio Paine Grande
- Starting/finishing point – Refugio Paine Grande
- Accessibility – by boat
- Difficulty – moderate, steep ascend to the Mirador and steep descend back.
21. Mirador Británico
This is a very challenging hike with a long a steep ascent to the viewpoint, recommended for fit and strong hikers. It makes sense to walk all the way up only in good weather if it’s overcast go up to Mirador Francés and return back you won’t be able to see anything from Británico anyway. On a good day, the view from the top is stunning – it’s considered one of the best viewpoints in this part of the park. Take food with there is nowhere to buy or get anything on the way – campsite Italiano is a free camping spot with basic facilities, no shop or restaurant there. You’ll be able to get water on the way, we’d suggest filling your bottles at Italiano before you start the climb.
- Distance – 26 km, return
- Required time – 8 hours
- Closest hotel – Refugio Paine Grande
- Starting/finishing point – Refugio Paine Grande
- Accessibility – by boat
- Difficulty – difficult, steep and long ascend to Mirador Británico and steep descent back.
22. Mirador Grey
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.
- 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
23. 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.
It’s possible to do Grey glacier viewpoint hike as a day tour from Puerto Natales.
- Distance – 5 km, return
- Required time – 2 hours
- Closest hotel – Refugio Grey
- Starting/finishing point – Refugio Grey
- Accessibility – by boat
- Difficulty – moderate
24. 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.
25. Glacier Grey ice hiking
It’s an unforgettable experience and 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
Recommended books and guidebooks
In the last couple of years, there were many changes in Patagonia (new National parks etc.) make sure to buy an updated guide book.
- Lonely Planet Chile and Easter Island, Travel Guide, Kindle, and paperback.
- Lonely Planet Argentina, Travel Guide. Kindle and paperback.
- Classic Hikes of the World; 23 Breathtaking treks by Peter Potterfield. To get some inspiration for future adventures. Hardcover.
- Patagonia on a budget by Matthew Morgante. How to travel Patagonia on US$30 a day, Kindle.
- Walking Patagonia by Caspian Ray. It’s more of a fiction story rather than a hiking guide.
Related posts
- Hitchhiking Carretera Austral
- El Chalten trekking guide
- Perito Moreno glacier – backpacker’s guide
- Best things to do in the Atacama desert
- Losing backpack in Patagonia
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Hey guys, really helpful guide! The thing we are stuck on is working out where the different campsites are in relation to the day hikes. Can you recommend a good camp site that gives good access to some great day hikes? Either 2 nights at one, or 1 night at one and 1 night at another. TIA!
Hello!!
I felt obligated to write you a quick note that I found your blog post THE MOST helpful of all other resources I referenced! My best friend and I are planning our quickly approaching Buenos Aires/Torres vacation. I even bought and read the “Trekking TDP” book and your post was better. Thank you so much for this.
-J
Hello, Jenifer! Thank you very much for the comment! We’re glad you’ve found our post helpful! If you have any questions we’ll be happy to answer them.
Safe travels and enjoy Torres!
Hello! Amazing post! Thank you for having collected all this pieces of information!
I’m going to travel around Chile and Argentina in november/december. Unluckily we won’t have time to hike the O or the W circuits, but we’d still like to spend a couple of days in the park. We think we’ll rent a car in Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas and then spend two whole days in the park, staying in some lodge or camping site overnight. I’d like to know which trails you would suggest having only 48 hours time.
Thank you very much!
Hello, Sibilla! Thank you for the comment! I’d suggest you try to see two main highlights of Torres del Pane Las Torres and Grey glacier. You can stay for a night at Torre Central there is a campsite and cabins there you can drive all the way. The next day you can drive to Pudeto and take a ferry to Paine Grande (in season from November to March the first ferry leaves at 9am) where you can stay in a cabin or camping. You’ll have to park your car in Pudeto the ferry is only for passengers you won’t need it anyway in that part of the park there are only walking trails. From Paine Grande, you can walk to Grey Glacier and Lago Skottsberg viewpoints. The next day you can catch a ferry back to Pudeto and drive to Puerto Natales.
Safe travels and enjoy Patagonia!
Thanks for putting this together guys — it’s super helpful ?. We are planning to visit the Torres this September !!
Hello, Sid! Thank you for the comment! Enjoy Torres del Paine!
Hey , thanks for taking the time to write all this up. I’ll be going the trek on my own in November so this is very helpful 🙂 i read that the o trek is only open mid November but can’t find any exact dates. Both campsite sites are open for bookings now so assuming this means o can be done from when the sites are available for booking? Concaf site yet is the only one not available yet
Hello, John! Sorry it took long to reply we’re currently trekking in Portugal and don’t always have wi-fi. On of the reasons the O circuit closes is because the campsites on the route close for off season if the campsites are opened for booking I believe the route will be opened as well. According to the last year information the O trek was closed till the end of September it was definitely opened in November.
Good luck in your planning!
Your suspension bridges hike starts and ends at Refugio Gray. Can I take an early boat from Hotel Lago Gray, disembark at Refugio Gray, hike to the bridges and back to Refugio Gray and then take a later boat back to Hotel Lago Gray all in a day?
Hello, Andy! You can return the same day to Hotel Lago Grey, I would recommend to confirm timetable of the last boat from Refugio Grey to Lago Grey when you buy your ticket.
Cheers!
What an incredibly helpful site/post. Thanks for all of your efforts!
Hello, Todd! Thank you for the feedback! We’re glad our post was helpful!
Safe travels!
Amazing post! We are going to TdP in 3 weeks so this was way morre than just helpful! Thank you SO MUCH, you’ve made our planning A LOT easier ????
Hello, Tonka! Thank you very much for the feedback! I’g glad the post was helpful for you!
Enjoy Torres del Paine, it’s an amazing place!
Thank you so much for this helpful post! Some of this information was very hard to find and this post is incredibly well structured and your photos are amazing! I think I just found my new favourite travel blog 🙂
Hello, Caroline! Thank you very much for the comment! It’s great to know that our blog is helpful for other travelers!
Safe travel and enjoy the Torres!
We intend visiting Torres del Paine in January 2019 and would appreciate a map and current one and two day hikes in the region.