pudeto catamaran times

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Torres del Paine Catamaran Ferry

Pudeto to paine grande to pudeto.

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Where Does the Catamaran Operate from?

The Torres del Paine catamaran ferry service operates between the Pudeto Jetty, which is more or less in the heart of the Park, beside Pehoe Lake; and Refugio Paine Grande. However, this is NOT the catamaran that operates to see Glacier Grey – so do not be confused by this. THAT catamaran departs from Hotel Grey, way over in the western arm of the Park.

This Torres del Paine catamaran ferry service is used by people who wish to get to, or come back from, the French Valley; and those who may be coming from or going to Refugio Grey.

It is NOT POSSIBLE to make reservations. Passengers must turn up, line up and wait to board.

Length of the Crossing

From departing one end to arriving at the other side, crossing Pehoe Lake, the journey takes 25 minutes. From those waiting at the Pudeto end, there is a small cafeteria where you can buy hot drinks and snacks, as well as some public WC’s.

At the Refugio Paine Grande end, there is the restaurant in the refugio that serves snacks and drinks and, of course, public rest rooms are there too.

Information on Payment and Departure Times

It should be noted that payment for the Torres del Paine catamaran ferry service is required on board, in cash in local Chilean pesos, but during high season they often accept other HARD currencies, for example USD and the Euro. However, if ExperienceChile.Org is handling your travel itinerary WE CAN arrange tickets in advance – but these will not guarantee you space on a specific departure, you will STILL NEED to show up early and wait in line.

Season 2023- 2024 the charge is USD40 or Ch$30.000 approx. PER PERSON, EACH WAY (price given in good faith, but may change from time of publication)

Torres del Paine Catamaran Ferry 

Departure time schedule is further below.

Scheduling of the Torres del Paine catamaran ferry service is set at specific times, however, as this is a monopoly service, the owners can, at will, change the frequency of these departures to suit the economic reality associated with income derived from each sailing. In other words, if it looks to them like there will not be much demand in a particular day, they may well cancel a sailing.

Naturally, this does not help when it comes to planning travel itineraries, but it can happen, although not often.

Climate and Weather

Another influence on departure times is the state of the weather. If there is considerable wind the service can be suspended.

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> Destinations > Torres del Paine National Park, Chile > Catamaran Service

Catamaran Service

Torres del paine arrivals and transfers.

Torres del Paine is quite simply one of the most amazing geographical wonders of the world. The Park is set in an area of incredible outstanding natural beauty in the heart of Patagonia. It is also a main trekking destination, home to the iconic Torres del Paine W Trek and Circuit trek trails, as well as the stunning Grey Glacier, waterfalls, rivers and lakes.

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Torres del Paine Catamaran Service

Operated Between Pudeto Jetty and Refugio Paine Grande Across Pehoe Lake

This service is subject to local weather conditions and can be delayed or cancelled. Most importantly, reservations are NOT taken in advance. Therefore, you need to organise your crossing directly at Pudeto or Refugio Paine Grande, for the 25-minute navigation.

You need to pay in cash in Chilean Pesos even though prices below are shown in USD, but in high season they accept other currencies too (established hard currencies like Euro and USD).

Prices - Season 2020 - 2021

The one-way fare is approx USD35 per person

Catamaran is operated by

Hielos Patagonias Tel: (+56) - (61) - 241 - 133 - Arrieros 1517 Puerto Natales

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• Feb 21, 2023

How to get to Torres del Paine National Park from Puerto Natales

Updated: Jun 9, 2023

So you have decided that hiking in the Torres del Paine National Park is for, what a great decision, you won't regret it!

Whether you are doing day-hikes or embarking on one of the more challenging multi day hikes (O Circuit or W Trek) one question you are going to need to answer is...

How do I get from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park?

The first question you should be asking though is where am I starting my hike? The welcome centre (Central campsite) or Paine Grande? Both the O Circuit & the W Trek can be started from both locations. We recommend starting the O Circuit at the welcome centre & the W Trek at Paine Grande, so that you finish on a high seeing the iconic Towers.

Table of contents

1 - booking your bus ticket for torres del paine, 2 - how do i get from puerto natales to torres del paine national park.

2.1 - How to get from Puerto Natales to the welcome centre (Central campsite)

2.1.1 - Bus from Puerto Natales to Laguna Armarga

2.1.2 - laguna armaga to welcome centre.

2.2 - How to get from Puerto Natales to Paine Grande

2.2.1 - Bus from Puerto Natales to Pudeto

2.2.2 - catamaran from pudeto to paine grande, 3 - how do i get from torres del paine national park to puerto natales, 3.1 - how do i get from paine grande to puerto natales, 3.1.1 - catamaran from paine grande to pudeto.

3 .1.2 - Bus from Pudeto to Puerto Natales

3.2 - How to get from Torres del Paine welcome centre (Central) to Puerto Natales?

3.2.1 - welcome centre to laguna armarga, 3.2.2 - bus from laguna armarga to puerto natales.

The bus company that covers the journey from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park is Bus-Sur. Their schedule starts at 6:45am & they run several buses first thing in the morning, between 6:45am-7:15am. They do offer a midday bus & even a 2:30pm bus, however if you take these you will end up getting to camp very late. The bus currently costs $10,000 CLP (£10/$12.50) each way & you will want to book your bus in & out of the park before entering as you may struggle to get a bus back to Puerto Natales after your trek.

You can either book your tickets on Bus-Sur website or go into the office in the centre of Puerto Natales. If you book a return journey the cost will be $18,000CLP rather than $20,000CLP.

2.1 - How to get from Puerto Natales to the welcome centre (Central campsite) - via Laguna Armarga

Getting from Puerta Natales to the Torres del Paine starts with making your way to the Terminal Rodoviario (Estación de Autobuses) which is located at Av. España & Avenida Santiago Bueras (not the BusSur office in the middle of Puerto Natales).

The journey from Puerto Natales to Laguna Armarga takes around 2 hours so you should arrive there at around 9am as long as you are on the early bus.

Bus times are 7am, 12pm & 2:30pm (you will find multiple departures as popular times of day in peak season e.g. In addition to the 7am bus there will likely be a 6:45am & 7:15am to cater for all the trekkers).

Getting from Laguna Armarga to the welcome centre you have a few options;

Hitchhike: but you may be waiting a while.

Walk: it's a bit of a boring 7km walk up the road. Do you really want to carry your pack when it's at it's heaviest along a road?

Shuttle bus: this is what most people do & what we recommend. It is not necessary (or possible) to pre book. The shuttle costs $3,000 CLP (£3/$3.75) & takes about 15 mins.

The above journey is for those who are doing the traditional O Circuit (starting at welcome centre), W Trek - east to west, or doing The Towers day-hike.

2.2 - How to get from Puerto Natales to Paine Grande (via Pudeto)

It is best to get on the earliest bus possible from Puerto Natales to the national park. As above the buses leave from Terminal Rodoviario (Estación de Autobuses) which is located at Av. España & Avenida Santiago Bueras.

The journey from Puerto Natales to Pudeto (catamaran dock) takes around 3 hours. Therefore you will arrive (as long as you get on one of the first buses of the day) at around 10am.

Upon arriving at Pudeto it's time to jump on the catamaran.

The catamaran is run by Hielos Patagonicos , journey time is 30 minutes, it costs $25,000CLP (£25/$30) (each way) & must be paid in cash. It is not possible to book the catamaran in advance, however they do guarantee (weather permitting) that everyone will be transported, if one catamaran in full at a scheduled time a second will be chartered.

The crossing times are as follows;

The above journey is for those who are doing the alternative O Circuit (starting at Paine Grande), W Trek - west to east, or doing the Grey Glacier or mirador Britanico day-hike.

Your journey departure point will be depend on where your trek ends.

As above, the catamaran is run by Hielos Patagonicos , journey time is 30 minutes, it costs $25,000CLP (£25/$30) (each way) & must be paid in cash. It is not possible to book the catamaran in advance however they do guarantee (weather permitting) that everyone will be transported, if one catamaran in full at a scheduled time a second will be chartered.

3.1.2 - Bus from Pudeto to Puerto Natales

The bus is operated by Bus-Sur & we would strongly recommend booking your bus out of the park before entering to avoid sitting around waiting for a space on the bus or having to hitchhike.

The bus journey from Pudeto to Puerto Natales takes 3 hours & costs $10,000CLP (£10/$12.50). As above, $18,000CLP if return journey is booked at one time.

The schedule for the buses from Pudeto to Puerto Natales

As above you have 3 options for this, hitchhike, walk 7km or jump on the shuttle which takes about 15 mins & costs $3,000(£3/$3.75). You've just done a big hike, treat yourself to the shuttle!!

The shuttle runs in accordance with the bus schedule, therefore if there is a bus running from Laguna Armarga.... there will be a shuttle to jump on to get there.

As above, the bus is operated by BusSur & we would strongly recommend booking your bus out of the park before entering to avoid sitting around waiting for a space on the bus or having to hitchhike.

The bus journey from Laguna Armarga to Puerto Natales takes 2 hours & costs $10,000CLP (£10/$12.50). As above, $18,000CLP if return journey is booked at one time.

Bus schedule/prices information from BusSur website & catamaran from Hipsur .

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Destinations

Trekking type, how to get to torres del paine in patagonia for w-trek and o-trek, by sierd van der bij.

You want to do the W-Trek or the O-Trek in Torres del Paine National Park, but the whole transport situation seems a bit overwhelming. Is it though? We get a lot of similar questions about flights, buses, and catamarans and therefore decided to wrap it all together in a blog post. Vamos!

Where is Torres del Paine National Park?

How to get to torres del paine by air, how to get to puerto natales by bus, map with bus routes torres del paine, approximate bus times, bus from argentina to torres del paine, how to get to torres del paine from puerto natales, catamaran from pudeto to refugio paine grande, return to puerto natales after catamaran crossing, where can i book my walking holiday in chile.

Torres del Paine National Park is located in Chilean Patagonia . It was established in 1595 and it attracts as much as 250.000 visitors a year. These visitors mainly make find their way there through the small town of Puerto Natales, about 2 hours south of the Torres del Paine. Puerto Natales is about 3 hours from Punto Arenas, the closest airport.

Self Guided W-Trek (Camping)

You can get to Punta Arenas (IATA code PUQ), the nearest commercial airport to the gates of Torres del Paine, from Santiago de Chile. There are several daily flights that take 3.5 to 4 hours. The most frequent flights are offered by LATAM and Sky Airline . If you come from Argentina, you will not be able to catch a direct flight to Punta Arenas. From Buenos Aires, it is best to fly to El Calafate and from here move on via bus to Puerto Natales. However, if you by any chance have to possibility to find your way to Torres del Paine via the Chilean way, then this is recommended. The border crossing between Argentina and Chile can suck up a lot of time and money. You can also fly straight to Puerto Natales, but as the number flights are limited, this is not a very common way of travel.

The best way to get to Torres del Paine is by bus. In recent years bus transportation has come a long way and buses are comfortable. The views underway are a great warming-up for what you are about to see once you have arrived for your trekking. Coming from Punta Arenas you can easily take a bus to Puerto Natales. Easy, because this is the route most people take on their way to Torres del Paine. You can take either Bus-Sur or Buses Fernandez. Expect to pay an amount of 7.000 to 8.000 pesos (12 USD) for a one-way ticket.

Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales

8:00, 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:30, 16:00, 17:00, 18:30, 19:15, 20:00, 21:00

Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas

7:00, 7:15, 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:30, 17:00, 18:30, 19:15, 20:00, 21:00

Your trekking company assists you with the arrangements of your bus tickets. As availability always plays a role, it is recommended to take care of this well in advance of your travels.

You can also catch a bus from El Calafate. Depending on how easy it will be to cross the border, this journey can take up to 5 hours. As buses leave early in the morning, you will need to spend the night in El Calafate.

Regardless of whether you have booked a guided or a self-guided O-Trek or W-Trek tour via Bookatrekking.com, it will include a transfer from Puerto Natales to the starting point of your trek. Hence, you do not need to organize any transport from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine. If you have not booked a tour via Bookatrekking.com, you can explore the different options that Buses Fernandez and Bus Sur offer. Alternatively, you can organize a private transfer. This is, however, usually a costly matter. It is recommended to book a tour that has a transfer included.

Most trekking itineraries, both guided and self-guided, for Torres del Paine include an exciting boat ride by a catamaran crossing Lake Pehoe. If it is included, the fare will be taken care of. If you have not booked a tour which includes transportation, expect to pay about 40 USD for a ticket. Mind that this needs to be paid in Chilean Pesos. The crossing takes about 25 minutes and has by default the following departure time:

From Pudeto

01-09 to 31-10 11:00 18:00

01-11 to 30-11 09:00 11:00 18:00

01-12 to 28-02 09:00 11:00 14:00 16:15 18:00

01-03 to 31-03 09:00 11:00 16:15 18:00

01-04 to 30-04 11:00 18:00

01-05 to 31-08 12:00

From Paine Grande

01-09 to 31-10 11:35 18:35

01-11 to 30-11 09:35 11:35 18:035

01-12 to 28-02 09:35 11:35 14:35 17:00 18:35

01-03 to 31-03 09:35 11:35 17:00 18:35

01-04 to 30-04 11:35 18:35

01-05 to 31-08 12:35

Presuming you are enjoying the catamaran at the end of your trek, you will need to calculate some time for your bus back to Puerto Natales. That is, if you have not booked your tour through a trekking company listed on Bookatrekking.com. In Pudeto you can catch a bus back to Puerto Natales. Regardless of what catamaran and the time you arrive in Pudeto, there will be a means of transport to help you back on your way to Puerto Natales Buses Maria Jose is a good option for the traveler without a pre-booked itinerary. If you have booked your W-Trek or O-Trek through Bookatrekking.com, you can rest assured that you have tickets for the bus from Pudeto to Puerto Natales. Do you have any more questions about transportation in Torres del Paine in Chilean Patagonia? Do not hesitate to get in touch with us! Here you can have a look at our offers for Patagonia .

At Bookatrekking.com you can book many treks in Chile. We take care of all the details for you, give you personal trekking advice and give you the best service possible. Find all our offers for Chile here . Our easy-to-use platform allows you to browse and compare different trekking options and find the perfect fit for your interests, abilities, and budget.

If you have any questions about a specific trek or need help choosing the right one for you, our team of Trekking Experts is here to assist you. Simply reach out to us and we will be happy to provide you with personalized recommendations and advice to help you plan the trekking adventure of a lifetime.

Is a walking holiday in Chile not your cup of tea and are you looking for other epic adventures? Check out one of our following blog posts:

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Sunset Obsession

Love photography. Travel the world. Capture the moments.

Best of Torres del Paine – The Amazing French Valley Hike

Chile , General Photogaphy , Patagonia , South America , Sunset Obsession Blog / Last modified on March 6, 2021 by Alex / 4 Comments

Torres del Paine is without a doubt one of the most recognizable and admired destinations in Patagonia. It is also undeniably among Patagonia’s best landscape photography locations . With its iconic peaks, world-famous hikes, and stunning views, there is a lot to explore and photograph. However, one place that really impressed me in Torres del Paine is the French Valley hike. Heading deep into the national park, it is definitely a long and demanding trail. But those up for the challenge will be rewarded with some of the most remarkable vistas in Torres del Paine.

Valle Frances (the French Valley) is a beautiful valley located on the southern side of the  Cordillera Paine  mountain group. The vale splits the range in between the peak of Cerro Paine Grande to the west and the Cuernos to the east. The hike through the French Valley is part of the famous Patagonian multi-day trail W-Trek. Most people would normally attempt it on their third day into the W-Trek.

The route takes you through the beautiful forests and mountains, terminating at Mirador Británico – its highest viewpoint. The viewpoint signifies both the end of the valley and the middle tip of the W-letter the W-Trek is named after. The visitors then retrace their steps to camping Italiano and continue to either Paine Grande or camping Frances, depending on the direction they do the W-Trek.

French Valley As a Day Hike

Fortunately, the French Valley can also be explored as a standalone day trip from Torres del Paine or Puerto Natales. This is a perfect option for anyone interested in landscape photography or seeing more of the park but not too keen on completing the W-Trek. The logistics become a little more involved, however.

As a first step, you will have to get to the Pudeto Station within the national park. You can do so by bus (it is a frequent stop for various lines) or, if you have a car, simply drive there. From Pudeto, a boat will take you across Lake Pehoe to the Paine Grande station where the hike begins. From here, you need to make your way to camping Italiano and then further into the French Valley. After completing the climb, you return the same way and catch the catamaran back.

This makes the journey significantly longer compared to when doing it as part of the W-Trek. Mirador Británico is 13 kilometers from Paine Grande. With a return hike, you are looking at a whopping 26 km distance to cover in a single day. And because you want to make it to the last boat, you are on the clock too.

Planning Your Trip

At the moment of writing, all the necessary schedules can be found  here . The earliest bus to Torres del Paine leaves Puerto Natales at 7 am, arriving in Pudeto around 10:30. If you go with an 11 am catamaran, you should start the hike at approximately 11:30. With the last boat departing from Paine Grande at 6.35 pm, that leaves you about 7.5 hours to complete the French Valley hike.

If you have a car, you can save some time by taking the 9 am catamaran instead. This brings you to the trail by 9:30, allowing you to do it in a much more relaxed manner. You have a long hike ahead of you, so those two extra hours will surely come in handy. Even so, making it all the way to Mirador Británico and back will be a tough undertaking.

That is why most visitors coming for a day trip only venture as far as the viewpoint Valle del Francés (9.5 kilometers from Paine Grande). This is deep enough into the valley to see most of its highlights and capture some marvelous views. Meanwhile, 19 km is a more reasonable distance than 26 km. You can take lots of photos and actually enjoy the experience rather than just rush to the destination. Unless you are an experienced and fast hiker, this is what I would suggest aiming for.

Sunset Obsession Photography Guide to Patagonia

In my Landscape Photography guide to Patagonia , I have included an entire section devoted entirely to French Valley. There, I go into subtle details about each and every shot and photo location along the route. You will get tons of useful information and examples to help you plan the trip more efficiently.

Pudeto Catamaran

Annoyingly, it is not possible to purchase or reserve the tickets for Pudeto Catamaran in advance. You can only do so aboard. It is a relatively large ship, and there is usually enough room for everyone. But, just to be on the safe side, I suggest arriving slightly in advance.

The boat ticket costs 23,000 pesos (approximately $32) per person one way. A pure robbery, if you ask me. Throw in the bus ticket or hotel transfer, and seeing French Valley starts to feel a little pricy. Not much to do about that, unfortunately. The only consolation I can offer is that it is still cheaper than the organized tours. Those follow the exact same route but charge two or three times more.

The tickets are sold during the sail at a small counter in the lower deck. I suggest buying them early on. Surely do not wait until the end of the journey, thinking you can slip off the boat unnoticed. You will have to show the ticket to disembark. When those who hoped for a free-ride realize it, they rush to the counter, forming a huge line. You don’t want to get stuck in it, losing precious minutes. Just bite the bullet, purchase the pass and enjoy the rest of the ride. Important: you can only pay with cash! Make sure you have enough of it to avoid getting into a rather awkward situation.

The cruise across lake Pehoe lasts less than 30 minutes, and the landscapes are fabulous throughout. As the ship hits the open waters, you will be treated to a lovely view of the Cuernos peaks. It is a gorgeous sight indeed and the first sign of the things yet to come.

Paine Grande to Camping Italiano

The French Valley day hike can be largely divided into two distinct sections. The first one is from the Paine Grande station to Camping Italiano . The second – from there to Mirador Valle del Francés (or Mirador Británico if that’s your target).

The initial stretch is the longer but also easier of the two. At 7.6 km long, it is mostly flat with only 155 vertical meters. There are a couple of minor inclines that shouldn’t be an issue for most people. The path takes you through breathtaking Patagonian landscapes towards lake Skottsberg. After passing a haunted-looking forest of dead trees, you begin a moderate ascent towards camping Italiano.

There are both muddy and rocky sections, but mostly the trail is easy to follow. You can almost think of it as a leisurely stroll through the charming Patagonian wilderness. There are plenty of opportunities for landscape photography, especially if you are lucky with the weather. Then again, it is Patagonia, and the sun can change to rain in a matter of minutes. So you will likely be able to take photos in a variety of different conditions.

Italiano is a very basic campsite with the bare minimum of amenities. It is not recommended or equipped for an overnight stay and thus cannot even be officially reserved. Some folks still camp there, but for most, it is merely a place to catch some breath and leave the heavy backpacks while hiking the French Valley.

The French Valley

From here on, the path gets steeper and more difficult. Over the remaining 1.9 km, you will gain another 160 m in elevation. The terrain becomes rocky and uneven, making it harder to negotiate. Good hiking boots and stamina are definitely advisable.

Officially, Torres del Paine authorities estimate close to 1.5 hours to climb to the viewpoint. We did it somewhat faster, but it’s a good target to have in mind. Also, the route through the French Valley officially closes at 3 pm. That shouldn’t generally be a problem, but if you are a photographer hoping for a sunset shot, that’s something to consider.

Difficulty-wise, I believe this section is still very doable for almost anybody who is reasonably fit and agile. For some reference, it is far less demanding than the neighboring hike to Base las Torres or Fitz Roy in Argentina. That said, for older people, it may turn out quite challenging. Personally, I wouldn’t call it strenuous, but you have to understand your own abilities and decide for yourself.

What I can say for certain is that the views are absolutely striking. As you get deeper into French Valley, you will witness all sorts of stunning landscapes. There are waterfalls, there are glaciers and mountains, but above all, there are incredible panoramas of both Cuernos and the hills and lakes of Torres del Paine to the south.

I sincerely hope that as you reach Mirador Valle del Francés you still have a bit of time left. Because honestly, this is not a view to glance over and rush back. Have a seat and allow yourself to enjoy and admire it the way it undoubtedly deserves.

A Hike to Remember

Our adventure started at 9am in Pudeto, and by 5.50pm, we were back at Paine Grande, exhausted, but happy. We made it to the Valle del Francés viewpoint and took plenty of pictures. With 45 minutes remaining until the last departure, we even had enough time to sip a beer in the station cafe to celebrate our achievement. And I hope you will too.

It is no accident that many consider the French Valley their favorite part of the W-Trek. It is truly a kaleidoscope of extraordinary Patagonian views, incredible nature, and endless photo opportunities. Whether you are a landscape photographer or a more casual explorer, French Valley is an area I think you need to see with your own eyes. Believe me, you will not regret it.

Below, I include a shortlist of the most important things to know about the French Valley. Other than that, I hope you enjoyed the article. If you are a passionate photographer interested in photo locations around Patagonia, be sure to check out my guide . In it, I give various tips and advice for landscape photography in this wonderful region.

I also have other articles about Patagonia that you might find useful and even a YouTube series about the region. One of the videos there is specifically about the French Valley. Other than that, come and say “Hi” on Instagram or Facebook , and I hope to see you again soon!

French Valley Day Hike Packing List

Here is a quick list of the things to remember when venturing into the French Valley:

• Total distance: 19-26 km, depending on how far you go.
• Total time required: 7-9 hours of walking plus commute
• Difficulty: moderate to demanding.
• Clothes: wear layers. The weather in Patagonia can change rapidly. I recommend a rain jacket and waterproof pants. Even when it’s sunny, light rain is very likely in Torres del Paine at some point.
• Shoes: comfortable shoes are a must. Don’t put on new boots, wear something you fully trust.
• Other items to consider: sunscreen and sunglasses, a hat, (optional) hiking poles, cash for the boat tickets and snacks at the Paine Grande cafe
• Provisions: bring food and some water. Don’t pack a ton of water – spring water in Patagonia is perfectly drinkable, and you will have plenty of opportunities to refill.
• For landscape photographers – pack a camera and an all-around versatile zoom such as 24-105. It’s a long hike, so try to not bring additional lenses. Same with the tripod. The only thing you might want it for is the occasional water streams. Personally, I wouldn’t carry extra weight just for those.
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Reader Interactions

December 9, 2022 at 23:27

I have read a bunch of posts, and seen videos, yours seems to be most informative thank you for sharing. I have more confidence moving forward with my daytrips and goals

December 10, 2022 at 06:41

Glad you liked it! Enjoy your trip to Patagonia, it’s lovely 🙂

January 13, 2023 at 15:22

Thanks for the tips!!!

November 10, 2023 at 22:45

Great video and very helpful! Overall fitness is not an issue, but I had a knee injury last month and am trying to determine if this is something I will be able to do in another month. Thank you!

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Hiking the W Trek East to West in Torres del Paine National Park

Julia December 26, 2020 Chile 15 Comments

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ve probably dreamed of trekking in Torres del Paine National Park. I know I had. Due to the amount of planning and preparation it took to book everything, it took me a couple of years to make it happen. But let’s make it less painful for you. Here’s everything you need to know for hiking the W Trek east to west in Torres del Paine National Park.

Disclosure:  Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Table of Contents

About Torres del Paine National Park

Located in southern Chile in the Patagonia region, Torres del Paine National Park is best known for its soaring jagged mountain peaks, bright blue glacial fed lakes, and a quantity of glaciers and icebergs. In fact, it was rated as the fifth most beautiful place in the world by National Geographic in 2013 and the 8th Wonder of the World by TripAdvisor in 2017.

Visiting Torres del Paine should be on every outdoor adventurer’s bucket list. It is stunning. Unfortunately though, it is one trip that can be incredibly difficult to plan. The lack of information combined with the difficulty of booking campsites are real deterrents. But, if Torres del Paine is worth it to you – stalk the campsites and make it happen! There’s a whole section below on that to help guide you through it, step by step.

View a map of Torres del Paine National Park.

The Best Time to Visit Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine can be visited year round, but because it is located so far south, the best times to visit are between September and April. This coincides with the southern spring, summer, and early autumn where daylight hours are longer and the summer weather is more agreeable. The average day temperature is 54 degrees Fahrenheit (12 Celsius) with highs around 75 F (23.5 C) and lows of 33 F (0.5 C) at night.

In the winter, the weather can become extreme and the daylight can dwindle to just 8 hours per day. This does mean less crowds, but it also can mean snow, and some of the refugios close during this season.

The Cost of Visiting Torres del Paine National Park

The overall cost of your trip will vary greatly in how you plan to visit and where you stay. However, one cost will remain the same, the entrance fee. Currently for international visitors, this is:

• Kids under 12: Free
• Teens 12 – 17: 12.500 CLP
• Adults: 25.000 CLP
• 3+ Day Ticket: 35.000 CLP

Find the latest on the Torres del Paine National Park website .

Hiking in Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine National Park offers world-class hiking. Whether you are looking for some steep climbs, stunning views, or a multi-day trek, you will not be disappointed. The two most popular treks are the W Trek or the O Trek.

The W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park

The most popular of the multi-day treks in Torres del Paine National Park, the W Trek, takes an average of 5 days to hike. It can be hiked in either direction and there are a number of campsites and refugios along the way with varying amounts of amenities. This could mean renting a tent and sleeping bag at each site as well as purchasing meals. While this would increase your cost, it would mean that you only have to carry your own belongings.

The O Trek in Torres del Pain National Park

The other alternative is the O Trek. The O Trek is a similar hike to the W Trek as it covers much of the same terrain, but it also goes around the back side of Torres del Paine National Park. This makes it a bit longer, averaging 9 days of hiking, and it can only be hiked from West to East.

The biggest difference between the W Trek and the O Trek, other than of course the length of time, is that on the O Trek you proceed around the backside of the National Park where amenities are limited. You will need to carry all of your camping gear and food. You’ll also of course encounter a lot less people on that portion.

Find other awesome Patagonian destinations in this 2 Week Patagonia Itinerary .

Why Hike the W Trek East to West

The W Trek can be hiked in either direction, from east to west or west to east, and it will take about 5 days. Remember the O Trek can ONLY be hiked West to East and will take closer to 9 days. So why did I decide to go east to west? Well, mostly because of the days the campsites were available.

However, there are some benefits to it. For one, when hiking the W Trek from east to west, you get the hardest hiking day – going up to Las Torres – done on the first day when your legs are fresh. For another, you are going against traffic meaning you aren’t as likely to get stuck behind anyone on the trails.

In any case, if you decide to hike the W Trek east to west – here are some pointers to help you plan out your trip. If you decide to go West to East, reverse it. I have faith in you. Now on to the good stuff.

Overview of the 5 Days Hiking Torres del Paine

If you’re thinking of hiking the W Trek from east to west, this is what your five days in Torres del Paine will look like. For more information, continue reading for in-depth breakdowns by day.

Day 1 Overview

• Travel from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine by bus early in the morning
• At the entrance, get off and pay the entrance fees + pick up a map
• Board the bus toward Las Torres
• Hike from the bus to Central Campsite
• Drop off your main pack at Central Campsite
• Hike up to Las Torres and back to Central Campsite with your day pack
• Stay overnight at Central Campsite

Day 2 Overview

• Hike from Central Campsite to Frances Campsite with your pack
• Stay overnight at Frances Campsite

Day 3 Overview

• Hike from Frances Campsite to the Italiano Ranger Station
• Drop off your main pack at the Italiano Ranger Station
• Hike up to Britanico Lookout and back to Italiano Ranger Station with your day pack
• Pick up your main pack and continue on to Paine Grande Campsite
• Stay overnight at Paine Grande Campsite

Day 4 Overview

• Hike from Paine Grande Campsite to Grey Campsite with your main pack
• Drop off your main pack at Grey Campsite
• Hike past Grey Campsite up to the Hanging Bridges and back with your day pack
• Stay overnight at Grey Campsite

Day 5 Overview

• Hike from Grey Campsite to Paine Grande with your pack
• Catch the Pudeto Catamaran across Lake Pehoe – Busses will be waiting for you there
• Take the bus back to Puerto Natales

Learn how to book campsites for Torres del Pain National Park.

Getting from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park

As soon as you arrive in Puerto Natales, or even before you arrive, book a bus to Torres del Paine National Park. You’ll want to arrive at the Laguna Amarga Entrance of the park early in the morning, so I recommend taking a bus around 7am. This bus ride is only about 2 hours and offers some great mountain views.

There are a number of bus companies that run this route and whether you book ahead online (I’ve used Bus Bud for this) or you book in person in Puerto Natales, the tickets will be about the same cost. Also, before taking off to Torres del Paine, book your return bus ticket!

Arriving at Torres del Paine National Park

When you arrive at the Laguna Amarga Entrance of Torres del Pain National Park, everyone will get off the bus to pay the National Park fee at the front gate. It does not matter which direction you are headed to or how long you will stay in the park, everyone has a fee to pay. For the 3 day or more pass it is 35.000 CLP due in cash. Credit cards are not accepted.

If you are hiking the W Trek from east to west, you’ll want to take the minibus from the front gate towards Las Torres Hotel, Lodge, and Camping Zone. This costs 4.000, also due in cash.

If you are hiking the W Trek from West to East, you’ll re-board the buses and continue to Pudeto where you will take the catamaran over to Paine Grande.

Check-in Tips for Torres del Paine National Park

Arriving at Torres del Pain National Park is exciting, and has a number of things to remember.

• Take an early bus. Beat the crowds to the entrance and onto the trails.
• Pack plenty of cash. Credit card is not always able to be used within the park.
• You need your passport. Take a sealed plastic baggy to stick it in to protect it from the elements.
• Keep your National Park entrance ticket. You may be asked for it at any time.
• Print off your camping reservations or have them accessible on your phone. You may also be asked for these.
• Pick up a map at Laguna Amarga. Their maps offer insight into the distance between each campsite and major scenic point. These are labeled by hours, not by distance. It’s also available onli n e .

Day 1: Hiking from Central Campsite to Las Torres and Back

Total Distance: 16.7 miles with 307 floors of elevation gain

Total Hiking Time: About 8.5 hours (~0 hours with full pack)

Biggest Attraction: Las Torres

Upon arrival at Central Campsite, check-in and leave your bag behind to make your hike up to Las Torres a little bit lighter. Depending on the time, you may want to set up your tent and all first, or you may want to hit the trail immediately.

When hiking the W Trek from east to west, the first leg of your hike goes uphill for 2 hours to Chileno Campsite. From there it’s another 1.5 hours to Camp Torres and then 45 minutes uphill through a boulder field. The boulder field is the bottleneck as people go at varying paces, and it is a difficult area for passing.

At the top of your uphill climb you will be graced with the beauty of Las Torres. Las Torres are 3 towering peaks – one of the classic views in Torres del Paine National Park. It is a wonderful way to kick off the W Trek. Once you’ve had your fill of the stunning scenery, it will take about 4 hours to get back down to Central Campsite, but it is almost all downhill.

Recommended Day 1 Campsite: Central

If you’re hiking the W Trek from east to west, Central Campsite will be your first night’s stop. It is a really nice campsite. They don’t have a cooking area, and the bathrooms were extremely dirty, but the land is flat, the wind is low, and the scenery is amazing.

If you have pre-purchased meals, you can head across a small stream via a little wooden bridge, to the Central Refugio for dinner. The Refugio is clean and has family style seating for meals with a nice plated dinner and a mixture of plated and buffet breakfast.

If you did not pre-purchase your food, no worries. There is a small cafe onsite for purchasing basic food, like pizza, and of course alcohol. In fact, almost every Refugio offered a small cafe with a limited menu, so do not worry if you don’t pre-purchase meals, you will not starve.

2nd Choice Campsite for Day 1: Chileno

The main disadvantage of Chileno Campsite is you have to hike uphill with your bag for 2 hours, whereas at Central Campsite, you can leave it at the base of the hill. It also helps balance out your hiking distance on day one and day two a bit better.

Day 1 Hiking and Camping Tips

Just a few tips to help you get acquainted with what to expect on day one:

• The bathrooms get really busy and dirty at Central Campsite. Expect quick showers. Make sure you have shower flip flops. Hot water is only on at certain times.
• If you have trekking poles, take them. Particularly for the boulder field – your knees will thank you.

Day 2: Hiking from Central Campsite to Frances Campsite

Total Distance : 13.2 miles with 158 floors of elevation gain

Total Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours (Carrying full pack all day)

Biggest Attraction: Nordernskjold Lake and surrounding scenery

Today’s hike takes you around Nordernskjold Lake. It does not have too much elevation gain, and it offers amazing views of the turquoise lake. You’ll even pass some lakeside beaches if you need a quick rest. It is the least strenuous of the days, but you will be carrying your pack the whole way.

Recommended Day 2 Campsite: Frances

Frances Campsite is on a hill in a wooded area. As such, all of the tents are on platforms and the bathrooms are a ways of a walk down the hill. But, Frances does have the best showers, hands down. They must have just built them. The hot water hours are also limited, but they were clean and spacious.

For meals, Frances has a very small dining area. Therefore it is harder to pre-order meals here, but they do have a small cafe in their dining area that you can eat in outside of the key dining hours. We went with a 20.000 CLP pizza and 6.000 CLP quesadilla.

2nd Choice Campsite for Day 2: Los Cuernos

The reason Los Cuernos Campsite is second choice is it would make day 3 even longer than the 17.4 miles of hiking it will be. That or you would need to cut out hiking to Britanico Lookout to make it a more reasonable day. Neither of which are great options, so I recommend Frances if it is available.

Day 2 Hiking and Camping Tips

Another day, a few more challenges. Here are tips for your second day of hiking.

• Secure your tent in some way to the platform at Frances. The wind can reach all sides of the tent which can make it more susceptible to flying away.
• Take a flashlight or your phone with you to the bathrooms at night. The path can be a bit tricky with tree roots and tiny wooden bridges throughout the campsite.

Day 3: Hiking from Frances to Paine Grande

Total Distance: 17.4 miles with 187 floors of elevation gain

Total Hiking Time: 8.5 hours (Only 2.5 hours with your full pack)

Biggest Attractions: The mountains at Britanico Lookout and the glacier at Frances Lookout

This hike will take you from Frances Campsite to the Italiano Ranger Station where you can leave your backpack before progressing up to Frances Lookout and then Britanico Lookout. Whether you are hiking the W Trek from east to west or west to east, this part of the trek will be the same as it is an out and back hike. (This is the center of the W.)

From Frances to Italiano is a pretty easy 30 minute hike. Then from Italiano up to Frances Lookout is 1.5 hours, mostly uphill. Frances Lookout offers stunning views, and if its warm enough, you can listen and watch for Frances Glacier calving on the mountain side. From there, it’s another 1.5 hours through Frances Valley to Britanico Lookout. The mountains surrounding Britanico lookout are simply stunning.

Then it is back down from Britanico Lookout to the Italian Ranger station, which took us about 3 hours, and another 2 hours easy hike to get to Paine Grande.

Recommended Day 3 Campsite: Paine Grande

Paine Grande Campsite is extremely windy. Make sure to fasten your tent down well so that it does not fly into the lake, apparently that is not uncommon. We actually stayed in the Refugio here, which was pretty nice. The room had 3 sets of bunk beds with small lockers for each bed. And perhaps more importantly, an inside bathroom!

The dining area is large and all meals are served as a buffet. There are a number of indoor and outdoor areas to hang out in, including a large bar area above the dining space.

2nd Choice Campsite for Day 3: None

There really isn’t a great second choice. Fortunately, Paine Grande is pretty large which makes it less likely to sell out.

Day 3 Hiking and Camping Tips

Congratulations on making it through a long day of hiking! Here are some things you might want to know ahead of time.

• There are multiple places that might seem like Britanico Lookout before you truly reach it. It is marked, so just keep going!
• Find a sheltered place from the wind to pitch your tent at Paine Grande.
• Paine Grande is a great place to take advantage of “happy hour”.

Day 4: Hiking from Paine Grande to Grey Glacier and the Hanging Bridges

Total Distance: 14.7 miles with 243 floors of elevation gain

Total Hiking Time: 7 hours of hiking (4 hours with your full pack)

Biggest Attractions: Grey Glacier and the views from the hanging bridges

From Paine Grande to Grey Lodge is only about 2 hours of uphill hiking and then 2 hours of downhill hiking. If you wanted, you could make it from Paine Grande to Grey Glacier and back again in a day, no problem. OR, you can continue past Grey Glacier onto the O Trek path to the 3 hanging bridges. This was the route we took. It is another 1.5 – 2 hours to get to the first couple of hanging bridges, and they are stunning!

For us, this was the first day we hit “weather”. Surely you’ve heard about the wind and the rain in Torres del Paine, well, this was when it finally hit us.

Hiking from Paine Grande to Grey Glacier was a wind tunnel, like aggressive, struggling to stand upright in the wind. And then there was some mist and a little rain… and to add to the challenge, the downhill portion of the hike getting to Grey Glacier was through a small downhill stream/waterfall. This was also a time that trekking poles would have been invaluable.

Recommended Day 4 Campsite: Grey

Grey Campsite sits in a valley, fairly protected from the wind, and it is very close to the Grey Glacier lookout points. The showers are small and not super clean, and the line formed really early for them due to the shorter hiking day. However, if you wait a little while, the line dies down quickly.

Grey Campsite also offers a small kitchen area to prepare food and a giant lodge style dining area for the pre-purchased meals and café food. It is very beautiful and not too terribly expensive. It was 12.000 CLP for a pizza or burger.

2nd Choice Campsite for Day 4: Return to Paine Grande or the Ferry and back to Puerto Natales

The hiking on day 4 is much more flexible. If you are tight on time, or money, it may be the best option to make it to Grey Glacier and then turn around and hike back to Paine Grande. From there you can spend a 2nd night at Paine Grande or you can take the ferry and bus back to Puerto Natales.

Day 4 Hiking and Camping Tips

This day of hiking is much less defined. Therefore, there are more options and tips than normal!

• If you have the time, definitely hike up to at least the 2nd hanging bridge. Each bridge gets you closer to Grey Glacier and the 2nd one is very long and beautiful.
• There are additional activities you can take part in at Grey Campsite, like kayaking near Grey Glacier for 63.000 CLP.
• There is NOT a ferry or catamaran from Grey. You have to go back to Paine Grande. This seemed to be a point of confusion for many people.
• You can make it from Paine Grande to Grey Glacier, and back, in under 8 hours.

Day 5: Hiking from Grey to Paine Grande and Returning to Puerto Natales

Total Distance: 8.3 miles with 161 floors of elevation gain

Total Hiking Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes (All carrying your full pack)

Biggest Attraction: The catamaran ride across Pehoe Lake

Admittedly, we hiked FAST for this portion. Mostly because we wanted to make sure to make the 11:30am catamaran but also, the wind was once again brutal for part of the hike. That being said, we made it back in somewhat record time and sat on the catamaran pier in the sun while we waited for the 11:30am catamaran to arrive. If you hike “normal pace” it will likely take 3 to 4 hours to make the trek.

The Paine Grande to Pudeto Catamaran

Check the catamaran times at least 1 day before you’re headed back so you can target one appropriately. They are few and far between so you won’t want to miss them. During our time there, they were running 9:30am, 11:30am, and 6:30pm. The catamaran ride is 23.000 CLP, and you purchase the ticket on the boat. Everyone who was at the pier when the catamaran loaded was able to get onto the boat.

The boat ride takes 45 minutes to arrive at Pudeto where the buses will be waiting to take you back to Puerto Natales. On the catamaran you will likely encounter others who just finished hiking the W Trek from east to west and a number of people at the end of their O Trek.

Take the Bus Back to Puerto Natales

Before leaving Puerto Natales, buy a return bus ticket. It does not really matter which bus provider you purchase from, they are all very similar.

Upon return to Pudeto, the process of finding and getting on a bus is pure chaos. There are many people pointing you in the right direction and all of the buses seem to be returning to Puerto Natales, so just make sure you make it on one of them! The bus ride back will be about 2.5 hours total.

Reflections on Hiking the W Trek East to West

Total Hiking Distance: 70.3 miles with 1056 floors of elevation gain

OMG, does that cover it? But seriously, this hike takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. It also forces you to push yourself, perhaps even out of your comfort zone. 100% worth it. And I highly recommend hiking the W Trek from east to west to avoid too many crowds on the trails ahead of you.

Things I Would Have Done Differently

No matter how much planning you do and how smooth the hiking is, there will always be things you would have done differently. Here are the things I would have revised and things you might want to know in advance:

• I did not take trekking poles. This was a mistake. There are multiple steep uphill and downhill areas where they would be useful. Learn from my mistake. Take trekking poles.
• I booked many meals in advance so that we did not have to carry as much food. Had I known there were cafes at most of the refugios, I would not have booked so many meals in advance. They are expensive and sometimes a little underwhelming.
• I hiked the W Trek the first week of December. Due to this, I packed a number of warm clothes. I did not need all of them. It was way warmer than expected.

Additional Details to Help Prepare You for the W Trek

Visiting Torres del Paine and doing the W Trek require a lot of planning and preparation. Here are a few more details to get you ready to go!

• In Puerto Natales, the 3pm Erratic Rock talk about the W Trek was useful and worth the hour – two hours it took. However, take it with a grain of salt. They made the hike sound like a horror story!
• Stop at Frutos Secos in Puerto Natales for bulk dried fruit and nuts. It’s a real lifesaver!
• Each Refugio has small cafes and bars featuring happy hours. To give you an idea of cost: Beer tends to be 4.000 CLP, Wine 6.000 CLP for a glass, and 2.000 – 3.000 CLP for a coffee.

Travel Tip: Always travel with travel insurance, especially on epic adventures like the W Trek! I recommend and travel with World Nomad’s. Check them out.

Alternatives to Planning and Hiking the W Trek

Maybe hiking the W Trek just isn’t in the cards for you. Whether you can’t get the campsites necessary, you don’t want to hike that far, or maybe you want to hike further. Have no fear, there are lots of alternatives!

1. Book a Tour for the W Trek

If planning is not your strong suit, but you still want to hike the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park, book a tour! They’ll take care of the planning and details, and you’ll get to enjoy the hike stress free. Check out this budget W Trek tour or the many options that Fantastico Sur and Vertice offer.

2. Hike Further with the O Trek in Torres del Paine

Of course the first alternative to call out is the O Trek. It covers much of the same terrain as the W Trek, but goes around the back side of Torres del Paine National Park as well. It takes about 9 days on average and can only be hiked from West to East.

If you’re interested in the O Trek, I highly encourage you to read more about it. The back side of the park is less traveled, for better and worse. You will find less people but there are also less amenities available. You must carry your own camping gear and food for one. If that sounds awesome to you – do it!

3. Day Trips into Torres del Paine National Park

Maybe you didn’t book reservations in advance or you’re not a long distance hiker or camper. Whatever the reason is, there are other ways to explore Torres del Paine National Park.

Day hikes offer you the opportunity to explore Torres del Paine and see some of the highlights while taking out the stress of a long distance hiking and camping trip. You can either stay in the park – you are most likely to find space at the campsites near the beginning and end of the W Trek, or if you can’t find space there, you can make the commute from Puerto Natales daily. This sounds terrible to me, but we did encounter a few people doing this.

Of course, the other option to minimize the logistics, is to book day trip tours into the park. This will make your trip run smoothly without the extra planning on your part. Here are some great options.

Looking for Other Epic Hiking Adventures?

I’ve gotten really into hiking around the world: Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal, the Inca Trail in Peru, the Lost City in Colombia… My number one recommendation for those who enjoy the W Trek is without a doubt the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek.

Mount Everest Base Camp Trek

The Mount Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal is generally a 12 day hike and features more breathtaking views, like Patagonia. I’d go so far as to say it is a “must” bucket list item for any hiker. Here’s some posts to get you started:

• Planning for the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek
• Packing List for the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek
• Hiking to Mount Everest Base Camp

Further Hiking Inspiration

If the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek is not your speed, check out some other unique hiking destinations around the world for day trips or longer treks:

• Mount Hua and the Infamous Plank Walk in China
• The 3 Day Hike from Kalaw to Inle Lake in Myanmar
• Hiking Up Mount Sinai in Egypt

Get to Know More of Patagonia

Besides hiking the W Trek, you will want to explore more amazing parts of Patagonia. Here are some other must-visit places:

• Epic 2 Week Patagonia Itinerary: Travel Guide to an Outdoor Paradise
• The Complete Guide to El Chalten, Argentina
• 9 Best Things to Do in El Chalten, Argentina: A Hiker’s Paradise
• 18 Best Things to Do in El Calafate, Argentina
• Where to Stay in El Calafate: Hotels for All Budgets
• Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Penguins of Isla Magdalena from Punta Arenas
• Best Time of Year to Visit Patagonia: Season by Season Breakdown
• And of course…. How to Book Campsites in Torres del Paine National Park

Plan your trip to Patagonia with this detailed 2 week itinerary!

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The founder of The Cure for Curiosity, Julia is a North Carolina based, travel addict who has followed her curiosity to 90+ countries. Whether it’s crawling through the Pyramids of Egypt, climbing to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal, or diving the Blue Hole in Belize, she’s always on the go, and she wants to help you travel more and travel better by sharing what she’s learned along the way, from travel tips  and packing lists to destination specific details.

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Comments 15.

Your photos are amazing! Definitely makes me want to travel here once restrictions lighten up!!!

Torres del Paine is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. You will not regret going!

What a stunning hike! The views look breath-taking! I love the blue skies and crystal blue waters! Those hanging bridges look incredible too! I’d love to experience the hike in person! Thanks for the great guide!

You’re welcome! I hope you get to experience it one day – it is well worth the journey!

Wow, this looks seriously incredible. A few days of incredible views! And these are great tips.

Thanks – All of Patagonia is really incredible but Torres del Paine definitely takes the cake!

This looks incredible! Both the W and O treks look like hiking heaven with those stunning vistas and bright blue glacial lakes. I was planning to try this right now (January 2021) before covid-19 madness started…I still hope I can go one day!

I’m so sorry you had to postpone! I’d definitely give it a shot after Covid winds down – it really is as beautiful as it looks!

Squeeee we’ll get there at some point! 😀

Torres del Paine has always been a place I want to go. Both to hike and to sea kayak. I’m surprised that you got so much clear weather by your photos. great resource for future planning.

I have to say, we carried so much warm weather and rain gear that we barely needed – we really hit the jackpot on weather! I hope you have the same luck when you make it to Torres del Paine.

I would love to do this hike one day. Whilst I have been to Chile, I didn’t go to the South of Patagonia because I told myself that I will return and combine it with a trip to Antarctica. The scenery on this hike is so amazing and the places you passed by are so serene. Takes me back to my memories from Chiloe Island.

Patagonia would be a great trip to add on to Antarctica! It was almost a tease to be so close and unable to go, but Patagonia is definitely worth the trek to get there. The scenery all over is so untouched and it’s not crowded which does make it super serene. I hope you make it there soon!

Hello, Thank you for you blog. Im just wondering how long is the hike from camp central? Ive read that it closes at 3pm? What time did you leave puerto natales and start hiking? Thank you

Hi April – I recommend leaving Puerto Natales early in the morning. Try to catch a 7 or 7:30am bus if possible. You’ll have 2 hours on the bus to nap if needed but you’ll then get to the front gates before many other buses arrive and have all day to hike! From the front gate, you’ll take a shuttle bus towards Camp Central. You can leave your bag at Camp Central to hike to Las Torres – although you won’t be able to formally check in that early. The hike to Las Torres from Camp Central will take between 7 – 9 hours depending on fitness levels and how much time you spend admiring the views! Upon return to Camp Central, you can do the official check in.

There is a stretch of the path after Chileno Camp leading to the Torres that closes after 2pm. Sometimes there is a park ranger making sure people don’t continue, sometimes there isn’t and people can walk past it. My understanding is that this is to help ensure hiking safety. Similarly, people should not leave the lake at the base of Las Torres after 4:30pm to avoid hiking in the dark. Sometimes park rangers will be emptying out this area at that time too. Start early and you won’t have to worry about it!

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The 13 Best Torres del Paine Hikes (Day Hikes & Multi Day)

By: Author Charles

Posted on October 26, 2023

If you are visiting Torres del Paine National Park, odds are you are looking to take part in a handful of hiking opportunities.

All throughout the park you will come across viewpoints, lakes, waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, rivers, and so much more scenic landscape.

This overview is here to talk through the best Torres del Paine hikes out there. From easy day hikes to longer multi day treks, read on to learn all about them and more.

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) Torres del Paine Hiking Map

To start out, I thought it would be most helpful to visualize all of the hikes on a single map. This way you can get a better sense of where everything is located.

In addition, it will give you an understanding of trailheads, bus stops, boat ports, and other helpful logistical information.

Throughout the remainder of this overview, feel free to scroll back up and refer to the map.

Note : the longer W and O Treks are included in a separate second screenshot, just so the map does not get too overcrowded.

2) Logistical Resources & Tips

As you go about reading about the various hikes, you may see that there are some logistics involved to get to trailheads. Below are some helpful tips & links when it comes to Torres del Paine.

Bus Sur Schedule : busses from/to Puerto Natales leave a few times a day to 5 bus stops within the National Park (Amarga, Pudeto, Pehoe, Administracion, and Hotel Lago Grey). At these bus stops you may find trailheads and catamaran ports. Note that there are other busses you may be able to book as well such as Maria Jose, Fernandez, and Pacheco.

Pudeto to Paine Grande Catamaran : this catamaran goes from the Pudeto bus stop across Lago Pehoe to Paine Grande. From Paine Grande, there are several day hikes (and multi day hikes) to take part of.

Hotel Lago Grey to Refugio Grey Catamaran : there is also a catamaran that goes back and forth from Hotel Lago Grey to Refugio Grey. This is great for those that want to take part of day hikes around Refugio Grey or enjoy a glacier hike/kayaking experience.

Logistical Tip : when leveraging these public transport options, you must be aware of the various schedules and timings. Bus, boat, and hiking times all come into play. Be sure to understand the schedules and how your overall day will line up.

Schedules : bus & boat schedules can change based on the time of year (and on a year to year basis). Always stay up to date by checking out the links provided.

Rental Car : for some hikes it may only be possible to get there by rental car (or at least make it more convenient. Feel free to check out Rentalcars.com for a variety of options to consider.

Guide : in general, hiring a guide is not needed for most (if not all) hikes in Torres del Paine. If you are more comfortable with someone by your side, and to help with logistics, then joining a guided tour could be good for you.

Learn More : Join any of these hikes as part of a longer Patagonia itinerary around the region

3) Torres del Paine Day Hikes (Main Section)

The first three hiking opportunities I will go over include hikes that are part of what is considered the “main” area of Torres del Paine. Here is where the longer O and W Treks are located.

These day hikes will take on daily sections of the longer trek, as you get to experience the area without committing to overnights within the park.

Grey Glacier

The most famous glacier in Torres del Paine is Grey Glacier, located on the western side of the park. If you are looking to take part of a day hike to view the glacier, there are a few main ways to go about it.

These first three hikes include:

• Paine Grande to Refugio Grey
• Grey Suspension Bridges
• Grey Glacier Ice Trek

Paine Grande to Refugio Grey Day Hike

One of the more popular options is to head across Lago Pehoe by catamaran from Pudeto and start the hike at Paine Grande.

From Paine Grande, it is a 7-mile hike to Refugio Grey. Around the halfway point, there are fantastic views that come into play as you see the glacier from afar. Many people opt to just enjoy the views from here before turning around and heading back to Paine Grande to catch the boat across the lake.

However, for those that want to see the glacier up close, it is also possible to continue the hike further right to Refugio Grey. Once at the refugio, there is a short walking trail that takes you down to the Lago Grey lakeside, where you will get those glacier views right out in front of you.

After wrapping up your time by the lake, you will need to retrace your steps all the way back to Paine Grande over the course of 7 miles. New views will come into play as you enjoy the scenery in the opposite direction, before arriving at the Paine Grande catamaran. Hop back on and head across the lake back to Pudeto.

Hike Details

• Starting & Ending Point : Paine Grande
• Mid-Point : Refugio Grey
• Distance : 14.0 miles / 22.5 km
• Elevation Gain : 2,400 feet / 730 meters
• Step 1 : Bus or Drive to Pudeto
• Step 2 : Catamaran to Paine Grande
• Step 3 : Round Trip Hike
• Step 4 : Catamaran to Pudeto
• Step 5 : Bus or Drive to Puerto Natales/Hotel

Shorter 7 Mile Hike Option: For the shorter hike to just see the glacier from afar, the hike will be just 7 miles round trip (3.5 miles each way)

Glacier Grey Suspension Bridges Hike

Now, for those that want to enjoy a shorter hiking experience with views overlooking the glacier from the side, then the famous suspension bridges are for you.

Instead of taking a catamaran and hiking to Refugio Grey, you simply can take a catamaran directly to Refugio Grey. These catamarans leave from Hotel Lago Grey, and will drop you off at the refugio.

By saving the time hiking to the refugio, you will have a better chance to hike to the suspension bridges. From the boat drop off point, it is up along the trail to one, two or all three bridges. From these bridges, you will get a whole new perspective of the glacier.

Depending on how far you go will dictate the hiking time. In general, here are the one way distances from Refugio Grey to each one of the suspension bridges:

• First Suspension Bridge : 1.3 miles
• Second Suspension Bridge : 2.1 miles
• Third Suspension Bridge : 3.1 miles

*There is a nice additional viewpoint 10 minutes past 2 nd bridge

Once all done with the views & suspension bridges, it is back to Refugio Grey, where you will catch a catamaran back to Hotel Lago Grey.

• Starting & Ending Point : Refugio Grey
• Mid-Point : One of the Suspension Bridges
• Distance : Minimum 2.6 miles / 4.2 km | Maximum 6.2 miles / 10.0 km
• Elevation Gain : Minimum 300 feet / 90 meters | Maximum 1,600 feet / 490 meters
• Step 1 : Bus or Drive to Hotel Lago Grey
• Step 2 : Catamaran to Refugio Grey
• Step 4 : Catamaran to Hotel Lago Grey

Grey Ice Trek

Now, while hiking to see views of the glacier is one thing, there is also the opportunity to hike on the glacier too. This however, is only possible as part of a guided glacier hike trek with Bigfoot Patagonia .

Bigfoot runs the glacier hikes & kayaking tours from the lakeside near Refugio Grey. You will want to sign up in advance in order to take part of these very unique offerings.

The glacier hike tours run daily at 8:00AM and 2:30PM during the season, and lasts 5 hours altogether. This includes boat transfer from Refugio Grey, hiking on a nearby island, getting to the glacier, and then 2.5 hours on the ice itself.

From a logistical standpoint, you will need to take the round trip catamaran to Hotel Lago Grey. Be sure to confirm the latest schedules, but the last catamaran back to Hotel Lago Grey departs at 8:00PM.

W Trek & O Trek Note : a glacier hike can also be added to an overall itinerary if taking part of the longer multi day W or O Treks.

Mirador Base Las Torres

When it comes to iconic locations in not only Torres del Paine, but all of Patagonia, the Mirador Base Las Torres is near the top of the list.

At the viewpoint, you will get that famous view of the three granite towers standing tall with the lake down below. People travel from all around the world for just this view, so you are bound to enjoy what it offers.

While many visit this viewpoint as part of the longer multi day W and O Treks, it is also very possible to take part of it as a day hike.

The trail starts at the Torres del Paine Welcome Center, next door to Hotel Las Torres. Getting there can either be done by car, or by bus. If traveling by bus, you will need to get off at Laguna Amarga, before taking a quick 5 minute shared van to the center.

Once at the welcome center, it is a 5.5 mile hike up the valley and towards Mirador Base Las Torres.

The trail heads up into the Rio Ascensio Valley, as you get some beautiful views in either direction. You will then descend down towards the river, where the Chileno refugio and campsite is located.

After resting up, the trail begins to gain elevation through the forest before opening up for the final push. Here is where the elevation gain and terrain begin to pick up as you make the ascent to the lake itself.

Feel free to roam all around the area, take in various views, and just sit back & enjoy what is out in front of you. It is then right back out in the same direction you came to finish up the hike.

• Starting & Ending Point : Hotel Las Torres
• Mid-Point : Mirador Base Las Torres
• Distance : 11.0 miles / 17.7 km
• Elevation Gain : 3,120 feet / 950 meters
• Step 1 : Bus/Van or Drive to Hotel Las Torres
• Step 2 : Round Trip Hike
• Step 3 : Van/Bus or Drive to Puerto Natales/Hotel

Learn More : Check out the Mirador Las Torres Hike overview for more details

French Valley (Mirador Frances & Britanico)

Located in the middle of the “W” is the French Valley (Valle del Frances). The valley is packed with views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and rivers, and makes for one of the top locations to visit in Torres del Paine.

Now getting to the French Valley will entail a similar logistical effort as Grey Glacier. Since the out & back hike starts at Paine Grande, you first must take a catamaran across Lago Pehoe from Pudeto.

Once there, head eastbound towards the famous Cuernos del Paine. This mountain range is one of the most photogenic in the park. During a hike to the French Valley, much of the first portion of the trail will have views overlooking the mountains.

In addition, some beautiful lake views will be off to your right hand side before reaching the valley turn off point. Now, depending on your timing will dictate how far up the valley you can go.

Since you will need to catch the catamaran (and potentially bus) back, your pace will be of the upmost importance.

There are two viewpoints up the valley. The first one is at Mirador Frances and the second one is a couple miles further up at Mirador Britanico. If the timing works out you can head all the way to the end. If not, simply turn back around when you see fit.

Either way it ends up, the views approaching and around the valley are some of the best you can ask for. So, just soak it all in, before retracing your steps back to Paine Grande and onto the catamaran.

• Mid-Point : Mirador Frances or Britancio
• Distance : 11.5 miles / 18.5 km or 15.6 miles / 25.1 km
• Elevation Gain : 2,175 feet / 663 meters or 3,250 feet / 990 meters

Learn More : Check out the French Valley Hike overview for more details

Mirador Lago Pehoe

To finish up this section, is the Mirador Lago Pehoe hike. The trail is going to be on the easier side as you get to take in some great views of Lago Pehoe, along with the Cuernos del Paine mountains out back.

Similar to some of the other hikes, the first part of the day will entail a catamaran ride from Pudeto to Paine Grande. Now, instead of heading north to Grey or east to Frances, you can also head south.

There is a trail from the refugio that makes its way all along the western side of Lago Pehoe. Throughout the hike, lake and mountain views will be continuous as you hug the lakeside and continue southbound.

After passing by the majority of the western bank, the trail gains some elevation towards a viewpoint spot. From here you will get some more elevated views of the lake, with the Torres del Paine mountains out back.

Once all wrapped up, continue back to Paine Grande. While the trail itself will be the same, now you will have the mountains out in front of you as you finish up the hike.

Feel free to hang out at the refugio, grab some food & drinks, and then hop on the catamaran back out to Pudeto.

• Mid-Point : Mirador Lago Pehoe
• Distance : 4.5 miles / 7.2 km
• Elevation Gain : 600 feet / 180 meters

4) Easy Torres del Paine Day Hikes

This section of the hiking list will focus on shorter & easier trails that are located in the southern end of the National Park, across the lakes. None of these are connected to the W or O Treks, and are more suited towards day hikers in general.

Having your own car will be needed for some of these. However, most can be visited if coming in by bus.

Mirador Salto Grande

One of the easiest hikes in Torres del Paine National Park is the trail that heads up to the Salto Grande waterfall. This is known to be the top waterfall to visit in the area, and a short hiking trail will take you right to it.

It is just 0.5 miles from the trailhead to the waterfall (1 mile round trip). Due to this, many people opt to extend the hike to include the Cuernos Lookout (more on that next).

The trailhead can be reached by rental car or by bus to the Pudeto stop. From the bus stop, it is just 5 minutes by foot to the start of the hike.

Overall, it is an easy & well marked trail as you make the 10 minute walk to the waterfall viewpoint. From there you will get to see the flowing water make its way down from Lake Nordenskjold through the Paine River, and into Lago Pehoe.

As you turn that corner, looking northbound, views of the Torres del Paine mountain ranges will come into view. If you are up for it, continue onwards to complete the longer trail.

One way or another, you will then turn back around and take the same trail to the trailhead.

• Starting & Ending Point : Pudeto Catamaran (5 minutes by foot)
• Mid-Point : Salto Grande
• Distance : 1.0 miles / 1.6 km
• Elevation Gain : 130 feet / 40 meters
• Step 3 : Bus or Drive to Puerto Natales/Hotel

Cuernos Lookout

If you are looking for “the” easy day hike in Torres del Paine, then the Cuernos Lookout is the one to go for. Not only does it include the aforementioned Salto Grande, but it also has some of the most beautiful views looking across Lake Nordenskjold.

Getting to the starting point can either be done by driving a rental car right to the trailhead lot, or you can take the bus to Pudeto. The bus stop is just a 5 or so minute walk away from the trailhead.

Once at the trailhead, the hike will take you the half a mile to the Salto Grande viewpoint. From there, the trail heads northbound along Lake Nordenskjold. It is a relatively flat trail all the way through, making it perfect for most people out there.

It is another 1.5 miles from the waterfall to the viewpoint area. Along the way you will be welcomed to some of the best panoramas in the park.

Out in front of you will be the lake in the foreground and the Cuernos del Paine out in the back. Several other mountains that make up the wider range will also be in view, as you get to take it all in.

You can spend some time just hanging out by the end of the trail before doubling back the 2 miles to the parking lot.

• Mid-Point : Cuernos Lookout
• Distance : 4.0 miles / 6.4 km

Condor Lookout

For another short but sweet vantage point, the Condor Lookout is a top day hike to consider adding to the list.

This lookout area is set further back the Cuernos Lookout, so you will get a more wide angle view of Torres del Paine from afar. The hike begins right next to the Camping Pehoe bus stop, making it easy to get there by public transport (or by rental car).

From the trailhead, it is then 0.75 mile hike uphill gaining around 700 feet of elevation. This means that you should expect a more difficult incline compared to some of the other shorter day hikes on the list.

But with the incline, you will get to take in the views! From the Condor Lookout viewpoint, Lago Pehoe will be down out in front of you, along with the Torres del Paine mountain ranges hovering out back.

Coming down, you can either head back the same way you came, or you can make it more of a loop trail. This would entail taking the secondary trail to Hosteria Pehoe, and then walking along the road back to Camping Pehoe.

• Starting & Ending Point : Camping Pehoe
• Mid-Point : Condor Lookout
• Distance : 1.5 miles / 2.4 km
• Elevation Gain : 700 feet / 215 meters
• Step 1 : Bus or Drive to Camping Pehoe

Laguna Azul Trail

One of the lesser visited areas of Torres del Paine is the eastern side. Here is where the Laguna Azul is located. Getting to Laguna Azul will only be possible by rental car as the busses don’t make their way to that side of the park.

You can drive right on up to the Laguna Azul camping area, where there is a trail that heads around the northern side of the lake.

The highlight of the hike is that views of the famous three Torres towers will be out in front of you during the duration of the trail. It offers a fantastic vantage point that few other hikes in the area do.

While you can decide to turnaround at any point you would like, many head up to an elevated camping area before turning back to the parking lot.

If you follow that route, the round trip comes in at 6 miles, with minimal elevation gain along the way.

• Starting & Ending Point : Laguna Azul Camping
• Mid-Point : Laguna Azul View/Camp
• Distance : 6.0 miles / 9.6 km
• Step 1 : Drive to Laguna Azul Camping
• Step 3 : Drive to Puerto Natales/Hotel

Mirador Ferrier

While most of the hikes in this section are considered easy, this final one will be a bit tougher.

The Ferrier Lookout hike takes you high up the mountainside as you get to take in views of Lago Grey, the Torres del Paine mountains, and even Grey Glacier itself.

Since this is a major viewpoint type of trail, expect to gain some elevation along the way. As you can see from the hiking metrics below, it will be no easy task to get up there. The trail includes +2,000 feet of elevation gain in just under 2 miles of uphill climbing.

But once you reach the top, you will be welcomed to some of the best views you can ask for. Just be careful on the way down as it is steep and can be slippery after it rains.

You can reach the start by driving right to the trailhead or taking a bus to Hotel Lago Grey. The hotel is about a 15 minute walk from the official trailhead, so do consider that as you calculate your overall hiking time.

• Starting & Ending Point : Hotel Lago Grey (15 minute walk past)
• Mid-Point : Mirador Ferrier
• Distance : 3.5 miles / 5.6 km
• Elevation Gain : 2,000 feet / 610 meters

5) Multi Day Hikes

To finish up this list of Torres del Paine hikes, let’s go over the famous W Trek and O Trek of the National Park.

In general, these two hikes cover a vast majority of terrain within Torres del Paine. The W trek is usually done as a 5 day hike, while the O as an 8 day hike.

The trek names (W and O), represent the shape of the overall route. The O Trek also includes all of the W, in addition to the “backside” of Torres del Paine.

Below is what a standard W Trek entails starting in the west and heading towards the east (you can also do it in the opposite direction).

• Day 1 : Bus to Pudeto | Catamaran to Paine Grande | Hike to Grey
• Day 2 : Hike from Grey to Glacier Grey Suspension Bridges & Back to Paine Grande
• Day 3 : Hike from Paine Grande to Frances (or Cuernos) via Valle del Frances
• Day 4 : Hike from Frances to Chileno (or Central or Las Torres Hotel)
• Day 5 : Hike to Mirador Base de Las Torres & Hike Back to Welcome Center | Van to Amarga | Bus to Puerto Natales

The trek starts off with a catamaran ride from Pudeto to Paine Grande, where you will then begin the trek up towards the Grey area of Torres del Paine. After a couple days of exploring the western side of the park, it is then heading eastbound to the Valle del Frances.

Taking in views of the Cuernos del Paine, and then seeing the panoramas from Mirador Frances and Britanico will be top highlights along the way.

From Valle del Frances, the trail continues eastbound to Chileno, before ending with a sunrise at the famous Mirador Las Torres.

Finishing up the hike will entail trekking back out to the Torres del Paine Welcome Center and then onwards to Amarga to catch the bus out of the National Park.

• Starting Point : Paine Grande
• Ending Point : Torres del Paine Welcome Center
• Distance : 47.5 miles / 76.4 km
• Elevation Gain : 12,000 feet / 3,700 meters
• Step 1 : Bus to Pudeto
• Step 3 : W Trek
• Step 4 : Bus from Amarga to Puerto Natales/Hotel

Learn More : Check out the W Trek overview for more details

For those that are up for a longer trekking experience, the O will include a few additional days exploring the northern side of Torres del Paine. This is usually done as an 8 day hike, starting and ending at the Torres del Paine Welcome Center. The route will look something like this:

• Day 1 : Bus to Laguna Amarga | Van to Welcome Center | Hike to Seron
• Day 2 : Hike from Seron to Dickson
• Day 3 : Hike from Dickson to Los Perros
• Day 4 : Hike from Los Perros to Grey
• Day 5 : Hike from Grey to Paine Grande
• Day 6 : Hike from Paine Grande to Frances (or Italiano or Cuernos) via Valle del Frances
• Day 7 : Hike from Frances to Chileno (or Central or Las Torres Hotel)
• Day 8 : Hike to Mirador Base Las Torres & hike back to welcome center | Bus to Puerto Natales

Since the O can only be done counter clockwise, the easiest way to go about it is to start off heading from the welcome center to Seron. It is then a few days in the backside of the park, as you get to see landscape that most people aren’t exposed to.

From Seron, it is off to Dickson, and then to Los Perros. The trail then ascends to the highest point at the John Gardner Pass, before meeting up with the W Trek.

Head down along Grey Glacier, walk across the suspension bridges and arrive at the refugio. It is then similar to the W Trek mentioned above.

From Grey, you then then go to Paine Grande followed by the Valle del Frances. It is then towards Chileno, where you will finish up with Mirador Las Torres. End the trail right back where you started for a complete Torres del Paine experience.

• Starting & Ending Point : Torres del Paine Welcome Center
• Distance : 72 miles / 116 km
• Elevation Gain : 17,000 feet / 5,200 meters
• Step 1 : Bus to Amarga / Van to Welcome Center
• Step 2 : O Trek
• Step 3 : Van to Amarga / Bus from Amarga to Puerto Natales/Hotel

Learn More : Check out the O Trek overview for more details

6) Entrance Tickets

In order to take part of the hikes in Torres del Paine, you must purchase tickets. These can be done through the official national parks website .

When going through the process, you will have the option to choose between an “up to 3 day” ticket for $35 USD or a 3+ day ticket that costs $49 USD.

If you do not purchase ahead of time, then doing so at the entrances of the park is also a possibility. This however may take up time, so it is best to come prepared with your tickets in advance.

7) Weather & Time of Year

One of the most important considerations when hiking in Patagonia will be the weather. For those that are not aware already, the Patagonian weather can be quite crazy. Not only on a day to day basis, but also on an hour to hour basis.

At one moment it may be nice and sunny, while the next moment it may be overcast and snowing. You really can get all four seasons in one day while in Patagonia.

You may also come across very windy conditions from time to time. I have heard accounts of wind gusts reaching 60 MPH / 100 KPH around the park, so be prepared!

If you are doing a day hike, you should have more flexibility in picking a day that looks best on the forecast. The last thing you want is to arrive at a viewpoint and it all be covered in thick low lying clouds.

For weather forecasts, the locals seem to favor Windguru (linked to the Mirador Las Torres). Be on the lookout for days that have little/no precipitation and low lying clouds. While forecasts are never going to be perfect, they are the best way to understand what the weather may entail.

The main season to hike in Torres del Paine is between December and March (along with the shoulder months as potential options too).

The weather is at the warmest during these times of year with a lower chance of snow & whiteout conditions. In addition, you will find that bus schedules, catamarans, and other logistical aspects will not run during the offseason.

Hiking Resources & Checklist Before heading out for the trails, be sure to read up on some of the hiking resources up on the site. These are here to better prepare you for all types of outdoor adventure. Gear : Hiking Packing List Weather : How to Prepare for Hiking Weather Navigation : Hiking GPS & Navigation Tips : 20+ Hiking Tips & Tricks for the Trail Accommodation : Book Your Hotel Today Rental Car : Book Your Car Rental Today

8) Packing List

As you can tell, hiking in Patagonia, especially in Torres del Paine National Park, can bring all sorts of weather. Due to this, you will need to come fully prepared with the appropriate hiking gear. Spending 6-8+ hours out in the mountains can have you layering up (or down) in all sorts of ways.

Below are my recommendations on what a Torres del Paine day hike packing list should look like:

In general, I found layering to be the upmost important part of a trip. On a hike out in the park, I would recommend the following layers:

• Hiking Shorts
• Hiking Pants
• Short Sleeve Shirt
• Long Sleeve Shirt / Sun Hoodie
• Mid Layer Fleece
• Puff Jacket
• Packable Rain Jacket ( Columbia Watertight II )
• Hiking Shoes (Recommendation: Keen Targhee )
• Hiking Socks ( Darn Tough )

Additional day hike recommendations include:

• Hiking Backpack ( Osprey Talon 22 ) & Rain cover ( Joy Walker Cover )
• Water Bottle ( CamelBak Chute ) & Nutrition
• Portable Charger ( Anker PowerCore 5000mAh )
• Hat & Sunglasses
• Sunscreen & Bug Spray
• Action Camera – GoPro Hero

Be sure to check out the Torres Del Paine Packing List guide I put together that will go through all of it and more

9) Where to Stay

During your time visiting Torres del Paine, you most likely will be staying in Puerto Natales at one point or another.

While you can visit the park from the Argentinian towns of El Calafate and El Chalten, I would recommend staying directly in Puerto Natales. This way you can more easily explore the park and not be subject to just a single day trip from Argentina.

Puerto Natales is a town built for the thousands of tourists who want to visit Torres del Paine. You will find plenty of gear shops, restaurants, and hotels all throughout town.

Below would be a few of my highly rated and recommended options when it comes to hotels in Puerto Natales:

• Hotel Vendaval
• Lady Florence Dixie

Now, a more ideal option would be to stay within Torres del Paine National Park itself. This way you can literally wake up and be right in front of the park’s beauty. There are several great options to consider including:

• Hotel Las Torres : located right near the welcome center, with easy access to Mirador Las Torres & nearby trails.
• Ecocamp Patagonia : a glamping experience next door to Hotel Las Torres, for a more luxurious camping option
• Hotel Lago Grey : located on Lago Grey with views out towards TDP, and easy access to the catamaran
• Rio Serrano : situated a bit more south is Rio Serrano, right next Lago del Toro. Amazing views of the Cuernos del Paine are just outside the window.

Note : if staying at a hotel in the park, it will likely be most beneficial if you had your own rental car to get around to different trailheads & viewpoints and be on your own schedule. Check out the rest of the best Torres del Paine hotels for your visit!

That wraps up an overview to the best hikes in Torres del Paine. If you have any questions or comments, be sure to add them down below.

Also, feel free to check out some of the other Patagonia itineraries and guides up on the site.

El Calafate : You can visit Perito Moreno Glacier , take a boat ride in Los Glaciares National Park , and explore Cerro Frias

El Chalten : Visit the hiking capital of Argentina and enjoy Laguna de Los Tres , Laguna Torre , and the rest of the top El Chalten hikes

Ushuaia : Head to the end of the world, where you can walk with penguins , hike through Tierra del Fuego , and see Laguna Esmeralda

Have fun out there and safe travels!

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Navigation in Torres del Paine

Passenger and Cargo Transport Service in Lake Pehoé 

Itinerary (Route)

Pudeto  < --- > paine grande duration: 30 minutes.

* All departures are conditioned to the weather conditions of the time of departure.

August  until Sept. 15. /23

Departures: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, subject to a minimum of 15 passengers

Departure from Pudeto

Departure from Paine Grande

September: From 15 to 30

A daily crossing (round trip)

October 2023

10:30 hrs  |

11:00 hrs  |

November 2023

09:00 hrs  |

11:00 hrs. |

09:30 hrs  |

December / 23 to March / 24

16:15 hrs  |

17:00 hrs  |

Future dates from May 2024 onwards will be informed at the appropriate time.

We are part of the W Circuit

Our navigation today is recognized for its safety standards, as well as the quality of service provided. We have a catamaran with ideal characteristics to navigate Lake Nordenskold in different types of climates and situations.   

Buy your park entrance ticket online

To enter Torres del paine, you must previously buy your ticket to the Park. You can buy it Online at  www.aspticket.cl 

Passenger Transportation

Ships designed for navigation in Patagonia

From and To Mountain trails

The cafeteria opens on October 1, 2024.

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• Pudeto Catamaran Dock And Cafeteria

Pudeto Catamarán Dock And Cafeteria

Ratings and reviews, location and contact.

The Pudeto cafe is a small building, a short walk from the HipSur catamaran dock. They sell sandwiches, coffee and tea and a variety of snacks. Hikers can leave their backpacks in front of the cafe or at the back of the cafe. The interior... sits about 30 people and there are more picnic tables in the back where people can sit in good weather. There is also a wifi machine you can purchase wifi from. There are good restrooms adjacent to the cafe. A large parking area for buses and cars. Walk up the hill to the Mirador Cuernos and Salto Grande trails. You can leave your backpack outside the cafe while doing those trails. We took the 7am bus from Puerto Natales here, left our backpacks and did those trails, then hung out in the cafe for a couple hours before taking the 4.15pm ferry over to Refugio Paine Grande where we were staying for the night before starting the W trek. More

PUDETO CATAMARAN DOCK AND CAFETERIA, Torres del Paine - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

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Frugal Traveler

A Cheapskate in Monterey

We put the California county, known for its exclusive towns and fancy golf courses, to the frugal test, combining a hefty dose of stunning nature with affordable restaurants, budget lodgings and a few splurges.

The jellyfish exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, Caif. At $59.95 for admission, the aquarium, the author writes, “is a worthy splurge, offering opportunities to encounter creatures large, small, wondrous and rare.” Credit... Jason Henry for The New York Times

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By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

• March 20, 2024

My first view of Monterey Bay on California’s Central Coast was thrilling — a raft of 40-something sea otters — and free. The next time I would get close to them, at the Monterey Bay Aquarium , it cost nearly $60. That split between free access to outdoor wonders and investment-grade attractions epitomized my experience in the area.

Like so much of coastal California, the Monterey Peninsula, home to famous Pebble Beach golf courses and exclusive towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea (known simply as Carmel), connotes wealth. It is encompassed by Monterey County, a roughly 3,300-square-mile area, which includes Big Sur, where accommodations at luxury resorts like the Post Ranch Inn start at around $1,500 a night.

With a budget of less than half of that for three days, I put Monterey — the town and the county — to the frugal test. In January, a quiet and thrifty time of year, I trusted parks and preserves, unsung hotels and small businesses to keep things economical, even if sampling the variety of Monterey — ranging from historic cities to redwood forests, tide pools and vineyards — required renting a car ($175).

Seeking Steinbeck

My introduction to Monterey, John Steinbeck’s 1945 classic novel “Cannery Row,” describes its waterfront lined in sardine canneries as “a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream.” It’s hard to find that gritty romance along today’s Cannery Row , which boomed in the 1930s and ’40s, before overfishing killed supply.

Now chains such as Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Sunglass Hut replace “weedy lots and junk heaps,” though a central plaza with bronze sculptures of Steinbeck and some of his characters pays tribute to the past.

Still, the spirit of the book’s protagonist, Doc — a marine biologist based on the real-life scientist Ed Ricketts — lives on at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is housed in the former Hovden Cannery. At $59.95 for admission, the aquarium is a worthy splurge, offering opportunities to encounter creatures large, small, wondrous and rare.

“We bring the ocean to people to inspire them with things they might not get to see otherwise,” said Madi Frazier, an aquarium naturalist, as she guided me to a kelp forest modeled on the one found just beyond the bayfront building’s glass walls.

A wing devoted to deepwater ecology held bright red bloody-belly comb jellyfish, stringy bioluminescent siphonophores and four-foot-high Japanese spider crabs that inched along in the gloom. A dune-style aviary offered opportunities to observe a normally skittish red knot at close range. Bat rays glided beneath tentative fingers in shallow touch tanks.

A few blocks away, Katie Blandin named her five-year-old cocktail bar Pearl Hour after “the hour of the pearl,” described in “Cannery Row” as “the interval between day and night when time stops and examines itself.”

We met during happy hour — 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday — when classic cocktails such as the Corpse Reviver No. 2 go for $10 (normally $13). Ms. Blandin plants the bar’s back patio in succulents, flowers and herbs, many of which make their way into her cocktails.

“I think even a cocktail should have a sense of terroir,” she said.

Old Monterey

The oldest part of Monterey — an outpost of Spain and then Mexico dating back to the 17th century — lies just over a mile south of Cannery Row in a pedestrian-friendly downtown where signs flag historic adobe buildings.

Among several modestly priced hotels there, I booked the Hotel Abrego , where my $130-a-night room included a Keurig coffee machine and spacious glassed-in shower. Its $20 nightly resort fee, included in the room total, covered parking, a hot breakfast buffet and a glass of wine.

It was easy walking distance to lively Alvarado Street, lined in restaurants and shops. A 19th-century complex, the Cooper Molera Adobe , includes an orchard, barn and house museum (free) behind its walls, and the Alta Bakery and Cafe , where I sipped coffee ($3) on the tranquil patio.

Down the block, Ad Astra Bread Co . sells aromatic loaves of sourdough ($10 each) from Ron Mendoza, the former pastry chef at the Michelin-starred Aubergine in nearby Carmel.

“For the last five years, some of our leading chefs have abandoned fine dining and opened artisanal food businesses,” said Deborah Luhrman, the editor and publisher of the food magazine Edible Monterey Bay , who recommended both bakeries.

The brewpub Alvarado Street Brewery was buzzing when I stopped in for a quinoa bowl ($16) and a Mai Tai tropical I.P.A. for $8. Nearby, my favorite cheap find, El Charrito Express , served substantial barbacoa wraps stuffed with marinated beef, beans and rice for $6.99.

Chancing it in Carmel

From the outset, it felt like a losing bet to take my penny-pinching budget to chic Carmel-by-the-Sea, the one-square-mile seaside town where the actor Clint Eastwood was once mayor.

Even getting there comes at a price: 17-Mile Drive , the coastal scenic route, costs $12 to drive. Fortunately, it’s free to cyclists, which helped take the edge off the cost of the bike I rented to explore some of Monterey’s celebrated cycling routes .

From the bike shop Mad Dogs & Englishmen in Monterey, I rented an electric bike ($40 for four hours) to assist in the long ride — about 28 miles round-trip — and its hills. The deal included free valet parking for my car at the adjacent Monterey Place Hotel & Spa.

On a cool January morning, frothy aquamarine waves broke on the granite rocks that barricaded the coast, tempting me to stop every half mile or so to admire their churn. A thick fog blew in as I reached the area’s renowned shorefront links, dramatizing their sand bunkers and wind-shorn cypress trees. I passed a landscape painter and jaw-dropping Pebble Beach mansions before coasting into Carmel.

Amid luxury retailers like Tiffany and Bottega Veneta I found the new Korean restaurant Jeju Kitchen in the outdoor Carmel Plaza . My salmon rice bowl was not cheap at $26, but it was delicious, substantial and only a few dollars more than food truck options at the Carmel Farmers Market across the street.

Monarchs, redwoods and waterfalls

It was far easier to stretch my budget seeking nature in Monterey, home to 99 miles of coastline.

I started at the 2.4-acre Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary , where mature Monterey pine trees attract overwintering butterflies that are known to cluster in groups of up to 1,000 from November through February (free).

Using binoculars, I spied bright orange monarchs catching early-morning rays from the tips of pine boughs like mini-solar panels. A pair of deer grazed in the shade below while a set of acorn woodpeckers chattered in the treetops. The abundant bird life drew the attention of two red-shouldered hawks, which glided in silently.

Continuing south along the coast, I spent a sunny afternoon at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (admission $10). The craggy headland has been the setting for classic Hollywood films, including Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rebecca,” and attracted the photographers Edward Weston and Ansel Adams .

The reserve, which has a special conservation status within the state park system, was created by a land donation to protect its cypress grove, according to Kathleen Lee, the executive director of the nonprofit Point Lobos Foundation , which supports the park with fund-raising and docent training. In a phone interview, she directed me to the forest, noting that it is “one of only two native Monterey cypress groves remaining in California.”

Atop vertiginous cliffs, a trail wound bravely through the wind-sculpted trees. Below them, harbor seals appeared in the backwash of coves. A short drive south, I scrambled over wet rocks at Weston Beach — named for the photographer — to find tide pools filled with sea stars, anemones and hermit crabs.

Waning light chased me from the park as I set out south, eager to make the drive down famously curvy Highway 1 in Big Sur before dark. The rugged coast of towering redwoods and mountains that plunge into the ocean was named El Sur Grande , or the Big South, by Mexican colonizers as an unmapped wilderness.

Twenty-two miles south of Point Lobos, Ripplewood Resort got its start when the highway was being built in the 1920s. I booked a rustic but comfortable cabin there for $135 a night and woke to find it ideally located just a few miles north of Big Sur Bakery , a beacon of artisanal baking that seemed impossible in such a remote location (a Cheddar-and-chive scone cost $5.50).

Ripplewood also lies close to a series of coastal parks, including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park , where the four-mile Buzzard’s Roost Trail ascended amid redwoods to ridge-top ocean views (admission, $10, good at all state parks for the day). Nine more wiggly miles south, McWay Falls cascades onto a pristine beach at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park . Between them, I stopped at frequent turnouts to scan for migrating gray whales exhaling telltale spouts.

A safari and a tasting

The survival of southern sea otters in California is a comeback story. Hunted nearly to extinction for their thick pelts, sea otters managed to hang on in the most remote coves and crags of Big Sur, where a few individuals were discovered in 1938. Now numbering about 3,000, the endangered marine mammals are some of the most charismatic residents in the Central Coast’s kelp beds.

They also thrive in Elkhorn Slough , a coastal wetland preserve in Moss Landing, about 27 miles north of Monterey. There, I boarded an electric catamaran from Monterey Bay Eco Tours to troll the calm waters on a 90-minute cruise ($45).

Within minutes, we spotted harbor seals hauled out on muddy banks shared by marbled godwits, black-necked stilts and whimbrel, some of the park’s more than 300 species of birds. Mother otters fed their babies sea cucumbers, gave them swimming lessons and carried sleeping pups as they floated on their backs.

“Elkhorn Slough is a low-stress environment for them,” said Cindy Rice, a naturalist guide leading the tour.

The drive to my last stop — Monterey’s vineyards — took me through the agricultural flats surrounding Salinas, which grows 70 percent of the nation’s salad greens, some 20 miles to the Salinas Valley , which nurtures pinot noir and chardonnay grapes in the foothills of the Santa Lucia range.

Attracted by vintage tractors, I turned into the family-owned Rustiqué Wines and found its convivial tasting room lodged in a former dairy barn filled not with hushed aficionados swirling and evaluating wine, but with a sociable crowd enjoying glasses of estate pinot noir and oaked chardonnay in the spirit of happy hours everywhere.

The winemaker Chad Silacci and two other family members worked the bar and the crowd. The winery, established in 2006, has built a following through concerts, events and warm hospitality (tastings cost $20, waived with a two-bottle purchase).

“We want it to be comfortable,” Mr. Silacci said, indicating the tasting room’s sofas and chairs arrayed around a wood-burning stove. “It’s kind of like walking into our family’s living room.”

I finished an earthy pinot, thinking the investment, like so many in Monterey, paid unanticipated returns.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

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Trains Moscow to Elektrostal: Times, Prices and Tickets

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