Torres del Paine Patagonia Trekking FAQ

Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is a trekker mecca, attracting some 120,000 visitors a year. If you plan on being one of them, this FAQ should help you find your way around.

Where is Torres del Paine?
Torres del Paine National Park is in Chilean Patagonia. Specifically, the Province of Ultima Esperanza, which is in the region of Magallanes (Region XII). Punta Arenas, the region's capital, is 312 km from the Park entrance and Puerto Natales, gateway to the Park, is 112 km away.

How do I get there?

By Bus
Buses run direct to Puerto Natales from Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas and, in Argentina, El Calafate, Río Turbio and Río Gallegos. From Puerto Natales buses to the Park entrance take just over two hours.

By Air
LAN flies regularly to Punta Arenas from Santiago de Chile, Puerto Montt and other Chilean cities.

By Car
Road access to Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales is via Argentina and the Carretera Austral, one of the most spectacular drives in the world.

By Ferry
Navimag runs weekly ferries from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales through the Patagonian Fjords. The journey takes about three days.

What is the weather like?
Unpredictable. In summer 100 mph winds are not unusual, and when the wind blows from the Patagonian Ice Cap temperatures can drop 10 degrees Celsius in minutes. On the other hand, hot sunny days are also common. Generally, summer temperatures range from 41F (5C) to 68F (20C) and winter temperatures from 28F (-2C) to 43F (6C). Waterproof, windproof clothing is essential for trekking.

When is the best time for trekking?
Between November and February, but it is possible, in theory, to trek in Torres del Paine at any time of year. Just check which, if any, of the refugios are open, which trails are passable and that the road to the Park is open. Remember that temperatures will be between (-2C) and 43F (6C), but the winter is actually much less windy than the summer.

Is there an entrance fee to Torres del Paine?
Yes, for 2008/2009 it is about US$27.

When is the park open?
All year, between 8.30 am and 8 pm.

Which trek is best?
Most people trek the Torres del Paine W or the Circuit, which means other trails are usually less crowded. They include Pingo Zapata Circuit, Laguna Verde Circuit and the Paine Lake Circuit.

What are refugios?
Refugios are lodges, which offer basic accommodation to trekkers in shared dormitories as well as meals and usually hot showers. Rates start at around $40 for a bed.

Can I buy food in the park?
Meals are served at the refugios and most have well-stocked but expensive shops selling trekking supplies, such as dried pasta.

Can I drink the river and lake water in Torres del Paine?
Yes, it is safe to drink.

Where can I camp?
Only at designated camping grounds. Camps Séron, Coiron, El Paso, Las Guardas, Italiano and Britannico are wild, free, campsites. The rest charge from around $8 a pitch.

Which direction should I hike in?
Most people hike the Circuit in an anti-clockwise direction to avoid beginning their trek with the most difficult section, the John Gardner Pass, and to avoid walking into strong headwinds while they're up there.

Trekking the W from West to East leaves the most difficult hike, The Towers, until last.

Do I need to carry a tent?
It is possible to trek the W and stay in refugios all the way, avoiding camping altogether. Although that means a long day trekking from Paine Grande Mountain Lodge, via the French Valley, to Refugio Los Cuernos (22 km, 13.6 miles, about 8 hours) or, alternatively, doing a return trek to the French Valley from Paine Grande, and then trekking on to Los Cuernos direct the next day.

To hike the Circuit you must camp while crossing The Pass, which takes at least two days. Refugio Los Perros, at the start of The Pass, should have tents for hire.

Can I trek on my own?
No, solo trekking is not allowed in Torres del Paine.

Do I need insect repellant?
Yes, when the wind drops, the mosquitos rise.