Torres del Paine is Chile's most famous trekking destination and one of the most recognized in the world. The three granite towers, Grey Glacier, and the turquoise color of Lake Pehoé show up on every must-hike list on the planet. This guide covers exactly where it is, how to get there, and a detailed map of its routes — including every spot where you'll sleep or rest along the way.
⚠️ Current restrictions (verified on CONAF)
According to the official CONAF website, from April 27 through August 30 the W circuit and the Base Torres trail require a mandatory certified guide. In addition, the O circuit (Macizo Paine) is closed until October 31, 2026. This guide explains the routes so you understand them, but check the current status on CONAF before you travel — these rules change by season.
📅 Book ahead
Refugios and campsites inside the park are booked online months in advance during high season. Don't leave your reservation for the last minute or you may not find a spot.
Is Torres del Paine in Chile or Argentina?
Torres del Paine is entirely within Chile, in the Magallanes region of Chilean Patagonia, about 70 miles (112 km) from Puerto Natales — the town almost everyone uses as their base. It's a common mix-up because nearby El Chaltén, home to Mount Fitz Roy, is on the Argentine side of the border, only a few hours away by road.
How to get to Torres del Paine from Santiago
Option 1 — Fly to Punta Arenas (most common)
Fly from Santiago Airport (SCL) to Punta Arenas (PUQ), about 3 hours. From there, take a bus to Puerto Natales (3 hours), then another bus into the park (2 hours). Total door-to-door time: a full day.
Option 2 — Fly directly to Puerto Natales
In high season (November to March) there are direct flights from Santiago to Puerto Natales (PMC). More expensive, but it skips the Punta Arenas–Puerto Natales bus leg. From Puerto Natales to the park is 2 hours by bus.
Option 3 — Drive from Santiago
Technically possible but not realistic for most visitors. It's over 1,800 miles along the Carretera Austral, with unpaved sections, taking 5 to 6 days of driving. Only worth it if you're touring all of Patagonia along the way.
Interactive map: W and O circuits
This is the part that matters most if you're planning the trek. The schematic map below shows every refugio and campsite in the order you'll pass them, on both the W circuit (classic 4-5 day route, marked in green) and the O circuit (the full loop, 8-10 days, shown in amber). Click any point for details.
👈 Click a point on the map
Each circle is a refugio, campsite, or viewpoint. Click or tap it to see distance, altitude, and what to expect at that exact spot on the trail.
Schematic illustration, not to scale or for navigation. Always use the official CONAF maps or the concessionaire maps (Vértice Patagonia and Las Torres Patagonia) while hiking.
All circuit points, in table form
| Point | Circuit | Type | From previous | Approx. elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laguna Amarga | W | Park entrance | — | 360 ft |
| Hotel / Camp Las Torres | W | Hotel & campsite | 20 min by bus | 490 ft |
| Chileno Refugio | W | Refugio & camp | 4-5 hrs · 7 mi | 1,700 ft |
| Torres Camp | W | High-altitude camp | 1.5-2 hrs · 2.5 mi | 2,560 ft |
| Base Torres Viewpoint | W | Viewpoint (no camping) | 45 min · 1 mi | 2,950 ft |
| Los Cuernos Refugio | W | Refugio & camp | 5-6 hrs · 10 mi from Las Torres | 390 ft |
| Francés Domes / Camp | W | Domes & camp | 2-3 hrs · 5 mi | 590 ft |
| British Viewpoint | W | Viewpoint (no camping) | 2.5 hrs · 4.6 mi one way | 1,970 ft |
| Paine Grande Refugio | W | Refugio & camp (hub) | 3-4 hrs · 7 mi | 165 ft |
| Grey Refugio / Camp | W | Refugio & camp | 3.5 hrs · 7 mi | 390 ft |
| Serón Campsite | O | Camp | 4-5 hrs from Las Torres | 590 ft |
| Dickson Refugio | O | Refugio & camp | 4.5-5.5 hrs · 11.5 mi | 130 ft |
| Los Perros Campsite | O | Camp | 4-5 hrs · 5.6 mi | 1,770 ft |
| John Gardner Pass | O | Mountain pass (no camping) | 3-4 hrs · 4.3 mi | ~3,940 ft |
| Paso Campsite | O | Camp | 1.5 hrs after the pass | 1,475 ft |
Day by day: the W circuit (5 days)
This is the most common itinerary for the full W trek, entering through Laguna Amarga and finishing at Paine Grande to exit by catamaran to Pudeto.
Laguna Amarga → Chileno Refugio
Arrival at the park, entrance check-in, and transfer to Hotel Las Torres. From there, a moderate uphill hike to Chileno Refugio along the Ascencio River.
4-5 hours · 7 miles
Chileno → Base Torres Viewpoint → Los Cuernos Refugio
The longest day of the W. Early climb to the viewpoint for the towers, ideally with morning light. Descend to Las Torres and continue, on foot or by catamaran, to Los Cuernos.
7-8 hours · ~12 miles total
Cuernos → French Valley (British Viewpoint) → Paine Grande
Hike to Francés Domes, where you drop your heavy pack to climb light up to the British Viewpoint. Then continue to Paine Grande, the park's central junction.
7-8 hours · ~12 miles total
Paine Grande → Grey Refugio → Grey Glacier Viewpoint
Final leg of the W, hugging the shore of Lake Grey to the refugio of the same name, with a direct view of the glacier and its icebergs floating in the lake.
3.5-4 hours · 7 miles
Grey → Paine Grande → Catamaran to Pudeto → Exit
Return to Paine Grande to catch the catamaran to Pudeto, where you connect with the bus back to Puerto Natales.
3.5-4 hours hiking + catamaran
The O circuit: the full loop
⚠️ Currently closed
According to CONAF, the O circuit (Macizo Paine) is closed until October 31, 2026. This section is still useful for planning ahead, but the route can't be hiked right now.
The O circuit includes the entire W plus the northern stretch almost no one hikes: Serón, Dickson, Los Perros, and the crossing of John Gardner Pass, the highest and most demanding point of the whole loop. It takes 8 to 10 days and requires prior experience with multi-day backpacking trips.
Where to sleep inside the park
There are two main options: refugios and campsites, both booked online in advance through the park's concessionaires (Vértice Patagonia and Las Torres Patagonia).
- Refugios: shared dormitory beds with breakfast and dinner included. The most comfortable option, also the most expensive.
- Campsites: bring your own tent or rent gear on site. More affordable. Some have shared kitchens and showers.
- Hotels in Puerto Natales: the most common base for hikers doing the trek in stages, returning to town between sections.
How much it costs to enter Torres del Paine
The park charges an entrance fee set by CONAF, which varies by season and nationality, with a discounted rate for Chilean citizens. Check the current fee on CONAF's official site before your trip, since prices are updated every season.
What to pack for Torres del Paine
Patagonian weather is unpredictable — you can get all four seasons in one day. Wind is the toughest factor, especially in French Valley and near Grey Glacier.
- Good quality waterproof jacket and pants
- Thermal layers for cold mornings and nights
- Trekking poles for the technical stretches
- Waterproof hiking boots
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Hat and gloves, even in summer