Torres del Paine, Chile: things to do, when to go & how long to stay

Overview

A national park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the far south, reached via Puerto Natales. The W trek takes roughly 4–5 days and the full O circuit 7–9; day visits by vehicle are also possible.

Plan & book

Stays, activities and transport for Torres del Paine will be bookable here soon.

Where to stayComing soon

Curated stays by area and budget will appear here once hotel partners are connected.

Tours & activitiesComing soon

Bookable experiences will appear here once activity partners are connected.

Car rentalComing soon

Rental pickup options will appear here once car partners are connected.

Why go to Torres del Paine

The Torres base viewpoint
W and O trekking circuits
Grey Glacier boat trips
Guanacos, condors and Patagonian steppe

Budget

Torres del Paine is higher cost by Chile standards. Across Chile, mid-range travellers typically spend about $95–$160 per person per day.

Country-level planning estimate, excluding flights. See the full Chile budget breakdown.

Practical information

Refugios and campsites must be booked months ahead for the summer season
Wind is the defining condition — pack for four seasons in one day

When to go to Torres del Paine

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Plan 4–7 days here. Highlighted months are the best fit for most travellers.

Getting around

Domestic flights are essential — Santiago to Punta Arenas is over 3,000km
Long-distance buses are comfortable, frequent and much cheaper than flying

Suggested itineraries

Desert and Patagonia
14 days
The two headline landscapes, linked by flights via Santiago.
Route: Santiago → San Pedro de Atacama → Torres del Paine
Lakes and the deep south
16 days
Volcanoes, Chiloé and Patagonian trekking.
Route: Santiago → Lake District & Pucón → Chiloé → Torres del Paine