Getting around Torres del Paine

How do I get around inside the park?

There is a shuttle bus service that park visitors can take from the park entrance at Laguna Amarga to Torres Central and Norte, and vice versa. There are a few other options for getting around the park including scenic drives, hiking, and guided tours.

On Foot

Walking around is one of the most popular ways to transverse the park. You can walk around inside Torres del Paine National Park along well-known trails like the “W” and “O”, both are popular hiking routes. The park is famed for its stunning landscapes with various trails and activities available including hiking and walking. There are a variety of day hikes through the park such as the hike to Mirador Base Las Torres (viewpoint of the Towers) and the Lazo Weber trek to see thrombolites along with native flora and fauna.

By Taxi

There are no taxis allowed inside the park. Visitors can take a taxi to and from the park from the surrounding areas.

By Bicycle

Cycling is allowed on the vehicular roads within Torres del Paine National Park. You cannot cycle on the W and Macizo Paine circuits. There are some great mountain biking trails that thread through the park, there are short-day rides, and longer multi-day rides that travel both inside the park and around the lakes and estancias on the park’s perimeter. Always wear a helmet and check with park rangers for designated cycling routes or specific rules.

By Car

Renting a car while visiting the area and exploring Torres del Paine National Park is highly recommended. You can drive your own car in the park, most of the roads are unpaved with gravel and potholes, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended. You cannot access the campsites by car except for Torres Central, which is located near the main parking lot by the Welcome Center. There are several entrances to the park, the most common is Laguna Amarga.

Torres del Paine FAQ

Can I drive my car inside the park?

Renting a car while visiting the area and exploring Torres del Paine National Park is highly recommended. You can drive your own car in the park, most of the roads are unpaved with gravel and potholes, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended. You cannot access the campsites by car except for Torres Central, which is located near the main parking lot by the Welcome Center. There are several entrances to the park, the most common is Laguna Amarga.  

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Are taxis allowed inside the park?

There are no taxis allowed inside the park. Visitors can take a taxi to and from the park from the surrounding areas.

Can I walk inside the park?

Walking around is one of the most popular ways to transverse the park. You can walk around inside Torres del Paine National Park along well-known trails like the “W” and “O”, both are popular hiking routes. The park is famed for its stunning landscapes with various trails and activities available including hiking and walking. There are a variety of day hikes through the park such as the hike to Mirador Base Las Torres (viewpoint of the Towers) and the Lazo Weber trek to see thrombolites along with native flora and fauna.  

Is Abidjan a walking city?

Cycling is allowed on the vehicular roads within Torres del Paine National Park. You cannot cycle on the W and Macizo Paine circuits. There are some great mountain biking trails that thread through the park, there are short-day rides, and longer multi-day rides that travel both inside the park and around the lakes and estancias on the park’s perimeter. Always wear a helmet and check with park rangers for designated cycling routes or specific rules.   

What are the entrance fees to get into the park?

There are entrance fees to enter the park, visitors can purchase tickets online or in person with CONAF (physical office in Puerto Natales), and payment is made through aspticket.cl. Tickets must be purchased a least a day in advance. 

Pricing is as follows (and subject to change):

3-day pass for adults over 18: CLP $ 31,200

More than 3-days pass for adults over 18: CLP $ 44,500

3-day pass for teenagers between ages 13 and 17, and adults over 65: CLP $ 6,000

More than 3-days pass for teenagers between ages 13 and 17, and adults over 65: CLP $ 44,500

3-day pass for kids under 12 and disabled people: Free

More than 3-days pass for kids under 12 and disabled people: Free

What are the park hours?

Torres del Paine National Park is open year-round. The park opens 7 days a week from 8:30 am until 6:00 pm (8:30 am until 8:00 pm for the visitors center and administrative headquarters). Opening hours and access to certain trails may vary depending on the season and weather conditions.  The Base Torres Viewpoint has official closing times that vary depending on the season; October and November at 3:00 pm, and December, January, and February at 4:00 pm. 

Where can I enter the park?

The park has three entrances; Laguna Amarga, Rio Serrano, and Lago Sarmiento. 

What are some rules to follow inside the park?

There are certain park regulations to follow in order to protect the unique, natural resources of Torres del Paine National Park. Please adhere to the following government rules and regulations when visiting the park. 

It is forbidden to start a campfire or smoke on the premises. No trash dumping or disturbing/feeding the local fauna. Do not stray away from the marked trails, or camp in spaces that have not been made available, No Drones, No Hunting, Fishing, or collecting plants. No pets allowed. Do not damage or alter any natural or cultural features. It is also mandatory to register at every ranger’s post and register your check out when camping at Paso and Perros for safety reasons.  

Are there any shops inside the park?

Torres del Paine National Park is not known for its shopping opportunities. There are mini markets located at most of the campsites inside Torres del Paine National Park selling basic supplies, snacks, and drinks. There are a few places where visitors can purchase souvenirs outdoor gear and outerwear, souvenir shops are located within the park selling various souvenirs including postcards, t-shirts, and other memorabilia like textiles and pottery. There are a few outdoor gear shops in the nearby town of Puerto Natales that sell outdoor clothing like hiking boots, backpacks, and jackets. 

What is the best time to visit Torres del Paine National Park?

Torres del Paine Park lies in a temperate climate with cool summers, and cold winters the park receives cold rain, and strong winds. The park is famous for its strong winds, and the windiest months are November to January which is the peak season and the busiest time of year to visit the park. Torres del Paine can be visited all year round, the quieter season is June through August but some days heavy snowfall will prevent you from leaving your accommodations. The best time to visit the park is during the summer time which runs from December to February. Summertime brings long (16 hours of sunlight), warm, sunny days which are great for exploring the park. The summer is peak season which equals large crowds, and busy accommodations, tours, and excursions. 

What is the currency? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?

The currency of Torres Del Paine is the Chilean Peso. US dollars are not accepted. There are no ATMs in the park, it is recommended that you have cash with you. You can withdraw money in Puerto Natales.

What is the food like?

There are a limited amount of food options in Torres del Paine, there are snack bars offering basic foods like pizzas and quesadillas. Mini markets are selling basic groceries located at most campsites. Refugios and campsites offer meal plans serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, these packages should be booked in advance. There are full board packages available to purchase. If you are camping then you will need to bring your own cooking equipment such as a camping stove, fuel, and other necessary utensils. There are designated cooking areas.

Some authentic Chilean dishes include caldillo de congrio (fish stew with tomatoes and potatoes), and ceviche using fresh bass and scallops. Locally sourced fresh ingredients are used to make Chilean specialties such as machas a la parmesana (razor clams layered with cheese, white wine, and lemon juice), along with seafood stews using freshly caught fish from the Pacific. Other classic popular dishes include Empanadas which are typically filled with meat, cheese, or seafood and then baked or fried. Completo is a Chilean-style hot dog loaded with toppings like sauerkraut, diced tomatoes, pebre (spicy salsa), and generously adorned with mayonnaise. Pastel de Choclo is a traditional hearty casserole dish made with ground corn, seasoned meat, onions, and olives, and topped with a golden crust made from cornmeal. Alfajores is a sweet dessert of soft, delicate cookies filled with dulce de leche. 

What is the nightlife like?

Torres del Paine National Park is a great place to do some stargazing while relaxing at your campsite or at a refuge with a drink and some food. There are guided tours to see the night sky for a truly immersive experience. Some refugios have bars where visitors can enjoy a drink and socialize after a busy day of hiking.

What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?

There is no cell phone signal within the park, you will need to rely on rangers or guides with radio equipment for emergencies. 

Hospital: The nearest hospital to Torres del Paine National Park is in Puerto Natales which is 2 hours from the Laguna Amara entrance. 

Top Attractions

Cuernos del Paine

Admire the striking horn-shaped peaks that dominate the skyline, showcasing the park’s dramatic geology and offering excellent hiking trails.

Lago Pehoe

njoy the picturesque views of this turquoise lake, surrounded by mountains, perfect for photography and relaxation amidst nature’s splendor.

Unique Experiences

Discover the beauty of Grey Lake on a kayaking adventure, paddling among floating icebergs and enjoying panoramic views of Grey Glacier. This unique experience allows you to connect with nature while exploring the park’s stunning waterways.

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Indulge in a wine tasting experience at a nearby vineyard, sampling exquisite Chilean wines while enjoying the stunning backdrop of the Andes. Learn about the winemaking process and savor the flavors of the region’s finest varietals.

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