base torres del paine hike group
group admiring the towers at base of torres del paine
trekking base torres in winter
traveler photographing torres del paine
traveler walking through lenga forest in torres del paine
travelers climbing the glacier moraine to base torres
lake mirador base torres del paine
couple with howlanders flag at torres del paine base viewpoint
hikers in trekking base torres
trekking base torres views
vegetation at torres del paine
hikers at torres del paine
horses in trekking base torres
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Base Torres del Paine Hike

Discover the most spectacular viewpoint of Torres del Paine in one day

(57 reviews)
Puerto Natales
1 day
English & Spanish
Starts: From your accommodation in Puerto Natales between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m.
Ends: To your accommodation in Puerto Natales between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

The Base Torres del Paine hike is one of the most famous guided group tours that you can do in Puerto Natales. It is the perfect alternative for travelers who only have one day to visit Torres del Paine and do not want to miss the incredible views from the Base Torres viewpoint. This tour is offered all year round, even in the winter with crampons, to guarantee the safety of the group of up to 15 people.

In addition to transportation and mountain equipment, the tour includes a guide and an assistant, so that all travelers will always be accompanied, regardless of the speed at which they walk.

🚨 The Base Torres del Paine hike is of high difficulty.

Tour details

Included

  • Transportation by minibus
  • Bilingual guide and assistant guide
  • First aid kit
  • Trekking poles (Black Diamond or similar)
  • Crampons (if necessary)

Not included

  • Entrance to Torres del Paine National Park (between CLP 11.000 - 25.000/ USD 15 - 35)
  • Food
  • Headlamp and gaiters* only during the winter season

Important information

❌ Restrictions: The minimum age to do this tour is 14 years old. Due to the difficulty of the hike, it is not advisable for people in poor shape, with heart problems, pregnant women.

🌩️ The tour may be canceled due to adverse weather conditions, in which case you will be offered 3 different options: a refund of the total amount of the reservation, an alternative route for the same day, or a change of date to do the tour in the following days.

⚠️ In the winter months (May to August), if the guide sees that it is not safe to reach the summit, it will not be reached. 

🎒 It is mandatory to bring the correct equipment for the tour:

-Mountain shoes with good soles

-Food and drinks.

-Headlamp and gaiters* only during the winter season (June to September approximately).

*Available for rent in many stores in Puerto Natales.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation! You can cancel this tour and you'll receive a 100% refund of the amount paid if you cancel more than 48 hours in advance. After this time, or in case you do not show up, or do it without the appropriate equipment, no refunds will be given.

Tour itinerary

Base of Torres del Paine Hike

Difficulty: Medium - High 20 Km - 12.43 miles (8 hours)

Starting altitude: 295 feet above sea level (90 m)

Maximum altitude: 2855 feet above sea level (870 m)

Pick up in Puerto Natales

The tour starts with the pick up at the accommodation, depending on the location we will be picked up between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m. When the group is assembled, the guide will give us the trekking poles and explain how the whole tour will be, especially the trek to Base Torres. We will then head towards Torres del Paine National Park.

puerto natales signal with bear statue

Entrance to Torres del Paine

After the two-hour minibus ride, we will arrive at the entrance of the National Park, in the Porteria Amarga sector. There we will enter the Torres del Paine National Park and we will be able to enjoy the impressive views of Torres del Paine.

porteria amarga entrance to torres del paine

On the way to the Base Torres Viewpoint

It is at this point that you will begin the trek to the Hostería Las Torres sector. During a journey of approximately 4 hours, we will cross the Ascensio Valley and a cozy Lenga forest. The road runs between trees, we will observe the Almirante Nieto hill through the different slopes of our way. At the end of this section, we will have to climb a glacier moraine, a rocky path with a steep slope, until we reach our goal, the Base Torres viewpoint.

traveler in viewpoint base torres del paine

Return

With these incredible views, we will have lunch, take pictures and go down to the small beach formed by the lake to touch its waters. After this stop, the whole group will meet and begin the descent, about 3 hours approximately. We will get to the minibus that will be waiting for us to start the return trip to Puerto Natales. Between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m., the minibus will take us to our lodging where we will put an end to this day full of energy and memories of the Base of Torres del Paine hike.

travelers descending the glacier moraine base torres

What to bring to Base Torres del Paine Hike

MANDATORY:

  • Mountain footwear
  • Headlamp (winter season)
  • Gaiters (winter season)
  • Food and beverage
  • Passport + immigration card (the paper you are given at the border when entering Chile)
  • Park entrance

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:

  • Hiking pants
  • Warm jacket or fleece
  • Waterproof raincoat/poncho
  • Cap or hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Cash (USD) (it is not possible to pay by card or to withdraw cash)

Where does the tour Base Torres del Paine Hike start

The tour starts in the city of Puerto Natales. If you are traveling from Santiago de Chile the best option is to take a flight to Punta Arenas, and from there you can take a bus that in only 3:15 hours will take you to the bus station in Puerto Natales or hire a private transportation service with us.

If you are traveling from El Calafate (Argentina), there are buses that connect directly to Puerto Natales in a 5 hour trip or you can book a private service with us.

Questions & Answers

  • Do I have to take all my luggage to the trek?

    No, from Howlanders, we recommend that you only take what is necessary for the trek and leave the rest of the luggage in the cloakroom of your accommodation in Puerto Natales. Unfortunately, it is not possible to store your luggage in the office.
  • What is included in the lunch box?

    The lunch box consists of specific foods for physical activity: nuts, cereal bars, fruit, a sandwich, and some candies.
  • Do I have to bring any documents?

    Yes, you must take with you your passport and the migration card that you are given when you enter Chile.
  • How many miles is the Base Torres del Paine trek?

    The Torres del Paine base trail has a total of 13.7 miles (22 km), the outward and return is the same way, so the first stretch is 6.8 miles (11 km) uphill and the return is the same but downhill.

  • How to get to the Base of Torres del Paine viewpoint?

    To get to the viewpoint you must follow the Base Torres trail that leaves from the Central sector, in Torres del Paine. This tour includes transfers from Puerto Natales, guide, hiking poles and everything you need to enjoy the experience.

  • How many hours takes the tour to the Base Torres viewpoint?

    The tour lasts approximately 13 hours. You have to take into account that the transfer from Puerto Natales is almost two hours each way, so you will spend 9 hours in the park.

  • How hard is Base Torres Trek? It is hard?

    It is a route of medium-high difficulty due to the 13.7 miles (22 km) and more than 3,280 feet (1,000 m) of elevation gain. In addition, the stretch before reaching the viewpoint has some difficulty because it is a rocky area.

Base Torres del Paine Hike tour reviews with Howlanders

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