




Trekking Base Torres Viewpoint
In a one-day trek, see the most spectacular views of Torres del Paine in Puerto Natales
Briefing
The Trekking Base Torres Viewpoint is one of the most popular full-day adventures departing from Puerto Natales, with a total duration of about 13 hours. The experience begins with convenient pick-up at your lodging in Puerto Natales and a comfortable transfer by minibus to Torres del Paine National Park.
Upon arrival, you’ll start the hike toward the Base Torres viewpoint, where you can admire the iconic granite towers that give the park its name. This is the perfect alternative to visit one of the most popular places in the park without doing the Torres del Paine W Circuit.
The guided Base Torres del Paine trekking is available year-round, including winter, when the trails are often covered in snow. In colder months, crampons may be necessary; your guide will provide them and explain how to use them safely.
During the winter season, group sizes are small, with one guide for every four travelers to ensure personalized attention.
In the summer season, groups can include up to 21 people, and there is one guide for every six travelers to accommodate different hiking paces. It’s common for smaller groups of about 7–10 people to form naturally along the trail, allowing for a more tailored experience.
Keep in mind that the Base Torres del Paine trekking covers approximately 13.7 miles (22 km) over about 8 hours and is considered highly challenging.
Tour details
Included
- Minibus transportation
- Bilingual guide and assistant guide
- First aid kit
- Premium trekking poles (Black Diamond or similar)
- Crampons (only if necessary in winter)
Not included
- Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park (between 11.000 - 25.000 CLP/ 15 - 35 USD)
- Food
- Headlamp and gaiters (sometimes needed in winter)
Important information
❌ Restrictions: The minimum age to join this tour is 14 years old. Due to the difficulty of the hike, it is not recommended for people who are out of shape, have heart conditions, or are pregnant.
⚠️ Winter (May to August): The guide may modify the itinerary if it is not safe due to weather conditions or the state of the trails.
🎒 Mandatory Equipment
- Mountain shoes with good traction soles
- Food and drinks
- Headlamp and gaiters (required from June to September)
Headlamps and gaiters are available for rent at many stores in Puerto Natales.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation!
If you cancel at least 48 hours before the start of the tour, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, in case of no-show or without the appropriate equipment, no refunds will be given.
Tour itinerary
Torres Base Viewpoint Trekking
Difficulty: High
Distance: 13.7 miles (22 km) — approximately 8 hours
Elevation Gain: +3,517 feet (+1,072 meters)
Elevation Loss: -3,517 feet (-1,072 meters)
Pick up in Puerto Natales
The tour begins with pick-up at your lodging. Depending on your location, you will be picked up between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m. Once the group is assembled, we’ll start the journey to Torres del Paine National Park. During the drive, your guide will share insights about the surrounding areas, details of the tour, and especially information about the route to the Base Torres Viewpoint.

Access to Torres del Paine National Park
After the minibus ride of about 2 hours, we’ll arrive at the park entrance called Portería Amarga. Here, we’ll register to enter Torres del Paine National Park and enjoy the impressive views of the iconic towers.

Trekking to the Base Torres Viewpoint
The trekking begins! We’ll follow the same trail out and back, so this 6.8-mile (11 km) section on the way up includes an elevation gain of 3,517 feet (1,072 meters) and takes approximately 5 hours. One of our first stops is the famous Paso de los Vientos, with stunning views over the Ascensio Valley. We’ll continue to the Chileno Sector, a well-known campsite along the W Trek Circuit that also offers a bar service, making it a popular spot to rest.

Torres Base Viewpoint
The route continues into a peaceful lenga forest, walking among native trees. The final stretch is a bit more technical, as we climb across the glacier moraine, an area of large stones, until we reach our goal: the Base Torres Viewpoint.
Upon arrival, you’ll have time to take photos, walk down to the small lakeshore to touch the water, and enjoy lunch — because there’s nothing better than a meal with incredible views.

Return to Puerto Natales
After this break, the entire group will gather to start the descent along the same trail. This section takes about 3 hours. We’ll return to the minibus waiting for us and begin the drive back to Puerto Natales. Between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m., you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation, wrapping up a memorable day of trekking.

What to bring to Trekking Base Torres Viewpoint tour
REQUIRED:
- Mountain shoes
- Headlamp (winter season)
- Gaiters (winter season)
- Food and drink
- Passport + immigration card (the paper they give you at the border when you enter Chile)
- Entrance fee to the park
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:
- Hiking pants
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Raincoat/waterproof poncho
- Hat or cap
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Cash (USD) (it is not possible to pay by card or withdraw cash)
Where does the tour Trekking Base Torres Viewpoint start
The tour starts and ends in the city of Puerto Natales and includes pick up and return to your accommodation. Remember to indicate in the booking form the name of your accommodation in Puerto Natales.
- If you are traveling from Santiago de Chile the best method of arrival is by flying directly to Puerto Natales. The alternative is flying to Punta Arenas and then taking a bus (3:15 hours) to Puerto Natales Bus Station or booking a private transportation service with us.
- Direct buses to Puerto Natales are available if traveling from El Calafate (Argentina) with about a 5-hour trip time. For ease, with us, you can book a transfer from El Calafate to Puerto Natales or a direct transfer between El Calafate and Torres del Paine.
Questions & Answers
Do I have to carry all my luggage to the trek?
No. At Howlanders, we recommend that you bring only what you need for the trek and leave the rest of your luggage in the storage room at your lodging in Puerto Natales. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to store luggage at the office.
Do I need to bring any documents?
Yes, it is very important that you carry with you your passport and the migratory card that you are given when you enter Chile.How many kilometers is the Torres del Paine base trail?
The Base Trail has a total distance of 13.7 miles (22 km). The trail is the same out and back, so the first section is 6.8 miles (11 km) uphill, and the return follows the same path downhill.
How to get to the base viewpoint of Torres del Paine?
To reach the viewpoint, you must hike the Base Torres Trail, which starts from the Central Sector of Torres del Paine. This tour includes round-trip transfers from Puerto Natales, a guide, trekking poles, and everything you need to enjoy the experience.
How many hours is the excursion to the base of Torres del Paine?
The excursion lasts approximately 13 hours. Keep in mind that the transfer from Puerto Natales takes almost 2 hours each way, so you will spend about 9 hours inside the park.
How difficult is the Mirador Base Torres route?
This is a medium-to-high difficulty route due to the 13.7 miles (22 km) distance and more than 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) of elevation change. Additionally, the final stretch before reaching the viewpoint is rocky and requires extra caution.
What happens if the tour is cancelled due to bad weather?
If the weather is adverse and the tour is not possible, you can choose between these options:
- Make an alternative route on the same day
- Change the date to another available day
- Receive a full refund of your reservation
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