Trekking Base Torres Viewpoint
Full-day hike to Mirador Las Torres from Puerto Natales
Briefing
The Base Torres Hike is a full-day guided trek from Puerto Natales to Mirador Las Torres, one of the most iconic viewpoints in Torres del Paine National Park. The tour lasts approximately 13 hours and begins with pickup in Puerto Natales and a minibus transfer to the trailhead. From there, you'll hike to Mirador Las Torres for views of the three granite towers that give the park its name. It's a great option for reaching one of Torres del Paine's most famous viewpoints without hiking the complete Torres del Paine W Circuit.
The Base Torres Hike is available year-round, including during winter, when the trail may be covered in snow and crampons may be necessary. If they are required, your guide will provide them and show you how to use them correctly.
During the winter season, groups are smaller, with one guide for every 4 hikers.
During the summer season, groups have a maximum of 21 hikers, with one guide for every 6 people to accommodate different hiking paces. This means you'll always be accompanied by a guide. Smaller groups of 7-10 hikers often form along the trail, making the experience more personalized.
🚨 Please note that the Base Torres Hike covers 22 km (13.7 mi) in approximately 8 hours, with around 1,072 meters (3,517 ft) of elevation gain and loss, and is considered a high-difficulty hike.
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)
- Lunch (private option includes lunchbox)
- Headlamp and gaiters (sometimes needed in winter)
Important information
HIGH DIFFICULTY: This is a physically demanding tour due to the distance covered and elevation gain. Not available for children under 14 years old.
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT: It is essential to be properly equipped to take part in the tour.
PICKUP: The tour includes pickup and drop-off only at accommodations located within the city of Puerto Natales. If you are not staying in this area, a meeting point will be provided.
WINTER SEASON: From May to September, the guide may modify the itinerary to ensure the safety of the group. During these months, the use of a headlamp and gaiters is mandatory. They are available for rent in many shops 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.
👉 Find out how to get to Puerto Natales and check all available transport options.
Questions & Answers
Do I need to carry all my luggage on the Base Torres Hike?
No. We recommend taking only what you need for the hike and leaving the rest of your luggage at your accommodation in Puerto Natales. Unfortunately, luggage cannot be stored at our office.
Do I need to bring any documents?
Yes. It's very important to bring your passport and the immigration card you receive when entering Chile.
How long is the Base Torres trail?
The Base Torres Hike is 22 km (13.7 mi) round trip. You'll follow the same trail in both directions, hiking approximately 11 km (6.8 mi) uphill to Mirador Las Torres before returning along the same route.
How do I get to Mirador Las Torres in Torres del Paine?
The trail to Mirador Las Torres begins in the Central Sector of Torres del Paine. This tour includes round-trip transportation from Puerto Natales, as well as a guide and trekking poles, so you don't need to arrange transportation to the trailhead yourself.
How long does the Base Torres Hike take?
The full tour lasts approximately 13 hours, including transportation from Puerto Natales. The hike itself takes around 8 hours and covers 22 km (13.7 mi), including the ascent to Mirador Las Torres and the return hike.
How difficult is the Base Torres Hike?
The Base Torres Hike is considered a high-difficulty hike. The route covers 22 km (13.7 mi), with more than 1,000 meters (3,280 ft) of elevation gain and around 8 hours of hiking. The final ascent to the viewpoint is particularly demanding because it crosses rocky terrain.
What happens if the Base Torres Hike is canceled due to bad weather?
If weather conditions make it unsafe to complete the Base Torres Hike, you can choose between doing an alternative route that day, rescheduling your tour for another available date, or receiving a full refund.
Do I need previous hiking experience for the Base Torres Hike?
You don't need technical mountaineering experience, but you should be physically fit and accustomed to long hikes. The route covers 22 km (13.7 mi) in around 8 hours, with more than 1,000 meters (3,280 ft) of elevation gain and a demanding final section over rocky terrain. It's not recommended if you're not used to this level of physical effort.
Can I do the Base Torres Hike in winter?
Yes. The Base Torres Hike operates year-round, including during winter. Between May and September, there may be snow on the trail and conditions can be more demanding. If crampons are required, your guide will provide them and show you how to use them. Winter groups are also smaller, with one guide for every 4 hikers.
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