traveler photographing the paine towers
Torres del Paine Welcome Sign
traveler in lenga forest
Paso de los Vientos Trail Sign
Hikers resting in Chileno Paine Sector
Hikers climbing the Moraine Glacier at Base Torres
Hikers at the Base Torres viewpoint
Group admiring the towers of Base Torres
Couple holding Howlanders flag at Base Torres del Paine Viewpoint
Hikers at Base Torres in winter
Torres del Paine Base Trekking Group
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Trekking Base Torres Viewpoint

In a one-day trek, see the most spectacular views of Torres del Paine in Puerto Natales

(98 reviews)
Puerto Natales
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: From your accommodation in Puerto Natales between 6:30 A.M. and 7:00 A.M.
Ends: At your accommodation in Puerto Natales between 8:00 P.M. and 9:00 P.M.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

The Base Torres del Paine Guided Trek is one of the most popular day tours departing from Puerto Natales. Lasting about 13 hours, the tour begins with pick-up in Puerto Natales then a transfer to a private bus that will take you to Torres del Paine. Upon arrival, the route begins at the Base Torres viewpoint. From there, you can see the iconic towers that give the park its name. It is the perfect alternative to visit one of the most popular places in the park without doing the Torres del Paine W Circuit. The Base Torres del Paine Guided Trek is offered all year round including during the winter when the park has snow, in which case the use of crampons may be necessary. They will be provided by your tour guide who will teach you how to use them properly to ensure your safety.

The winter season typically has small groups with one guide for every four travelers.

During the summer season, the groups consist of up to 21 people with one guide for every seven travelers. It’s normal for routes with large groups to break off into smaller groups of seven to ten people, therefore guides accommodate the trekkers by keeping pace with each subgroup. This also allows for a more personalized experience with a guide always at hand.

Keep in mind that the Base Torres del Paine trek is about 13.6 miles (22 km) and takes about 8 hours to complete. This is considered a high-difficulty trek.

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 (11.000 - 25.000 CLP/ $15 - $35)
  • Meals
  • Headlamp and gaiters (sometimes needed in winter)

Important information

❌ Restrictions: The minimum age for this tour is 14 years old, due to its difficulty level. We do not recommend this trek for anyone in poor shape, with heart problems, or pregnant women.

🌩️ The tour may be suspended due to adverse weather conditions, in which case you will be offered alternatives:

  • Take an alternative route on the same day
  • Reschedule the tour for another day
  • Refund for the total amount of the reservation

⚠️ During the winter months (May to August), the guide may choose not to complete the itinerary if they consider it unsafe due to weather or deteriorated trail conditions.

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

  • Mountain shoes with good soles.
  • Food and drink.
  • Headlamps and gaiters* during the winter season (June to September).

*Available for rent from many stores in Puerto Natales.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellations!

If you cancel at least 48 hours before the start of the tour, you will receive a refund of 100% of the amount paid. In case of a no-show or the trekker lacks the appropriate equipment, no refunds will be given.

Tour itinerary

Torres del Paine Base Viewpoint Trekking

Difficulty: high

Distance: 13.6 Miles (22 Km)

Positive difference in altitude: 3.51 Feet (1.072 Meters)

Negative difference in altitude: 3.51 Feet (1.072 Meters)

Pick up in Puerto Natales

The tour begins with pick-up from your accommodation, set to arrive between 6:30 and 7:00 in the morning depending on your location. When everyone in the group has been collected, the trip to Torres del Paine National Park begins. While en route the guide will explain the areas you will pass, the trek, and the route to the Base Torres Viewpoint.

puerto natales sign and bear statue

Access to Torres del Paine National Park

Following a two hour bus ride from Puerto Natales we will access the National Park via the Portería Amarga entrance. From there we will register to enter before enjoying the impressive views.

porteria amarga entrance to torres del paine

Trekking to the Base Torres Viewpoint

The trek begins!

Because this tour is a circuit, we will use the same trail for the outbound and return journey making the halfway point 6.8 miles (11 km). This also means the trail has a positive difference in altitude of 3517 ft (1.072 meters) and will take us about 5 hours to complete. One of the first stops is the famous Windy Pass (Paso de los Vientos) featuring breathtaking views of Ascensio Valley. As we advance along the trail, we will reach the Chileno sector where a campsite on the W trek circuit is located. The campsite offers a bar service, making it a popular and convenient rest stop.

Hikers resting in Sector Chileno on the way to Base Torres

Torres Base Viewpoint

Our hike will take us beneath the canopy of a Lenga Forest. Completing the last quarter mile of the trek is the most challenging due to the moraine glacier. It’s an area with large stones but after crossing the glacier we will reach our goal, the Base Torres Viewpoint.

Upon arrival we will take time to rest and take the most instagrammable photos at the lake’s edge, where you can dip your toes if you wish. There will be time to enjoy your lunch while taking in the landscape because there is nothing better than snacking while enjoying gorgeous views😉.

traveler in base viewpoint towers

Return to Puerto Natales

After resting, we will regroup and begin the descent on the same trail with about a 3 hour return trip time. Ending with the private bus that will return you to Puerto Natales between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm at your accommodation, bringing a close to a glorious day of hiking.

travelers glacier moraine descent torres del paine glacier

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 document given to you at the border entrypoint in Chile)
  • Entrance fee to the park

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:

  • Hiking pants
  • Warm jacket or fleece
  • Raincoat/waterproof poncho
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Cash (USD/$) (there are NO ATMS and CARDS are NOT ACCEPTED)

Where does the tour Trekking Base Torres Viewpoint start

The tour begins in the city of Puerto Natales. If you’re traveling from Santiago de Chile, the best option is to take a flight to Punta Arenas, from where you can take a bus (about 3.15 hours) that drops you off at the bus station in Puerto Natales. A hassle-free alternative is to hire a private transportation service with us.

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

Questions & Answers

  • Do I have to carry my luggage on the trek?

    No, Howlanders recommends taking only what you need for the trek and leaving the rest of your luggage at your accommodation in Puerto Natales. Unfortunately, it is not possible to store luggage in the office.

  • Do I need to bring any documents?

    Yes, you must carry your passport and the migratory card given to you when entering Chile.

  • How many kilometers is the Torres del Paine base trail?

    The Torres base trail is a total of 13.6 mi (22 km), the outbound and return routes use the same trail, making the first half 6.8 mi (11 km) uphill and the return 6.8 mi (11 km) downhill.

  • How do I get to the base viewpoint of Torres del Paine?

    To get to the viewpoint, walk the Base Torres trail that leads from the Central sector of Torres del Paine. This tour includes transfers from Puerto Natales, a guide, hiking poles, and everything else needed to enjoy the experience.

  • How many hours is the excursion to the base of Torres del Paine?

    The entire excursion is about 13 hours, keep in mind that the trip from Puerto Natales to the national park is almost two hours each way, therefore about 9 hours will be spent in the park.

  • How difficult is the Mirador Base Torres route?

    It is a route of medium-high difficulty due to the 13.6 mi length (22 km) and an elevation of more than 1,000 feet. In addition, the last stretch before the viewpoint is particularly difficult because it is a rocky area.

Trekking Base Torres Viewpoint tour reviews with Howlanders

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