Is Torres del Paine National Park open in winter?

Torres del Paine National Park is open all year round. The trails to the Grey Glacier, French Valley, Base of the Towers viewpoint, and Carretas Trail remain open to the public, subject to weather conditions, and must be hiked with a guide. The trails on the north side of the park that are part of the O circuit are closed in winter for safety reasons.

Is it possible to do the W Circuit in winter?

Yes, the W circuit can also be done during the winter months as long as the weather conditions allow it and you enter the park accompanied by a guide authorized by CONAF and with a work license. If you want to do the complete W circuit make your reservation here.

What is the weather like in Torres del Paine during the winter months?

The winter weather in Torres del Paine is cold, with temperatures dropping below 0 ºC (32ºF). However, the winter season also presents a more stable climate with less probability of rain, cloudy skies and winds than the summer season.

Is it necessary to use crampons to do the tour?

It is not mandatory to use crampons to walk the w circuit in winter and they are not usually necessary. However, when trail conditions require it due to ice accumulation, the guide will recommend the use of crampons for safety reasons. Crampons are included in the tour and the guide will help you put them on and explain how to use them.

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Tour to Paine Grande and Frances sectors in winter

Walk the eastern part of the Torres del Paine W trek in winter with guide

❄ Available from May 1 through August 31!❄

Puerto Natales

3 days

Spanish and English

Starts: Puerto Natales

Ends: Puerto Natales

Free cancellation!

Briefing

If you are traveling to Torres del Paine in winter but don't have enough time to complete the whole W trek, this all-inclusive guided tour is for you!

The tour to the Paine Grande and Francés sectors in winter will allow you to walk the eastern part of Torres del Paine in the coldest season with a professional guide. A 3-day private tour that includes two nights lodging at the Paine Grande refuge, all meals, private transfer from Puerto Natales to the beginning and end of the tour, and the entrance fee to the National Park.

You will access the park through the Carretas Trail, bordering Lake Pehoé until you reach the Paine Grande sector, where you will spend the two nights. On the second day of the tour, you will walk with your guide through the French Valley arriving at the Italian Camp, the French Viewpoint, and the imposing British Viewpoint. You will leave the park following the Carretas Trail again with the Cuernos del Paine and Cerro Paine Grande in white as a backdrop.

Book this 3-day private tour and visit the eastern sectors of Torres del Paine without crowds with a professional guide.

Tour details

Included

2 nights lodging at Refugio Paine Grande (shared room)
Private transportation Puerto Natales → Administration (round trip).
Meals according to itinerary (2 breakfasts + 3 lunch-boxes + 2 dinners)
Entrance to Torres del Paine National Park
Guide
Crampons

Not included

Tips
Carrier
Other meals
Medical or travel insurance

Important information

The minimum recommended age to book this winter tour is 10 years old. Children under 18 must always be accompanied by an adult.

It is essential to be in good physical shape to be able to complete the stages of the eastern sectors of the W Circuit that are included in this tour.

For safety reasons it is not possible to access Torres del Paine National Park during the winter season (May 1 to August 31) without a guide.

The tour includes crampons. In case it is necessary to do any of the routes with crampons due to the state of the trail, the guide will give them to you and explain how to use them.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

If you cancel at least 90 days before the start of the tour, you will receive a 100% refund of the amount paid. If you cancel between 89 and 70 days before the start of the tour you will receive a refund of 80% of the amount paid. If you cancel between 69 and 45 days before the start of the tour you will receive a refund of 50% of the amount paid. After this time or in case of not doing the activity, no refund will be made and it will not be possible to modify the reservation.

*Reservation modifications are subject to the cancellation policies indicated, applying the corresponding penalty in each case according to the anticipation with which it is requested.

Tour itinerary

DAY 1 Puerto Natales - Trekking Carretas Trail

Difficulty: medium

Distance: 10,56 miles (17 km.)

Approximate walking time: 6 hours

Positive difference in altitude: 328 ft. (100 m.)

Meals: lunch box + dinner

✨Highlights: Pehoé viewpoint.

Puerto Natales to Administracion

A private transfer will pick you up at your hotel in Puerto Natales after breakfast and you will head to the park. Accompanied by your guide, you will enter Torres del Paine National Park through the administrative headquarters of CONAF (National Forestry Corporation), also known as the Administracion or Administracion Sector.

You will get off the transfer, the guide will give you your lunch-box and you will start the trek to Paine Grande following the Carretas Trail.

Carretas Trail to Paine Grande

Following the guide's indications, you will walk along the Carretas Trail, which will offer you panoramic views of the park throughout the entire route. In the last stretch, you will also find unique views of Lake Pehoé in winter.

You will finally arrive at the Paine Grande Refuge. And after checking in, you will have a well-deserved rest. Take the opportunity to relax in the common areas of the refuge before enjoying a refreshing dinner in the common dining room.

DAY 2 Trekking French Valley

Difficulty: difficult

Distance: 13 miles (21 km.)

Approximate walking time: 8 hours

Positive difference in altitude: 2625 ft. (800 m.)

Lodging: Refugio Paine Grande

Meals: breakfast + lunch box + dinner

✨Highlights: French viewpoint and British viewpoint.

🎒 TO KEEP IN MIND

By sleeping the two nights at Refugio Paine Grande, for the route of the second day you will be able to leave your luggage in the room of the refuge and do the hardest trek of the tour carrying only a small backpack.

Paine Grande Refuge

The second day's route will be a round trip, starting and ending at the Paine Grande refuge. You will have breakfast in the common dining room of the refuge, and after picking up your lunch box, the guided hike will begin.

French Valley Trekking

You will leave the Paine Grande refuge in the company of your guide and bordering the Skottsberg Lake you will arrive at the Italian Camp after about 2.5 hours. From the Italian Camp, you will start the ascent through the French Valley.

A steep trail will take you first to the French viewpoint and, after a break to recharge your batteries, you will continue to the British viewpoint. From there, you will have a unique view of the Cuernos del Paine dyed in white. With this landscape as a backdrop, you will enjoy your lunch box and a well-deserved rest. You will descend along the same trail to the Italian Camp and from there you will return to the Paine Grande refuge.

DAY 3 Trekking Carretas Trail - Puerto Natales

Difficulty: medium

Distance: 10,56 miles (17 km.)

Approximate walking time: 6 hours

Positive difference in altitude: 328 ft. (100 m.)

Meals: breakfast + lunch box

✨ Highlights: Paine Grande Sector

Carretas Trail from Paine Grande

You will enjoy the last breakfast in the dining room of Refugio Paine Grande with views of the Cuernos del Paine and Cerro Paine Grande dyed white and pick up your lunch box at the end.

You will also pick up all your luggage, and after carrying your backpack you will start the last guided route of the Tour to Paine Grande and Frances sectors in winter.

Accompanied by your guide, you will make your way back to Administracion along the Carretas Trail. Upon arrival, a private transfer will be waiting to take you back to Puerto Natales. After an hour and a half drive (approximately), you will arrive in the city, putting an end to this express adventure in Torres del Paine in winter.

💙 HOWLANDERS TIP

Save some time and take the opportunity to take a walk around Refugio Paine Grande before starting the hike back along the Carretas Trail.

Ask your guide for advice! 😏

What to bring to Tour to Paine Grande and Frances sectors in winter

To travel to Torres del Paine in winter it is important that you prepare the appropriate equipment and clothing to withstand freezing temperatures. Keep in mind that on the first and last day of the tour you will have to carry all your luggage, and it is recommended that you do not exceed 10 kg in weight and carry it in a hiking backpack that fits well on your back. In addition, we recommend you carry:

30-40 L backpack (to carry all the luggage).
10-15 L backpack (to carry what you need on day 2 of the tour)
Waterproof hiking boots
Gloves
Hat
Neck warmer
Thermal clothing
Warm clothing
Waterproof jacket
Winter socks
Refillable water bottle
Passport
Immigration card (which will be given to you at the immigration office upon arrival in Chile)
Cash money
Flashlight
Camera
Sandals/flip-flops
Towel
Slippers for the accommodations

Where does the tour Tour to Paine Grande and Frances sectors in winter start

To get to Torres del Paine in winter, it is best to fly to the Punta Arenas airport and then take ground transportation to Puerto Natales. During this season, it is important to keep in mind that some roads may be closed due to weather conditions, so it is recommended to inquire in advance about the status of the routes. Another option is to hire one of our private transfers.

If you need it, please contact us and we will help you plan your trip to Torres del Paine during the winter months.