Torres del Paine – Base Torres Viewpoint

General Description

Torres del Paine is a national park in Chilean Patagonia, famous for its natural beauty: mountains, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife. It is located in the Magallanes Region, near Puerto Natales, and is named after the three iconic granite towers (North, Central, and South). The park offers world-class hiking, boat trips, and wildlife observation, and is recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.

Location: Municipality of Torres del Paine, Última Esperanza Province, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Region.

Landscapes: Includes mountains, glaciers, forests, turquoise lakes, and vast pampas.

Icons: The park is famous for the Paine Massif, with its three granite towers.

Surface Area: Covers 227,298 hectares.

Conservation: Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and managed by the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF).

Coordinates

Trailhead Hotel Las Torres: -50.972813, -72.875757

How to Get There, Distances, and Times

From Puerto Natales: 80 km via Y-150/Y-156 routes; travel time is 1.5–2 hours by car.

Entrance / Prices (Reference for 2025)

Buy online at Parques de Chile (pasesparques.cl). Prices vary depending on nationality and season. Check availability and rate at the time of purchase.

Route and Duration

• Trekking Base Torres Viewpoint: 18–22 km round trip, 7–9 h, +900 m elevation gain.
• Classic section: Las Torres Welcome Center → Ascencio Valley → Chileno Camp → final moraine → Viewpoint.

Recommendations

• Variable weather; bring a windbreaker, layers, and gloves.
• Water and energy snacks; reserve in advance if staying at shelters or camping.
• Avoid starting late: return during daylight.