There are many incredible day hikes in Torres del Paine National Park of different lengths and difficulty levels. From short and easy trails suitable for hikers with children to challenging routes for experienced hikers. Backpacking in Torres del Paine you can enjoy the fantastic Patagonian scenery, impressive landscapes, and diverse wildlife. Here it’s possible to combine comfort and adventure. You can stay in a nice hotel/cabin inside the park and visit the main attractions doing day hikes.
If you don’t have much time for hiking around the park but still want to visit the park you can join a day tour from Puerto Natales.
Can you do day hikes in Torres del Paine?
Yes, there are many day hiking routes with breathtaking scenery in Torres del Paine National Park. So if you don’t have time to do one of the multi-day routes you can choose a couple of day hikes to enjoy the beautiful scenery in this Patagonian National Park.
Unlike multi-day trekking routes, day hikes can be walked during any season without advanced booking. You can decide on the best time to visit Torres del Paine based on your preferences and not on the availability of spots.
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Torres del Paine hiking map
For easier navigation, we’ve divided Torres del Paine into three areas; east, south, and west.
Day hikes in the east part of Torres del Paine
This part of the park has both; off-the-beaten-path trails and some of the most popular routes that are parts of the W trek and the O Circuit, two multi-day routes in Torres del Paine. You get a great chance to see some of the highlights and hidden gems of Torres del Paine.
The Fauna Trail (Portería – Portería)
Distance – 8 km
Required time – 2-3 hours
Closest hotel/campsite – Hotel Las Torres/Central campsite
Starting point – Portería Lago Sarmiento
Finishing point – Portería Laguna Amarga
Accessibility – by car
Difficulty – easy
An off-the-beaten trekking route in Torres del Paine where you can see many guanacos, and condors gliding in the skies, and even spot a puma at sunrise or sunset. The trail starts and finishes at different Porterías (entrances). The trail can be walked only in one direction from Portería Lago Sarmiento to Laguna Amarga. Along the route, you can spot some wild animals such as guanacos, huemuls (deer), porcupines, condors, etc.
It’s possible to do this hike as a day tour from Puerto Natales (transport, guide, and lunch included).
Laguna Azul/Cebolla Hike
Distance – Laguna Azul – 8 km, return; Laguna Cebolla – 20 km, return
Required time – 2-3 hours to Laguna Azul; 4-5 hours to Laguna Cebolla
Closest hotel – Hotel Las Torres/Central campsite
Starting/finishing point – Porteria Laguna Azul
Accessibility – by car, 45 min. drive from the Laguna Amarga entrance, on the way you can stop at the Paine Waterfall
Difficulty – easy
Trails in this part of the park are quite off the beaten path compared to the trails on the multi-day hiking routes. You’ll see a few people and many guanacos, birds, and if you’re very lucky in the early morning even a puma. The hike is short and easy, a good option for families with children. The scenery on the way is not special, but the view over the lake with the Towers in the background is stunning.
From Laguna Azul, you can continue walking for another 6 km till you reach Laguna Cebolla’s lookout. It’s an easy walk that can be done with children. The only thing to consider is the distance it’s better to start waking in the morning to have enough time to complete the route. Laguna Cebolla is much smaller than Laguna Azul. The trail is not marked but it’s clear and easy to follow.
Mirador Las Torres Hike
Distance – 19 km, return
Required time – 6-7 hours
Closest hotel – Hotel Las Torres/Central campsite
Starting/finishing point – Hotel Las Torres
Accessibility – by bus/car
Difficulty – challenging
Mirador Las Torres is the most famous attraction in Torres del Paine it’s worth including in your Patagonia itinerary. The hike to the viewpoint is one of the best hikes in Patagonia and one of the most difficult day hikes in the park. The way to the Mirador is one long and steep ascend to Laguna and Las Torres, the last couple of kilometers it gets very steep. After that a descent back to the hotel/campsite. Walking sticks are highly recommended for this route. Take water and snacks with you you’ll spend most of the day hiking. You can stop at a restaurant/shop at the Chileno campsite for lunch or coffee.
You can do the Mirador hike with a tour from Puerto Natales.
Lago Nordenskjold Trail
Distance – depends on where you start and how far you go. From Hotel Las Torres to Refugio Los Cuernos – 11,6 km one way. You don’t have to go to Los Cuernos, you can walk 5 km one way, enjoy the beautiful lake scenery, turn around, and walk back to the hotel. In this case, it’ll be about 10km.
Required time – 4-5 hours.
Closest hotel – Hotel Las Torres or Refugio Los Cuernos
Starting point – Hotel Las Torres or Refugio Los Cuernos
Finishing point – Hotel Las Torres or Refugio Los Cuernos
Accessibility – Hotel Las Torres by car/bus; Los Cuernos accessible only on foot
Difficulty – moderate, with several ascents and descents on the way
It’s a nice day hike with beautiful views over Nordenskjold Lake. This trail is a part of multi-day hiking routes so expect to see quite a lot of people. This hike can be done either way from Hotel Las Torres or Refugio Cuernos. It’s possible to complete this route on horses from Hotel Las Torres if you want to experience Torres del Paine differently. Take food or snacks with you there are no shops or restaurants along the way.
If you’re planning to explore more of Chilean Patagonia consider doing a day hike to the Mirador Cerro Castillo in Cerro Castillo National Park on the Carretera Austral.
Day hikes in the south part of the park
Mirador Francés/Británico Hike
Distance – Mirador Francés – 7 km, return; Mirador Británico – 11 km, return
Starting/finishing point – Italiano Ranger station
Required time – 2 hours Mirador Francés; 4-5 hours Mirador Británico
Closest hotel/campsite – Refugio/campsite Los Cuernos or refugio/campsite Francés
Accessibility – on foot
Difficulty – challenging, a very steep ascent from the Italiano campsite to the viewpoints
The hike along the turquoise Nordenskjold Lake to the viewpoint from where you can appreciate the beauty of the area. To walk to the Británico viewpoint makes sense only in good weather. If it’s overcast and rainy you won’t see much up there. This trail is one of the most difficult day hikes in Torres del Paine. The views from the top are incredible and well worth the effort.
We’d recommend attempting this trek only if you’re in good hiking shape and used to walking a lot. You can always turn around at the Mirador Francés if you run out of time or feel too tired to continue. The views from the Francés viewpoint are just as beautiful.
Take water and snacks with you. There are no places to buy food. You’ll be able to get water on the way from streams and small rivers.
You can join a group hiking tour in Valle del Frances from Puerto Natales.
Mirador Cóndor
Distance – 4 km return
Required time – 1h30min.
Closest hotel – Hotel Explora Salto Chico
Starting/finishing point – Pehoe campsite
Accessibility – bus, car
Difficulty – easy
An easy and short walk to the viewpoint with a moderate incline. It’s one of the best hikes to do if you don’t have much time and want to see some of the best views in Torres del Paine. From the top, you get spectacular views of Pehoé Lake, Laguna Negra, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and the mountains.
Mirador Lago Toro/Laguna Verde
Distance – Lago Toro – 4 km, return; Laguna Verde 20 km, return
Required time – 1h30min. Lago Toro; 5 hours Laguna Verde
Closest hotel – Hotel Explora Salto Chico
Starting/finishing point – a 15-minute drive from the Administration entrance
Accessibility – by car
Difficulty – easy-moderate
A short and easy day hike to the Mirador Lago Toro in Torres del Paine from where you can enjoy the view over the Laguna Toro, a big turquoise lake surrounded by greenish hills and plains. If you continue walking further from the Mirador Lago Toro for about 2 hours you’ll reach Laguna Verde. The trail finishes at Guardería Laguna Verde but we´d recommend turning around earlier as you still have to walk back.
Mirador Cuernos
Distance – 5 km
Required time – 2 hours
Closest hotel – Hosteria Pehoe
Starting/finishing point – Salto Grande
Accessibility – by car
Difficulty – easy
A beautiful route that starts at beautiful turquoise Pehoé Lake and impressive waterfall Salto Grande and after an hour finishes at Nordenskjold Lake – one of the most beautiful easy-to-access viewpoints in the park.
You can do the Mirador Cuernos hike with a tour.
Day hikes in the west part of Torres del Paine
Mirador Ferrier Trail
Distance – 3 km, return.
Required time – 3 hours
Closest hotel – Hotel Lago Grey
Starting/finishing point – Guardería Grey
Accessibility – by car
Difficulty – difficult, very steep long ascend to the Mirador – 700m/2300 feet with the subsequent descent back to the road.
A tough hike-climb to the viewpoint with stunning panoramic views over the lake, the glacier, the valley, and pretty much all the lakes and rivers of this part of Torres del Paine. Good hiking shoes and rain jackets are highly recommended for this route. Don’t forget to take water there is no water on the route. Before you start you must register at the Guardería.
Cascada Pingo/Mirador Zapata Trail
Distance – Cascada Pingo – 20 km, return; Mirador Zapata – 30 km return
Required time – 5 hours to Cascada Pingo; 7-8 hours to Mirador Zapata
Closest hotel – Hotel Lago Grey
Starting/finishing point – Guardería Grey
Accessibility – by car
Difficulty – moderate (Cascada Pingo); challenging (Mirador Zapata)
Another big waterfall but this time with fewer people compared to Salto Grande. Getting there is quite a walk but well worth the effort as you get a chance to explore the waterfall and enjoy the tranquility of this part of the park. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. In the beginning, you’ll walk past an abandoned campsite with a stunning view of Cerro Paine Grande from there.
If you continue walking further from Pingo waterfall in 2,5 km you will get to Zapata campsite – an abandoned campsite at the river bank. The walk is relatively flat and easy. From the campsite, it’s another 3 km to Mirador Zapata – a viewpoint from where you can see Pingo Lake and the glacier. It’s worth continuing walking only if you want to go to the Mirador otherwise turn around at the waterfall and go back.
Lago Grey hike
Distance – 5 km
Required time – 2 hours, return.
Closest hotel – Hotel Lago Grey
Starting/finishing point – Guardería Grey
Accessibility – by car
Difficulty – easy
An easy walk that will lead you to Lago Grey and the ferry (catamaran) that goes to Grey Glacier and Refugio Grey so you can combine it with the boat trip.
You can join a 4-day trekking tour from Puerto Natales that includes Grey Glacier, French Valley, and Pehoe Lake.
Mirador Lago Skottsberg Hike
Distance – 5 km, return
Required time – 1h30min.
Closest hotel – Refugio/campsite Paine Grande
Starting/finishing point – Paine Grande
Accessibility – by boat
Difficulty – easy
Another viewpoint not far from the hotel, first through the burnt forest and then along Skottsberg Lake, when walking next to the lake check from time to time reflections of the mountains in the water. This hike can be completed as a part of a longer hike to Mirador Francés.
Mirador Pehoé Trail
Distance – 5-6 km, return
Required time – 1h30min.
Closest hotel – Refugio/campsite Paine Grande
Starting/finishing point – Paine Grande
Accessibility – by boat
Difficulty – easy
Easy walk from the hotel towards the Administration entrance along Pehoé Lake to the second Mirador (the first one is on the other side of the lake, at Hosteria Pehoé). You can walk as far as you wish. There is a viewpoint about 3 km away from the hotel.
Mirador Grey Hike
Distance – 11 km, return
Required time – 3 hours
Closest hotel – Refugio/campsite Paine Grande
Starting/finishing point – Refugio/campsite Paine Grande
Accessibility – by boat
Difficulty – moderate
The Mirador Grey viewpoint is located right in the middle between the Refugio Grey and Refugio Paine Grande. From this viewpoint, you’ll be able to see Lago Grey and Grey Glacier in the distance. If you walk from Paine Grande you’ll walk past the small and beautiful Laguna Los Patos (a nice spot to stop for rest and snack) and a waterfall just before the lake on the right-hand side.
You can do a day hiking tour (transportation included) from Puerto Natales to the viewpoint of Grey Glacier.
You can combine a trip to Torres del Paine with a visit to Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina. It’s possible to get to El Calafate (the nearest to the glacier town) by bus from Puerto Natales.
Suspension bridges (Glacier Grey viewpoints) trail
Distance – Suspension bridge 1 – 5 km, return; suspension bridge 2 – 10 km, return
Required time – 2 hours to the first bridge; 4 hours to the second bridge
Closest hotel – Refugio/campsite Grey
Starting/finishing point – Refugio/campsite Grey
Accessibility – by ferry
Difficulty – moderate (the first bridge); challenging (the second bridge)
Glacier Grey is one of the main highlights of Torres del Paine and is worth visiting. The walk starts at Refugio Grey towards Campamento Paso, up to the hill. This route is part of the O circuit. Walk across the suspension bridge from there you can see the glacier and the lake surrounded by mountains with snow peaks. You can turn around there and walk back to the Refugio or keep walking till the next suspension bridge.
From the first bridge, you can continue walking towards Paso campsite till you reach the second suspension bridge, after the bridge, there is a viewpoint from where you’ll get a stunning view over Grey Glacier. The distance is not long but it’s quite a steep ascent to the bridge and descent on the way back. Pack a snack there is no place to get food along the route.
The ferry leaves from Hotel Lago Grey. Confirm the timetable and prices here.
Glacier Grey ice hiking
Distance – about 10 km, return (ice hike + walking to the glacier)
Required time – 5 hours in total; 2h30min. ice hiking itself, 2 hours to walk to the glacier and back, 1-hour return boat trip.
Closest hotel – Refugio Grey
Starting/finishing point – Refugio Grey
Accessibility – by boat
Difficulty – moderate
Grey Glacier hiking is an unforgettable experience and a real adventure, especially if you have never walked on ice in crampons and with an ice ax. It’s not a budget activity – US$250. The glacier hiking tour includes; a boat transfer, guide, ice ax, crampons, and harnesses. The hike starts at Grey campsite.
It’s possible to visit the glacier on a day tour from Puerto Natales (no glacier hiking).
To get the ultimate Patagonia experience you can combine hiking in Torres del Paine with trekking in El Chalten, the adventurous capital of Argentina. El Chalten like Torres del Paine offers a great variety of day hikes and multi-day trekking routes.
Entrance tickets to the park
According to the official CONAF website, hikers have to purchase their entrance tickets online at least 24 hours before their visit.
The entrance fee for non-Chilean visitors is US$35 if you’re staying inside the park for less than 3 days and US$49 if you’re staying for more than 3 days. Children under 12 years old enter for free.
You can print your confirmation or show it on the screen of your mobile phone at the entrance.
Where to stay in Torres del Paine?
You can choose to stay in Puerto Natales, the closest to Torres del Paine town, just outside the park at one of the few hotels/refugios, or be based in the park. The last option is the best if you want to spend a couple of days in Torres del Paine and do several day hikes.
Staying inside Torres del Paine
Pros
You save a lot of time driving to the park and back daily, especially if you stay in Puerto Natales.
You have incredible scenery around you for 24 hours.
There are several campsites in Torres del Paine suitable for day hikers (not far from the park entrances), so your accommodation won’t be expensive if you’re willing to camp.
Cons
If you don’t want to camp, staying in the park (hotels or refugios) is quite a bit more expensive compared to staying outside the park.
As well as eating in the park is quite pricey.
Hotels and campsites inside Torres del Paine
Staying outside the park
If you don’t want to pay a lot and at the same time stay close to the park check out some hotels and hostels just outside Torres del Paine. It’ll save you a lot of driving time that you can rather spend on hiking and will be cheaper than staying inside the park.
Accommodation outside Torres del Paine
Staying in Puerto Natales
Pros
In Puerto Natales, you can find budget and middle-price range accommodation.
There are several shops and restaurants in Puerto Natales. Food is much cheaper in the town than inside the park.
Cons
Puerto Natales is 112 km away, it takes 2-3 hours to get to Torres del Paine from there and then 2-3 hours back.
You might save on accommodation but spend quite a bit on petrol if you drive several times.
Hotels and hostels in Puerto Natales
How to get to day hikes?
If you’re planning to visit different parts of the park and move around quite a bit the best option is to rent a car in Puerto Natales. If you’re a couple of people sharing a car it might be even cheaper than using a bus/taxi combination. Not many trails in the park are accessible by public buses to get to some of them you’ll need a car or a taxi.
You can fly to Puerto Natales from Santiago. There are several daily direct flights.
From Puerto Natales, there is a direct bus to Torres del Paine. It stops at three main park entrances; Administration, Pudeto, and Laguna Amarga. The buses leave from the bus terminal in Puerto Natales. You can buy tickets online or at the bus station. During the peak months, I’d suggest buying tickets at least 1 day in advance.
The journey takes between 2 and 3 hours depending on where in Torres del Paine you get off. The price is CP 14 000/US$15 one way. The ticket to Lago Grey is CP 25 000/US$27 one way.
There might be more buses during the peak months between December and February.
To get to Hotel Las Torres from Laguna Amarga take a shuttle bus. Its departure time is linked to the arrival time of buses from Puerto Natales, the journey takes 10 min. Price US$6 one way.
You can get back from Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales the same way.
To get to Refugio Paine Grande from the Pudeto entrance take a catamaran (ferry). It takes 30 min. to get to Paine Grande. The price is US$30 one way. You can buy tickets and confirm the current timetable on the Hip Sur website.
We have a detailed post on how to get to Torres del Paine from different towns in Patagonia.
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The pretty half of Stingy Nomads, responsible for all our land adventures (hiking, climbing, walking the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves walking since she was a child, she prefers to walk 1000 km with a backpack rather than to do a 10 000 km road trip (actually any road trip). Alya is a big fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Every time we go away she desperately misses our dog Chile.
