Difficult | 8 - 10h | 20,1 km | 1014m
Things to know before hiking to Base de la Torres in Patagonia
How to get to Base de la Torres Hike
First, you will have to go to the Torres del Paine Welcome Center
By car: The drive from Puerto Natales to the Welcome Center takes around 2 hours. There, you can park your car for the day in a free lot.
However, when we got there at around 8:30, it was almost complete. Some people say you can park along the route when the parking lot is full, but ask the staff to be sure.
By bus: Bus-sur offers a daily connection from Puerto Natales to Porteria Laguna Amarga. The bus journey is 2 hours long. You can check the bus timetable here.
From there, you will take a shuttle transfer to the Welcome Center. The shuttle schedule is synchronized to the bus arrival/departure. This shuttle journey lasts around 25 minutes and costs CLP 4,500 (approx. 4.50 USD) one way, which is to be paid in cash on the bus.
Beware that at the end of the day, many hikers will return from day hikes and longer trekking, so you might have to wait a long time to catch a shuttle/bus going back in the afternoon.
Join a tour: I personally joined this tour. I was happy to do so, as this was my first big hike in a while. The guides were very helpful, and the group pushed me to keep up with them. This tour includes hiking poles for the day, and trust me, you will use them.
When to Hike to the Base de la Torres Lookout
The ideal time to visit Torres del Paine National Park is during the Patagonian summer, from December to February. There are extended daylight hours and a high likelihood of clear, bright skies.
Where to stay to Hike to the Base de la Torres Lookout
If you want to catch the sunrise at Base de las Torres, the best option would be to spend a night at the Chileno refuge as it is the closest accommodation to the viewpoint.
Another good option inside Torres del Paine National Park is the Central Camping, or if you feel like splurging, the best choice is Hotel Las Torres. Both of these accommodations are next to the Welcome Center.
Otherwise, if catching the sunrise is not your priority, you can stay in Puerto Natales.
Fees to Hike to Base de las Torres
In 2025, the entrance ticket to Torres del Paine National Park for foreigners will cost CLP 32,400 (approx. 33 USD) for stays of up to 3 days and CLP 46,200 (approx. 47 USD) for stays of more than 3 days.
To save time, buy your entrance ticket before you get to the park. The official ticket site is here.
Torres del Paine National Park Opening Hours
The national park is officially open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, but people with valid tickets can enter earlier to avoid the crowds.
Note, however, that the steepest, final part of the ascent to the Base de las Torres viewpoint officially closes at 2:00 pm because strong wind makes it unsafe to go up later than that.
What to bring on a day-hike to Base de las Torres
- Layers - weather can change quickly in Patagonia.
- Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses: We had sun all day during this hike. There are many exposed parts on the trail, and the sun will be brutal if you get a sunny day like we did.
- Food and snacks: Once you start the hike, you will only find food midway at the Chileno refuge. Since it is a remote area, expect things to be overpriced.
- At least 1.5 liters of water
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Hiking poles: This isn't a must, but trust me, you will be glad you brought them!
- Camera
Other things to consider
This is the most popular hike in the region. Some people come exclusively to do this hike, which makes it the most crowded hike. I highly recommend starting early, especially if you're coming from Puerto Natales. As a reference, we left Puerto Natales at 6 am.
There's no service inside Torres del Paine National Park. You can pay for the wi-fi at the Chileno Refuge, but it will be expensive. I highly recommend downloading the trail so you can access it offline.
Water on Base de las Torres Hike: As I mentioned before, you can refill water for free at the Chileno refuge.
There are also plenty of fresh water streams crossing the trail. However, people and horses walk on some of those streams, so I would ask any guide passing by if it is safe to refill your bottle in that particular stream just to be safe.
Hike overview
Welcome Center to Paso de los Vientos (Windy Pass)
Although the first part of the hike takes you across the flat grasslands in an easy stroll, the ascent starts pretty quickly into the hike. This first ascent is, unfortunately, without shade.
You will then enter a shaded forest, which, while not flat, isn't too tricky. Once you've completed this first part, you will reach the Paso de los vientos Lookout, where you can appreciate the view over the valley.
Paso de los Vientos to Chileno Refuge
The Chileno refuge is just a few minutes from Paso de los Vientos. Time-wise, this refuge marks the middle of the trail. The reference time to get here from the Welcome Center is around 2 hours.
In the refuge, you can get sunscreen and refill water for free. You can also use their toilets for free if you buy anything from them or pay 2,000 CLP for toilet use. Here, you can pay by card.
Chileno Refuge to Base de las Torres Lookout
After enjoying your break at the Chileno Refuge, you will continue through a forest for about an hour.
Once you're out of the forest, the last part of the trail involves a steep upward clamber over rocks. Progress slowly at your own pace, and remember to stop and look down. You'll be amazed by how far you've come.
Just as you wonder whether the trail will ever end, you turn a corner and catch the first glimpse of the Torres.
Lastly, as my tour guide said: "Don't forget that getting to the top is only half the way," so keep some energy for the challenging way back. For me, the way down was more complicated than the way up because you're tired and have seen what you wanted, so the way back can be tedious.
