Full-Day Hike to Torres del Paine Base from Puerto Natales

Reach the viewpoint where the three granite spikes meet the glacial lake

A full-day guided hike from Puerto Natales to the base of the Paine Towers in Torres del Paine National Park, covering roughly 24 kilometers through forests, rivers and rocky terrain to a moraine overlook. The tour includes hotel pickup, transport to the park, a certified trekking guide, equipment (poles, gaiters and crampons), and a boxed lunch. Limited to six people per departure, and requires a high level of physical fitness. Minimum age is 13.

The experience

You start before dawn from your Puerto Natales hotel and drive to Torres del Paine National Park, entering through Laguna Amarga and reaching the Cerro Paine Reserve trailhead. After a safety briefing and equipment check, the hike begins with a steady climb to Paso de los Vientos, where the valley opens beneath you. The first real break comes at Refugio Chileno, then the route drops into lenga forest, crosses the Ascencio River, and turns toward the final push: a steep rocky path that switchbacks up a moraine to the base of the towers themselves.

The three granite spikes rise directly above you, with a brilliant glacial lake below. This is the turnaround point. You rest, photograph, and absorb the scale of what you've climbed to reach. The return follows the same trail downward, and the full day (roughly 11 hours including transport, breaks and the hike itself) ends with drop-off back at your hotel. The trek is moderately difficult to demanding: a medium pace is maintained throughout, and the final rocky section tests both legs and lungs.

Your guide speaks English or Spanish and carries the technical knowledge of the route, water crossings and weather shifts. Trekking poles, gaiters and crampons are provided. You bring comfortable hiking shoes, a jacket, gloves, a hat and sunscreen. A small backpack for extra snacks and water is recommended. The group stays under six people, so the guide can adjust pace and watch for fatigue.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Puerto Natales.
• transport by air-conditioned vehicle to Torres del Paine National Park.
• a certified trekking guide in English or Spanish.
• trekking equipment including poles, gaiters and crampons.
• boxed lunch.
• and a small-group experience limited to six people per departure.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 30 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 35

Prices and times updated 28 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Gray Line Chile

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so choose the language that matches your comfort level. This tour demands a high level of physical fitness and a full day of sustained effort, making it best for active hikers who have trained for mountain terrain. It is not suitable for travelers with back problems, heart conditions, spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, or for pregnant travelers.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How difficult is the hike to the base of the Paine Towers?

The trek is moderately difficult to demanding, covering roughly 24 kilometers over 11 hours with a medium pace maintained throughout. The first section climbs steadily to Paso de los Vientos, then descends to Refugio Chileno for a break. The final stretch is the steepest: a rocky path with switchbacks leading up a moraine to the towers. A high level of physical fitness is required, and the route involves crossing streams and traversing lenga forest before the exposed rocky terrain at the end.

What equipment and clothing do I need to bring?

Wear comfortable hiking shoes and clothes suitable for trekking. Bring a jacket, gloves, a hat and sunscreen. Trekking poles, gaiters and crampons are provided by the tour. A small backpack is recommended so you can carry additional snacks and water during the day. The weather in Patagonia changes quickly, so layering is important.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Natales; transport by air-conditioned vehicle to and from Torres del Paine National Park; a certified trekking guide speaking English or Spanish; trekking equipment (poles, gaiters and crampons); and a boxed lunch. The entrance fee to the national park is arranged separately. Contact the operator to book it before your tour date.

How early does the tour start and when do I return?

The tour departs early in the morning from your Puerto Natales hotel. The full day lasts approximately 11 hours, including the drive to the park, the hike itself and the return journey, so you'll be back at your hotel in the late afternoon or early evening.

Is this tour suitable for someone visiting Patagonia for the first time?

Yes, if you have a high level of physical fitness. The Paine Towers hike is one of Patagonia's most famous treks and reaches an iconic viewpoint that many first-time visitors want to experience. The certified guide handles route knowledge and safety, and the small group size means personalized attention. However, the demanding final section and full-day commitment mean this is best suited to active hikers rather than casual walkers.