Torres del Paine Base Trek from Puerto Natales: Guided day hike

Walk to the towers themselves, not just a viewpoint of them.

A full-day trek from Puerto Natales to the base of Torres del Paine, starting with hotel pickup and a stop at Milodon Cave, then 11 hours of guided hiking to reach the eastern lagoon viewpoint where the three towers rise above you. Your guide handles the route and pacing. Trekking poles and an air-conditioned vehicle are included. Moderate fitness and a willingness to walk uphill for several hours are required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Trek to Base of Torres del Paine

• Pick up at accommodation
• Pass Cuevas del Milodon
• View Cuernos del Paine
• Arrive Estancia Torres del Paine
• Guide briefing
• Walk to old bridge over Asencio River
• Hike to Camping El Chileno
• Rest at lenga forest
• Continue to viewpoint at 700 m altitude
• Reach Las Torres Base viewpoint
• Rest and have lunch

The experience

You get picked up at your accommodation in Puerto Natales and driven toward the park, passing Milodon Cave on the way. The route climbs through Cuernos del Paine before reaching Estancia Torres del Paine, the trailhead, after roughly two hours of travel. From there the day becomes a walk: your guide leads you along the Asencio River path, crossing slopes that drop from Mount Almirante Nieto, with a stop at Camping El Chileno in a lenga forest. The trail steepens as you climb toward the 700-meter viewpoint, then continues another half hour to Las Torres Base.

At the base, you stand at the eastern end of the lagoon with the three towers (Central, Monzino and Dagostini) rising directly in front of you, along with the Peineta and Nido de Cóndores hills. Weather permitting, this is where you rest and eat lunch. The guide speaks English or Spanish and knows the route well enough to adjust the pace if the group needs it. Trekking poles take pressure off your knees on the descent, and the vehicle waits to drive you back to Puerto Natales once the day is done.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Puerto Natales.
• an air-conditioned vehicle for the drive to and from the trailhead.
• trekking poles.
• a specialized mountain guide fluent in English or Spanish.
• the route via Milodon Cave and through Cuernos del Paine to Estancia Torres del Paine and Las Torres Base.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (28 and older) · Youth (13 to 27 years) · Child (9 to 12 years): free · Infant (under 1): free

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 28 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by TOURS PUNTA ARENAS

Is this one for you?This trek suits small groups or solo travelers with moderate fitness who want to reach the towers themselves rather than view them from a distance. The 11-hour day and the steady uphill climb mean it is not a casual walk, but the guide adjusts the pace to the group, and trekking poles ease the strain on the descent.

Traveler reviews

4.20★★★★★★★★★★

5 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 27 years); Child (9 to 12 years): free; Infant (under 1): free.

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.

What is Milodon Cave and why does the trek pass it?

Milodon Cave is a natural cavern you visit on the drive from Puerto Natales to the trailhead. It sits on the route to the park, so the guide includes it as part of the journey without adding extra time to the overall day.

How much of the day is actual walking versus driving?

The full day runs 11 hours. After pickup and the drive to Estancia Torres del Paine (roughly two hours), the trek itself takes the remainder: one hour to Camping El Chileno, then another half hour to Las Torres Base, with time to rest and eat at the top before the return walk and drive back.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my trek?

The guide will still lead the trek as scheduled. Cloud cover or wind may obscure the view of the towers from the base, but the walk itself proceeds. Bring layers and rain gear. The Patagonian weather changes quickly.

Do I need my own trekking poles or hiking boots?

Trekking poles are provided. You should bring sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, as the trail climbs steeply and the ground is uneven. Wear layers you can remove as you warm up during the walk.

Is lunch included in the trek, or do I need to bring my own food?

Lunch is not included in the trek price. Bring food and water for the day. You'll have time to eat at Las Torres Base once you reach the viewpoint.

What fitness level do I need for this trek?

You should have at least moderate fitness. The walk climbs steadily to 700 meters, and the final push to Las Torres Base is steep. Most people who hike regularly manage it comfortably. If you have concerns about your cardiovascular health or back, discuss them with the operator before booking.