Torres del Paine Base Trek: Full-day guided hike from Puerto Natales

Walk to the foot of Patagonia's most photographed peaks

A full-day trekking tour from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine Base combines van transport from your hotel, a guided alpine hike with equipment provided, and time at the base of the three granite towers for photographs and rest. The tour includes a certified guide in English or Spanish, trekking poles and crampons at no extra cost, and runs 14 to 15 hours total with 3 hours of driving each way. Park entry is booked separately at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day Torres del Paine trek

• Gather passengers in van
• Drive to Torres del Paine welcome center
• Receive trekking induction from guide
• Begin trek to Base Torres
• Stop at camps for breaks and toilets
• Arrive at Base Torres for photos and rest
• Return trek by same path
• Meet van at trek start point
• Drive back to Puerto Natales accommodation

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your accommodation in Puerto Natales. Once your group is loaded (maximum six passengers per van), the drive to Torres del Paine National Park takes 90 minutes. At the welcome center, your guide briefs you on the route and hands out trekking poles. In winter, crampons are fitted to your boots at no additional charge. The van then drops you at the trailhead.

The trek itself follows a single path uphill to Torres del Paine Base, where the three granite towers rise above the valley. Two camps along the route have toilet facilities and shelter for a quick stop to eat or drink. When you reach the base (roughly 45 minutes to an hour after arrival), you have time to photograph the towers and recover before retracing your steps. The walk down takes the same route back to the trailhead, where your van and driver are waiting to return you to Puerto Natales.

The van is air-conditioned and insured for all passengers. Your guide is a certified professional who speaks English or Spanish and stays with the group throughout. Trekking poles and crampons (in winter) are provided. Bring water and snacks, as meals are not included. The full day (transport, hike, and return) runs between 14 and 15 hours.

What’s included

• Private van transport from your Puerto Natales hotel with a certified guide in English or Spanish.
• trekking poles and crampons (winter) provided at no extra cost.
• air-conditioned vehicle with insurance for all passengers.
• two rest stops with toilet facilities during the trek.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 7 years)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 34 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.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Transprint Patagonia

Is this one for you?The full day (14 to 15 hours including 3 hours of driving) means you're committing the whole day to reach the base and return. The hike itself is steady uphill on a single path with two rest stops, so it suits someone with moderate fitness who can walk for several hours. If you have only a few hours free or prefer a shorter outing, a half-day option would fit better.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 17 years); Child (2 to 7 years).

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 long is the actual hike to Torres del Paine Base?

The trek is a single path uphill to the base, with roughly 45 minutes to an hour spent at the towers before you return by the same route. Two brief stops for facilities and hydration break up the walk on the way up.

What's included in the tour and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes van pickup from your hotel in Puerto Natales, a certified guide, trekking poles, crampons in winter, and the return drive. You'll need to bring water, snacks and any food you want to eat. Meals are not provided. Park entry is booked separately at checkout.

Is this trek suitable if I'm not an experienced hiker?

The tour requires at least moderate physical fitness and a reasonable level of cardiovascular health. The hike is steady uphill to the base, with two rest stops along the way. Your guide will set the pace and can adjust timing if needed.

How much time do I spend at Torres del Paine Base itself?

You'll have 45 minutes to an hour at the base to photograph the towers, rest and refuel before heading back down the same path.

What's the weather like, and what should I wear?

Patagonia weather is unpredictable year-round. Bring layers, a windproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots and sun protection. In winter, crampons are provided for icy sections. Your guide will advise on conditions when you meet at the park welcome center.