Torres del Paine: Full-Day Scenic Tour from Puerto Natales

Summary

Patagonian lakes waterfalls & ancient caves in one epic day

You’ll start your Torres del Paine day trip with hotel pickup in Puerto Natales and see wild guanacos, turquoise lakes, roaring waterfalls like Salto Grande, and ancient Milodon Cave with a local guide. Expect windy hikes, surprising wildlife moments, and stories that stick with you long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the color — that blue at Lake Sarmiento just doesn’t look real. We’d barely left Puerto Natales when our guide, Camila, pointed out guanacos grazing by the road. She told us they’re like llamas but wilder (“and better at ignoring tourists,” she joked). The air was sharp, almost minty, and I remember thinking my hands would never warm up. But then we stopped at Laguna Amarga — flamingos picking their way through the shallows, all pink against that pale water. I tried to take a photo but just stood there instead.

Torres del Paine is huge, way bigger than I pictured on the map. We drove past Nordenskjöld Lake (the wind nearly took my hat), hiked out to Salto Grande waterfall where spray hit my face before I even saw it. The noise there is something else — you can’t really talk over it, so everyone just watched for a while. Lunch was simple: sandwiches and chocolate bars from the box lunch (I’d recommend bringing extra snacks if you eat a lot). There’s a park restaurant in summer but it wasn’t open when we went; nobody seemed to mind much though.

After Pehoe Lake lookout (that turquoise water looks painted on), we headed south toward Grey Lake. Camila told us stories about the mountains — she grew up nearby and says she still finds new places every year. At Mirador Grey, clouds rolled in quick and hid most of the glacier, but you could still see ice floating far off. It felt quiet there, even with our group shuffling around for photos.

The last stop was Milodon Cave. It’s massive inside — cold and echoey, with these old boards showing where they found ancient bones. Our guide explained how early people used this place for shelter thousands of years ago; honestly, it made me feel tiny in a good way. By the time we got back to Puerto Natales I was tired and dusty and sort of wishing we could do it again with better Spanish (my attempts got a few laughs). Still think about those flamingos sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Torres del Paine National Park tour

• Depart hotel in Puerto Natales
• Drive to Villa Cerro Castillo
• Visit Sarmiento Lake viewpoint
• Stop at Laguna Amarga viewpoint
• Register at Torres del Paine Park entrance
• View Nordenskjöld Lake
• Hike to Salto Grande waterfall
• Visit Pehoe Lake lookout point
• Travel to Grey Lake sector
• Lunch and walk near Grey Lake
• Stop at Mirador Grey viewpoint
• Visit Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument
• Return to hotel in Puerto Natales

Top questions

How long is the full-day tour to Torres del Paine from Puerto Natales?

The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, usually returning around 5:00 pm.

Is hotel pickup included for this Torres del Paine day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Natales are included.

Are meals or lunch provided during the tour?

A box lunch can be included if selected; otherwise meals are not provided. The park restaurant is open only during summer months.

Which main attractions are visited on this Torres del Paine tour?

You’ll visit Sarmiento Lake viewpoint, Laguna Amarga, Nordenskjöld Lake lookout, Salto Grande waterfall, Pehoe Lake lookout, Grey Lake sector, Mirador Grey, and Milodon Cave.

Is there hiking involved on this full-day Torres del Paine tour?

Yes—there are short hikes such as the 30-minute walk to Salto Grande waterfall and walks around viewpoints if weather allows.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional guide speaks English and Spanish fluently.

Can infants or toddlers join this Torres del Paine day trip?

Yes—infant seats are available upon request for children aged 3–5; infants must sit on laps until age 3.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The vehicle can accommodate folding wheelchairs if requested in advance; some stops may not be accessible due to terrain.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Natales, shared transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with seat insurance, snacks along the way (plus an optional box lunch), all entry fees for Torres del Paine sights including Milodon Cave, and guiding throughout by a bilingual local expert who shares stories as you go.