Torres del Paine trek from Puerto Natales: Base Torres in one day

Hike to the Base Torres viewpoint and touch the glacial lake at its foot

The Base Torres trek is a guided day hike from Puerto Natales to the viewpoint overlooking the three granite towers of Torres del Paine, with shuttle transport, trekking poles and a bilingual guide included. The route climbs through Lenga Forest and a glacier moraine over about eight hours of walking, with groups kept to a maximum of 21 people so all travelers are accompanied at their own pace. Pickup runs between 6:30 and 7:00 AM from your accommodation. The shuttle returns you between 8:00 and 9:00 PM. In winter, crampons are provided and groups shrink to four travelers per guide for safety on snow and ice.

Step-by-step itinerary

Trek to Base Torres viewpoint

• Pick-up from accommodations early morning
• Receive trekking poles and tour briefing
• Shuttle bus ride to Torres del Paine National Park
• Begin trek through Ascensio Valley and Lenga Forest
• Climb glacier moraine to Base Torres Viewpoint
• Lunch and photos at viewpoint
• Descend to lake beach and enjoy views
• Return shuttle bus to Puerto Natales

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Puerto Natales lodging and a two-hour shuttle ride to the Porteria Amarga entrance of Torres del Paine National Park. Once inside, the trek to Base Torres begins: a four-hour climb through the Ascensio Valley and the Lenga Forest, with views of Almirante Nieto Hill shifting as you gain elevation. The final stretch crosses a glacier moraine (a steep, rocky path) before you reach the Base Torres viewpoint itself. Trekking poles are provided, and a bilingual guide plus an assistant walk with the group, adjusting pace so no one is left behind.

At the viewpoint, you stop for lunch and photographs, then descend to a small beach formed by the glacial lake to touch its waters and see the towers from below. The return walk takes about three hours. The shuttle collects the group and drives back to Puerto Natales, arriving at your accommodation between 8:00 and 9:00 PM. The full day (including transport, walking and the stop at Base Torres) runs ten to twelve hours. Winter tours (June through September) use crampons for traction on snow and ice, and groups shrink to four people per guide to keep everyone safe on the steeper sections.

You'll need mountain shoes with good grip, food and water to carry, and a headlamp and gaiters if you're hiking in winter. The park entrance fee is separate and not included in the tour price. A moderate level of fitness is necessary: the trek climbs to 2,855 feet above sea level and covers 20 kilometers of uneven terrain. The tour runs year-round, so even in winter, when fewer travelers book, the small group size means more personalized attention on the trail.

What’s included

• Shuttle transport from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park and back.
• bilingual guide and assistant guide.
• trekking poles.
• crampons in winter.
• first aid kit.
• lunch (in private tours only).

Options for this experience

2 options

Shared tourGuide in English or Spanish · 06:30Group tour, pickup is included

Private TourGuide in English or Spanish · 06:30Private service tour that includes a boxed lunch and pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 35 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Howlanders

Is this one for you?Book the shared tour if you're comfortable hiking with a small group and want to meet other travelers. Choose the private tour if your group prefers to set its own rhythm without others. Either way, the small guide-to-traveler ratio means you'll never be rushed, and the eight-hour trek is manageable for anyone with moderate fitness who has trained a bit beforehand.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What is the Base Torres viewpoint like when you reach it?

Base Torres is the viewpoint at the foot of the three granite towers that give Torres del Paine its name. From there, you can see the towers at close range and descend to a small beach on the glacial lake to touch the water and photograph them from below.

How much of the day is actual hiking versus travel time?

The shuttle ride to the park takes two hours each way. The trek itself is about eight hours of walking: four hours up through the valley and forest to the viewpoint, and three hours back down. You'll stop for lunch and photos at Base Torres in between.

Can I choose between a shared group or a private tour?

Yes, you can book either a shared tour with other travelers or a private tour for your group. In shared tours, groups stay under 21 people in summer and much smaller in winter, with one guide for every six travelers in summer and one for every four in winter.

What happens if I'm hiking slower than the rest of the group?

The tour is designed so all travelers are accompanied regardless of pace. An assistant guide helps manage different speeds, and smaller subgroups of seven to ten people often form naturally along the route, so you're never alone even if you walk at your own tempo.

Do I need to bring my own hiking boots and food?

Yes, you must bring mountain shoes with good soles and your own food and water. Trekking poles are provided by the tour. If you're hiking in winter (June to September), you'll also need to bring a headlamp and gaiters, though crampons for icy sections are supplied.

Is the park entrance fee included in the tour price?

No, the entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park is not included and must be paid separately. The tour price covers transport, the guide, trekking poles and crampons if needed.