Visiting the Park
As noted, visits can be day trips or longer. Camping is not necessary to stay within the park. There are refugios, hosterias, lodges and hotels within the park. Many provide transfers from the airports, shuttles, tours, and boat docks and all have views. Reservations are definitely recommended.
You can combine camping with lodgings as some of the tour packages provide.
If you plan a visit based on camping and trekking, there are at least a dozen campsites within the park located on the 100 km of trekking circuits.
Weather, Gear and Clothing
The weather in Torres del Paine park, even in summer, is changeable and unpredictable. Wind is always prevalent. Rain, sleet and snow can follow a day of bright sunshine in spring or early summer. Even in summer, there are strong winds (up to 80 km/hr) and rainfalls. The average temperature in summer averages around 11ºC/ 52ºF ( 24 ºC max, 2ºC min). During summer, there are 18 hours of daylight which gives you plenty of time for walking and enjoying the views. The autumn months are a good time to visit the park. Torres del Paine park is an all-season destination and is open all year, however winter visitors must be ready for inclement weather.
Check today’s weather in Punta Arenas. Note the changeable wind direction and speed.
Trekkers and backpackers should have experience with rough country, and climbers must have experience with ice and snow climbing. Be prepared for bad weather to interrupt your itinerary. Flexible planning is necessary.
The recommended minimum items for camping and trekking:
Remember to pack out all your disposable items. Camping gear can be rented in Puerto Natales, where there are many suppliers. This saves you having to lug equipment during the rest of your visit to South America. This climate and clothing reference provides more information.
Wildlife Viewing
On the west side of the park, open meadows are home to 110 species of birds, including guanacos Andean geese, great grebes, buff-necked ibis, southern lapwings, plumbed rails, black-chested buzzard eagles, rheas, ñandues and black necked swans. Everywhere in the park, you may see eagles and condors soaring about the .
You might also see some of the 25 species of mammals in the park area. There are pumas, gray fox, the chingue patagonico, huemules, reintroduced into the park after near extinction.
Trekking Circuits
Depending on your time, physical fitness, interests and weather, you'll have choices. The circuits have varying grades of difficulty and may take you less or more time based on your abilities and the weather. Touring with a guide is recommended if you're not familiar with the terrain and weather conditions. Trails may change without much notice.
These sample tours are some of the most popular:
- The W Circuit is the smaller route and can be done in four to five days. The route takes in the three most famous features of the park, the towers, the Torres, the Cuernos del Paine and Grey lake and glacier. It’s called the W because each of the treks goes roughly from Lago Nordenskljöld (the base) into the mountains and ice fields, then back to the base and up again, three times.
- Day 1: From Guarderia Lago Amarga, take the bus to to Guardería Lago Pudeto. See Salto Grande while waiting for the the launch, or ferry, Tzonka across Lago Pehoé to Refugio Pehoe. From there, walk to Lago Grey, and set up camp at Refugio Grey. The beach there is white and sandy but swim only if you’re a penguin.
- Day 2: Sightsee at the glacier. Return to the refugio at Lago Pehoé and walk to Campamento Italiano and set up camp for two nights. The upper campsite is usually less crowded.
- Day 3: Backpack to Campamento Britanico from where you can climb up to a viewpoint and see the Torres from the southeast, as opposed to the usual view towards the southwest.
- Day 4: Walk along the northern bank of Nordenskljöld to the Hostería Las Torres. Along the way you can veer north to Refugio El Chileno along the rio Ascensio and on to a small lake just below the Torres del Paine and the three fantastic granite towers. Stay overnight at the refugio.
- Day 5: Walk to the Hostería Las Torres for your last night in the park.
