Base Torres Viewpoint: The Heart of Patagonia

Difficulty

Moderate

Duration

13 horas

Location

Torres del Paine National Park

Distance

115 km from Puerto Natales

Season

September to May

Journey through valleys, forests, and rocky moraines to reach the most iconic view of Torres del Paine

Your adventure begins at 6:30 am in Puerto Natales, heading towards Torres del Paine National Park.

Entering through Laguna Amarga, we’ll park near Hotel Las Torres to start the iconic hike.

This round-trip trek spans 18 km (11 miles) with an elevation gain of 900 meters (3000 ft), taking approximately 7 to 9 hours to complete.

The journey begins in the Ascencio Valley, offering views of Lake Nordenskjöld, followed by a stop at the Chileno Refuge for a brief rest.

The trail continues through a lenga forest, leading to the final, challenging climb up a rocky moraine.

Upon reaching the viewpoint, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the granite towers reflected in the turquoise lagoon below—a truly unforgettable experience in Patagonia.

Highlights

Capture the famous view of the granite towers reflected in the turquoise lagoon, an unforgettable moment for any traveler.
Traverse diverse landscapes, from open valleys to dense lenga forests, showcasing Patagonia’s distinctive flora and fauna.
Conquer the demanding ascent to the summit and be rewarded with an awe-inspiring view of the iconic towers.
Immerse yourself in the essence of Torres del Paine, savoring every stage of this trek in pristine natural surroundings.
Designed for those seeking an active and challenging experience, exploring one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

Itinerary

6:30 AM

Pickup from your accommodation in Puerto Natales and departure for Torres del Paine National Park.

8:30 AM

Entry through Laguna Amarga and transfer to the Hotel Las Torres area.

9:00 AM

Preparations and start of the trek through the Ascencio Valley.

10:30 AM

Arrival at the Chileno Refuge for a short rest and refreshment.

11:00 AM

Continue trekking through the lenga forest.

12:30 PM

Begin the final ascent through the rocky moraine towards the viewpoint.

1:30 PM

Arrive at the Base Torres Viewpoint. Enjoy half an hour for lunch and photos.

2:30 PM

Begin the descent from the viewpoint.

5:00 PM

Return to the Hotel Las Torres area and prepare for departure.

5:30 PM

Exit the park and head back to Puerto Natales.

7:30 PM

Arrival at your accommodation in Puerto Natales.

 

Customizable

This itinerary is subject to customization according to your preferences and physical capabilities to ensure the best experience.

Joaquin is a genius! The best guide for doing anything in Chile. We did the W Circuit - Torres del Paine in 4 days, and everything was perfect!
Mario D.
Traveler

everything you need to know

Included: Professional certified bilingual guide with first aid certification, private transportation to and from your accommodation, box lunch, accident insurance, 19% IVA tax.

Not included: Entrance fees to Torres del Paine National Park (USD 20-35, depending on nationality and age), optional tips.

What should I bring?

Comfortable trekking clothes (quick-dry, puffy jacket, waterproof windbreaker – goretex or similar), beanie, bandana, and gloves), waterproof hiking shoes or trail running shoes, sun protection (sunglasses with straps, hat, and sunscreen), water bottle (the water is drinkable in most streams, so you can refill it along the way), backpack (20-30 liters), trekking poles (available for rent in Puerto Natales), 20-30 lt backpack with waterproof cover (we also use a dry bag or plastic thick trash bag to put everything inside). We also recommend bringing an extra pair of shoes and socks for the return trip.

What is the difficulty level of the hike?

The hike is rated as intermediate to high, covering 18 km (11 miles) with an elevation gain of 900 m (3000 ft). It’s recommended for those with experience in long, moderately demanding hikes. However, we can adapt the route to your experience by covering only a segment if needed.

How long does the hike take?

The hike takes approximately 9 hours, including breaks for rest and lunch. The total duration of the tour, including transportation from Puerto Natales, is about 13 hours.

Why isn’t the park entrance fee included in the tour?

The park fee varies based on the visitor’s nationality and age. Additionally, the entry ticket is valid for three days, which allows you to manage it independently if you plan to explore the park on additional days besides the tour.

Can children or elderly participants join the tour?

Yes, we can adjust the route and hiking distances to accommodate families with children or elderly participants, ensuring everyone enjoys the experience.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

If you have specific dietary needs, please let us know in the registration form after booking. We will tailor the picnic to meet your requirements.

What happens if the weather conditions are unfavorable?

Patagonian weather is unpredictable. In case of extreme conditions, we will modify the route or reschedule the tour to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the group.

Will there be restrooms along the route?

Yes, there are restrooms available at the Hotel Las Torres area and at the Chileno Refuge. If needed in areas without facilities, participants will need to follow Leave No Trace principles.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. In case of extreme weather or unforeseen events, we offer to reschedule, switch to a different tour, or provide a full refund.

 

Do you still have doubts?

Don’t worry, we are here to help you.

Write to us and we will respond to you as soon as possible.

Also, download our brochure with all the details about this tour, including itineraries, recommendations and what you need to know to fully enjoy this experience.