Torres del Paine National Park — Attraction in Torres del Paine

Did a day trip/hike to mirador Las Torres. From Puerto natales, can take a bus (Bus Tur) to Torres del Paine to the entrance welcome center, I suggest buying the park ticket online beforehand to avoid lines and so you can go straight to the trail (info center, bathrooms, staff available for Qs), from first welcome center, there are shuttle buses that'll take you to the trailhead, bring cash for the shuttle (3,000-5,000 each way), just in case, there is a shop with some snacks, beverages incl coffee, souvenirs, and bathrooms. The hike itself is almost 13 miles total, minus breaks, took me about 7.5 hours to complete. Different types of terrain (flat, dusty, windy, rocky, steep, etc.). Some tips...

Use sunscreen and reapply frequently (my arms are still sporting a killer farmer's tan), sunglasses, hat wouldn't hurt although I didn't have one, walking sticks are a plus, wish I had rented a pair, bring lunch/snacks (many hotels offer this for about $20, which is less than food sold at the park). If you wear contacts (I do) bring eye drops, very windy, ended up needing drops to clear grit that got in my eyes from super strong wind currents kicking up dust/dirt.

Bring a reusable water bottle, can refill for free along the way. If you have a weak bladder (like me), stay hydrated but pace yourself with the liquids, there really aren't any private places to use the bathroom along the trail (if you do bring tp and a trash bag you can seal for used tp), there are 2 actual bathrooms along the trail - 1 about half way into it (here, can buy food, snacks, beverages, too, and refill water bottle from pump for free) and another 1k away from the peaks.

Proper footwear is key (hiking boots ideal), especially with good ankle support. Wear thin layers, hot during hike there but was chilly when just hanging at the peaks eating lunch.

Did this solo on my own, felt safe since there were a lot of people with me on the trail. Trail is clearly marked and can always follow everyone else.

Start as early as possible to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough time to complete, last bus out of the park back to Puerto natales is 8:30pm.

At the 1k away point, park ranger also closes the trail to the peaks (3pm) so make sure you give yourself enough time to actually get there and head back before that happens.

Can purchase rt bus tickets that'll pick you up/drop you off at the bus terminal in town.

Will need to take a shuttle from trail head back to entrance for the bus back to town/bus terminal.

Not difficult to do on your own without a guide, just do some research and read a couple blogs for more info.

Level of difficulty is subjective but I'm not super fit or an advanced hiker so parts of this was strenuous but totally doable :)

P.S. the last part of the hike is...

Torres del Paine National Park, located in the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica region of southern Chile, is widely celebrated as one of the world’s most spectacular natural reserves.

The park is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, marked by the iconic granite spires known as Las Torres, which rise sharply above the surrounding plains and are a magnet for trekkers and climbers.

These distinctive peaks, along with the striking Cuernos del Paine-mountains with unique black and white banding-form the visual heart of the park.

The geography of Torres del Paine is a study in contrasts. Snow-capped mountains tower over golden pampas, while turquoise lakes such as Pehoé and Grey reflect the jagged skyline.

The park’s glacial features, especially the immense Grey Glacier, offer awe-inspiring views and opportunities for boat excursions or hikes along icy shores.

Valleys like the French Valley and Ascencio Valley provide access to some of the most breathtaking vistas in Patagonia, each with its own unique geological formations and panoramic lookouts.

Beyond its famous peaks and glaciers, the park is a haven for biodiversity. Visitors often encounter native wildlife including guanacos, foxes, pumas, and a variety of bird species such as the Andean condor. The lenga and ñirre forests add a lush green contrast to the otherwise rugged terrain, especially in the spring and summer months.

Torres del Paine is accessible for all types of travelers. While seasoned hikers can embark on challenging multi-day treks like the W Trek or the full circuit, there are also shorter, well-marked trails and scenic viewpoints accessible by car, making the park enjoyable for families and those with limited mobility.

The infrastructure within the park is well-developed, with options for guided tours, horseback riding, and all-inclusive lodges that offer comfort and convenience amid the wild surroundings.

The weather in Torres del Paine is famously unpredictable, with strong winds and sudden changes in temperature, so visitors should come prepared for all conditions. Despite the sometimes harsh climate, the park’s beauty is undiminished, and each season brings its own charm-whether it’s the wildflowers of summer or the snow-dusted peaks of winter.

Overall, Torres del Paine National Park stands out as a masterpiece of nature, offering visitors an unforgettable experience of Patagonia’s raw and untamed beauty. From its world-famous trekking routes to its serene lakes and abundant wildlife, the park promises adventure, tranquility, and some of the most stunning scenery...

This adventure is totally overpriced and you get very low quality food for a lot of money, but the nature part of the W-Trek was amazing and very beautiful. We hiked from Central to Grey and it was a wonderful experience. The hiking itself would be more fun and enjoyable if the trails would be better maintained. The park authority is not doing a good job to keep the trails in good condition. The accommodations and food packages are totally overpriced, it’s a RIP OFF.

The quality of the food at Central and Frances was really bad. For dinner (USD55 pp per day) we received watered down soup on both days. It was awful. The main course was cold by the time we had it on the table. Cold rice and cold mashed potatoes isn’t very appealing. The lunch box that we received at Central which costs about USD30-35 was a dry bun with one slice of ham and one slice of cheese. No mayo, no mustard, no lettuce, no tomatoes. A bag of nuts that had an expiration date of Jan 2025 (we were there in April 2025), and an apple.

The second day we ordered vegetarian, so they put some lettuce and a slice of tomato on the dry bun. Breakfast was very simple, watered down juice that really tasted more like water than juice, white bread, a mini portion of scrambled eggs, ham and cheese. For USD30!

One would expect for the $$ that they charge, you would get some energy loaded really good quality food that you need when doing the W-Trek. Except for the check-in desks and the bar, staff at Central was not friendly, actually some were really rude. After dinner they kick you out of the dining area to make space for the next shift, which I understand if the place is fully booked but this was the end of the season, half of the dinning area was empty and we still couldn’t stay there.

At Frances dinner and breakfast were slightly better but the lunch box was the same 'rubber sandwich'. Staff was at least very friendly. Paine Grande and Grey had the best food (buffet style) and also the friendliest staff though the tents are very small and at Grey the tents don’t have wooden platforms. Our tent was on a slope so we constantly kept sliding into the same corner.

Again, overall it was a great experience that I don't want to miss but the bitter taste of being ripped of will remain. Do your research before you book any packages with any operator. The park doesn't make it easy to book everything yourself but you can save a lot of money if you invest the research time and more importantly you don't pay a lot of money...