Welcome Center — Attraction in Torres del Paine

READ THIS BEFORE YOU GO :) We hiked the first two legs of the “W” trek in Torres del Paine National Park, starting from the Welcome Center, staying overnight at Refugio Frances, and finishing the next day at Paine Grande. From there, we took the boat and shuttle back to the Welcome Center. Here’s our experience and some tips for fellow travelers:

Surprising Comfort at the Refugios and Campsites: We initially thought the refugios and campsites would be very basic, but we were pleasantly surprised! At Refugios, you can buy food (even cooked meals), beverages—including draft beer—and for an additional fee, you can access Wi-Fi. It felt more like shopping in a wilderness “mini-mart” than roughing it. If you prefer to pack light, there’s no need to carry food or drinks as you can refuel at the campsites. This convenience is a game-changer for those who want to enjoy the trek without the burden of heavy backpacks.

Shuttle Bus Logistics The shuttle buses are very convenient, and you do not need to book them in advance. Just show up, and you’ll get a ride, though timing can feel a bit random. For example, after the ferry dropped us off at Pudeto, we waited about an hour for the shuttle to Laguna Amarga Gate. There, we had another 40-minute wait for the shuttle to the Welcome Center. Patience is key, but rest assured, everything eventually falls into place (and just ask around) Bring Cash: Some of the shuttle tickets are cash-only (Pudeto to Amarga) and we paid 5,000 CLP per person for one shuttle ride. It’s a good idea to carry enough cash with you for these transfers.

Day Hike to Las Torres Base Viewpoint: We also did a day hike to the iconic Las Torres Base Viewpoint. Along the way, we stopped at the Chilean Refugio, which is well-equipped with food and drinks—another opportunity to lighten your load if you prefer not to carry snacks or meals.

A Few Extra Tips Prepare for the Wind: The park is notoriously windy, so pack appropriately for the conditions. A good windbreaker is essential. Plan for Waiting Times: Be prepared for occasional delays with shuttles or ferries, but don’t stress—it all works out in the end. Enjoy the Convenience (well at a $$$ point) but If you want to keep your hike light and stress-free, take advantage of the amenities available at the refugios and campsites.

We hope you enjoy your stay in Torres del Paine as much as we did! The scenery is absolutely stunning, and the experience is worth every step....

I am disappointed - the rangers chase tourists from everywhere, only in Chile there are working hours at the lake, the Peaks, the mountains, the rivers, the sunrises and sunsets. There were people who barely climbed to the lake below the peak, they didn't manage to look around, the Ranger came out and started chasing people, to go down as early as 1:30 p.m. Still, there are people who traveled to the other side of the planet, Japan, etc. And it is not close from Europe!!! We have paid a lot of money to come and see Nature there. But alas, it's not possible, they chase you from everywhere, both from the mountains and from the shores of lakes, you can't take photos at sunset, because at 5:00 p.m. a slave approaches them. time and they chase - they chased me from the shore of the river. Gray, shortly after 5:00 p.m. Also from Mirador Base Las Torres as early as 1:30 p.m., at sunset 10:30 p.m. For comparison in Argentina, the attitude is completely different, they also take care of the Priory, but there you can enjoy the views, photograph sunrises and sunsets as much as you want! This was my 1st and last visit to Chile, unfortunately! We did not like the attitude we met there!!! We have traveled everywhere and in Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and elsewhere, but similar attitude as in Chile, we experienced for the first time and we hope it will be the last! My recommendation is to visit Argentina, and there Fitz Roy is very beautiful, the nature is similar and you will be satisfied. In Chile, with this attitude towards photographers, mountaineers and tourists, it is not appropriate. Unfortunately, the situation is the same in Atacama, there is a site for buying tour tickets online. destinations, which is not working and you cannot buy an entry ticket for any place, and they do not sell tickets at the place itself. Only through agencies. We wasted our time and money in Chile. There are beautiful places that cannot be seen - an anti-tourist policy that is felt in everything. Argentina and Bolivia...

Me encantó el lugar!

les cuento mí experiencia 😊 por ahí les sirve a los que van.👐

Fuí el sábado 20 de enero al aeropuerto de calafate para retirar el auto alquilado a las 11 AM.🚗

Nos recomendaron ir directo al pueblo Esperanza ( cargar combustible)🚩

Luego ir a río Turbio ( Cargar combustible) y pasar la frontera por paso de Dorotea- Chile 🚩

Porque por la frontera Don Guillermo directo ( es ripio y no recomiendan pasar por ahí). Puede pasar algo y no hay señal.🚫

Una vez que pasamos por La frontera Dorotea, nos fuimos directo al parque nacional torres del paine, ( llegamos a las 9 de la noche, estaba cerrado) pero había un hombre que nos dejo pasar, no nos vio la entrada, nos dijo que les muestre al otro día .

Pasamos la noche en el auto, en el estacionamiento del parque ( dormi tranquila, y si pase frío) pero era soportable.🌄. Había más personas en la misma que nosotras.

hay baño, y para calentar el agua

Al otro día, empezamos el sendero a base torres a las 6 AM , y llegamos a las 10 AM arriba😍💛

Es un sendero súper empinado, en mi opinión es más difícil que laguna de los tres ( el chalten).😅

Lleven palos de trekking, botas de trekking, y muchas ganas, que van a llegar💛

En cuánto a la ropa no lleven de más, remera - campera abrigada y rompe viento está bien en enero.

Ah antes de ir también miren el pronóstico ⛅🌩️, a mí por suerte los dioses me regalaron el día soleado sin viento y muchoooo calor. Lleve shorts☀️

Termine llegando en el estacionamiento a las 3 de la tarde .

y parti directo nuevamente a la frontera Dorotea, río Turbio, esperanza, y llegue a Calafate en mi Hostel a dormir a las 11 hs de la noche . El lunes fuí a Perito Moreno 💛

fue el mejor viaje, sacrificado, pero valió la pena todo

si o si tienen que pasar una noche en chile. Se puede en el auto para no volver a otro sitio y aprovechar cada horas. 🚗 Sábado - Domingo yo estuve

Espero que a los que vallan les toque el día soleado y que puedan...