The Torres del Paine hike to Base Las Torres
The walk to Base Las Torres is the best-known day hike in Torres del Paine. It ends at a viewpoint over a lake and the three granite towers that give the park its name. The route is about 22 km in total and takes 8 to 9 hours of walking. Plan a full day, and start early.
Ascent is roughly 750 to 1,500 m and the highest point is about 870 to 900 m, so treat the figures as a range. A morning cut-off for entering the trail and an afternoon cut-off for leaving apply, and both are explained below.
Our picks: to Base Las Torres
A guided day hike from Puerto Natales, or the towers as the first day of the W Trek Express.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
W Trek Express in five days
- Three hiking days
- Private transfers
- Four nights' accommodation
Three hiking days to Base Las Torres, the French Valley and Grey, private transfers, three nights in Puerto Natales and one night camping. Only the first hiking day is guided.
Check availability →
Base of the Towers day hike with a guide
- Certified bilingual guide
- Trekking poles
- Transfers from Puerto Natales
A long day with a certified bilingual guide, trekking poles and transfers from Puerto Natales. Park entry is extra.
Check availability →Base Las Torres tours and day hikes
Guided hikes to the towers, road tours from Puerto Natales and other day trips, with live prices and availability.
Mirador Las Torres: what you walk to
The goal of the hike and the way up.
The Mirador Las Torres is the viewpoint at the end of the trail, where the towers rise above the lake. The view depends on the weather, so pick a day with a good forecast if you can, and allow time at the top before you turn back.
The hike is a separate day from the road tour. The full-day road tour from Puerto Natales does not include the walk, and it is not a replacement. See the tour comparison for how the days differ.
Entry times, tickets and the shuttle
What you need to get to the start of the trail.
Entry cut-offs
The latest entry is 09:00 or 09:30, so plan for 09:00. The exit time is 15:00 either way. Do not count on a later start, because rangers decide on the day.
No extra access rule in 2026
An additional access regulation had been planned for Base Las Torres. It is not being introduced in 2026. You need the normal park ticket and no separate trail fee.
Entrance fee →The shuttle to the Welcome Center
The Laguna Amarga entrance checks park tickets. A separate transfer then runs to the Welcome Center, about 7 km and 25 minutes, at CLP 4,500 for a one-way trip. This fare is a transfer, not a trail entrance.
Getting there →Winter rules
In winter the regulation requires a guide and registration at Laguna Amarga, with the latest entry at 09:00 and the viewpoint to be left by 14:00. These are winter rules, not the summer times. Check which season applies to your date.
Best time to visit →Three ways to see the towers
Time, fitness and nights decide.
| Option | Time | Nights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day hike from the Welcome Center | 8 to 9 hours | None | Park ticket; entry and exit cut-offs |
| Guided day hike | About 8 hours of walking | None | Check transport, entry and meals in the offer |
| As part of the W Trek | One day of 3 to 5 | Reserved in advance | Nights at the Central, Chileno or Serón sector |
For most visitors, the day hike or a guided day is the simplest choice. If you want the other W sights as well, read about the W Trek.
Wind, weather and what to bring
Prepare for a full day on the trail.
Weather changes quickly
Rain, wind and snow can follow one another. Pack layers, a windproof jacket, water and food for the whole day. Turn back if conditions turn bad, even close to the top.
Weather →Stay on the official path
Use the marked trail and follow ranger instructions. Do not cross swollen rivers carelessly. Swimming in lakes and rivers is forbidden, and so are open fires and recreational drones.
Start early
With a 15:00 exit and a walk of 8 to 9 hours, an early start leaves you a buffer. Leaving at the last minute leaves none.
Ticket first
Buy the park ticket online at least 24 hours before entry. The pass is not a reservation for the shuttle or a bed.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that fit around the hike.
Base Las Torres: frequently asked questions
How long is the Base Las Torres hike?
About 22 km in total, and 8 to 9 hours of walking. Allow a full day, with breaks and time at the viewpoint.
Do I need a separate ticket for the trail?
No. The planned extra access regulation is not being introduced in 2026. You need the normal park ticket. The shuttle from Laguna Amarga to the Welcome Center is a separate fare of CLP 4,500 each way.
What time do I have to start?
The latest entry is 09:00 or 09:30, so plan for 09:00. The exit is 15:00. Rangers decide on the day, so start as early as you can.
Can I hike it in winter?
Only under the winter regulation, which requires a guide and registration at Laguna Amarga. The entry and exit times are earlier than in summer.
Is the road tour from Puerto Natales the same?
No. The full-day road tour does not include the hike. It is a different kind of day.