Experiences and local guides in Torres del Paine

Nature

Torres del Paine National Park is the jewel of Chilean Patagonia: the three granite towers, the Cuernos, the Grey glacier calving icebergs into the lake, turquoise lakes and a steppe where guanacos graze and pumas roam. The base is Puerto Natales, two hours from the park.

Activities

• The W trek (4 to 5 days) and the O circuit (8 days), with guide and refuges
• Day trips: Base Torres viewpoint, Salto Grande, boat trip to the Grey glacier
• Kayaking among icebergs, ice hiking on the glacier
• Horseback riding on estancias, puma and condor watching
• Boat trip to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers from Puerto Natales

When to go

October to April; November to March has longer days and strong wind; April brings autumn colours and fewer people. Book refuges and campsites months in advance.

How to get there

Puerto Natales airport (PNT) has seasonal flights from Santiago; otherwise Punta Arenas airport (PUQ), 3 hours by bus. From Puerto Natales, daily buses to the park (2 hours) at around 7:00 and 14:30; inside the park, catamaran and shuttles between sectors. Book buses and park tickets in advance in high season.