Destinations Central and South America
Lexi Kassler
In the last few years, the Torres del Paine National Park has skyrocketed in popularity for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts looking for unparalleled views and multi-day trekking adventures. This icon of the Patagonia region is located in Chile and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Torres del Paine is an absolute must-see that you will not want to miss on your next trip to South America.
With so many trails, forests, and lakes to explore, there are endless beautiful landscapes to explore and activities to do such as horseback riding, kayaking, and even flyfishing. If you’re not an avid or multi-day trekker, fear not, Laid Back Trips writes that you can still catch some incredible views with the many day hikes available in Torres del Paine.
Despite its growing popularity, this park is not easy to get to and is still considered a bit untamed. However, it will all be worth it once you reach the famous views of Torres del Paine’s mile(s)-high granite pillars!
Best time to visit Torres Del Paine
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Since Torres del Paine is located in the southern hemisphere, you can expect summer temperatures from November to March. Because of the great weather, this makes it the most popular time of year to visit and the park can get quite crowded. By no means does this suggest you won’t be able to enjoy your time in the park but expect to rub shoulders with fellow hikers. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons. You will experience cooler temperatures at night and shorter days than in the summer months, but you will likely have more time to yourself on the trails.
Regardless of what season you decide to visit, you can expect the weather to be a bit fickle and unpredictable so be sure to bring plenty of warm and waterproof clothing and shoes that will stand up to many types of terrain, both dry and wet.
If you plan to hike the O and W trails and do some overnight camping, The Blonde Abroad suggests either bringing your own gear (tents, sleeping bags, headlamps, etc.) or renting from the local shops in Puerto Natale. When booking your campsites, you will also find that many of them offer a full suite of meals or at least lunch and dinner so you won’t need to worry about carrying around that extra weight!
How to get to Torres Del Paine
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According to KimKim, the best way to get to Torres del Paine national park is by first making your way to a town called Puerto Natales, a town about 37 miles (60 km) from the park. To get to this town, The Blonde Abroad writes that you have several options. During the high season, you can fly directly to Puerto Natales. In the off-season, flights to Puerto Natales are less common so you must fly to Punta Arenas and then drive to Puerto Natales. If you are arriving from Argentina, you can take a bus from El Calafate.
However you arrive to Puerto Natales, you will need a way to get from this town to the park entrance. First, you can take your own rental car or hire a private transfer. Expect the trip to take about an hour. If you have some time and flexibility and are on a budget, you can also go by bus. The Worldly Adventurer has a thorough guide for bus companies, timetables, and costs. They say the trip takes about two hours and costs around $22 USD roundtrip.
Regardless of what season you choose to travel, you will definitely want to book your transportation and accommodations in advance to secure the best options available for your schedule and budget. While there is a lot that goes into planning a trip to Torres del Paine, you are sure to have an incredible time!
