Entrance Fee
$21,000 CLP (foreigner)
$6,000 CLP (national)
Highlights
Cordillera Paine
Wildlife
W & O Treks
Parque Nacional Torres del Paine is a national park in Magallanes, Chile. In 1978, the park was designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and, in 2013, National Geographic elected Torres del Paine as the fifth most beautiful place on earth. Today, the "crown jewel of Patagonia" is visited by over 250,000 people each year. Given this staggering number, CONAF has implemented a reservation-only system on the the park's most popular treks.
Spanning subpolar forests and the arid Patagonian Steppe, Torres del Paine is a sanctuary for indigenous wildlife: pumas, guanacos, condors and rheas all call the park home. Trekking here is exceptional, highlighted by the world-famous W and O treks. Expect to pay a huge premium on all goods and services purchased inside the park.
Trekking
Torres del Paine features world-class trekking, highlighted by the world-famous W and O treks. Some of the park's trekking circuits require reservations.
Reservations
Since October 2016, Torres del Paine requires a reservation to stay at the free camps along the W and O-circuit treks. This reservation system protects the trail from overuse. Making a reservation can be tricky for us travelers-by-bicycle, as our schedules are often vague and/or variable.
Of course, you can always just bike on through. If you don't care about trekking the W or O-circuits, don't worry about reservations and simply pedal through the park. You'll still get awesome views and there are some short day-hiking options. Some of the park's campsites might have some availability for walk-ups (Camping Pehoe). South of the park, there are a few wild camping options. Wild camping is forbidden within the park.
If you're set on hiking the W or O-circuits, plan it out and make a reservation. Either arrange a scheduled side trip (i.e. rent a vehicle and store your bike somewhere) or time your cycling perfectly.
Reservations are required for the following treks:
The "W"
Yellow
~5 days • 100 km
Most famous trek in Torres del Paine. From the trail, trekkers pass the Torres (up close) and experience awesome glacier views. Reservations are required for each night on the trail. Read more.
The "O"
Pink
~8 days • 110 km
Rugged and difficult trek around the outer edge of Torres del Paine. Less popular (and more difficult) than the W-circuit. CONAF has a daily-cap on the trek (80 people/day) and all trekkers must complete the circuit in a counter-clockwise fashion. Read more.
The "Q"
Orange & Pink
~9 days • 130 km
Beginning at Paine Grande (on Lago Pehoé), the "Q" is the "O" trek plus a 17 km trail, added at the southwest corner of the circuit. It's also connected to the W. Since 2016, the hike must be completed in the north to south direction between November 1 and March 31.
Reservations are NOT required for the following treks:
Blue
No reservations necessary. If you're biking or a more spontaneous travel, the W and O treks likely are booked and aren't for you, but maybe these day-hikes are! Note that while these treks are not part of the highly booked reservation system, they may require a permit or the accompaniment of a guide – both of which can be arranged upon arrival.
Vista Glacier Grey
16km bike (one way)
~5km trail (out and back)
On the west side of the park, you'll head up Y-150 road, which is just passed Puente Weber, and toward Lago Grey. At the end of the road (16km of mostly flat riding later), there is a trail over Río Pingo leading out to a vista of the Lago Grey Glacier. Note that this area can be crowded, but it's worth it if you're willing to bike out there. There are accommodation options near the trailhead (seasonal hostería) and overnight vehicle parking is typically allowed.
Mirador Cuernos
~9km (out and back)
From the main road just before Lago Pehoé, there is a road and trail leading west and north toward Río Paine and Lago Nordenskjöld. You'll get a overlook of Salto Grande before the mirador of the Cuernos (translated to horns in English) del Paine. It's an easy, 3.5km hike to the viewpoint.
Mirador Condor
~2.5km (up and down)
Take this steep trail up from the main route or Lago Pehoé campgrounds for a spectacular view of Lago Pehoé and the rugged scenery that surrounds it. On a clear day you can also see the Cordillera Paine (the three torres).
Cycling Torres del Paine
Cycling is allowed on all roads through the park. The brochure specifies to cycle in groups in order to avoid puma attacks.
Explore route through Torres del Paine
Don't let the reservation requirements scare you away from the park. A cycle through the park is well worth the entrance fee price. Beginning at the northern entrance just after Laguna Amarga, the park roads wind up and through the hills along stunning lakes. There are awesome roadside miradors and places to stop for breaks and lunch throughout. The road itself is 100% ripio and generally in good condition. Start your journey early in the day; there are a number of vehicles and tour buses that ride through the park.
If you have time or have planned accommodation in the park, we recommend breaking up the cycling with a shorter treks to Mirador Cuernos and Condor. There are places at both trails that will likely allow you to lock your bike: Cafetería Pudeto before the Cuernos trail and Camping Lago Pehoé before Condor.
