Base de las Torres hike: One-day Torres del Paine trek from Puerto Natales
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
10–12 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for hikers with regular cardiovascular fitness and experience with long day hikes; ability to handle sustained uphill sections and uneven moraine is required.
Overview
A full-day guided trek from Puerto Natales to the Mirador Base Torres delivers Patagonia's most iconic granite peaks in a single, intense outing. Expect 20 km round-trip, exposed moraine climbs, and a long but deeply rewarding day in Torres del Paine.
Base de las Torres hike: One-day Torres del Paine trek from Puerto Natales
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You set off before dawn from Puerto Natales, the town's harbor lights still clinging to the fjord. The road to Torres del Paine slips past lenga forests and flat, wind-sculpted plains until the bus drops you at Portería Amarga and the massif steps into view—granite towers rising like a challenge. The ascent begins on well-worn trail that threads Ascencio Valley, moves through quiet stands of Lenga, and finishes on a raw, rocky moraine that forces a slow, deliberate climb to Mirador Base Torres.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Buy your park pass in advance
Purchase the Torres del Paine entrance at pasesparques.cl before the tour to avoid delays at Portería Amarga.
Wear stiff-soled mountain boots
Trail includes steep, rocky moraine—hard soles and ankle support reduce fatigue and injury risk.
Prepare for rapid weather changes
Windproof shell, insulating mid-layer, and a hat are critical—conditions can change from sun to sleet in an hour.
Pace yourself on the moraine
The final ascent is slow and technical: use trekking poles and conserve energy for the rocky climb to the viewpoint.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Guanaco
- Andean condor
History
Torres del Paine was designated a national park in the mid-20th century; its name reflects local Tehuelche languages and the striking blue glacial features of the massif.
Conservation
The park manages visitor flow and requires paid entrance to fund conservation; follow Leave No Trace principles and stay on marked trails to protect fragile vegetation.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Natales
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Stiff-soled hiking boots
Provides support and traction on rocky, uneven moraine sections.
Windproof shell and insulating layers
Protects against Patagonian gusts and rapid temperature shifts.
all specific
Trekking poles
Aid balance on the final moraine and reduce joint strain on descent.
Water reservoir or 2L bottles
Ensure you carry enough water—the trail has no services and exertion is high.
summer specific