Full-Day Hiking Tour to the Base of Paine Towers at Torres Del Paine National Park

Exploring the stunning landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park is a dream for many nature enthusiasts. The full-day hiking tour to the base of Paine Towers promises an unforgettable adventure, covering 12 miles of breathtaking terrain. Trekking through the Ascencio Valley, crossing streams, and ascending a moraine, you will witness the iconic granite towers up close. With personalized attention from a professional guide and a maximum group size of six, this moderately challenging hike offers an opportunity to take in one of Chile’s most captivating natural wonders. What makes this tour truly unique, however, is the chance to…

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Hiking And Trekking Tours In Puerto Natales.

Key Points

• A full-day hiking tour covering a round-trip distance of 12 miles (19 km) through the stunning landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park.
• Moderate to difficult hike with a challenging climb up a moraine, requiring a good fitness level and proper hiking equipment.
• Includes hotel pickup, transportation, park entrance fees, and a professional guide to provide insights and expertise throughout the trek.
• Offers breathtaking views of the iconic Paine Towers, with the opportunity to cross Ascencio Valley, streams, and beech woodlands.
• Tour departs early from Puerto Natales and includes a boxed lunch, providing a comprehensive and immersive hiking experience.

Tour Overview

The full-day hiking tour to the base of Paine Towers in Torres del Paine National Park covers a round-trip distance of 12 miles (19 km).

The group size is limited to six participants, ensuring personalized attention from the professional guide. The tour starts early from Puerto Natales and includes a boxed lunch at the towers’ base.

Hikers will cross Ascencio Valley, streams, and beech woodlands, ascending a moraine to view the iconic granite towers. This moderate to difficult trek requires a good fitness level, as walking is involved at a medium pace.

Hotel pickup, transport, park entrance fees, and gratuities are all included in the tour.

Hiking Details

The hike involves crossing Ascencio Valley, streams, and beech woodlands.

The ascent includes climbing a moraine to view the iconic granite towers. This moderate to difficult trek requires a good fitness level, as walking is involved at a medium pace.

The trail features moderate slopes and varied terrain, making it not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with back problems.

While the views are stunning, travelers should be prepared for a challenging hike and consider wearing proper hiking shoes.

The tour group size is limited to six for personalized attention, though mixed reviews on guide effectiveness suggest careful selection of the tour company.

Inclusions

This tour includes several key components to provide a comprehensive hiking experience.

Guests will enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Natales, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day. Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned vehicle, offering comfort along the journey.

A professional guide leads the group, providing valuable insights and expertise throughout the trek. The entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park is also included, covering access to the stunning natural wonder.

Gratuities are even taken care of, allowing travelers to focus on the adventure at hand. With these thoughtful inclusions, the hiking tour is designed to deliver a memorable and hassle-free experience.

What to Expect

Departing from Puerto Natales, the tour group will head to the Las Torres sector of Torres del Paine National Park.

Once there, the guide will provide an instructional talk to prepare the group for the hike. The trail begins with a 10-minute walk leading to an old bridge over the Ascencio River.

From there, the terrain becomes more varied, featuring moderate slopes and diverse landscapes, including beech woodlands and streams.

The hike isn’t wheelchair-accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems, as it requires a good fitness level to navigate the demanding terrain.

Hikers should be prepared for a challenging but rewarding trek.

Reviews and Recommendations

Travelers have left 25 reviews for this hiking tour, giving it an overall rating of 4.0. The feedback is generally positive, with many praising the stunning views and the guided experience.

However, some travelers found the hike challenging and recommended bringing proper hiking shoes. The group size and guide effectiveness received mixed reviews, so it’s advisable to carefully select the tour company.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems.

• Positive reviews on the views and guided experience
• Some travelers found the hike challenging and recommended hiking shoes
• Mixed reviews on group sizes and guide effectiveness
• Tour not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with back problems
• Careful selection of tour company advised

Getting to the Park

The tour departs from Puerto Natales, a charming town on the shores of the Señoret Channel in southern Patagonia. Guests are picked up from their hotels and transported in an air-conditioned vehicle to the Torres del Paine National Park.

The drive takes approximately an hour and a half, offering scenic views of the Patagonian landscape. Upon arrival at the trailhead, the guide provides an instructional talk, preparing hikers for the day’s adventure.

The first 10 minutes of the hike involve crossing an old bridge over the Ascencio River, marking the start of the challenging yet rewarding trek to the base of the iconic Paine Towers.

Preparing for the Hike

Preparing for the hike begins with ensuring proper equipment and attire. Participants should wear sturdy, comfortable hiking boots, dress in layers, and bring the following:

• Weatherproof jacket and pants
• Sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Water and snacks to keep energy levels up during the trek
• Trekking poles for added stability and support on the challenging terrain
• A small backpack to carry personal items and the provided boxed lunch

The 12-mile round-trip hike involves crossing streams, climbing a moraine, and traversing beech woodlands, so a moderate to high fitness level is required.

Following the guide’s instructions and maintaining a steady pace will ensure a safe and enjoyable journey to the base of the iconic Paine Towers.

Highlights of the Trail

The trail to the base of the Paine Towers offers a variety of stunning natural landscapes. Hikers will cross Ascencio Valley, navigate streams, and traverse beech woodlands.

The highlight of the trek is the ascent up a moraine, which provides breathtaking views of the iconic granite towers. Though the hike is considered moderate to difficult, the stunning vistas make the effort worthwhile. Participants should maintain a medium pace and be prepared for varied terrain.

With an early start from Puerto Natales and a boxed lunch at the towers’ base, this full-day excursion ensures an immersive experience within Torres del Paine National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Hike?

Yes, you can bring your own food on the hike. The tour includes a boxed lunch, but you’re welcome to pack additional snacks or meals if you prefer to bring your own sustenance for the trek.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, the tour company likely offers a private tour option. This allows for a more personalized experience with just your group and a dedicated guide. However, the private tour may cost more than the standard group tour.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation policy typically allows for full refunds if cancelled up to 24 hours in advance. However, specific policies may vary by tour company, so it’s best to check with the provider for their exact cancellation and refund terms.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Hike?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s recommended for travelers with a good fitness level. The hike is considered moderate to difficult and may not be suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.

Can I Rent Hiking Gear From the Tour Company?

The tour company doesn’t provide hiking gear for rental. Travelers need to bring their own gear, including sturdy hiking boots, as the hike is considered moderate to difficult and a good fitness level is required.

Recap

The Full-Day Hiking Tour to the Base of Paine Towers at Torres del Paine National Park offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. With a moderate difficulty level, the trek covers stunning landscapes, culminating in breathtaking views of the iconic granite towers. With personalized attention, professional guidance, and convenient inclusions, this tour provides a memorable adventure in one of Chile’s most beautiful national parks.