Experience the breathtaking Mirador Las Torres hike in Chile’s Torres Del Paine National Park, accessible for day hikers and adventurous spirits.

Mirador Las Torres Hiking Guide

One of the most iconic hikes in Chile is the Mirador Las Torres (‘viewpoint of the towers’), which can be undertaken as a one-day hike or part of the W trek lasting 4 to 5 days. For those visiting Torres Del Paine on a budget and without a vehicle, there are bus options available for a single-day hike, even from Puerto Natales. I personally experienced this, making it a highlight of my recent Patagonia trip. While the hike presents a challenge, the reward is stunning views of the three granite towers and the turquoise lake. This travel guide will provide a detailed step-by-step on how to accomplish the hike.

Quick Facts*

• 
  Distance:
  
  20 kilometers (12.5 mi)
• 
  Elevation Gain:
  
  1,015 meters (3,325 ft)
• 
  Max Altitude:
  
  870 meters (2,860 ft)
• 
  Duration:
  
  6 – 10 hours
• 
  Difficulty:
  
  Hard

*These figures represent roundtrip statistics for the day hike.

How To Get There

The nearest airport to the park is in Puerto Natales (PNT), which offers daily flights from Santiago and Puerto Montt. Bus services also connect El Calafate, on the Argentine side of Patagonia, with Puerto Natales. This route is comfortable and takes approximately six hours.

Upon arriving in Puerto Natales, you have various transport options to reach the Las Torres hike, which are detailed below.

• By Car

Renting a vehicle grants flexibility and convenience in reaching the towers hike. Numerous car rental companies operate in the area. A 2-hour drive will take you from Puerto Natales to the Torres Del Paine Welcome Center, where the hike begins.

• By Tour

For those preferring not to navigate a rental car or bus, a guided tour is another feasible option, typically at reasonable prices. Tours often include hotel pickup and drop-off from Puerto Natales, alongside a bilingual guide to lead hikers safely.

• By Bus

The most economical method for traveling to the towers hike from Puerto Natales is by bus. It is advisable to secure a roundtrip ticket in advance, available at approximately 28,000 pesos (~$30 USD). Bus departures are frequent, with the first service leaving at 6:45 AM, reaching Torres Del Paine by 8:45 AM.

Taking a bus allows you to relax and potentially catch some rest before the hike.

What To Expect: Hiking To Mirador Las Torres

• Trailhead To Refugio Chileno

The hike initiates with a flat walk through meadows near the

Hotel Las Torres

, offering distant views of mountains. For approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles), the terrain remains level.

Subsequently, a steady uphill climb approaches the Windy Pass, presenting magnificent views of the valley and snow-capped mountains. The Refugio Chileno, located shortly after, serves as a rest stop with facilities for food and restrooms.

• Refugio Chileno To Lake Of The Towers

From the Refugio, the next phase involves a gradual incline through forest until reaching a fork leading to Base Las Torres. Be mindful of the cutoff time; if you arrive after 2 PM, onward access is prohibited for safety reasons.

Despite this, the trail becomes steep and rocky in the final kilometer, demanding careful footing. Upon successful arrival at Lago Torres, expect a breathtaking sight complemented by potential photo opportunities around the lake.

Can You Hike Independently?

This hike can be undertaken independently, as long as you possess a valid ticket for the national park, available for purchase online.

Best Time To Go

The ideal times to visit Torres Del Paine are during spring (September to November) or fall (March to May), with summer also being a popular although busier season. I visited in early November, enjoying favorable weather and light snow at the base of the towers — a picturesque setting for photography.

What To Bring

• 
  Layers:
  
  Weather in Patagonia is notably unpredictable; hence, a jacket, gloves, and a hat are advisable.
• 
  Snacks:
  
  Bringing personal snacks is wise as food at park facilities tends to be overpriced.
• 
  Hiking Poles:
  
  While optional, hiking poles can assist with navigation on steep ascents and descents.
• 
  Water:
  
  Carrying around 2 liters is recommended, though glacial streams are available for filtering purposes.

This hiking guide aims to facilitate your experience of the Mirador Las Torres day trip from Puerto Natales and enable a seamless exploration of this beautiful region of Patagonia.