Puerto Natales: Base of the Towers Day Hike

Name: Puerto Natales: Base of the Towers Day Hike
Brand: GetYourGuide
Price: 99.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.84 (915 reviews)

4.8 (915 verified reviews)

Turquoise glacial lagoon at the foot of the three towers at Base Torres

Hiker looking up at the towers from the lagoon shore

Hiker on a boulder beside the Base Torres lagoon

Close view of the three granite towers of Paine

Hiking group celebrating at the Base Torres viewpoint

About This Experience

This is the hike most people picture when they think of Torres del Paine: a 22 km round trip from the Hotel Las Torres area up to the glacial lagoon at the foot of the three towers. A van collects you in Puerto Natales between 6:15 and 6:45 for the two-hour drive into the park.

The trail drops into the Ascencio Valley to El Chileno mountain lodge, then climbs through old lenga beech forest to the start of the moraine. The final section is a steep scramble over loose rock to the viewpoint, where Torre Sur, Torre Central and Torre Norte rise straight out of the lagoon alongside Cerro Nido de Cóndor. On the way up there are views back over Lake Nordenskjöld and Almirante Nieto.

After time at the top you walk back down to Hotel Las Torres and are driven to Puerto Natales, arriving around 21:00 to 21:30. Around eight hours are spent walking. This is graded as an advanced trek, so it suits fit hikers rather than anyone looking for an easy day.

Highlights

The turquoise lagoon at the foot of Torre Sur, Torre Central and Torre Norte
A full 22 km day on the park's most famous trail with a certified bilingual guide
The Ascencio Valley and the stop at El Chileno mountain lodge
Old-growth lenga beech forest on the climb
Views over Lake Nordenskjöld and Almirante Nieto
The final moraine scramble to the viewpoint, with your guide setting the pace

What's Included

✓ Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Puerto Natales
✓ Certified bilingual local guide (English and Spanish)
✓ Trekking poles
✓ Safety briefing before the hike
✓ First aid kit
✓ Van transfer to and from the trailhead at Hotel Las Torres

Not Included

Torres del Paine National Park entry (paid separately, not included in the tour price)
Food and drinks
Travel and medical insurance (required)

What to Bring

Passport or ID card
Broken-in hiking shoes
Warm layers, windbreaker and hiking trousers
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Packed lunch, snacks and water for the whole day

Good to Know & Caveats

Graded advanced: about 22 km with steep inclines and loose, uneven ground near the top.
Travel or medical insurance is required to join.
If park management cancels or substantially changes the hike because of weather, you get a refund.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Minors must be accompanied.

Not Suitable For

Children under 10
Pregnant travellers
People with back problems
People over 70

Meeting Point

Pickup from your accommodation in Puerto Natales between 6:15 and 6:45.

What Travelers Say

Rated 4.8/5 by 915 verified GetYourGuide travelers.

Our guide Hugo is excellent! It was a long day but definitely worth it
— Luojia, September 18, 2026

Amazing experience hiking to the Base of the Towers! 🏔️ The trail is definitely challenging, so I’d recommend preparing your physique and doing some training beforehand, especially if you’re not used to long hikes. But the views along the way are absolutely incredible and make all the effort worth it. A special shoutout to Nico, one of our guides, who was really helpful, supportive, and attentive throughout the hike. Honestly, all of the guides were amazing and always willing to help whenever needed. One thing that really inspired me was seeing two couples who were 63 years old completing the hike! That honestly made me think that if they can do it, almost anyone can you just need to prepare yourself, take your time, and believe in yourself. 💪🏼 Definitely a challenging but unforgettable experience. Highly recommended! ❤️🏔️
— Novindra, September 9, 2026

Incredible hike, Hugo was an amazing guide, super experienced and great to chat with. I have already recommended this to my friends!
— Hayden, July 9, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Base Torres day hike?

About 22 km round trip with roughly eight hours of walking. With the drives from Puerto Natales the day runs from a 6:15–6:45 pickup to a return around 21:00–21:30.

How hard is the hike to the base of the towers?

The operator grades it as advanced. Most of the path is a steady climb, but the final section is a steep moraine of loose rock. You need good fitness and proper hiking shoes.

Is park entry included?

No. Park entry, food and drinks are extra. Trekking poles, the guide and transport are included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If park management closes the trail or the hike has to change substantially, the operator refunds you. Otherwise the hike runs in most weather, so pack waterproof layers.