8 Best Torres del Paine Hikes, from Short Viewpoints to the W and O Treks

From the climb to Base of the Towers to the 1-hour walk up Mirador Condor, here are the 8 best Torres del Paine hikes, with distances, climbs, times, and the national park rules

Situated in the far south of Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park lies roughly a two-hour bus ride from Puerto Natales. Named after its iconic trio of granite spires, the park incorporates the Tehuelche word “Paine,” commonly translated as “blue”. Its diverse trail network spans everything from quick 1-hour viewpoint walks to an extensive 110+ km circuit requiring up to nine days.

With such a range of options, choosing the best Torres del Paine hikes means checking more than scenic photos. CONAF (Chile’s National Forest Corporation) sets strict trail cut-off hours, requires advance bookings for multi-day treks, introduced new pass rules in May 2026, and regularly closes paths when severe weather or strong winds hit the park.

To help you plan your trekking route, PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in Patagonia tours, has put together a guide to the 8 best hikes in Torres del Paine. Check it out below!

1 – Mirador Base Las Torres: the hike the park is named after

Covering 20 to 22 km round trip, the trek to Mirador Las Torres, aka the Base of the Towers hike, packs in 800 to 1,000 meters of elevation and takes 7 to 10 hours. Altitude is not the issue here, as the glacial pool sits close to 900 meters, but the steep final push will test your legs.

Departing from the Welcome Center, the route ascends toward Paso de los Vientos (Pass of the Winds) before descending to Refugio Chileno, marking the midpoint at roughly 5.7 km. Continuing through a wind-sheltered lenga forest, you will pass a ranger checkpoint before tackling the final 1-km stretch over loose moraine leading directly to the lake.

CONAF sets strict trail hours. For the 2026–27 season, entry past Laguna Amarga closes at 09:30 AM, and the trail closes at 3 PM. Hiking in the dark is not allowed, so the classic sunrise-at-the-towers plan no longer works. Start early to avoid crowds and enjoy the shade.

A certified guide is mandatory on this route between late April and mid-September. Requirements for trekking poles and crampons can extend well into spring.

👉 Explore the adventure: Torres del Paine 4-Day All-Inclusive Tour at EcoCamp Patagonia

2 – French Valley and Mirador Británico: the amphitheater in the middle of the W

From Campamento Italiano, the French Valley trail climbs beside the Río del Francés, past the hanging French Glacier to Mirador Británico, where granite walls close in on every side.

A key spec is an 11.5 km out-and-back trek starting at Italiano and heading to Británico, involving around 600 meters of elevation gain over approximately 5 hours of total hiking. Trekkers typically drop their heavy backpacks at the Italiano ranger station to complete this section with just a light daypack.

Reach the first overlook facing the glacier in about an hour, but continuing all the way to Británico delivers the ultimate reward. Be prepared for changing weather—because the valley funnels strong gusts, gentle morning conditions near the base can quickly turn windy higher up.

Keep in mind that the latest CONAF schedules (2025–26) sets Británico’s latest entry at 2 PM and its closure at 4 PM. Additionally, Italiano’s campground remains closed for the 2026–27 season, so most people spend the night at Paine Grande or Francés.

3 – Grey Glacier: on foot, by boat, or by kayak

Spilling from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field down into Lago Grey, Grey Glacier can be experienced in three distinct ways:

• On foot: setting off from Refugio Paine Grande, the Grey Glacier hike is a 22 km round trip (6 to 8 hours). The trail includes roughly 390 meters of elevation gain and frequently faces head-on winds on the outgoing stretch. According to CONAF guidelines, the latest permitted entry to the Grey Glacier Lookout is 3 PM, with the viewpoint closing at 5 PM.
• By boat: excursions depart from Hotel Lago Grey. The boat trip to the towering face of the ice takes around 45 minutes, while the full excursion lasts about 3 hours.
• By kayak or ice trek: guided ice hiking and kayaking excursions operating out of Refugio Grey offer closer encounters on the glacier starting in October.

If you’re looking for a shorter option, the Lago Grey peninsula walk begins at Guardería Grey. This easy 2-hour loop leads across a suspension bridge and along the shoreline, where stranded icebergs regularly wash ashore.

4 – The W Trek: the park’s classics in one route

Surely one of the most iconic Torres de Paine hikes, the W strings three of the routes above (the Towers, the French Valley, and Grey Glacier) into one itinerary of about 75 km, done in 3 to 5 days. It allows you to see the park’s big set pieces without carrying a tent around the whole massif, with the possibility to walk it in either direction.

Securing your route requires careful planning before setting foot on the trail. Rangers will not permit entry into the mountain area without confirmed refugio or campsite bookings.

In the western zone, seamless transport relies on the Lake Pehoé catamaran linking Pudeto and Paine Grande, a connection that fills up fast in peak months. Standard mountain accommodations run from September or October through April.

PlanetaEXO handles all of those logistics directly on our Torres del Paine W Trek, including the park entry, campsites, transfers, and the Grey Glacier boat excursion. Looking for a faster trip? The Short W Trek condenses the highlights into 5 days, while our Self-Guided W Trek guarantees your reservations while allowing you to hike independently.

5 – The O Circuit: the full loop around the Paine Massif

The O Circuit in Torres del Paine is the W plus the remote back side of the massif: 110 to 120 km in 7 to 9 days, with about 5,400 meters of total climbing and a high point near 1,200 meters at the John Gardner Pass, where the whole of Grey Glacier opens up below you. It is walked counterclockwise only.

The back side is different—less crowded, embracing Lago Dickson, the Los Perros Glacier, and the suspension bridges above the Grey Valley. In general, national park rangers require hikers to depart from Los Perros toward the mountain pass by 7 AM. People are also required to register at the ranger stations. The circuit usually opens from November to March, but the John Gardner Pass only reopens after a CONAF weather and safety review, so check its status before you go.

The rules exist to ensure everyone’s safety, especially when it comes to the weather. Plan the O trek in advance and rely on the support of professionals who know the area intimately.

👉 Explore the adventure: O Trek Patagonia: 9-Day Guided Tour in Torres del Paine

6 – Mirador Cuernos: the best view for the least effort

Mirador Cuernos is the easiest trail on this list and, for many visitors, the best view in the park. It is a 6.4 km round trip with only about 160 meters of climbing (roughly 2 hours) starting at Pudeto, by the Salto Grande waterfall.

The path crosses open steppe past small lagoons, often with guanacos grazing nearby, and ends on the shore of Lago Nordenskjöld facing the Cuernos del Paine and the mouth of the French Valley. The Salto Grande section closes at 6:30 PM.

Highlighting the park’s finest short Torres del Paine day hikes, Mirador Cuernos plays a starring role on our Patagonia Camp tour. The itinerary dedicates a full day to taking in the viewpoints—linking Salto Grande, the Cuernos lookout, and Lake Pehoé—paired with comfortable yurt stays rather than standard mountain tents.

7 – Mirador Ferrier: the hardest short climb in the park

Despite appearing straightforward at first glance, Mirador Ferrier presents a substantial challenge. After signing in with rangers at Guardería Grey, hikers tackle a steep gain of nearly 600 meters over less than 3 km, elevating from roughly 100 to 700 meters. Plan for a 3 to 5-hour return journey.

The trek begins with a gentle walk through lenga forest before turning into steep, winding steps framed by thorny scrub. At the summit, panoramic views sweep across Lago Grey, Grey Glacier, and two additional glaciers, set against the backdrop of the Cuernos and Paine Grande.

Keep in mind that current CONAF guidelines set the latest permit entry at 1 PM and enforce complete trail closure at 5 PM.

8 – Mirador Condor: one steep hour above Lago Pehoé

Mirador Condor stands as the shortest trek on this list, yet delivers a steep ascent given its distance. Spanning roughly 3 km round trip, this trail takes around 1 to 1.5 hours as it climbs directly up the hillside across from Camping Pehoé.

Travelers can access trailheads either near Mirador Pehoé (by Hostería Pehoé) or right from the campsite, requiring private transport or a bus stop at Pehoé.

At the summit, panoramic 360° views stretch across Lago Pehoé, Lago Nordenskjöld, and the Cuernos. True to its name, the area offers a high probability of spotting condors nesting nearby. However, the exposed ridge experiences severe wind gusts that can make standing difficult, so hikers should turn back if conditions get worse. Aim for early morning or late afternoon to catch the best light.

Two more Torres del Paine trails worth a detour

For those exploring the quieter eastern section of the national park, two additional Torres del Paine hikes are definitely worth your time:

• Mirador Sierra Masle: right above Laguna Azul, this leisurely 2.8 km trail provides magnificent sweeping vistas looking back toward the towers. Great option for a late afternoon or evening walk!
• Laguna Cebolla Trail: a scenic 10 km route (taking roughly 5 hours) across gentle terrain, offering a quiet escape with virtually no crowds.

Please note: accessing both of these east-side trailheads requires a private vehicle.

Before you go: the rules that shape every hike in Torres del Paine

Most trail guides online still describe the park as it worked a few seasons ago. These are the points that changed or matter most:

• Reservations are mandatory for multi-day treks: you will not be allowed access to the mountain sections of the W or O circuits without confirmed campsite or refugio bookings. Single-day excursions, including the Base Las Torres trek, do not require accommodation reservations.
• Digital entry passes only: tickets must be bought in advance at Pases Parques Nacionales. Since May 1, 2026, options are streamlined into a single-day pass or a multi-day pass valid for up to 10 consecutive days.
• Strict cut-off times and safety closures: park rangers enforce strict schedule limits on trails and will shut down routes due to high winds, snow, or flooding.
• Night hiking is strictly prohibited: this rule includes early-morning starts intended for viewing the sunrise at the Base of the Towers.
• Expect persistent, strong winds: wind conditions intensify in the afternoons and reach their peak between November and February, making early morning departures essential for all the best hikes in Patagonia.
• Winter brings distinct conditions and restrictions: from late April (starting April 27 in 2026) through mid-September, certified guides are required for both the W Trek and the Base Las Torres trail. The O Circuit closes entirely during this season.

Keep in mind that these rules are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, check the official Torres del Paine National Park website or consult with specialized professionals, like PlanetaEXO’s team!

👉 Read more: Best Time to Visit Patagonia: Torres del Paine Month by Month

Hiking Torres del Paine with PlanetaEXO

Now that you know the best hikes in Torres del Paine and what each trail asks of you, it’s time to choose the ones that fit your legs and your season!

PlanetaEXO is an ecotourism platform specializing in Patagonia trekking tours, from day hikes out of a lodge to the full O Circuit. We work with local operators in Puerto Natales and handle all the logistics so all you have to do is enjoy yourself. Contact us now!