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Frequently Asked Questions

National Park Torres del Paine

How to get there

From Punta Arenas (Chile): It is 345 km to the Laguna Amarga Gate at Torres del Paine.
 From Puerto Natales (Chile): It is 110 km to the Laguna Amarga Gate at Torres del Paine.

The park has 5 official entrances: Laguna Amarga Gate, Sarmiento Gate, Serrano Gate, Laguna Azul, and Laguna Verde, with the first three being the most commonly used.

There are bus companies that depart from Puerto Natales bus terminal (Rodoviario). You can also hire a tour operator that provides transportation services and programs within the park, depending on the type of service you require.

 Access by private vehicle is also possible.

Park rangers will request reservation confirmations (printed or digital), entrance ticket (www.paseparques.cl), and your personal identification. Residents must present their national ID card, and foreign visitors will be asked to show their passport.

Knowing the weather during your stay is very important so you can prepare and enjoy Patagonia.

The weather in Patagonia and in Torres del Paine National Park is known for being unpredictable and can experience significant changes in a short time. Additionally, due to the park’s diverse geography, there are microclimates that can create different weather conditions in specific areas. It is important to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions when visiting the park and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.

If adverse weather conditions pose a risk to visitors, CONAF is the only entity authorized to close trails or circuits.

You can also check the weather in Torres del Paine directly through this reliable platform:

Sector Las Torres: https://www.windguru.cz/367458

Sector Dickson: https://www.windguru.cz/131651

Sector Perros: https://www.windguru.cz/131634

Sector Grey: https://www.windguru.cz/131638

Sector Paine Grande: https://www.windguru.cz/41546

At VERTICE shelters and campsites, the WindGuru forecast is printed daily and made available at reception and on bulletin boards.

Torres del Paine National Park is open year-round. However, in winter it is mandatory to be accompanied by a certified guide.

When to visit the park

  1. Depends on personal preferences, as each season has its charm. However, the best time to visit is between September and April, which coincides with spring and summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
  2. During high season (November to March), temperatures are more pleasant, but there are also more visitors (if you plan to visit during this time, it is recommended to book at least 6 months in advance). In low season (April and October), it is much colder, but the winds are lighter, the landscape colors are different, and there are fewer people.

The months of March and April (autumn in the Southern Hemisphere) fill the park with beautiful reddish and orange hues that photographers love.

You can find the updated regulations on the official national park website: www.parquetorresdelpaine.cl.

Basic important points to consider:

  • You may only camp in authorized and designated areas within the national park; otherwise, you risk expulsion from the park and a fine. 
  • The use of fire and heat sources (including portable stoves) in unauthorized areas is strictly prohibited due to the extremely high risk of wildfires, such as the devastating ones in 2005 and 2011 that burned thousands of hectares. The law severely penalizes violations with fines, imprisonment, and expulsion from the park for both national and foreign offenders. Tourists must use stoves only in designated and marked areas.
  • Swimming in rivers, lagoons, and lakes within the national park is prohibited. Remember that we must minimize our impact on nature, and none of these bodies of water are suitable for bathing, posing a high risk of drowning.

The trails are well-marked; you should follow the signs on the trees or any indication showing the way. On the John Gardner Pass, you must always be able to see the next orange stake to ensure you are on the correct path. The trails in Torres del Paine are quite busy, so they are very well defined. We recommend not leaving the marked path to avoid erosion and accidents.

The Paine Massif circuit is one-way, so you CANNOT walk from Paine Grande to Los Perros or Dickson. From Paine Grande, you can only reach the second suspension bridge, located about 1.5 hours of walking from the Grey campsite and refuge.

The distances and trail closing times are shown in the following table:

To complete the circuit, you must have a prior reservation, as there is a ranger checkpoint (Coirón) between the Serón and Dickson campsites. At this point, they will request proof of accommodation (printed or digital) for the Dickson, Los Perros, and Grey sectors. Otherwise, the rangers will ask you to return to the previous campsite (Serón).

Depending on the severity of the accident, emergency protocols will be activated in coordination with CONAF and Carabineros de Chile.

We recommend having accident and travel insurance. Click here to read.

Usually, during September, CONAF announces the opening or closing of the El Paso and Italiano campsite sectors. For more information, you can visit the website www.parquetorresdelpaine.cl or contact CONAF. As a point to consider, CONAF-administered campsites have been closed since 2018, so it is suggested not to include them in your itinerary.

There are no ATMs inside the park or in Cerro Castillo, the nearest town. Therefore, we suggest visiting ATMs located in Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales.

In general, the water inside the park is drinkable, as it comes directly from nearby snowmelt. What is NOT recommended is collecting water near the refuges, because there is human presence very close to those water sources. We do NOT recommend taking water from the Ascencio River until you have passed the Chileno Refuge (upstream), nor from the Francés River until after passing the Italiano campsite (upstream). All other water sources are safe to drink without issues. If you are traveling with a guide, they will indicate where it is safe.

You can view and download the official map of the national park from the website www.parquetorresdelpaine.cl.

The refuges have large maps available at their reception areas to check the location of different points in the park, and maps are also available for purchase at the minimarkets (subject to stock).

At the park entrances, you will find bathrooms along with some points such as the Welcome Center, as well as in camping areas. There are NO bathrooms on the trails, so we recommend always carrying toilet paper and a bag to take your trash with you (please do not bury or leave toilet paper behind).

If you encounter a puma:

  • Do not run: Never run or turn your back, as this can trigger its chase instinct.
  • Make yourself big: Raise your arms, open your jacket, stand tall to appear larger. If you are with children, pick them up.
  • Eye contact: Maintain firm eye contact, but do not stare aggressively.
  • Back away: Move away slowly, walking backward without turning your back, and always leave an escape route for the animal.
  • Make noise: Speak loudly and firmly, but do not scream in panic. You can throw stones or sticks.
  • If it attacks: If the puma approaches aggressively, shout loudly and defend yourself with anything you have; pumas are usually shy and fear humans.
  • Prevent: Avoid poorly lit areas, do not use headphones while walking in nature, and keep campsites clean to avoid attracting them.

For other wildlife:

  1. Observe from a distance: Enjoy native fauna from a safe distance. Do not approach or feed them, as this makes them lose natural skills and can become dangerous.
  2. Call authorities: If you see an animal in an urban area or injured, contact environmental authorities (CONAF, SAG).

General rule for all:

  • Do not feed them: Feeding wildlife changes their behavior and is harmful to both them and human safety.
  • Do not corner them: Always give them space to leave on their own.

According to CONAF (Park Rangers) regulations, the use of drones inside Torres del Paine National Park is not permitted. Any special permit must be managed directly with the DGAC (https://www.dgac.gob.cl/).

For more information, you can review the park regulations published on CONAF’s website www.parquetorresdelpaine.cl.

Vertice Patagonia

What to Bring

We have a complete checklist of what to bring for your trekking: https://www.vertice.travel/documentos/Chelist_Trekking_ENG.pdf

At Vertice, although we do not work directly with any travel or rescue insurance company, we know how important it is to have adequate coverage for your adventures.

There are well-known companies such as Global Rescue, World Nomads, and Ripcord, which offer comprehensive plans that include, among others:

  • International medical coverage
  • Emergency evacuation
  • Baggage protection
  • A wide range of activities adapted to nature and adventure travel

Our advice: Before purchasing your policy, carefully review what is included and what is not, ensuring it meets your expectations and the type of experience you will have.

The trails are suitable for anyone who has the physical ability to complete at least 4 hours of daily hiking under variable weather conditions, on medium to high difficulty terrain, and who does not have any underlying health condition that could put their physical integrity at risk.

It is each person’s responsibility to undergo a preventive medical check-up before any activity, excursion, or trekking to ensure their health is in good condition and compatible with the activity. Good physical condition is necessary, especially for the most demanding hikes, such as Base Torres. Most hikes are a minimum of 4 hours and of medium/high difficulty.

The first option is through the website https://booking.vertice.travel/booking and follow the steps.

Alternatively, you can request your reservation via email by writing to ventas@vertice.travel and providing the following information:

  • Number of participants
  • Names
  • Nationality
  • RUT or passport
  • Sector
  • Date
  • Mention if you wish to hire any additional services

Note: The estimated response time is approximately 48 business hours, so we suggest using the online booking platform for faster service.

The reserves are nominative and non-transferable.

While staying at a Vertice campsite or refuge, you can request one or more additional nights; however, this will depend on availability. To check, you must go to the reception desk.

Voucher: It usually arrives in the inbox of the email provided during booking. In some cases, it may end up in the spam folder. If you have not received it, please email us at ventas@vertice.travel, and we will send the confirmation as soon as possible.

Our refuges and campsites cannot be reached by car.

  • Dickson and Los Perros: Accessible only by hiking.
  • Grey: Accessible via Lago Grey Navigation (keep in mind that you still need to walk along Grey Beach and a short section to reach the lodging area).
  • Paine Grande: Accessible via Lago Pehoe Navigation.

We offer Refuges with shared rooms and Campsites. It is possible to upgrade from camping to a refuge, depending on availability. Ideally, this should be requested in advance via email at ventas@vertice.travel. Alternatively, if you request the change on-site at the refuge reception and there is availability, the payment for the difference must be completed immediately.

Refuge:  We offer the made bed option, which includes a mattress cover, pillow, sheets, and blanket. We also have the simple bed option (without sheets or blanket), ideal for those traveling with their own sleeping bag.

Bedding is sent to the laundry for sanitization after each use, and rooms are sprayed with a disinfectant aerosol to eliminate any presence of viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
 Beds are assigned randomly, but we always try to keep passengers from the same reservation in the same room.

Camping: We offer campsite spots for those traveling with their own camping gear, and we also have equipment available for rent: tent, sleeping pad, pillow, and sleeping bag (subject to stock; you can purchase the service in advance).
 The equipment is resistant to Patagonian weather conditions. Sleeping bags (comfort temperature -8°C), sleeping pads, and tents (4-season) are designed to withstand strong winds and cold nights. When you arrive, the tent is already set up and ready to use.

The Full Equipment concept refers to the complete camping gear: tent for 1 or 2 people, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad.
Sleeping bags, pads, and tents are sanitized with an antimicrobial aerosol disinfectant that kills viruses, bacteria, and fungi on hard surfaces.

If you travel with your own gear and go on day hikes, you can leave your tent set up in the camping area. Although theft is rare, we suggest using a padlock for extra security.

  • Check-In: From 1:00 PM
  • Check-Out: At 9:30 AM. You can check out earlier than the established time, but late check-out (after 9:30 AM) is not possible.

Refuge and Campsite Paine Grande:

  • Reception: 07:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Minimarket: Continuous service from 07:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Bathrooms: 24 hours
  • Showers: 07:00 AM to 09:00 AM and 02:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  • Bar: 03:00 PM to 10:30 PM
  • Breakfast: 06:30 AM to 09:00 AM
  • Lunch: 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM
  • Dinner: 06:30 PM to 09:00 PM
  • Camping Quincho (cooking shelter): 07:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Electric power: 06:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Refuge and Campsite Grey – Dickson and Campsite Los Perros

  • Reception: 07:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Minimarket: 
    1. Dickson and Los Perros: 07:00 AM to 09:30 AM and 01:00 PM to 09:00 PM
    2. Grey: 07:00 AM to 09:00 PM
  • Bathrooms: 24 hours
  • Showers: 07:00 AM to 09:00 AM / 02:00 PM to 09:00 PM
  • Bar: 03:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Grey and Dickson)
  • Breakfast: 07:00 AM to 09:00 AM (Grey and Dickson)
  • Lunch: 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM (Grey and Dickson)
  • Dinner: 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM (Grey and Dickson)
  • Camping Quincho: 
    1. Dickson and Grey: 07:00 AM to 09:00 AM and 01:00 PM to 10:30 PM
    2. Los Perros: 04:00 AM to 09:00 AM and 01:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  • Electric power: 06:00 AM to 12:00 AM
  • Charging stations: 05:00 PM to 09:00 PM at Los Perros

Although we do not offer services outside the established hours, our team will always be attentive in case you need assistance in a particular situation.

Schedules may change, so it is important to confirm at each reception desk.

We offer dinner, breakfast, lunch or box lunch separately, or full board, in that order. Vegetarian or similar diets are available upon indication in the reservation. Regarding food allergies or intolerance restrictions, it is also important to inform us in advance to check feasibility.

  • Full Board: Includes dinner on the day of arrival, breakfast, and lunch or box lunch the following day. It is provided at the refuge and cannot be split between sectors or different refuges booked. If the reservation includes meal services at different refuges, these will be charged as separate services, even if not fully consumed. This service is available at Dickson, Grey, and Paine Grande.
  • Half Board: Includes dinner on the day of arrival and breakfast the following day. It is provided at the refuge and cannot be split between sectors or different refuges booked. Available at Dickson, Grey, and Paine Grande.
  • Dinner: At Paine Grande, it consists of a buffet with a high-calorie offer specially designed for trekkers, including protein options, sides, salads, and desserts. At Grey, the same buffet is offered but in assisted buffet format. At Dickson, this service is a fixed 3-course menu (starter, main, and dessert) served at the table.
  • Lunch: A fixed 3-course menu (starter, main, and dessert) served at the table at Dickson, Grey, and Paine Grande. You must indicate at reception the day before if you prefer lunch or box lunch for the next day. At Los Perros, there is no table-served lunch; only box lunch is provided.
  • Box Lunch: A takeaway lunch that includes a sandwich, powdered isotonic drink, small chocolate, dried fruit, cereal bar, and nuts.
  • Breakfast: American-style breakfast served at the table at Dickson. At Paine Grande, available as a buffet, and at Grey, assisted buffet.

Meal services can be purchased in advance or on-site, where payment must be made immediately.

We offer menus for the following dietary restrictions: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free (celiac), and lactose-free. However, to meet these requirements, we ask that you inform us by email at ventas@vertice.travel at least 10 days in advance.

At Paine Grande and Grey refuges, we also offer pizzas and burgers (all homemade with vegetarian options). Kitchen open until 9:00 PM.

We have minimarkets located in all camping areas, offering a variety of easy-to-prepare products, including snacks, groceries, beverages, hot drinks, gas, and a healthy line for vegans, vegetarians, and celiacs. Please note that product stock may not always be available due to scheduled supply days.
 

Hours: 07:00 AM to 09:30 AM and 01:00 PM to 09:00 PM. Paine Grande has special continuous hours from 07:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

At our refuges and campsites, you can pay with credit and/or debit cards, but we suggest always carrying some cash, as internet connection may fail.

Note: If paying in cash with US dollars, make sure the bills are in good condition—no tears, stains, stamps, folds, or any marks that could affect their use.

Mobile Signal: There is no mobile signal inside the park or at our campsites and refuges.

Internet: At Dickson, Los Perros, Grey and Paine Grande campsites and refuges, we offer 30 minutes of free internet and WhatsApp texting throughout your stay. For longer connection times, a paid service is available.

  • We have electricity; you will find 220V outlets.
  • In the camping area, outlets are located in the barbecue area where guests cook.
  • You will also find outlets available in the shelters.
  • There is no electricity at night to conserve energy. Please confirm operating hours at reception. 

We do not have clothes or hair dryers, as the park is located in the mountains where resources, including electricity, are limited

The use of hair dryers, electric kettles, or any electrical device exceeding 220V is not allowed.

At refuges and campsites, you can fill your water bottles from any tap in the designated bathrooms. The water is safe for human consumption.

 If you need hot water, refuges have hot water dispensers available during dining room operating hours for refuge guests.

 For campers, hot water must be heated using your own cooking equipment in the designated cooking areas (Quincho). Open fires are not allowed.

For those who prefer to prepare their own meals, we have a designated cooking area in the campsite (Quincho), protected from wind and rain, as cooking inside the refuge, inside tents, or outdoors is not permitted.

We do not provide refrigerators, microwaves, electric kettles, or ovens.

Bathrooms are available 24 hours in refuges and campsites. 

Showers have hot water, except at Los Perros campsite. Hours vary by sector.

Depending on age, we suggest consulting a doctor to determine if a child can safely walk the desired number of kilometers per day.

Children under 5 years old do not pay for accommodation in camping or refuge areas. This does not apply to additional services.

At Paine Grande, there is a locker room. For refuge guests, lockers are free; for campers or day visitors, the cost is $4,000 CLP.

 At Grey, there is an area where you can leave your luggage, but it is not monitored, so we suggest not leaving valuables and preferably locking your backpack with a padlock.

Factoría Patagonia

Where is the factory located?

In the city of Puerto Natales, just meters from the waterfront, you can find Hostal Factoria. For more information, you can visit the following link: https://www.factoriapatagonia.com/

Yes, it is possible with an extra charge per day, please inquire at the reception desk about luggage dimensions and the cost for storage days.

We encourage disconnecting, which is why none of our rooms have televisions. Traveling to Patagonia means enjoying every landscape, every sunset, and its customs. We recommend experiencing it by seeking out and observing the local flora and fauna.

We have Wi-Fi access; however, the connection isn’t always reliable.

If you arrive at Puerto Natales Airport, there is a shuttle and taxi stand right outside the airport. Fares vary between $5,000 and $10,000 pesos depending on the company. The hostel is a 15-minute drive away; we recommend against walking.

If you arrive in Punta Arenas, you must purchase your bus ticket from the Airport to the Puerto Natales Terminal on the website www.recorrido.cl. From the bus terminal, you can take a taxi to the hostel or walk approximately 20 minutes along the main avenue.

Check-in time is from 3:00 PM and check-out time is at 11:00 AM.

Entering before check-in time is a bit complicated, as the rooms are sanitized after each visit; however, it is possible to leave your luggage in storage and, if your room is ready before check-in time, you can go up to your room.

Yes, the accommodation includes a buffet breakfast.

The reservation is paid directly at the hostel, as the credit card requested on Booking is only for backup purposes.

This is due to VAT; when making the reservation through Booking.com, they inform you that there will be an extra charge for VAT if you are a domestic tourist.

We do not have parking.

Breakfast hours are from 06:00 to 09:00 hrs.

We have a smoking area to one side of the terrace.

Yes, we have a hair dryer.

Yes, it is possible with prior notice and coordination with reception.

If you make the reservation through Booking, you can leave them through that same channel, or through our page on TripAdvisor.

Vertice Travel
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