Into The Mountains Of Southern Chile

Exploring Chile’s Patagonia Region

Southern Chile is famous for its dramatic mountain landscapes within the Patagonia region, characterized by granite peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes. Top destinations start with Torres del Paine National Park, known for its iconic towers and “W” trek, along with the rugged peaks of Cerro Castillo and additional magnificent landscapes of Patagonia.

The entire region is part of Chile’s national park system with Torres del Paine being the center piece in Patagonia renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse landscapes, making it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features dramatic granite peaks, stunning glaciers, and pristine lakes, with iconic viewpoints such as Base Torres and Mirador Las Torres offering spectacular vistas.

Also famous for its hiking trails where visitors can explore various destinations including the popular W Circuit, which provides access to some of the park’s most famous sights. Activities such as trekking to the base of the Torres at sunrise or hiking through the French Valley are highly recommended for those seeking unforgettable outdoor experiences. Trekking guides in Torres del Paine National Park, such as Chile Nativo HERE, Swoop Patagonia HERE, and Explora, offer expert-led,, bilingual guided experiences for the W and O circuits. These professionals provide essential safety, logistical support, and in-depth knowledge of the flora, fauna, and geology for day hikes or multi-day treks.

In addition to its natural attractions, Torres del Paine serves as a hub for eco-tourism, with various accommodations and ranger services available to assist visitors. Overall, the park is celebrated not only for its scenic beauty but also for its role in promoting conservation and sustainable tourism in South America.

Torres del Paine National Park has varied entrance fees based on age and nationality. As of 2025, the minimum general admission for adults (ages 18 to 59) is approximately CLP 40,000 (around USD 50) for 5 days. For children under 12 years old, entry is free, while teenagers aged 12 to 17 are charged CLP 16,600. Additionally, Chilean seniors over 60 and individuals with disabilities also enjoy free admission.

Because of the popularity of the hiking trails and local outfitter tours, park admission tickets (passes) are based on the number of days beginning with five days.

The park is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, providing access to numerous trails and viewpoints, while some trails like the “W” circuit and Base Torres require separate tickets. Tickets can be conveniently purchased online at the official site HERE. Park tickets (admissions) are available for a number of day options starting at 5 days. Official ticket site is HERE, but be warned that things can get confusing with language and instructions.

Torres del Paine National Park can be reached from several cities with Puerto Natales being the most popular because of its well developed tourist infrastructure. It is also recommended that you buy your entrance tickets online to avoid congestion at the park offices.

You can also purchase tickets to visit the Cave of the Milodón, located near Puerto Natales. It is a significant paleontological site known for the discovery of the remains of the extinct giant ground sloth, the Milodón, in the late 19th century. This cave is part of a larger national monument, the Monumento Natural Cueva del Milodón, which encompasses various geological formations and rich biodiversity with a number of popular hiking trails.