The W Trek in Torres Del Paine
The W Trek is Torres del Paine most famous hiking route, which can be walked in a variety of ways, from a multi-day trek to a series of day hikes.
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Activities in Torres del Paine
- Hike classic trails like the W Trek or O Circuit, get off the beaten track to explore Torres del Paine’s hidden corners – or just do a day hike to a viewpoint.
- Get close (but not too close) to the park’s famous pumas, in a wildlife tracking trip led by experienced naturalist guides.
- Try something new, from kayaking or horse riding to mountain biking, and a multi-sport trip will allow you to taste a bit of everything.
- Many hotels offer all-inclusive programmes, where you can pick activities the night before, and come home to a comfy bed.
- For more of a challenge, consider a multi-day kayak expedition or cross country horse riding cross country between estancias.
Horse riding to the Paine Massif in winter
Biking trails in the shadows of the Towers
Kayaking on River Grey
Fly fishing on the Serrano River
Female puma at rest
Activities in Torres del Paine
Hiking
Torres del Paine National Park is braided with world-renowned hiking trails. Most visitors do at least one hike during their time here, even if it's just a day hike.
The well-trodden W Trek is Torres del Paine’s most celebrated hiking trail, while for experienced hikers, the O Circuit (or Full Circuit) trek offers the perfect way to see the main highlights of the park before looping around the unmatched scenery of the quieter northern region.
The hidden Bader and Silencio Valleys reward those looking to get off the beaten track. Even in a park as popular as Torres del Paine, there are many routes only crossed by a handful of people every year.
Hiking to the base of the Towers
Kayaking
Seeing Torres del Paine from the water in a kayak offers a whole new perspective on the national park, taking your time to enjoy the landscape, with the silence broken only by the soft splash of your paddles.
You can drift downstream alongside misshapen icebergs, so close you can reach out and touch them and feel dwarfed by panoramic views of the Paine massif. There is the opportunity to kayak right up to the face of the famous Grey Glacier, or take a few days to paddle down the Serrano river, wild camping along the way.
Day trips and longer itineraries can be organised for every level of experience.
Kayaking at Serrano Glacier
Swoop says
Torres del Paine is big – far bigger than you expect. Every time I visit I find a new favourite corner to explore, whether I'm hiking on a new trail or paddling to the face of one of its many glaciers.
Felipe Cruzat Patagonia Specialist
Puma tracking
Pumas have been a protected species in Torres del Paine for over 50 years, and their exceptionally high numbers here make this one of the best places in the world to see them.
Their numbers are greatest in the quieter eastern areas of the park, away from the main hiking trails. We work with expert guides who know exactly where to look, and the best way to observe them safely and without disturbance to the animals. This way, you have the best opportunity to see one up close while knowing you’re not negatively impacting their behaviour.
Puma tracking is available all year round in Torres del Paine.
Puma tracking in Torres del Paine
Horse riding
Patagonia is the land of the gaucho, so exploring the region on horseback isn’t just a way of discovering some fantastic windswept landscapes with a local guide but it can also connect you with its deep cultural roots.
Although it’s possible to do day rides around El Chaltén, in our experience the best way to discover Los Glaciares from the saddle is via one of its many estancias, or traditional ranches.
Horse riding from an estancia has you exploring with gaucho guides, learning how local saddles and riding traditions differ from North America and Europe, then head out into vast emptiness to discover the pampa, the mountains and the lakes.
Horse riding in Torres del Paine
Swoop says
I think I held my breath the entire time we spent watching a female puma and her cubs. It felt a privilege to observe their unguarded behaviour. There was no need for binoculars – the adrenaline high took a long time to come down from!
Danny Middleton Patagonia Specialist
Mountain biking
If your legs are aching for more after a hike, or you want to be moving just a little bit faster through the landscape, mountain biking is undoubtedly one of the best ways to navigate through Torres del Paine National Park.
Pedal down dirt roads that connect up the park’s lakes and estancias or whizz along single track on old horse trails, and you'll be moving with enough pace to explore hidden corners of the park, but with plenty of time to pull up in the saddle and drink in the views.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing ride or more technical tracks with an adrenaline buzz, mountain biking itineraries can be tailored to suit your needs and abilities.
Mountain biking near the Towers
Fishing
The pristine waters and epic backdrop of Torres del Paine are a perfect place to cast your rod. The fast-flowing Serrano River is a big draw for experienced anglers, especially those hoping to catch the chinook salmon that migrate upstream here every summer.
Between Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales there are also numerous lakes and creeks that are ideal for anglers of all levels, with trout being a particular attraction.
Dedicated itineraries led by expert guides can last anything from a day of fly-fishing to a week, with all gear provided.
Fly-fishing in below the Paine Massif
Swoop says
Some places you simply have to hike to, but to discover all the hidden treasures of the national park you really can't beat the views from a kayak or on horseback. But beware: Torres del Paine is vast,so choose your itinerary carefully to ensure you have enough time to see it all.
What our customers think of What to do in Torres del Paine
The circuit trek in Torre del Paine was by far the highlight. The remoteness and the untouched nature were amazing. Both of our guides on the hikes were amazing! The simple and quiet beauty is what we will remember forever.
Travelled: December 2017
Erin - USA
Torres del Paine - absolute highlight and delight. Surprisingly varied landscapes - from mountains with serrated tops and sharp shark fins, to lush forest, steppe, glacial streams, moraine. We had it all.
Travelled: November 2017
Krystyna - Canada
Kayaking down the Rio Serrano was the highlight - I truly felt like we were in the wilderness because we didn't see any other people!
Travelled: January 2017
Mary - South Dakota
Review:
Multi-activity adventures
See the many sides of Torres del Paine and get into the hidden corners by combining a series of difference adventurous activities. With multi-activity adventures you can kayak one day, ice hike on a glacier the next, or add on a few days of something different before or after your multi-day trek.
There's often no experience required for these activities – you just book and turn up; all your gear and instruction will be provided. However if you do have some experience and you're looking for a challenge, we can arrange longer multi-activity trips that delve deeper into the park's wildest terrain.
Kayaking at Glacier Grey
Explore more of Torres del Paine
The O Circuit Trek
The O Circuit is a great trek for experienced hikers, spending over a week to explore both Torres del Paine’s most popular sights and its quieter trails.
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Off the beaten track in Torres del Paine
Torres del Paine's offers great scope for hiking off the beaten track, with quiet trails through little visited valleys, pristine forests and dramatic mountain vistas.
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Day hikes in Torres del Paine
Torres del Paine offers world class day hikes, offering you the chance to spend your days exploring the trails while sleeping in comfortable accommodation at night.
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