
Hiking in Torres del Paine
World famous trekking awaits in Torres del Paine National Park. Each valley, peak and pass hides its own treasures, be it hanging glaciers, vast pampas, twisted metamorphic rock or…
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Wake up in the Patagonian wilderness. Refugios are dotted along Torres del Paine's hiking trails, and often have spectacular views of the mountains and lakes that make the park famous. These 'hiking hostels' allow you to complete the most popular routes with all bedding and meals provided so that you only need to carry a small backpack.
We find a lot of our customers come to us with preconceived ideas of what a refugio will be like, based on experiences of hiking elsewhere in the world. This page will help you build an accurate picture of what to expect, and decide if staying in a refugio is right for you.
If you've hiked extensively in the US, notably the iconic trails such as the Appalachian Trail, or experienced remote treks in Nepal, you might be expecting a very basic structure. Perhaps you've stayed in huts that are open on one side and expose you to the elements, or cold corrugated shacks where you can expect to meet a few mice or rats during your stay!
Refugios offer a significantly more comfortable experience, so adjust your expectations for the better - and if you aren't keen on camping, consider refugios as an alternative.
Communal dining room
Refugios offer rustic hostel-meets-hotel accommodation for hikers. They have warm dorm-style rooms with comfy beds where you can relax and unwind after a long day on the trails.
There are shared toilets and bathrooms with hot showers that are accessible for all hikers, allowing you to freshen up after an active day.
The accommodation is clean and well located on the main trails. Most refugios also have campsites with separate facilities if you would prefer to camp out of the main building.
6 person dorms
The showers are hot and the toilets are cleaned regularly.
There are plugs in the communal areas, but not in all rooms.
Whilst WiFi is available in most of the refugios, the connection is not to be relied upon and will be a lot slower than at home.
Shared bathrooms
The meals are basic but filling. Breakfast usually consists of cereal, toast, fruit, and yogurt. Your packed lunch comprises a sandwich, fruit, trail mix and chocolate. For dinner, it is usually a pasta-based dish, a stew, or chicken with rice. Soup and dessert are also included with your main meal.
There are snack shops at all of the refugios where you can buy basic foods and camping gear e.g. spare pegs and gas. At some of the refugios there are bars that serve wines, spirits and beer on draught. At the other refugios you can buy local Chilean canned beer.
When you are away from the larger towns or cities, please bear in mind that it is much harder for guides, refugios or other parties to cater to food allergies or intolerances in the wild and with limited resources.
If you have a serious food allergy, you should approach your time in Patagonia with caution, especially in remote eating scenarios. Whilst our partners on the ground will do their best to cater to your needs, they will not be used to being as fastidious and careful as you may need to be on a day to day basis.
It is also worth mentioning that celiacs might not always have many options, especially outside of the larger cities.
Dinner
Socialising with other hikers at Refugio Los Cuernos
The bar at refugio Torre Central, Torres del Paine
Hang out area in one of Torres del Paine's refugios
Typical evening meal at the refugio
Typical refugio breakfast
Typical boxed lunch
Refugio Los Cuernos, Torres del Paine
The refugios have a fun, social atmosphere which make them the perfect place to come together in the evening with your fellow hikers. Put your feet up and share tales of the day's hiking over a beer or hot chocolate.
Refugios in Torres del Paine trips scored 4.3/5 from 484 reviews
Loved spending our evenings in the Refugios meeting others. The park is incredible - we wish we couldāve stayed longer! Read the full review
Travelled: March 2022
Mollie Adatto - USA
The natural beauty of Torres Del Paine was amazing and the accommodations and food exceeded our expectations. Everyone we met, from the other trekkers to the hotel and refugio staff were very friendly and helpful. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Robert Gallagher - USA
What was your most memorable moment? Making new friends and hanging out with them at the Paine refugio Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Raizel Berstein - USA
We love Torres del Paine! The hiking was spectacular. The continuous views are amazing. The whole time you are hiking, the views are incredible and ever changing. Our guide was great and throughout the hike, gave us the history, geology, wildlife, and plant descriptions of the area. The refugios were really nice compared to others we have seen. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2019
Brian McIntyre - United States Of America
Review:
Torre Central is a large refugio situated near to the trailhead of the Base of the Towers trek and comprising of 60 bunkbeds split between 10 mixed dormitory rooms. It features a large communal area, male and female showers, a dining room, a bar and a shop. Central heating makes it a cosy overnight stop.
Refugio Torre Central
The smaller sister of Torre Central, Torre Norte is located only 100 metres away. It also has 60 bunkbeds with wood burners for heating. It's a slightly more basic version of Torre Central but still a convenient option.
Refugio Torre Norte
Refugio Chileno is located in the Ascencio Valley, approximately an hour and a half's hike from the base of the towers. It has 32 bunkbeds split into four dorms of eight, and features shared bathrooms, a restaurant and a shop. This is a great base for those wanting to a catch a sunrise over the towers.
Set at the heart of the W Trek with wonderful views of the Cuernos and Nordenskjold Lake, this 36-bunk refugio is divided into four dormitories and has a restaurant, shop, wood heating and shared bathrooms. It also has a selection of private cabins if you would prefer some solitude.
Refugio Cuernos
Nestled amongst the bushes close to Los Cuernos refugio, these eight private cabins can sleep two people each. They have shared bathrooms (exclusively used by cabin guests) and meals are served in the refugio.
Cabin accommodation at Refugio Los Cuernos
A unique stop off with amazing views of Nordenskjold Lake, the Cuernos and Paine Grande, the French Domes are approximately an hour's trek west of Refugio Los Cuernos. There are three domes which sleep eight and each dome has its own private bathroom.
Refugio Paine Grande is based on the northern shore of Lake Pehoé, right next to the catamaran dock, and is the largest of all the refugios with enough beds for 100 hikers in dormitories of six, and four people. This is arguably the most comfortable refugio in Torres del Paine with well-built bunkbeds, segregated showers, a mini-market, a bar and a large canteen-style restaurant that serves good meals. It is also one of the busiest places with day hikers dropping in on their way to Lake Grey and the French Valley, as well as campers staying at their large campsite.
Refugio Paine Grande
One of the newest refugios, Refugio Grey is a traditional hiker's hut and is nestled amongst the trees on the shores of Lake Grey, a short walk from the Glacier Grey lookout point. It has 60 beds in dormitories, with up to eight beds each. Rooms are small and basic, but certainly do the job in providing a warm and friendly sanctuary.
Refugio Grey
Hidden away on the O Circuit trail, this refugio has the best location and views of all the refugios. It has 27 bunkbeds, segregated showers and an inviting main hut which serves as a dining room, bar and communal area.
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Torres del Paine National Park has a large range of accommodation to choose from. Stay at a refugios or campsites for a fun and traditional trek experience. Escape to a luxury lodge for tranquillity and incredible views across the park or gaze up at the stars from your yurt/dome.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
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