Excursion: Torres del Paine

Everybody who reaches Puerto Natales wants to see Torres del Paine. If you want to do the W or the O you have to book in advance. If you are not willing to do or simply just can’t, don’t worry there are other options.

For example you can go to the offices of the organizers and see if there is free space in the refugios and the campsites. If not, you can book at least one and use it as a base for your trips. But remember the refugios cost around 100$. Camp stuff can be rented in Puerto Natales.

It is cheaper to return by bus and do three following days, which is possible with one entrance ticket (33$), if you tell them and get the stamps. The bus shuttle is 24$ two ways. Busses run twice daily, one in the morning going back at lunchtime and one in the afternoon going back at 8pm.

On the first of your three days I recommend to do a short hike, as registration takes a long time and a seven hour trek could get stressful. On the second day you don’t have to wait in the queue.

Another way could be, not going on the peak season. Or as a Chilean told me, just walk in as if there was nothing. This is easier if you hitchhike to the park. As the guards control you is coming out of the bus. However this is not a legal way of doing it and you miss the safety instructions. As the park uses the money for self-preservation it is good invested.

I stayed at the Hostel 53 Sur. It is a small and simple hostel with two dogs and included breakfast. The staff is very attentive and prepares individualised breakfasts. I had a fruit instead of an egg, ham and cheese.

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