January 19 – January 20: Puerto Natales / Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine National Park, located in southern Chilean Patagonia, is a breathtaking natural wonder known for its dramatic landscapes of jagged mountain peaks, turquoise lakes, and vast glaciers. The park’s iconic centerpiece is the towering granite spires of the Torres del Paine, which give the park its name. Visitors come from around the world to hike its famous trails, witness incredible wildlife, and experience the raw beauty of one of the most stunning wilderness areas on Earth. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply seeking awe-inspiring scenery, Torres del Paine offers an unforgettable adventure.

The world is a safe place safe down here. An Uber will take you from the airport to the town, which is small and easy to navigate. You can comfortably walk around town, even after sunset (which is around 11pm during this time of year). The town offers the usual range of restaurants, tour operators, hostels, and hotels.

The main attraction of Puero Natales is of course the Torres del Paine National Park. There are several options:

• Day trip to Torres: There are daily buses departing at 07:00 towards the park, allowing you to do any segment of the famous W-Trek, with the Torres Base trek being the most famous one. This 22 km hike (11 km uphill and the same distance back down) was, without a doubt, one of the more exhausting treks I’ve done. Sadly, I wasn’t rewarded with the view I hoped for, as it was a cloudy, rainy day (a recurring theme on my trip, well actually in my life), and the Torres were completely hidden in the fog. Despite this, the hike was still enjoyable, but overall, it felt unsatisfying due to the weather.
• W-Trek: The popular multi-day hike that covers the park’s most famous landmarks, including the Torres, French Valley, and Grey Glacier. The trek typically takes 5 days and 4 nights. Since camping slots sell out weeks in advance, they are hardly an option for spontaneous travelers like me, and the refugios cost about 200 USD per night. I wasn’t willing to pay that much per night in Hawaii, and I wasn’t about to do it here either, so that option was out for me as well.
• O-Trek: A more challenging and longer trek, circling the entire park and offering a deeper, more immersive experience of Torres del Paine’s diverse landscapes. This trek usually is done in 9 days.

Unsatisfying Torres del Paine pictures :