Patagonia Holidays | Patagonia, South America
Torres del Paine
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A LUXURY VACATION TO TORRES DEL PAINE

At the southern edge of Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine rises out of the steppe in a series of weather-sculpted granite spires, glacial lakes, and open valleys.

 

Incomparably raw and remote, this extraordinary national park is Chile’s proudest boast: a land of brooding skies, jagged ridgelines, electric blue glaciers, and turquoise waters. It’s a place best explored slowly. Wildlife is abundant, the weather unpredictable, and the landscapes like nowhere else.

Accommodation in Torres del Paine ranges from refined wilderness lodges with private guiding to simple, pared-back hillside cabins. Possibilities for hiking, riding, glacier trekking, and fly-fishing are near-limitless.

LUXURY TOURS AND THINGS TO DO IN TORRES DEL PAINE

This remote corner of Patagonia draws those seeking both adventure and stillness.

Torres del Paine National Park encapsulates the region at its wildest and most elemental, from the sharp spires of the Paine Massif to the glassy waters of Lake Pehoé. The surrounding steppe offers an astonishing display of biodiversity, populated by guanacos, rheas, flamingos, and more than 100 species of birds.

Walk little-known trails, ride across private estancias, or kayak through iceberg-strewn waters. Set out with a naturalist on a private photography safari, tracking the park’s elusive puma population, or take to the skies to grasp the sheer scale of the massif and its outlying glaciers on a helicopter tour. For those continuing on to a polar expedition, it’s just a short journey south to Punta Arenas, the gateway to Antarctica.

We’ve spent two decades working here and have built a trusted network of guides, conservationists, and local partners, giving our travellers access to areas and experiences that few others reach. Each journey is designed from the ground up, with each property selected for its character, setting, and connection to a place.

  • When is the best time to visit Torres del Paine National Park?

    The trekking season in Torres del Paine is from mid-October to April (spring – autumn), with longer daylight hours and relatively favourable weather conditions make the trails most accessible – though even at the height of summer, Patagonian conditions remain famously unpredictable.

    October to early November marks the start of the season. The park is quieter, wildflowers begin to bloom, and wildlife is active – but some trails, including parts of the ‘O’ Circuit, may remain closed depending on conditions.

    From mid-November to February, days are long and temperatures mild – but it’s also the busiest time, particularly around the holidays. Advance planning is essential, as the best lodges will often be booked a year ahead.

    March and April offer a quieter atmosphere and soft autumn light, though with cooler temperatures and shorter days; some trails will begin to close for the season.

  • What are the ‘W’ and ‘O’ Circuits?

    The ‘W’ and ‘O’ circuits are Torres del Paine’s most iconic multi-day trekking routes, offering exceptional access to some of the park’s most varied and dramatic terrain.

    The ‘W’ Circuit follows three key valleys: Ascencio Valley (leading to the Towers), the French Valley (with expansive views of the Paine Massif), and the Grey Glacier Valley. Typically completed over 4-5 days, it provides a concise, rewarding overview of the park’s most recognisable landmarks.

    The ‘O’ Circuit builds on the ‘W’, continuing around the back of the Paine Massif through lesser-visited sections of the park. This seven to ten-day trek offers a more remote, extensive wilderness experience, passing through dense forests, high passes, and wide glacial valleys.

    Treks can be completed with private guides and porters, with accommodation in small mountain refuges or tents along the way. For those preferring a more comfortable approach, it’s also possible to stay in one of the park’s adventure lodges and set out to tackle each section of the ‘W’ as a series of privately guided day hikes, returning each evening to a warm room, hot shower, and good food. 

  • What are the best hikes in Torres del Paine?

    Beyond the well-trodden ‘W’ and ‘O’ circuits, Torres del Paine offers a number of quieter, privately guided hikes suited to different levels of interest and ability. The ascent to the Base of the Towers is one of the most rewarding day hikes in the park, while the trail to Mirador Grey offers wide views over the glacier and can be combined with a private boat crossing on the lake. For those seeking something more remote, we arrange access to lesser-known valleys and viewpoints well away from the main routes, where you’re unlikely to see another soul. Each route is tailored to your pace, with experienced guides and full support throughout.

  • What other activities can I do in Torres del Paine?

    Beyond trekking, we can organise a range of a privately guided experiences designed to connect you with the landscapes and wildlife of Torres del Paine National Park.

    Kayaking among the icebergs of Lago Grey provides a striking perspective on the glacier, while puma tracking with conservationists offers rare insight into the park’s most elusive resident.

    Riding with local gauchos opens up more remote areas of the steppe, far from the main trails. For photographers, we arrange private workshops focused on the region’s distinctive light, wildlife, and changing weather. It’s also possible to charter a yacht or catamaran for a quiet navigation of the park’s lakes.

    For those with an interest in fly fishing, we work with specialist guides to access little-known rivers in the surrounding region that are wild, scenic, and seldom visited. Each experience is tailored to the traveller’s pace and preference, with the support of experienced guides and full logistical backing.

ELSEWHERE IN CHILE

Chile captivates with its dramatic landscapes, from the arid Atacama Desert to icy Patagonia and the emerald lakes of Chile’s Lake District.

 

From the buzzing capital city of Santiago to the mysterious Moai of Easter Island, we can open doors to places and people few travellers encounter. Explore the Pacific coast through its food, with market visits and long lunches by the sea, or head inland for private cellar tastings at the Central Valley’s most celebrated vineyards. Chile is vast, complex, and deeply rewarding – and we know how to make it yours.

CONTACT US

Get in touch to start planning your trip to Torres del Paine.

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Conde Nast Traveler Specialists every year since 2017

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