2 Days in Torres del Paine: Best Hikes & Highlights (Updated December 31, 2025)
Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia remains one of the world’s premier hiking destinations, famous for its jagged granite towers, turquoise lakes, glaciers, and wildlife like guanacos.
If time is short, a 2-day visit is absolutely worthwhile: one day for the iconic Mirador Las Torres hike and another for a bus tour covering key viewpoints.
Current Key Costs (2025 Season)
- Park entrance fee (foreign adults, valid 3 days): ~35,000-40,000 CLP (~$35-40 USD). Must buy online in advance at pasesparques.cl (mandatory for most visitors).
- Cueva del Milodón (optional stop): ~12,000-15,000 CLP (~$13-16 USD).
- Round-trip bus Puerto Natales ↔ Laguna Amarga: ~25,000-30,000 CLP (~$27-32 USD).
- Shuttle Laguna Amarga ↔ Welcome Center/Trailhead (round-trip): ~9,000 CLP (~$10 USD, cash only).
Where to Stay
Base in Puerto Natales for affordability and convenience—most tours and buses depart from here.
- Budget: Hostal B&B Coastal Natales or similar hostels (~$20-40 USD/night).
- Midrange: Hostal El Sendero (highly recommended for helpful staff).
- Splurge: Wesker Lodge.
Staying inside the park (e.g., Hotel Las Torres) is pricier and often requires advance booking.
2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Full-Day Bus Tour (Highlights Drive)
A guided bus tour is the efficient way to see the park’s accessible sights without hiking far. Tours pick up from Puerto Natales hotels ~7-8 AM and return ~6-7 PM.
Typical stops:
- Cueva del Milodón — Prehistoric cave with giant sloth remains.
- Laguna Amarga & viewpoints.
- Lago Nordenskjold — Spot guanacos.
- Salto Grande — Powerful waterfall.
- Lago Pehoé — Classic view of Cuernos del Paine.
- Lago Grey — Floating icebergs from Grey Glacier.
Cost: ~45,000-60,000 CLP (~$50-65 USD), excluding entrance/Milodón. Book via hostels or online.
Day 2: Mirador Las Torres Day Hike
The park’s signature hike (~19 km round-trip, 8-10 hours, 900m elevation). Start early for best light/weather.
- Guided tour (includes transport): ~$80-120 USD + entrance.
- DIY: Bus to Laguna Amarga, shuttle to trailhead, hike independently.
The reward: Stunning views of the three towers over a glacial lagoon.
Best Time to Visit
November-March for warmer weather and clearer skies (summer/high season). Shoulder seasons (Oct/Nov or Mar/Apr) have fewer crowds but unpredictable weather.
This quick itinerary packs in the essentials—perfect if you’re short on time! Pack layers, rain gear, and sturdy boots; Patagonian weather changes fast.