Torres del Paine, known as the 8th wonder of the world is possibly the most famous stop in the whole of Patagonia. The three distinctive granite peaks, which the national park is named, are literally the face of the brand Patagonia, so they’re a pretty big deal and not something that should be missed during any trip to Patagonia!
The winter season in Patagonia lasts from April through to September and also happens to be the park’s off-season. This comes with some huge benefits but also some downsides and means a lot more planning is involved. We visited during mid-May, so peak winter season and absolutely loved the lack of people in the national park and how beautiful it all looked covered in frost every morning. However, we also made some huge mistakes. Read on so you have all the knowledge to plan your Torres del Paine, winter trip a lot better than we did.
Visiting Patagonia? You might also like to read The Best Places to Visit in Patagonia – Argentina and Chile.
What is Torres del Paine like during the winter?
In Patagonia (and all of the Southern Hemisphere) the winter season runs from April until September. During this time, Torres del Paine is quiet due to the much colder weather. This means the beautiful and rugged landscape looks completely different to the summer months and it’s not uncommon for snow to fall or even rain. Due to this, it is also common for frost to form causing areas to be super slippery. During winter, the days are much shorter in Patagonia, meaning you’ll always start your day off with an incredible pink sunrise at around 9:30 am. It then sets around 6 pm, leaving you with plenty of light in between to enjoy the clear and sunny days. It does just mean that you are up against the clock when wanting to do a longer day hike in Torres del Paine.
Why visit Torres del Paine during the winter
You’ll have the park to yourself!
This has to be the top reason for us, there is something so special about being out in nature with no one else around and being able to enjoy the incredible views all by yourself.
The skies are blue and the weather is beautiful
Despite the cold, the weather is incredibly beautiful this time of year, there’s a silver frost every morning, and you get more numbers of days with blue skies during the winter month than the summer days. Plus, the wind is usually non-existent which makes a huge difference to the ease of the hikes and how cold you feel.
Keep the cost down
Due to it being the ‘off-season’ the cost of hotels is significantly cheaper than they are during the summer, meaning you can treat yourself without stretching the purse strings too far.
What to Pack for a Trip to Torres del Paine in the Winter
The short answer is layers! It can get really cold during the mornings and evenings and even during the day if the sun isn’t out, however, when hiking you, can get very warm and want to take layers off. Be sure to pack clothing that is both insulating and moisture-wicking so you don’t get a chill after working up a sweat. Don’t underestimate the power of a woolly hat and a good pair of socks either!
Our packing list:
- Leggings or hiking trousers
- Insulated top
- Jumpers
- Waterproof coat
- Thick socks
- Hiking boots (We wore trainers – it’s definitely possible to hike in them, however, hiking boots would be much better)
- Wolly hat
- Gloves
Where to stay during winter in Torres del Paine
One of the downsides to hiking in the national park during winter is the lack of accommodation that is open. All of the refugees close, the campsites and a lot of the hotels. However, there are still a few that stay open within the national park or stay in the nearby town of Puerto Natales, which provides much cheaper accommodation but doesn’t have the views or the close proximity to the national park that staying in Torres del Paine provides.
We stayed at Hotel Lago Grey for 2 of our nights in Torres del Paine, a beautiful hotel looking out over Lago Grey in Torres del Paine national park. It certainly wasn’t the cheapest, especially for a backpacker’s budget. Prices start from around £185 per night for a double room. However, the views were incredible, and the included buffet breakfast was one of the best we have had in South America. Although, we did book a double bed and were given 2 singles pushed together – not what you would expect from a 4-star.
We then stayed in Isla Yu Patagonia in Puerto Natales, a cute little hostel with private rooms, a shared kitchen and bathroom and a free basic breakfast in the morning. Rooms cost around £20 per night, per double room. You can then either drive to the national park or go on a tour. Great if you’re trying to save some budget on accommodation!
Things to note
You can’t hike in the national park without a guide
We learnt this one the hard way! From April-September you can’t hike in the national park without a guide or being on a tour. This includes all hikes, however, we visited Laguna Sofia and walked all around it, which technically isn’t a hike so you don’t need a guide.
We didn’t realise beforehand that you needed a guide, we were under the impression that it was just recommended. So, we, therefore, didn’t organise one and ended up missing out on the Mirador Base Las Torres, the reason you visit Torres del Paine!
You have to pay to visit the national park
You can buy either a day ticket or a 3-day pass for the national park. 3 + day passes cost CLP $10.500 for foreign tourists or CLP $7.300 for a day pass.
Even if you stay in the national park, it’s about a 1hr drive to the main hikes
Depending on which hotel you opt to stay in, can mean that even though you’re in the national park you still have about a 1-hour drive to the start of your hike. So, keep this in mind when deciding what time to leave for your day hikes.
Each season has its benefits in Torres del Pain, so no matter which season you opt to visit during we’re sure you’ll have an incredible, unique experience!
