In this guide, we will explain how to explore Chilean Patagonia, with a special focus on Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most iconic destinations on the continent.
And the best part: you’ll understand why staying inside the park can elevate your experience—and how Las Torres Patagonia can be the perfect starting point for this adventure.
Patagonia is a region shared by Chile and Argentina, located in the far south of our continent. On the Chilean side, the main entry point for those wanting to visit Torres del Paine National Park is the city of Punta Arenas, which has an airport with regular flights from Santiago.
Another alternative is to travel to Puerto Natales, which is a smaller city but closer to the park. It also has an airport, but with less frequent flights.
For Brazilians, the most common route is:
Punta Arenas usually offers lower prices and more frequent flights. However, since it is further away, it is worth evaluating the cost-benefit ratio between choosing a longer trip or prioritizing the convenience of spending less time on the road.
Either way, it is almost always necessary to consider almost a full day if traveling directly from Brazil, so combining the trip with a stop in Santiago can be an excellent option.
After landing in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales, the next step is to travel to the park itself. The options include renting a car, taking a bus or hiring an airport transfer.
The most practical and safest way to travel this route is to use the transportation service offered by Las Torres Patagonia, the only hotel located within the Torres del Paine National Park that has its own transportation.
Transportation from both cities to the park is complimentary for hotel guests who choose the all-inclusive program.
The return trip also includes daily departures from the hotel to both cities, always synchronized with flight and transfer schedules. As the journey can take between 2.5 and 6 hours, it is important to respect the set schedules to ensure comfort and safety.
By opting for accommodations in Las Torres Patagonia, you avoid long daily commutes and your hikes begin by stepping out the door of the hotel and onto the trails.
In addition, the hotel offers guided excursions, culinary experiences, direct connection with nature and a sustainable proposal for responsible tourism.
For the coming season, the hotel will have some new surprises in its infrastructure, including improvements to the bar, the restaurant and the gardens—initiatives that aim to make guests’ stays even more complete, complementing the room renovations inaugurated less than a year ago.
The high season runs from November to March, when the days are longer and the weather is more stable. For those who want to avoid the crowds, October and April are also good options. Although temperatures are lower, the scenery is still just as breathtaking.
The Torres del Paine National Park is a true natural spectacle, full of landscapes that look like something out of a movie. Its main attractions include the iconic Torres del Paine: three imposing granite towers that give the park its name and attract hikers from all over the world.
The Grey Glacier, with its blue immensity and floating icebergs, is another must-see, as are the turquoise lakes (such as Pehoé and Nordenskjöld), the lenga forests, waterfalls such as Salto Grande and the rich Patagonian fauna, which includes guanacos, foxes, condors and even pumas.
The hiking trails are varied and accessible for different fitness levels, from light hikes to the famous W Circuit.
If you are coming from Brazil, it is important to prepare yourself for some particularities of Chilean Patagonia. To begin with, the weather: even in summer, it can be unpredictable, with strong winds, rain and sharp drops in temperature. Therefore, dress in layers, including a windbreaker, fleece and hat.
Another important point is connectivity: cellular signal and internet access may be limited inside the park. Notify your friends and family before the trip and take the opportunity to disconnect from your routine.
On to practical matters, Brazilians do not need a visa or passport to enter Chile—all you need is your identity document (RG) in good condition. The local currency is the Chilean peso, but many tourist services accept international cards. Even so, we recommend that you bring some cash for minor expenses.
Another common question is about vaccines: Chile does not require any specific vaccination for Brazilians.
Finally, if you are not fluent in Spanish, don’t worry: many guides speak English, and with a little effort (and perhaps a translation app), communication flows smoothly.