GENERAL INFORMATION BASE TORRES TREK

 

It’s important to carefully read this information. Everything you’ll find below is key to enjoying the activity safely and with a good understanding. It will also help make your experience more pleasant, without surprises, and allow you to make the most of every moment of the trek.

 

Mitsana Travels is only responsible for providing transportation and guides for this trip. Each participant must bring their own food and water, as the travel and trekking times are long, and there isn’t enough time to buy things along the way. Also, it's crucial to bring the right clothing and gear for the activity. We recommend only carrying what’s necessary in your backpack, prioritizing water, food, warm clothes, and protection. This will help you enjoy the trek safely and handle the changing weather, especially in places like Torres del Paine National Park.

 

Transportation:

All our vehicles are authorized by the Chilean Ministry of Transport, and our drivers hold valid professional licenses, ensuring safety and compliance with the regulations.

 

Guides:

Our guides are certified and have the same legal authority as park rangers in Torres del Paine National Park. Their instructions must always be followed, both during the trek and in caring for the park, to ensure safety and conservation of the environment.

 

Safety and Organization during the Base Torres Trek:

Due to the high number of people on the trail to Base Torres, it's very important to follow all the guide’s instructions at all times. Staying within the group ensures your safety and makes it easier to navigate the busier sections.

Don't compete with others or try to reach the destination first: remember, you are part of a group, and the most important thing is that everyone arrives safely. Teamwork and cooperation are essential for a safe and pleasant experience.

Follow the rest breaks and schedule set by the guides: these pauses help recover energy and ensure that the group moves safely and coordinated. Listening to the guides is important because they know what’s best for the group at each part of the trail.

Check your equipment regularly: make sure your clothes, shoes, and backpack are in good condition before and during the hike. This will keep you comfortable and prevent accidents on a demanding trail, especially when many people are on it.

 

Remember: safety, teamwork, and following the guides’ instructions are key for everyone to enjoy the walk in an organized and safe way.

 

Route Description and Difficulty:

The trail to the Base Torres viewpoint, located in Torres del Paine National Park, is about 9.5 kilometers one way, with a total round trip time of 8 to 9 hours. It’s a medium to high difficulty trek, recommended for people in good physical condition, as it has significant elevation changes and demanding sections.

 

The trek starts at Hotel Las Torres, 150 meters above sea level. A few minutes in, you’ll cross a suspension bridge over the Ascencio River and take the trail that climbs toward the valley. The first section is challenging, with rocky terrain and zigzagging uphill climbs that reach about 400 meters of elevation, requiring considerable physical effort. After a few hours, you’ll reach Refugio and Camping El Chileno, a usual rest stop.

 

 

From there, the trail continues uphill past the ranger station, leading to the final, most difficult section, which has a steep slope and rocky terrain. After about 4.5 hours of climbing, you’ll reach the Base Torres viewpoint, 890 meters above sea level. From here, you can see a glacial lagoon and the impressive granite formations known as the Torres del Paine, which rise over 2,600 meters.

 

In addition to the physical challenge, it’s important to note that Patagonia’s weather can change quickly. The entire trek takes a full day, and the transfer from Puerto Natales to the trailhead takes about two hours each way.

 

Prohibitions in Protected Wild Areas:

Inside the State’s Protected Wild Areas (Torres del Paine National Park), it is PROHIBITED to:

1. Damage existing facilities.

2. Dump or dispose of trash, chemicals, waste, or any kind of refuse into water systems or unauthorized areas.

3. Enter the area without permission or without paying the entrance fee.

4. Camp, have a snack, make a fire, or move around in areas not authorized for such activities.

5. Destroy or damage cultural property, or transport, possess, or sell it, according to Law 17.288 on National Monuments.

6. Do any activity that goes against the specific goals of the Protected Wild Areas.

7. Remove or extract soil, leaves, grass, sand, rocks, or any other natural materials.

8. Disturb, capture, or kill animals.

9. Cut, pull, remove, or damage plants.

10. Destroy nests, breeding areas, or interfere with the reproduction cycles of animals.

11. Collect eggs, seeds, or fruits.

12. Introduce non-native plants or animals into the park.

13. Cause noise or visual pollution.

14. Make a fire or use heat sources in unauthorized areas.

 

Violations of these rules are punishable by the laws of the country.

 

At the End of the Trek:

Once the trek is over, all passengers will be dropped off at the same place where they were picked up. Before saying goodbye to the driver and guides, please check your belongings to make sure you have everything with you. It is each passenger’s responsibility to ensure they have all their personal items before the transport ends.

 

This information is provided to guide you on the route, its features, and key recommendations for completing the activity properly. It is important to consider and follow it during your visit, as personal care and environmental protection depend on the commitment of each visitor.