Excursion to Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia

4.6 (16 reviews)
Explore Torres del Paine National Park with a guide to view a giant sloth replica, stop at viewpoints, and witness a waterfall.
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Mike
Mike S.
Apr 02, 2024
This is an amazing tour, you really get a chance to see all that Torres del Paine National Park has to offer. Hopefully the weather will... Read more
Minda
Minda H.
Dec 04, 2023
Loved our guide, Anna
Desiree
Desiree K.
Apr 10, 2023
The local guide, John, was funny and energetic as a guide. He even acted as a photographer for many of us. The sights we stopped at... Read more
Betsy
Betsy R.
Jan 14, 2023
John was a great tour guide, taking the time to learn everyone's name. He enthusiastically offered to take our picture at every stop and made sure... Read more
G
Gail M.
Nov 29, 2022
Great overall view of park. Excellent guide.
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Overview

Embark on a day trip from Puerto Natales to the Torres del Paine National Park, known for its mountains, glaciers, and hiking trails. For this excursion, it's common to start by exploring Cueva del Milodón ("Milodon Cave"), home to a replica of a prehistoric sloth that once lived in the caves. You'll likely continue the excursion by visiting landmarks like the Cuernos del Paine ("Horns of Pain") and/or Lago Grey ("Grey Lake"). Next, if you go to Salto Grande waterfall, it's popular to take a scenic trek where you may spot species like pumas and foxes. The adventure concludes with a return to Puerto Natales, where you might stop at Lake Sarmiento Viewpoint, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the granite peaks of Paine Massif and the picturesque lake below.

Highlights

  • Explore the Cueva del Milodón with a life-sized replica of a prehistoric giant sloth 
  • Trek along the scenic shores of Lago Grey and stop to enjoy a picnic lunch
  • See Salto Grande waterfall and admire the views from Lago Nordenskjöld Viewpoint
  • Spot guanacos, rheas, and condors in their natural habitat at Laguna Amarga
  • Take in the views from the Lake Sarmiento Viewpoint on the return journey to Puerto Natales

Know before you go

Duration
10 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group
Food & Drink
Lunch Included

What you'll do

Your day-long adventure will likely begin with a pick-up from your hotel in Puerto Natales. Next, you'll head to the Cueva del Milodón, a vast cave system featuring a giant replica of the prehistoric giant sloth, the Mylodon, after which the explorer Hermann Eberhard named the caves in 1895. Your guide will also likely show you the Silla del Diablo ("Devil's Chair"), an unusual chair-like rock formation steeped in local lore.

Next, you may enter Torres del Paine National Park, where the Cuernos del Paine, granite peaks known for their sharp, horn-like spires that rise dramatically from the surrounding terrain, will greet you. You can continue with a leisurely hike along the shores of Lago Grey, with a stop at the viewpoint where you can admire the surroundings and possibly see icebergs that have drifted from nearby glaciers. Once you finish the walk, it's the perfect time to enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch.

You can also make a stop at one of Patagonia's most powerful waterfalls, Salto Grande. Then, you may visit the Lago Nordenskjöld Viewpoint, where you'll view the park's diverse landscape before meandering toward Laguna Amarga ("Bitter Lagoon"). With native animals like guanacos, rheas, and condors, this landmark is an excellent location for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. On the way back to Puerto Natales, your guide may stop at the Lake Sarmiento Viewpoint for one final photo opportunity to capture the park's beauty. 

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Traveler photos
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Traveler reviews

16 total ratings, 10 with reviews
4.6
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.7
Food
4.1
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.7
Transport
4.6
Mike
Mike S.
Waterford, MI | Reviewed on Apr 02, 2024
This is an amazing tour, you really get a chance to see all that Torres del Paine National Park has to offer. Hopefully the weather will be as nice for you as it was for us. The tour company did a great job of finding places for us to stop, stretch our legs, and take some wonderful photos. Read more

This is an amazing tour, you really get a chance to see all that Torres del Paine National Park has to offer. Hopefully the weather will be as nice for you as it was for us. The tour company did a great job of finding places for us to stop, stretch our legs, and take some wonderful photos.

Tips for future travelers

This is a full day! Be prepared to be away from town and your hotel for the full day.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jennifer
Jennifer C.
Sarasota, FL | Reviewed on Mar 19, 2024
Great tour but the bus was small and crowed. Not a deal breaker, but a little uncomfortable. We were the last hotel to get picked up so we were stuck in the very back corner of the bus. I am sure the front would have been amazing. Read more

Great tour but the bus was small and crowed. Not a deal breaker, but a little uncomfortable. We were the last hotel to get picked up so we were stuck in the very back corner of the bus. I am sure the front would have been amazing.

Quality of Experience
Food
Our tour guide Kim Kim had lunch arranged for us and it was great. Cafeteria style, but delicious and good quality. Love the lodge where we ate.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Minda
Minda H.
Maple Grove, MN | Reviewed on Dec 04, 2023

Loved our guide, Anna

Mark
Mark S.
Dowling, MI | Reviewed on May 23, 2023
Extremely challenging hike and the guide's pace was very fast. Some participants struggled with the pace and intensity of the hike. We suggest bringing breakfast/snacks for the hike due to its demanding nature. Read more

Extremely challenging hike and the guide's pace was very fast. Some participants struggled with the pace and intensity of the hike. We suggest bringing breakfast/snacks for the hike due to its demanding nature.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Desiree
Desiree K.
Bakersfield, CA | Reviewed on Apr 10, 2023
The local guide, John, was funny and energetic as a guide. He even acted as a photographer for many of us. The sights we stopped at were beautiful and well worth the tour. Read more

The local guide, John, was funny and energetic as a guide. He even acted as a photographer for many of us. The sights we stopped at were beautiful and well worth the tour.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The driver would stop so we could take pictures of the wildlife or other sights beyond the tour.
Transport
S
susan l.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2023
Wow..first exposure to the scenery mountains. Sky...guide and driver were knowledgeable pleasant helpful and seemed to enjoy their work..a great day.. Read more

Wow..first exposure to the scenery mountains. Sky...guide and driver were knowledgeable pleasant helpful and seemed to enjoy their work..a great day..

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Betsy
Betsy R.
Concord, NH | Reviewed on Jan 14, 2023
John was a great tour guide, taking the time to learn everyone's name. He enthusiastically offered to take our picture at every stop and made sure to learn something about everyone on the tour and then connected us with each other, as well. He taught us a great deal about the beautiful park, the wildlife and geology. National Geographic magazine was right - definitely one of the most beautiful places on earth! Read more

John was a great tour guide, taking the time to learn everyone's name. He enthusiastically offered to take our picture at every stop and made sure to learn something about everyone on the tour and then connected us with each other, as well. He taught us a great deal about the beautiful park, the wildlife and geology. National Geographic magazine was right - definitely one of the most beautiful places on earth!

Tips for future travelers

Wear layers, and be prepared to layer up for windy stops.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
K
Kelly R.
Crossville, TN | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2023

The guide did not speak good English and we did not understand anything she really said. Would recommend a different guide. The ride was pretty and we were able to see a mountain lion.

G
Gail M.
Maplewood, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 29, 2022

Great overall view of park. Excellent guide.

Fang
Fang L.
Lake Zurich, IL | Reviewed on Nov 18, 2022
Happy with the tour, enjoyed the lunch and the great view. Read more

Happy with the tour, enjoyed the lunch and the great view.

Quality of Experience
Great
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very friendly
Transport

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