I absolutely adore Patagonia, and here are some invaluable travel tips for your late April 2025 adventure:
🚗 **Transportation:**
Unless you’re solely focused on hiking in the mountains, public transportation can be a real hassle. Renting a car is surprisingly affordable, starting at just $40 (SUVs from $80), and it significantly enhances your travel experience. Driving through Torres del Paine is an absolute delight, with breathtaking scenery around every corner and the chance to spot wildlife.
The roads within the park are generally in good condition, except during windy or snowy weather, making for a smooth and enjoyable drive.
*Be sure to download offline maps in advance, as there’s no cell signal outside the park’s hotels.
*There are no gas stations inside the park, so fill up before leaving town.
Rest assured, one tank of gas is more than enough for a round trip and even a full loop of the park, possibly even two trips.
🏨 **Accommodation:**
If your budget allows, I highly recommend staying within Torres del Paine National Park itself, renting a car, and changing hotels each day. This not only saves you a 3-4 hour daily commute but also lets you savor the most magical times in the park—sunrise and sunset—when most tourists have left.
The park’s hotels are strategically located in the most scenic spots, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning views. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
This time, I stayed at Hotel Lago Grey and the Red House; check out the photos for a glimpse of their beauty.
🍴 **Dining:**
As someone who values a good meal, I can easily be thrown off by a lack of hot food. Throughout my stay, I enjoyed fresh, hot meals at the park’s restaurants, in addition to carrying energy supplies for hiking. The dining experience was excellent, with fresh ingredients and a balanced mix of meat and vegetables providing ample nutrition. Plus, it wasn’t too expensive (a buffet or three-course set with drinks averages around $40, and a large, freshly made latte is just $5).
🥾 **Hiking:**
Torres del Paine is a well-developed tourist area, with clearly marked hiking trails and campsites along the way, complete with restrooms and supply points. Many visitors stick to the classic Towers route, but I strongly recommend exploring a bit more. Even if you don’t want to hike all the routes, spend an extra half day on the two leisurely trails near Hosteria Pehoe.
These short 1-2 hour hikes pack a lot of highlights, including the Mirador Condor and Salto Grande + Mirador Cuernos.
For more details, see the photos.
