The Three Towers (Torres del Paine) is a breathtaking landmark in Chilean Patagonia! If you’re short on time and energy, skip the famous W and O circuits and head straight for the Three Towers section. This 24-kilometer trek with a 700-meter elevation gain offers an unforgettable experience!
🟣 Itinerary:
Day 1: 16:00-18:30, depart from the Welcome Center to the Chilean Campsite, a 2.5-hour journey. Check into your cozy tent accommodation ⛺️, complete with sleeping bags and pillows. The cost is $240, suitable for two people.
Day 2: 04:30-07:00, embark on a 2.5-hour ascent to the awe-inspiring Three Towers viewpoint.
07:30-10:00, descend back to the Chilean Campsite for a well-deserved rest.
11:30-14:10, return to the Welcome Center.
15:00, check-in at the Eco Campus, priced at $380.
🟨 Difficulty level:
🔺Welcome Center—Chilean Campsite
The first hour of this section is relatively flat, passing by the charming Las Torres hotel and a picturesque horse farm, offering expansive views. As the trail steepens, you’ll encounter loose rocks and uphill climbs, with stream crossings. The difficulty increases slightly, but the last half-hour levels out.
🔺Chilean Campsite—Las Torres plain
Night hiking demands more physical strength and sharp vision, and the trail markers can be hard to spot. It’s best to go in a group. You’ll navigate through forests, canyons, steep slopes, loose rocks, streams, large boulders, glacial terrain, and steep cliffs. ⚠️The difficulty and risk levels rise significantly here!
🟩 Recommended gear:
• High-lumen, long-lasting headlamp
• Lightweight folding trekking poles (with glacier and hiking tips)
• Hiking backpack (preferably with a hydration bladder inside for easy drinking)
• Windproof and warm jacket, as the wind at the top is extremely strong!!! Extremely strong!!!
• Sufficient water and energy food
• Comfortable, waterproof hiking shoes with high ankles
🟪 Precautions:
Adjust your mindset and expectations; whether you catch the stunning sunrise depends entirely on the weather. 🤪
🩷 Concluding with an old saying from Patagonia:
He who comes to Patagonia in a hurry, it is better that he does not come.
