Where to Explore Torres del Paine National Park with Kids on a Budget in December?
When visiting the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, many hikers opt for the more challenging W or O circuits. However, as a family with young children, we decided to take a more relaxed and leisurely approach to our adventure.
✈️ Travel
The journey from Santiago (SCL) to Puerto Natales (PNT) is approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival at the airport, you have the option to rent a car or take a bus/taxi. The drive from the airport to the town center is a quick 15-minute trip, and our Uber ride cost around CLP5000. After settling into our hotel, we took a short 10-minute walk to the local travel agency, Tour365, to finalize our itinerary for the upcoming days.
🏔️ Itinerary
I had reached out to the local travel agency, Tour365, online before our trip. Their website, https://www.tour365.cl, offers a wealth of information. Glacier tours are incredibly popular during peak season 🔥, so it’s wise to book in advance.
**Day 1 – FULL DAY TORRES DEL PAINE**
The travel agency will arrange for a bus to pick you up early in the morning, and you’ll spend the day (7:30 AM to 5:30 PM) exploring the park’s iconic spots.
Be sure to pack your own water and snacks, as food is not included. The driver will make a stop at the Rio Pingo restaurant inside the park for lunch.
**Day 2 – NAVIGATION IN LAKE GREY**
This full-day tour takes you to the stunning Grey Glacier. A bus will transport you to Grey Lake, where you’ll enjoy a scenic 30-minute walk to the boat boarding point.
Each ticket includes a complimentary drink. You’ll return to your hotel around 3 PM.
⭐️ Don’t forget to purchase your park entry tickets in advance; they are not included in the travel agency’s price. You can buy them at: https://www.pasesparques.cl
– Adults: CLP31,200
– Children under 12: Free 🆓
🎫 The ticket is valid for three days, allowing multiple entries within the three-day period with a single purchase.
🦞 Dining
**Santolla** – This popular restaurant in town is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Highly recommended dishes include the king crab legs and scallops served three ways.
**La Disqueria Restaurant** – Known for its delicious seafood platter, this restaurant is always bustling. We had to try three times before securing a table.
Dinner operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so be prepared for a wait.
There are plenty of dining options in the town, all within walking distance, ensuring you never go hungry during your stay.
