How to book campsites in Torres del Paine

IMPORTANT UPDATE INFORMATION (Nov. 2021): To all who want to Visit Torres del Paine National Park you may visit the official book site Booking Patagonia at: www.bookingpatagonia.travel

 

There are three different agencies (CONAF, Vertice, Fantástico Sur) that offer campsites and shelters in Torres del Paine National Park. The campsites you need to reserve will depend on your route and budget.

I recommend trying to make reservations at the same time since the three agencies are not connected, which makes it very difficult to coordinate them.

You can either wait and book your campsites in person in Puerto Natales (very limited availability) or book online, alternate between corresponding websites.

 

Notice

  • It’s mandatory to have advance reservations for all the campsites along the W Trek and the O Circuit. Printed vouchers may be required at designated checkpoints on the trail.
  • The O Circuit can only be traveled counterclockwise.

Bus schedule from Punta Arenas airport (PUQ) to Puerto Natales city (summer 2017-2018)

IMPORTANT: Buses stop at the airport only with previous online reservation (www.recorrido.cl)

Company: Buses Fernández

Punta Arenas Phone number: +56 61 224 2313

Puerto Natales Phone number: +56 61 241 1111

Adress: Armando Sanhueza #745 Punta Arenas

www.busesfernandez.com

Heading Punta Arenas airport (PUQ) to Puerto Natales:

07:00 – 08:00 – 09:00 – 11:00 – 13:00 – 14:30 – 16:00 – 17:00 – 18:30 – 19:15 – 20:00

Heading Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas airport (PUQ):

07:00 – 07:15 – 09:00 – 10:00 – 11:00 – 13:00 – 14:30 – 16:00 – 17:00 – 18:30 – 19:15 – 20:00 21:00

Company: Buses Pacheco

Punta Arenas Phone number: +56 61 224 2174  +56 61 224 1162

Puerto Natales Phone number: +56 61 241 4800  +56 61 241 5123

Adress: Avenida Colón #900 Punta Arenas

www.busespacheco.com

Heading Punta Arenas airport (PUQ) to Puerto Natales:

07:30 – 11:00 – 18:00

Heading Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas airport (PUQ):

07:00 – 07:30 – 10:00 – 14:00 – 17:00 – 19:30

Company: Bus Sur

Punta Arenas Phone number: +56 61 261 4224 +56 61 222 2938

Puerto Natales Phone number: +56 61 261 4221 +56 61 241 0784

Adress: Avenida Colón #842 Punta Arenas

www.bussur.com

Heading Punta Arenas airport (PUQ) to Puerto Natales:

07:00 – 10:00 – 12:30 – 15:00 – 17:15 – 19:00 – 21:00

Heading Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas airport (PUQ):

07:00 – 10:00 – 15:00 – 19:00

 

Campamento Torres (mandatory booking January and February 2018)

If you are wondering how to book at Campamento Torres for January & February 2018 to see the sunrise at the base of Torres del Paine, here is the official information from CONAF:

“Remember that during January and February, you need a booking to stay at Campamento Torres. You can book in Puerto Natales, at CONAF’s Provincial Office or in the park, at the Porteria Laguna Amarga entrance or at CONAF’s Campamento Italiano. Bookings must be done in person and are operated on a first-come-first-served policy. If the campground is full, we suggest you plan your trip staying at Campamento Chileno or Camping Las Torres. “

Torres del Paine entrance fee 2017 2018

Torres del Paine Entrance Fee

Visitors

High season
(1 October to 30 April)

CH $

Low season
(1 May to 30 September)

CH $

Chilean

6.000

4.000

Foreign

21.000

11.000

Chilean Children (6-16 years)

2.000

1.000

Foreign Children

6.000

1.000

* Values in local currency

SCHEDULE 2016-2017 OF LAKE PEHOE NAVIGATION BY HIELOS PATAGONICOS CATAMARAN (PUDETO – LODGE PAINE GRANDE)

SCHEDULE 2016-2017 OF LAKE PEHOE NAVIGATION BY HIELOS PATAGONICOS CATAMARAN (PUDETO – LODGE PAINE GRANDE) UPDATED

Time Schedule Departure from Pudeto (access by car or bus) Departure from Lodge Paine Grande (trek)
September 01 to October 31 11:00 11:35
18:00  18:35
November 01 to 30 09:00 09:35
11:00 11:35
18:00 18:35
December 01 to February 28 (2017) 09:00 09:35
11:00 11:35
14:00 14:35
16:15 17:00
18:00 18:35
 March 01 t 31 (2017) 09:00 09:35
11:00 11:35
16:15 17:00
18:00 18:35
April 01 to 31 (2017) 11:00 11:35
18:00 18:35
May to August (2017) Crossing just days 01 an 15th of each month 12:00 12:35

Fees in Chilean Pesos  One Way $18.000 Round Trip $28.000. Only cash accepted. (One backpack is allowed)

Charge per extra backpack:

$12,000 per backpacks over 50 Kg.

$6,000 per backpacks under 50Kg.

More info: www.hielospatagonicos.com 

Phone number: +56 61 241 1133

 

Torres del Paine National Park Waste Management

Each visitor should carry their own waste generated during the visit.

Avoid contamination, minimize and compress the garbage and transport it to carry the collection sites enabled.

Keep garbage away from the animals, in addition, consider that the wind can easily disperse it.

Batteries contain very harmful substances to the environment. Try to take them back to the nearest town where you can find special deposits.
Bring back the organic or biodegradable waste (food scraps, fruit peelings, eggs etc. . .), they do not belong to the environment you are visiting, it decomposes slowly and it as a source of infection, attract animals and visually pollute the environment. DO NOT throw to the ground fruit pits or seeds, as it could introduce a new species to alter the balance of the ecosystem.

 

Source: www.conaf.cl

Services inside Torres del Paine National Park

Information

In every ranger stations and gates of the park you will find park rangers that will give you all the information you need and solve your doubts during your stay at this natural reserve.

Remember to ask about the weather and trials conditions before starting any excursion.
You are the main responsible for your safety
*see Park rangers stations (link a-4- Plan your trip/services/Park ranger stations

CONAF Administration Office
It is located at the north bank of Toro Lake in Villa Monzino, there is a bird life lookout and a visitors centre.
The authorizations for climbing the Massif Paine and other mountains from Andes Patagonicos and other special activities are processed in this office.
Tel. +56 61 2 691931

Clinic, paramedics, police
In Villa Monzino is also located the paramedics service, ambulance and clinic
During the high season a Police Station runs also in Villa Monzino

Telephone
The only public telephone available in the park is in the Administration Office.
During the high season is available from 8.00 to 20.00 and during low season from 8.00 to 18.00.
Its use is only available in emergency case and it is payable in cash and Chilean pesos.
It is not possible to do calls to mobile phones.

Public toilets
There are public toilets in Sarmiento and Laguna Amarga main gates, also in Pudeto, Administration Office and Grey Station.

Important
There is no gas station or benzene available inside the park for cars. It is indispensable that the visitants must obtain enough fuel before coming to the park. The nearest gas station is located in Puerto Natales or Cerro Castillo.

Torres del Paine National Park Rules.

In order to protect Park resources, and for the safety of yourself and others, please follow these rules and regulations while visiting the park:

  • Open fires are strictly forbidden (no exceptions).
  • Portable stoves are permitted only in authorized camping areas and must be properly protected from winds.
  • All trash must be carried out of the park. This includes cigarette butts.
  • Stay on established trails, do not hike alone.
  • Note closing times when planning your visit. If you plan to hike mountain trails, you must register at a Park Ranger Station prior to beginning the hike.
  • Camping is permitted only at authorized areas and shelters.
  • It is prohibited to damage natural or cultural features. Feeding or disturbance of wildlife is also prohibited.
  • Pets and other domestic animals are not allowed inside the Park.
  • Be prepared for extreme weather conditions. Bring proper gear and clothing.
  • If you plan to hike mountain trails, you must register at a Park Ranger Station prior to beginning the hike.
  • Respect and follow all Park Rangers’ guidelines and recommendations, they are the authority inside the Park.
  • All visitors must sign the registration form.
  • Visitors, who practice trekking, will receive a tag. This tag must be on a visible place while staying in this National Park.
  • Park rangers are authority.
  • Should you witness any dangerous or risky behavior, please inform a Park Ranger as soon as possible.
  • Do not expose yourself to legal sanctions or expulsion from the Park. Consider that any irresponsibility or carelessness can cause irreversible environmental damage and is punishable by law.

Source: http://www.parquetorresdelpaine.cl/en/normas-obligatorias

Timetables and seasons P. Torres del Paine

Low season:

Low season starts from 1st May to 30th September

Opening times

Rio Serrano Entrance: from 8.30 to 17.30. Located 80 kms from Puerto Natales through Y-290 road Lago Porteño, near the Administration Office.

Lago Sarmiento Entrance: from 8.30 to 17.30. Located 112 kms from Puerto Natales and 36kms from Administration Office

Laguna Amarga Entrance: from 8.30 to 17.30. Located 116 kms along the main road then turn right toward the northwest for 13kms. Laguna Amarga gate is located 38kms from Administration Office.

High season:

High season starts from 1st October to 30th April

Opening times

Rio Serrano Entrance: from 7.00 to 22.00. Located 80 kms from Puerto Natales through Y-290 road Lago Porteño, near the Administration Office.

Lago Sarmiento Entrance: from 7.00 to 22.00. Located 112 kms from Puerto Natales and 36kms from Administration Office

Laguna Amarga Entrance: from 7.00 to 22.00. Located 116 kms along the main road then turn right toward the northwest for 13kms. Laguna Amarga gate is located 38kms from Administration Office.

 

Source: Conaf.cl

Filming at Torres del Paine

All units of the National System of Protected Wildlife Areas (SNASPE) are available for conducting recreational activities or profit capturing images, whether in video, film and / or photographs. These can range from personal projects, documentaries, feature films and commercial advertising.

For its development and regulation, CONAF has established a regulation to all user of such activities in the SNASPE.

To apply for a permit, find more information on the following link: http://www.conaf.cl/parques/seccion-reglamento-filmaciones-snaspe.html

Source: http://www.parquetorresdelpaine.cl/en/filmaciones

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