Is the water drinkable in the park?
Yes, the water is drinkable in the park! You can fill your bottles directly at the campsites and refuges, as well as from rivers and small streams. Be careful not to take stagnant water. You will almost always find places to refill your bottles, so you don’t need to carry 2 liters of water with you! The only place without water is the first part of the hike to Base Torres, where you will walk for about 2 hours without finding any water.
Is there electricity in the campsites and refuges? Are the campsites well equipped?
Yes, the campsites are very well equipped! You have hot water in the showers (except at Los Perros campsite, which only offers cold showers), electricity to charge your phones, and sheltered areas to eat. However, please be mindful not to overuse the showers and only use biodegradable soap.
Please note that the kitchens in the refuges and campsites are not equipped at all: you must bring your own cooking equipment and gas. However, the campsites and refuges can provide you with hot water.
What to do in case of an accident?
Please note that there is no rescue service in the park. You must therefore carry a complete first aid kit suited to your needs. If you have an accident or witness one, you must report it to the first guide or park ranger you encounter. They will assist you with the evacuation process.
Where can I check the weather before leaving?
It is essential to carefully check the weather before heading to the park, as wind and precipitation will be the main challenges you may face during this trek.
You can check the weather on the Windguru website. On Google, you can search for: “Windguru Paine Grande,” “Windguru Base Torres,” and “Windguru Grey.”
Where can I leave my suitcase during the trek?
Almost all accommodations in Puerto Natales offer a luggage storage service (sometimes free of charge). You can therefore leave the items you won’t need for the trek at your accommodation before and after the trek. Be sure to confirm this information when booking your stay.
How much cash do I need for my trek?
You only need 4,500 CLP or 5 USD to pay for the shuttle between the welcome center and the park entrance. If you would like any extras or wish to add services during your stay, the campsites and refuges accept credit cards.
How will I find my tent when I arrive at the campsite?
Each night, when you arrive at your new campsite, you will need to check in. You will show your reservation along with a your ID, and each evening the receptionist will explain the camp rules to you and show you your tent.
Can I buy food for my lunch during the trek?
Each campsite has a mini‑market where you can find basic food supplies like snacks, chips, cookies, etc., but you won’t find fresh food like sandwiches or salads. The choice of products is limited and prices are much higher than outside the park, so these mini‑markets are best used for extras or emergency food rather than as your main source of meals.
It’s recommended to buy most of your food before the trek (e.g. in Puerto Natales) and bring it with you, and only use the mini‑markets for small snacks, drinks, or items you might have forgotten.
Is it possible to change the schedule of my return bus at the last minute? (This question often comes up when finishing the hike at the Three Towers.)
No, you cannot change the schedule of your return bus at the last minute.
There are only buses at 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
If you want to see the sunrise, it’s preferable to choose the 3:00 PM bus, but if the weather turns out to be bad that day, you will still need to start hiking early in the morning.
It is generally recommended to choose the 8:00 PM bus, and if the weather is favorable, you can then buy an extra ticket to leave at 3:00 PM. Unfortunately, your original bus ticket will not be refundable.
