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Trail and viewpoint · Puerto Natales, Magalhães e Antártica Chilena
Mirador Las Torres
Viewpoint at the end of the Valle Ascencio trail, on the edge of a glacial lagoon at the foot of the three granite towers that give their name to Parque Nacional Torres del Paine.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Mirador Las Torres
Mirador Las Torres is located in the eastern sector of Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, at about 870 meters altitude. From there you can see the three granite spires of the massif — Torre Monzino, Torre Central and Torre d'Agostini — above a green lake formed by meltwater. It is the image most associated with the park and the first section for those doing the W Circuit from the east side.
The trail starts at the Centro de Bienvenida in the Las Torres sector and totals around 20 km round trip. It first climbs through the Valle del Río Ascencio, where the wind is often strong, and descends to campamento Chileno. It then crosses a lenga forest and ends with a steep ascent over loose moraine rocks to the viewpoint.
Fit hikers take seven to nine hours for the full route. There are toilets and water at campamento Chileno, but not along the entire way. The towers are often covered by clouds and can appear or disappear within minutes, so it's worth being patient at the top.
For part of the year, especially in winter, CONAF may limit access to the final section or require a certified guide and ice equipment. Rules change by season; check with park administration before planning the hike.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A full day, seven to nine hours of round-trip walking from the Las Torres sector.
Best time
From October to April, when the trail is usually open without winter restrictions. Leave early: besides avoiding returning in the dark, mornings typically have less wind. Those who sleep at campamento Chileno can climb at dawn to see the sunlight on the towers, if the sky cooperates.
How to get there
The trailhead is in the Las Torres sector, about 115 km from Puerto Natales. Buses leave early from the city terminal to the Laguna Amarga gate, from where a transfer takes you to the Centro de Bienvenida. By car, follow Ruta 9 to Cerro Castillo and then the park's gravel roads.
Tip
Bring at least two liters of water, snacks, a windbreaker, hat and gloves even in summer. Poles are very helpful on the descent over moraine rocks. Respect the cutoff times announced by park rangers at control points: anyone passing them afterward will not be allowed to continue to the viewpoint.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mirador Las Torres
Is the hike to the Base das Torres difficult?
It's demanding. It's about 20 km round trip, with roughly 800 meters of elevation gain and a final steep rocky section. A person with average fitness can do the hike in a day if they start early.
Do you need a guide to reach Mirador Las Torres?
In summer, generally no. In some periods, especially in winter, CONAF may require a certified guide and ice equipment. Check before you go.
Can you see the towers without doing the entire hike?
From the Las Torres sector and from the road the peaks can be seen from a distance. The lagoon at the base of the towers only appears at the end of the trail.