How to Plan Your Puerto Natales: Base of the Towers Day Hike

Are you an adventurous person looking for an unforgettable experience in Patagonia? The Puerto Natales: Base of the Towers Day Hike is an excellent option for those seeking a challenging but rewarding hike through the stunning Torres del Paine National Park. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the essential information to make the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Experience

The Puerto Natales: Base of the Towers Day Hike is a full-day 18 km trek, and it offers some of the most breathtaking scenic views in the region. During this trek, you can explore Lake Nordenskjöld, the unparalleled glacier streams, and the Patagonian forest. Also, you’ll get the opportunity to admire the Almirante Nieto Mountain and make it to the base of the granite pillars of Torres del Paine National Park, also known as the base of the towers. The views from here are genuinely stunning and well worth the effort.

Highlights

Some of the highlights of this tour include:

• Spring into action for a mesmerizing all-day hike
• Marvel at the unparalleled glacier streams
• Take in the Patagonian fireland beech forest
• Admire the beauty of Almirante Nieto Mountain
• Reward yourself with stunning views from on high

Full Description

The tour begins with pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Puerto Natales. A bilingual local guide will accompany you from the beginning of the tour until the end. Before starting the hike, you’ll receive a safety briefing, which is essential to ensure you know what to expect and what to do in case of an emergency.

Along the trek, you’ll cross the Ascencio River and hike up to the Ascencio Valley, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. You’ll then head towards the Torres del Paine National Park, where you’ll pass through thick forest with fantastic views of the Almirante Nieto Mountain.

The last section of the hike is the most challenging part, and it involves a steep ascent towards the base of the towers, but it’s well worth the effort. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy spectacular views of the towers, the glacial lakes, and the Patagonian ice fields. After spending some time at the base of the towers, you’ll return to Puerto Natales.

Includes

The tour includes the following:

• Pickup and drop-off (Puerto Natales)
• Trekking poles
• Certified bilingual local guide
• First aid kit
• Safety briefing
• Food and drinks
• Torres del Paine National Park entry

Not Suitable For

This tour is not suitable for the following people:

• Children under 10 years
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People over 70 years

Booking

The Puerto Natales: Base of the Towers Day Hike is an ever-popular tour, and we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. You can book the tour at this link.

Conclusion

The Puerto Natales: Base of the Towers Day Hike is an excellent option for all hiking enthusiasts who enjoy pushing themselves to their limits. The breathtaking views and challenging terrain are guaranteed to leave you in awe. Like any Patagonian trek, it’s important to be prepared, so make sure you pack accordingly and bring enough water, snacks, and appropriate clothing. We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your unforgettable journey through Torres del Paine National Park.

An Insider’s Guide to Puerto Natales: Base of the Towers Day Hike

Puerto Natales is a charming little city in the Chilean Patagonia, located on the shores of the sparkling Ultima Esperanza Sound. It serves as a gateway for Torres del Paine National Park but holds its ground as a vibrant city, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and history-rich museums, restaurants, and bars. In this insider’s guide, we will take you through some of the city’s best attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions to make the most of your Puerto Natales visit.

Local Attractions

Apart from being the ideal gateway for Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales offers a wide range of unique attractions that showcase the city’s history, scenic beauty, and wildlife. Here are some local attractions to visit during your stay in Puerto Natales:

– Milodon Cave: This 30,000-year-old cave located in the outskirts of Puerto Natales highlights early human and giant sloth coexistence and serves as a magnificent archeological and paleontological museum.
– Municipal Museum of History: This museum located in the center of the city showcases the rich history of Puerto Natales, from the indigenous Tehuelches to the arrival of the first colonizers, and the growth of the city.
– Mirador Dorotea: This viewpoint is situated on top of Dorotea Hill, offering a postcard-worthy panoramic view of Puerto Natales, the fjords, and the snow-capped Andes.

Dining Spots

Puerto Natales offers a wide range of dining options, from typical Patagonian lamb barbecue to fresh seafood, craft beer, and organic vegetables. Here are some of the must-visit dining spots in Puerto Natales:

– La Picada de Carlitos: This no-frills restaurant is known for its delicious empanadas, grilled lamb, and homemade beer.
– Baguales Brewery: A brewery and restaurant that serves craft beers that are brewed on-site. Baguales Brewery offers a cozy ambiance and magnificent views of the fjord.
– Bote Salvavidas: This seafood restaurant is famous for its fresh, flavorful dishes that include fish stews, grilled octopus, and king crab.

Cultural Experiences

Puerto Natales has a thriving cultural scene, with music, dance, and theater performances throughout the year. Local crafts are also a major draw, especially for those in search of one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Here are some of the cultural experiences to have in Puerto Natales:

– Kawesqar Cultural Center: This center offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn from and interact with the Kawesqar people, the indigenous inhabitants of the region.
– The Yungay neighborhood: This colorful neighborhood is known for its street art murals, reflecting the city’s history and culture.
– Pueblito Artesanal Etherh Aike: This market is a treasure trove of souvenirs, such as woolens, leather goods, and handcrafted ceramics, all made by local artisans.

Local History

Puerto Natales has a rich history that dates back to the arrival of the first Indigenous peoples of Patagonia. The city was built around the meat-packing industry in the early 1900s. Understanding the history of the city can help visitors appreciate its uniqueness and participate in the community’s rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the places to visit to learn about Puerto Natales’ history:

– Muelle Historico: This historic pier, which was used for the transportation of goods to and from the city, now serves as a museum that showcases the city’s maritime history.
– Cemeteries: Puerto Natales has three cemeteries that bear testimony to the city’s history and the multicultural population that lived and died here.
– Parque Eusebio Lillo: This park, located in the middle of the city, is named after the founder of the Sociedad Explotadora Tierra del Fuego, which played a significant role in the development of the city.

Off-the-beaten-path Suggestions

Puerto Natales may be compact, but it has many hidden gems that are worth exploring. Here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

– Rio Rubens: This hidden trail is not well-known to tourists but offers a scenic hike along a stream with plenty of flora and fauna.
– San Juan Bosco Chapel: This little chapel, located near the waterfront, is a quiet spiritual oasis in the middle of the city.
– Patagonia Shingle Museum: This quirky museum is home to an impressive collection of shingles, those tiny stones that make up traditional Patagonian dwellings.

Base of the Towers Day Hike

And finally, for the main attraction, the Base of the Towers Day Hike in Torres del Paine National Park. This famous and demanding trail leads visitors to the base of the Torres del Paine mountains, offering unparalleled views of glaciers, lakes, and forests along the way.

The best way to plan this hike is to do your research beforehand and make sure to pack for all kinds of weather: rain, sun, and wind. It is also advisable to hire an experienced guide or join a tour group for safety and to learn more about the area’s geology and history. The hike is approximately 20 km long, and it can take between 7 -10 hours to complete, depending on your pace. Make sure to carry enough water, food, and sunscreen for the hike, and to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and layered clothing.

In conclusion, Puerto Natales is a charming and vibrant city that offers an excellent base for exploring Torres del Paine National Park and immersing oneself in Patagonian culture and history. From local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, to off-the-beaten-path suggestions, there is something for everyone in Puerto Natales, making this destination a must-visit for every Patagonia traveler.