STAY
GUIDE
Circuit reopens for everyone
Ban on unguided hikers lifted
New fees from May 2026
Route-based fees set to replace old system
Circuit unguided hikers banned
Certified guides required
Winter in Torres del Paine
Head to Torres del Paine
in winter for solitude instead of selfie queues
Quiet earth
Torres del Paine National Park is open all year. While high summer brings warmer weather, ferocious winds and, quite often, crowds,
Torres del Paine in winter
brings quiet snow-draped days that melt into long starry nights.
Silence is golden
Low winter sun casts a warm glow on empty trails and deserted pampas in August, when only 5000 or so people visit the park compared with some 60,000 in peak summer months.
What is it really like in winter?
Winter is the least windy season, with short, crisp days. In summer, a steep land-sea pressure gradient drives Torres del Paine's notorious winds. In winter, the land cools, pressure equalizes and the wind drops.
Add to that the Southern Hemisphere jet stream, which often sits directly over Torres del Paine in summer. In winter, it shifts northward taking turbo-charged weather systems with it.
Snow may fall, but mostly on exposed ridges, and higher ground. In any case, park roads are cleared so vehicles can circulate. Average highs are in the range 2°C to 6°C (36-43°F) and average lows stick at around -3°C (27°F).
Of course, Torres del Paine's mercurial microclimate can magic up blizzards at any time of year, so building a flexible winter itinerary around weather conditions, as well as park rules and open lodgings and trails is key.
Add to that the Southern Hemisphere jet stream, which often sits directly over Torres del Paine in summer. In winter, it shifts northward taking turbo-charged weather systems with it.
Snow may fall, but mostly on exposed ridges, and higher ground. In any case, park roads are cleared so vehicles can circulate. Average highs are in the range 2°C to 6°C (36-43°F) and average lows stick at around -3°C (27°F).
Of course, Torres del Paine's mercurial microclimate can magic up blizzards at any time of year, so building a flexible winter itinerary around weather conditions, as well as park rules and open lodgings and trails is key.
Winter rules in Torres del Paine
Winter restrictions help to keep everyone safe: you must hike with a certified guide; carry micro-crampons (spikes) at least; snowshoes must be used when needed and vehicles must be fitted with snow tyres.
Which hotels and lodgings stays open
Winter itineraries are possible because a core of accommodation remains operational. Typically Hotel Grey in the west of the park, Estancia Cerro Guido in the east and some refugios on the W trek, such as Refugios Grey and Paine Grande.
These heated lodgings include all meals, allowing multi-day winter stays without discomfort. Torres del Paine winter tours are built around open lodges and hotels first: activities second.
These heated lodgings include all meals, allowing multi-day winter stays without discomfort. Torres del Paine winter tours are built around open lodges and hotels first: activities second.
Winter activities in Torres del Paine
Hiking
Guided hiking may include the Base of the Towers and other sections of the W Trek; easier trails such as Laguna Verde and Puente Weber; day hikes around Laguna Azul and into the surreal park borderland of Sierra Baguales. All hikes are dependent on wind, snow and visibility.
Safaris
Join a private vehicle safaris with short walks to see winter wildlife, take pictures and shelter from bad weather. Winter is when Torres del Paine slows down and wildlife steps forward. Fewer vehicles and less chatter may bring them out into the pampas, with snow cover making them easier to track, and a lingering twilight makes them even more photogenic.
Winter kayaking on Grey Lake
Kayaking where Grey Glacier crunches into Grey Lake is magical in winter, when it's just you and the sky and the ice and the slivery light.