Budget-Friendly Torres del Paine Itinerary, Chile

Driving through Patagonia scenery

Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile completely took my breath away. I’ll admit, I was worried it had been hyped up too much and my expectations were too high, but the reality was beyond anything I could’ve imagined.

I’ve put together the perfect budget-friendly itinerary to experience the best of Torres Del Paine. We spent around $2500 for a 10-day trip here (we attached this to 5 days in Mendoza, Argentina, a good addition to this trip). The $2500 covered everything—flights, accommodation, activities, food, and drinks. We did splurge on a couple of nice meals, and you could definitely save more by skipping dining out.

So here’s our 10-day itinerary, along with our top tips and money-saving advice below:

Santiago, Chile

Santiago is the easiest place to fly to from any international destination, and we absolutely loved it. The city offers a perfect blend of culture, food, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Spend a day here and explore Barrio Italia, known for its vintage fairs, charming shops, and fantastic restaurants. The lively, artsy atmosphere makes it a joy to wander around. For food lovers, Barrio Lastarria is a must-visit, with its fantastic range of restaurants and cafés serving everything from traditional Chilean dishes to international cuisine, all with a lovely, welcoming ambiance.

Both neighborhoods feel very safe—we walked around at night, there were 5 of us, but we never felt uneasy. Of course, it’s always good to keep your wits about you, but the overall sense of safety in these neighborhoods really adds to the city’s relaxing atmosphere.

Finally, I highly recommend climbing Santa Lucia Hill. It’s a lovely escape from the city, takes about 30 minutes, and rewards you with beautiful views from the top of the battlements. Now, onto the important part, Patagonia!

Take a flight down to Punta Arenas; flights are about $150 round trip.

Cemetery in Punta Arenas 

View from the port in Punta Arenas (edge of the world)

Punta Arenas, Chile

Spend a couple of days in Punta Arenas. One day can be spent exploring the city. It may sound strange, but the cemetery is a must. Then, embark on a guided tour to witness king penguins on Isla Magdalena and go whale watching in the Strait of Magellan. All these tours can be booked when you get here. You really feel like you are on the edge of the world in this town.

Emporer penguins on Isla Magdelena.jpg

We did a full-day tour to see the emperor penguins, which was an incredible experience and cost $93—quite affordable for what it includes. The price also covers the ferry across the Strait of Magellan, where we were lucky enough to spot whales (a fairly common sight, I believe). We booked all our tours through Denomades.com, which offers a comprehensive guide to available options.

Ferry across the Strait of Magellan (where we saw whales)

shipwreck in Isla Magdelena

If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper, head down to the port and see if you can catch a boat to Isla Magdalena. It’s home to South America’s second-largest Magellanic penguin colony, and you can walk among the homes of these cheeky little animals.

Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales

We picked up a car in Punta Arenas and drove to Puerto Natales. I really recommend doing this drive yourself. It was about a 2-and-a-half-hour drive to Puerta Natalas. We then drove straight to Torres Del Paine National Park, which was another 1-hour drive. Make sure you do this in the light, mainly because the scenery is breathtaking, and keep an eye out for pumas. As you approach the national park, the mountains seem to appear out of nowhere. Be sure to take your time for photos. You can catch your first glimpse of the three famous pillars about 30 minutes out.

We stayed at a campsite near the base of the iconic Torres (“spikes”) called ‘Camping Torres.’ The view at this campsite was incredible.

There are different accommodation options:

1. A tent pitch spot (the most cost-effective option),
2. ‘Camping Premium Simple,’ which includes a tent and high-density foam mat, and
3. ‘Camping Premium Fully Equipped’ comes with a tent, sleeping bag, high-density foam mat, pillow, and a welcome drink voucher. Both premium options are in spacious, raised tents.
4. There are also bunkhouses. Next door, a lovely hotel also offers accommodation.

Since you’re in the national park, prices are higher, but it’s definitely worth it to be close to the big hike the following day. If you want to save some money, you can rent camping equipment at Nikos Two Adventure in Puerto Natales, which has good, affordable gear.

We chose to stay in the tents on stilts and had dinner at the hotel. You can also book Camping Chileno, which is about a 5km hike from the Camping Torres parking lot. It’s a beautiful spot, but note that you’ll need to carry your gear in as there’s no road access.

Be sure to pay the park entry fee before entering the park—it’s about $50 and is essential for maintaining the park’s stunning environment.

It’s important to book campsites in advance, as they fill up quickly. We booked about three months ahead and had limited options. The campsite websites can be a bit confusing, but it’s worth booking directly through them. Don’t pay extra for third-party bookings, and remember that different campsites in Torres del Paine have separate websites, so you’ll need to navigate between them when booking.

Mirador del Torres (3 spikes view on summiting)

Torres Del Paine

The next day, we hiked the incredible Torres del Paine Mirador del Torres trail. While it’s a long and challenging hike, it’s easy to do self-guided, thanks to clearly marked paths and plenty of fellow hikers along the way. The hike is absolutely breathtaking, taking you through diverse terrains, with each section offering new and stunning views. Just when you think it couldn’t get any more beautiful, you climb up to reveal the lake and the three iconic towers—truly spectacular. You’ll be exhausted after the hike, so it’s worth staying a second night nearby or at Camping Centro if possible.

The W or O trek

There is plenty more to see in the national park other than the famous Mirador Del Torres. You can either do the famous W or O trek, we sadly didn’t have enough time so we picked the highlights in the park that are easy to visit by road and short hikes. Here is a list of places we went:

Lake Pehoé

This beautiful lake offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You can also take short hikes along the shoreline or opt for a boat ride for an even better view.

view point in Torres Del Paine

Cascada del Río Paine (Paine Waterfall)

A short walk from the parking area offers views of the beautiful waterfall.

Salto Grande

This impressive waterfall can be reached via a short, well-marked trail from the main road.

Mirador Cuernos

This viewpoint, located near the parking lot, provides a great view of the Cuernos del Paine, the iconic peaks that resemble horns. It’s a quick stop and a great photo opportunity. Cuernos del Paine actually gets more and more dramatic from a distance away.

Laguna Amarga

A stunning viewpoint with a panoramic view of the Torres del Paine massif and the surrounding lakes. This is a great spot when driving up from Puerto Natales to stop and take in your first views of the park.

Wildlife

There is wildlife all around, you will definitely see guanacos (which are similar to llamas or alpaca), flamingos and Rhea, we spotted them in abundance. We were lucky enough to see Pumas on a kill (People stopped with binoculars gave away their location. We would not have spotted them otherwise). Sadly, we didn’t see any Andean condors.

Grey Glacier boat tour

Torres Del Paine – Grey Glacier Tour

An absolute must-do is to visit the impressive Grey Glacier at Lago Grey in Torres Del Paine. We embarked on a guided tour from the Grey Hotel. Book ahead of time as spots fill up. This was probably our most expensive tour, but getting that close to a glacier was a unique experience, and heading up Lago Grey gives you new views of the park.

Lago Grey in Torres Del Paine

If you have time, there is a two-day hike, sleeping in Grey Refugio, which enables you to get close to the glacier. You can also take kayak tours up to the glacier and even walk on it.

Puerto Natales

It was sadly time to leave the park, we headed back for a night in Puerto Natales, this small town offers a charming blend of adventure and relaxation. Visiting the Last Hope Gin Distillery is a great experience. The distillery, known for its small-batch, artisanal spirits, offers tours where you can learn about the distillation process and sample their unique gin. They do delicious cocktails, and the owners are wonderful, it’s a must visit.

Mirador del Torres (3 spikes)

Top tips for Torres Del Paine

For me, the best decision we made for this trip was renting a car. The roads are clear, smooth, and straightforward, making driving a breeze. It’s the best way to experience Torres del Paine, allowing you to skip crowded bus tours. The difference between visiting a stunning site with hundreds of people or having it to yourself is huge. Plus, it’s far more flexible and much cheaper as it lets us stay outside the park some nights, with accommodation in the park being very expensive. We also saw people rent motorhomes, which would be a great and cost-effective way to see the park.

Ranch in Torres Del Paine

Cost saving tips

Patagonia, especially the renowned Torres del Paine National Park, can be quite pricey. However, it’s also one of the most stunning and dramatic places I’ve ever visited. You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy this incredible region. We managed to explore for 10 days without breaking the bank.

The itinerary above highlights the best route to explore everything in this area on a budget and without the crowds. If you already have your own route planned or an idea of what you want to do, I have highlighted the top 5 tips for keeping your trip to Torres Del Paine affordable but still spectacular:

• Choose Your Transportation Wisely: Renting a car from Punta Arenas or taking the bus are both cost-effective options, depending on your plans. If you aim to tackle the multi-day hikes like the W or O trek around Torres del Paine, the bus might be a better choice as it will take you directly from Punta Arenas. We opted for a rental car, which offered flexibility and convenience. With a car, we could explore different parts of the park at our own pace and avoid the high lodging costs along the trekking routes. We stayed in more affordable cabins, which you can find links to below.
• Consider Flying to the Right Airport: Flying into Punta Arenas from Santiago was the most economical option for us, followed by a 4-hour drive to Torres del Paine. Be sure to compare flight prices to different airports, including Puerto Natales, which is the closest one. While you might find cheaper flights to airports in Argentina, keep in mind that driving rental cars across borders can be complicated. Generally, flying into Chilean Patagonia tends to be more budget-friendly.
• Cook Your Own Meals: Bring a small Jetboil or portable stove to prepare your own food. Homemade sandwiches and meals can be enjoyed at some of the world’s most breathtaking spots. The park’s food options are pricey, so having the ability to cook for yourself will save you a significant amount of money. With a rental car, you can bring your own food and drinks into the park, adding to your savings.
• No Need for Tours or Guides: The trails in Patagonia are well-marked, so you don’t need to spend extra on guided hikes or tours. Exploring on your own allows you to experience the park’s beauty and challenges without the added expense of guides. Even if you can’t afford the guided tours mentioned above you will still have experienced the best Torres Del Paine has to offer with Mirador Del Torres and other beautiful scenery on route.
• Wildlife Watching Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune: You don’t need to spend a lot on activities to enjoy Patagonia’s wildlife. We saw three pumas on a kill right by the side of the road, along with guanacos, flamingos, and rheas, all while driving around and hiking independently. Exploring the park on your own can lead to amazing wildlife encounters and stunning views, all without the high cost of organized activities.

Part of the Mirador Del Torres hiking trail

For those who prefer not to camp, here are some affordable cabin options to consider (I know some of them look expensive for what they are, but they are the most affordable way to get a bed and can be very cozy:

• Konkashken Lodge is a rustic and inviting retreat in a beautiful natural setting. It typically offers guests a cozy, tranquil atmosphere.
• Vista al Paine – Refugio de Aventura Vista al Paine – Refugio de Aventura offers simple, comfortable accommodations with stunning views of Torres del Paine. It’s an ideal base for hiking, trekking, and exploring the natural beauty of Patagonia.
• Hotel Lago Grey, Ok this one is not an affordable cabin at all, but I thought I would mention one luxurious hotel, this retreat offers breathtaking views of Grey Lake and glaciers. It provides comfortable accommodations, fine dining, and easy access to outdoor adventures.
• Morenna Lodge is a charming, eco-friendly retreat in Torres del Paine that offers cozy accommodations with stunning mountain views. It’s an ideal base for outdoor adventures, hiking, and exploring Patagonia’s natural beauty.
• Goiien House: beautiful rustic accommodation just outside the park, it is a cosy and affordable place to stay.
• Glamping Rio Serrano: Just outside the park, it offers beautiful views and basic glamping tents. It provides a bed and a lovely onsite restaurant.

Patagonia scenery from Pehoe Domes

• Pehoe Domes: This was our favorite place to stay. It was very affordable, had incredible views, and was in the park. They also had a very cozy bar and lounge where we could relax.

Enjoy your trip to Patagonia without the hefty price tag.

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