Top Hiking Trails in Magallanes Trail Map
Magallanes is Chile's southernmost and largest region: 132,291 km² without the Chilean Antarctic Territory. Torres del Paine National Park, created in 1959 and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1978, covers about 227,298 ha according to CONAF; the Paine massif reaches 3,050 m. Puerto Natales is the gateway town and Punta Arenas the regional capital. The region also takes in Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island, home of the Dientes de Navarino circuit.
Explore the Best Trails in Magallanes
Magallanes hiking trails in Chilean Patagonia centre on Torres del Paine National Park: the W Trek (about 76 km, 4-5 days), the O Circuit (about 93 km, 7-9 days, closed until at least 31 October 2026) and the Mirador Base Torres day hike (18.8 km). Park entry for foreign adults costs CLP 32,400 for one day or CLP 48,500 for 2 or more days, sold online only. Checked 8 October 2026. Country hub: https://incatrailreservations.com/trails/chile/
Geographic Overview
Magallanes is Chile’s southernmost and largest region: 132,291 km² without the Chilean Antarctic Territory. Torres del Paine National Park, created in 1959 and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1978, covers about 227,298 ha according to CONAF; the Paine massif reaches 3,050 m. Puerto Natales is the gateway town and Punta Arenas the regional capital. The region also takes in Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island, home of the Dientes de Navarino circuit.
Cultural Context
CONAF manages Torres del Paine; two concessionaires run the lodging, Las Torres Patagonia and Vertice Travel. Park law is strict on fire: Ley 20.653 allows fines of up to CLP 2,000,000, prison and expulsion, and stoves are allowed only in designated areas. Rangers check reservations on the trail.
Best Time to Visit
October to April. The O Circuit opens only in summer (2025-26: 1 November to 31 March).
W Trek Torres del Paine: Distance, Campsites, Fees & Rules
W Trek route data: about 76 km over 4-5 days, campsites by operator, 2026-27 prices, the CONAF reservation rule and…
Mirador Base Torres Hike: Distance, Elevation, Time Limits & Fees
Base Torres day hike data: 18.8 km round trip from Hotel Las Torres, about 8 hours, CONAF entry cutoffs, the…
O Circuit Torres del Paine: Distance, John Gardner Pass & Rules
O Circuit data: about 93 km over 7-9 days, the John Gardner pass, one-way and cutoff rules, the 2026-27 status…
Frequently Asked Questions about Top Hiking Trails in Magallanes
Yes. Without confirmed reservations for every night, CONAF does not permit access to the mountain area. Book with Las Torres Patagonia and Vertice Travel.
For foreign adults since 1 May 2026: CLP 32,400 for one day or CLP 48,500 for 2 or more days, online only at pasesparques.cl, at least 24 hours ahead.
Not on 8 October 2026: it is closed until at least 31 October 2026, and CONAF had not yet announced 2026-27 opening dates.
The W covers about 76 km in 4-5 days on the south side of the massif. The O adds the remote back side and the John Gardner pass (about 1,200 m) for about 93 km in 7-9 days, one way only.
No. Walking without daylight is prohibited in the park, and the lookout has a latest entry and closing time.
October to April. The O Circuit opens only in summer, and winter brings guide rules and closures.