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    Ultimate Guide to the Torres del Paine Campsites and Refugios

    The Torres del Paine trek is one of the premier treks in the world.  Over 5 day “W trek” or the 9-day “circuit trek” you can experience some of the best landscapes and vistas Patagonia has to offer.  Along the way, the Torres del Paine refugios offer a comfortable and convenient place to rest your head and enjoy a meal (with a glass of wine or beer). If you’re more of a minimalist and on a tighter budget, the Torres del Paine campsites are just as great, with good facilities, tents and sleeping bags for rent, and even hot water in most places.

    With these great options, refugios, campsites, cabins, eco domes, and lodges, it can be difficult figuring out which Torres del Paine accommodation is best for you and how to book it.

    Read on for an overview of the campsites and refugios of the Torres del Paine, an overview of amenities, and how to book them

    Contents

    South America Travel Bucket List Item: Patagonia and Torres del Paine.  Read on for the list of Torres del Paine Campsites and Refugios on the W Trek and O Circuit Trek and how to book each | www.ABrotherAbroad.com/Patagonia

    IMPORTANT NOTE FOR 2019-2020:

    Fantastico Sur and Vertice Patagonia have already opened their reservations systems, so you book your campsites and refugios ASAP as sites book up very fast

    The refugios and campsites of Torres del Paine: Which is right for you?

    What’s the difference between a refugio and a campsite in Torres del Paine? 

    Essentially, a refugio is a mountain lodge.  In Torres del Paine, these lodges are all equipped with beds and restaurants.  When taking on the Torres del Paine W and Circuit, refugios offer the benefit that you only need to bring a minimum of gear – beds, sleeping bags, and meals at the restaurant can all be rented or purchased along the way.  The downside is cost, as all in gear rental, meals, and refugio accommodation can easily hit ~$200 USD per day.

    For the minimalist and budget crowd, the campgrounds of Torres del Paine are very well equipped.  Hot showers are the norm and well setup tent sites, with platforms in some places, make camping simple and easy.  Designated cooking areas with wind protection and sinks for washing dishes add a bit more enjoyment to camping.

    Should you stay in a refugio, or camp?

    If you have plenty of cash and don’t feel like carrying anything, go with the refugio option.  Otherwise, camp.

    Map of Torres del Paine Campsites and Refugios

    Torres del Paine Campsites and Refugios for the Torres del Paine W Trek and Circuit Trek | www.ABrotherAbroad.com
    Map of the Torres del Paine Campsites and Refugios courtesy of CONAF, Vertice, and Fantastico Sur

    How to Book Torres del Paine Refugios and Campsites

    First, note that you must book all campsites and refugios in advance as you will not be able to walk up and take a last minute reservation

    Second, note that you should book accommodations as soon as possible as everything (campsites, refugios, and hotels) book up extremely quickly and completely.

    Now on to how to book your refugios and campsites…

    All of the Torres del Paine refugios and campsites are run by one of three organizations.  You will book with these organizations online via their booking sites and bring the confirmation with you into the park.  Those organizations are:

    (Click the links above to be taken to the respective booking sites)


    All of the refugios and campsites are divided between these three organizations and managed separately.  Vertice Patagonia and Fantastico del Sur are companies that operate their refugios and campsites, while CONAF is the national park service and manages the free campsites of Italiano, Britanico, Paso, and Torres.

    To book at a campsite, follow the respective links above to each organizations booking page and follow the appropriate instructions.  Note that you must bring proof of all of your reservations with you to the park.  I recommend printing them and carrying them with you.

    Here’s a list of the campsites and refugios in Torres del Paine and their managing organization to book through:

    Quick List of Refugios of the Torres del Paine W Trek (in order)

    Quick List of Refugios of the Torres del Paine Circuit Trek (in order)

    Scroll on for a review of prices, amenities, and booking options for each refugio and campsite

    The Torres del Paine Campsites on the W Trek (In Order)

    (Click each site for full campsite info)

    Torres del Paine Campsites on the Circuit Trek (In order)

    (Click each site for full campsite info)


    The Torres del Paine Campsites on the W Trek


    Camp Grey (Vertice Patagonia)

    • Price per night: ~$7.50 USD/Night ($5,000 CLP)
    • Amenities:
      • Shared bathrooms, cold water sinks, toilets, and hot showers. 
      • Dinner available but must be reserved by 5PM.
      • Pub serving beer and wine and selling snacks
      • Electricity outlets available during daytime hours
    • Book with Vertice Patagonia
    • Boarding costs (meals, gear, etc.): Full Board – $57 USD (breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner), tent -$30 USD, sleep bag – $22 USD


    Camp Paine Grande [Vertice Patagonia]

    • Price per night: ~$7.50 USD/Night ($5,000 CLP)
    • Amenities
      • Shared bathrooms, cold water sinks, toilets, and hot showers. 
      • Dinner available but must be reserved by 5PM.
      • Beer, wine and snacks for sale
      • Coffee service available
    • Book with Vertice Patagonia
    • Boarding costs (meals, gear, etc.): Full Board – $57 USD (breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner), tent -$30 USD, sleep bag – $22 USD

    Camp Italiano (CONAF)

    • Price per night: Free
    • Amenities: Cooking shelter, “long drop” toilet, no showers
    • Book with CONAF


    Camp Frances (Fantastico del Sur)

    • Price per night:  $21 USD/Night (High Season), $16 USD/Night (Low Season)
    • Amenities: Shared bathrooms, hot showers, camping equipment rental (by reservation)
    • Book with Fantastico Sur
    • Boarding costs (meals, gear, etc.): Full Board – $80 USD (breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner), tent -$27 USD, sleep bag – $23 USD


    Camp Britanico

    • Price per night: Free
    • Amenities: Cooking shelter, “long drop” toilet, no showers
    • Book with CONAF


    Camp Cuernos (Fantastic Sur)

    • Price per night: $21 USD/Night (High Season), $16 USD/Night (Low Season)
    • Amenities: Shared bathrooms with hot water, restaurant at the refugio, equipment for rental by reservation (tents, sleeping bags, mats)
    • Book with Fantastico Sur
    • Boarding costs (meals, gear, etc.): Full Board – $80 USD (breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner), tent -$27 USD, sleep bag – $23 USD


    Camp Chileno (Fantastico del Sur)

    • Price per night: $21 USD/Night (High Season), $16 USD/Night (Low Season)
    • Amenities: Shared bathrooms with hot water, equipment available for rental by reservation (tents, sleeping bags, mats), restaurant at Refugio El Chileno
    • Book with Fantastico Sur
    • Boarding costs (meals, gear, etc.): Full Board – $80 USD (breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner), tent -$27 USD, sleep bag – $23 USD

    ——————

    Camp Torres (CONAF – unavailable 2018-2019)

    • Price per night: Free
    • Amenities: Cooking shelter, “long drop” toilet, no showers
    • Book with CONAF

    Torres del Paine Campsites on the Circuit Trek (In order)

    Camp Seron (Fantastico del Sur)

    • Price per night: $21 USD/Night (High Season), $16 USD/Night (Low Season)
    • Amenities: Bathrooms, equipment available for rent by reservation (tents, sleeping bags, mat)
    • Book with Fantastico Sur
    • Boarding costs (meals, gear, etc.): Full Board – $80 USD (breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner), tent -$27 USD, sleep bag – $23 USD


    Camp Dickson (Vertice Patagonia)

    • Price per night: $21 USD/Night (High Season), $16 USD/Night (Low Season)
    • Amenities:
      • Shared bathrooms, cold water sinks, toilets, and hot showers. 
      • Dinner available but must be reserved by 5PM.
      • Pub serving beer and wine and selling snacks
      • Electricity outlets available during daytime hours
    • Book with Vertice Patagonia
    • Boarding costs (meals, gear, etc.): Full Board – $57 USD (breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner), tent -$30 USD, sleep bag – $22 USD


    Camp Los Perros (Vertice Patagonia)

    • Price per night: $21 USD/Night (High Season), $16 USD/Night (Low Season)
    • Amenities
      • Basic hygiene facilities available
      • Cold showers
    • Book with Vertice Patagonia
    • Boarding costs (meals, gear, etc.): Full Board – $57 USD (breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner), tent -$30 USD, sleep bag – $22 USD


    Camp Paso (CONAF)

    • Price per night: Free
    • Amenities: Cooking shelter, “long drop” toilet, no showers
    • Book with CONAF

    Torres del Paine Refugios


    Torres del Paine Refugios on the W Trek

    Torres del Paine Refugios on the Circuit Trek

    Torres del Paine Refugios on the W Trek


    Paine Grande Lodge (Vertice Patagonia)

    • Price per night: $57 USD / $34,000 CLP
    • Amenities:
      • Bunk beds in mixed dormitory
      • Shared bathrooms with cold water sinks, toilets, and hot showers
      • Restaurant (with 1 vegetarian alternative) – dinner must be reserved by 5PM
      • Beer and wine for sale
      • Coffee service
      • Electrical outlets available during daytime
    • Book with Vertice Patagonia
    • Boarding costs (meals, gear, etc.): Full Board – $57 USD (breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner), sleeping bag – $22 USD


    Refugio Grey

    • Price per night: $37 USD / $22,000 CLP
    • Amenities:
      • Bunk beds in mixed dormitory
      • Shared bathrooms with cold water sinks, toilets, and hot showers
      • Restaurant (with 1 vegetarian alternative) – dinner must be reserved by 5PM
      • Beer and wine for sale
      • Warehouse with food items (eggs, salami, bread, etc.) for sale
      • Electrical outlets available during daytime
    • Book with Vertice Patagonia
    • Boarding costs (meals, gear, etc.): Full Board – $57 USD (breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner), bed kit – $50 USD


    Refugio Frances (Geo Domes)

    • Price per night: $116 USD/Night (High Season), $95 USD/Night (Low Season)
    • Amenities:
      • Bunk Bed with sleeping bag
      • Restaurant serving breakfast, dinner, and boxed lunches
      • Beer and wine for sale
    • Book with Fantastico Sur
    • Boarding costs (meals, gear, etc.): Full Board – $80 USD (breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner), tent -$27 USD, sleep bag – $23 USD


    Refugio Cuernos + Cuernos Cabins (Fantastic Sur)

    • Price per night: $116 USD/Night (High Season), $95 USD/Night (Low Season)
    • Amenities:
      • Cabins available
      • Bunk Beds with option of sleeping bag
      • Shared bathrooms
      • Restaurant
      • Beer and wine for sale
    • Book with Fantastico Sur
    • Boarding costs (meals, gear, etc.): Full Board – $80 USD (breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner), tent -$27 USD, sleep bag – $23 USD


    Refugio Chileno (Fantastico del Sur)

    • Price per night: $116 USD/Night (High Season), $95 USD/Night (Low Season)
    • Amenities:
      • Bunk Beds with option of sleeping bag
      • Shared bathrooms
      • Restaurant
      • Beer and wine for sale
    • Book with Fantastico Sur
    • Boarding costs (meals, gear, etc.): Full Board – $80 USD (breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner), tent -$27 USD, sleep bag – $23 USD


    Refugio Torre Norte and Central

    • Price Per Night: $116 USD/Night (High Season), $95 USD/Night (Low Season)
    • Amenities:
      • Bunk Beds with sheets and covers
      • Shared bathrooms with hot water and toilets
      • Restaurant, bar, lounge, and shop
      • Central heating
    • Book with Fantastico Sur
    • Boarding costs (meals, gear, etc.): Full Board – $80 USD (breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner), tent -$27 USD, sleep bag – $23 USD


    Hotel Las Torres Patagonia / Hosteria Las Torres

    • Price per night: Starting at $460 USD per night
    • Amenities: Full hotel amenities
    • Booking platform: Booking.com (Independently Operated) or directly with Hotel Los Torres

    Torres del Paine Refugios on the Circuit Trek


    Refugio Dickson (Vertice Patagonia)

    • Price Per Night: $37 USD / $ 22,000 CLP
    • Amenities:
      • Bunk beds in mixed dormitory
      • Shared bathrooms with cold water sinks, toilets, and hot showers
      • Restaurant (with 1 vegetarian alternative) – dinner must be reserved by 5PM
      • Beer and wine for sale
      • Coffee service
      • Electrical outlets available during daytime
    • Book with Vertice Patagonia
    • Boarding costs (meals, gear, etc.): Full Board – $57 USD (breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner), bed kit – $50 USD

    How to make a Torres del Paine trek happen for you…

    1. Choose your trek (W trek or circuit)
    2. Plan your route & itinerary
    3. Book your reservations
    4. Print out and bring your confirmations

    Choose the trek (W trek or circuit)

    With the beautiful vastness of Torres del Paine, you have two options for trekking: the 5 day W trek, or the 10 day “Circuit Trek”.

    The W Trek is great for novices and has refugios and campsites every step of the way.  Though it will definitely get busy during high season, the views are worth it.  The hike starts with a view of the immense Grey Glacier, followed by a trek through the picturesque Valle Frances, and culminating with a sunrise view of the Torres del Paine.

    The Circuit isevenbetter, as it takes the W trek and adds 4-5 days of more remote hiking.  From snow topped mountains, to fields with Guanaco, to an unreal view of Glacier Grey climbing into the sky, the circuit is unreal and worth every step.  Note that refugios don’t exist the entire way and campsites as some points are bare, so you’ll need a full camp kit.  If you can manage 9 to 10 days of hiking, I highly recommend doing the Torres del Paine Circuit trek instead.


    Plan your route & itinerary

    The route and itinerary for both the W Trek and the Circuit trek are fairly standard, traveling in a counter clockwise path around the park. Lucky for you, A Brother Abroad has two free ultimate guides to provide you an itinerary, budget planning, transportation planning, and packing list appropriate to the treks. 


    Book your reservations

    Once you’ve decided which trek you’ll take on (the W or the Circuit), take the itinerary for our W Trek guide or Circuit Trek guide to find the campsites or refugios you’ll stop at along the way.  Then, book each site well in advance through the respective managing organization’s links below

     


    Once you have your reservations, print out and bring the confirmations with you on the trek.  You’ll need them to stay and likely won’t have access to email or wifi while in the park.

    brush break ABrotherAbroad.com

    3 Options if you can’t get all of the campsite reservations you need

    1. Contact the booking company (email or drop in)
    2. Book with a tour or agency
    3. Day trip (Torres, Grey Glacier, The Q tail)

    1. Contact the booking company (email or drop in)

    If you’re able to book some of the sites on your itinerary but not all, start by emailing Vertice Patagonia, Fantastico Sur, and CONAF to see if there are any available reservations or cancellations. 

    If you’re in Puerto Natales, go ahead and visit the office to speed up the process.

    2. Book with a tour or agency

    If you’re having difficulty finding campsites or refugio availability for your dates, consider a guided tour.  Though the cost will be more, the staff will handle your accomodations.  Alternatively, you may reach out and ask about booking one of their spots in a camp/refugio for an additional fee

     

    3. Day trip or Overnight Trip (Torres, Grey Glacier)

    If all else fails, go to Torres del Paine for the day.  Grey Glacier and the Torres del Paine are by far the highlights of the W trek and reachable in a single, long day.  Either travel in and out in a single day, or consider staying at Paine Grande or Torre Norte / Central to travel up to either vista and bus out the following day.

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      About A Brother Abroad

      ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      Carlos is nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.