Lodging in Torres del Paine: How to Decide Where to Stay

If you’re trying to decide where you should stay on your trip to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, you’re not alone. All of the options either sound like camping or spending an arm and leg on an all-inclusive luxury stay – with not much else in between. I’m here to debunk that rumor a bit, but also open your eyes to the realities of visiting a remote National Park in Chile and set some expectations for your adventure trip. 

I visited Torres del Paine in January 2023 to hike the O Circuit, but I did arrive at the park a couple days earlier to tour it. Because I was on a budget and already camping for the Circuit, I booked a campsite at Camping Pehoe for this portion of my trip, and stayed in Puerto Natales after finishing my hike. 

I did a ton of research before my trip trying to figure out where I should stay before and after the O Circuit and if I even had options since I knew I wasn’t renting a car. All-in-all, I was humbled in some ways and pleasantly surprised in others.

In this guide I’m going to explain the regions of the park and the areas surrounding it, and recommend accommodation options for all kinds of travelers. So whether you’re renting a car or not, are traveling on a budget or splurging on a special occasion, or trying to figure out both of those things, I’ll compare options so you can figure it out!

What You Need to Know Before Booking Hotels

When to Book Your Lodging

The most important thing you need to know when planning your trip to Torres del Paine is that lodging in and near the park books up so fast. If you want the best options as close to the park as possible, you should begin planning your vacation 9 months – a year in advance, and book rooms at least 6 months in advance.

If you don’t care about proximity to the park and want to stay in Puerto Natales, you have more flexibility for when to book and can swing a more last-minute booking.

Locations for Torres del Paine Accommodations

There are essentially 4 main regions you’ll be considering when booking your lodging. 

1. Inside the National Park boundary.
2. Just outside the southern entrance to the park in an area known as Rio Serrano.
3. The eastern approach to the park near the community of Cerro Castillo – the closest area to the Argentina border on Ruta 9.
4. Puerto Natales. The largest town near Torres del Paine is approximately 2 hours of driving south of the park.

Do You Need to Rent a Car?

In my opinion, yes, you should rent a car if you are visiting Torres del Paine and not hiking the W Trek or O Circuit. The park is very spread out and while there’s some bus service, it’s not enough or frequent like shuttles in Yosemite or Zion National Parks in the USA.

Having a car will allow you to visit more places and get there on your own time, not a designated bus time, which is ideal for seeing more in the park and being at beautiful viewpoints for sunrise or sunset.

If you do rent a car beware that there is no gas inside or near the park. People have reported that some hotels will sell you emergency fuel but it’s super marked up. Your best bet is to ask the rental company for an empty fuel jug and fill it up in Puerto Natales so you have enough if you plan to be in the park and drive around a lot.

There is also no cell service. So make sure you download driving and hiking maps for offline use!

Safety

For my fellow solo-traveling ladies: I traveled solo from the U.S. to Santiago, then down to Punta Arenas and finally into Torres del Paine, and I felt incredibly safe the entire time.

Bus drivers were friendly and helpful, even with my very limited Spanish. One Bus-Sur driver even dropped me off right at Camping Pehoe (not an official stop!) and helped with my bag – complete with a thumbs up and a smile.

At Camping Pehoe, I was also able to pay a worker a few Chilean pesos to give me a lift to the Pudeto stop for my return bus – no issues at all.

There were tourists everywhere in the park, many of whom spoke at least some English, so it never felt isolating. I also felt safe walking around Puerto Natales, even with my full backpacking pack, both to and from the bus station and in the evenings.

Quick Guide: Best Torres del Paine Hotels

I’m going to go more in-depth below this with more of my thoughts on the areas of the park and the hotels, but this chart is for an overview of the hotels I discuss below for a quick reference. I want to note that every single location has some kind of restaurant on-site (except for the Puerto Natales options). Some are only for paying guests, some require booking meals ahead of time, and some are open to all – but they all provide varying degrees of dining.

And for what it’s worth – if I was going back to Torres del Paine (which I hope to do someday), I would stay at Hosteria Pehoe if I had a tighter budget, or basically any of the luxury hotels if money was no objection.

Best Lodging Inside Torres del Paine National Park

Staying inside Torres del Paine National Park is the closest you’ll get to waking up right in the heart of the mountains. If your dream trip involves catching sunrise at Lago Pehoe, hiking to the Towers at dawn, or minimizing drive times between viewpoints, this is the most convenient place to be. 

These options book up the fastest and range from rustic to ultra-luxury, but the trade-off is unbeatable access and the chance to experience the park during the quiet early mornings and golden hours.

The park also has hostel-style bunks at two key locations that will interest budget hikers, and camping options – using your own gear or renting on-site.

1. Camping Pehoe

👉 BEST FOR: Budget travelers

Located right on Lago Pehoe with some of the most amazing views in the entire park! This is a camping-glamping lodging option, and where I stayed for a night when visiting the park. 

There are insulated domes with bedding for those who want more protection, but the majority of space are campsites, making this perfect for people who have rented a van to travel Patagonia, or people with tent camping gear.

There’s a restaurant in the main lodge – but it’s a little weird because they clearly reserve it for tour companies sometimes and might not have “food available” for campers, and they don’t serve breakfast. I did not eat there due to being on a budget and bringing backpacking food from home.

2. Paine Grande Refugio

👉 BEST FOR: Budget hikers

Most people don’t think to stay in a refugio that’s part of the W Trek on their stay, but this is actually an amazing option inside the park if you don’t want to rent a car and you’re on a budget.

You can take the bus to Pudeto, hop on the ferry, and be at your lodging – shared dorm rooms. You can hike around the area, including a day hike to one of the famous viewpoints on the W Trek: Mirador Britanico, or hike the opposite direction to get a view of Glacier Grey.

You’ll need to reserve food with your stay, but there’s also a convenience store for snacks and a bar that serves pizza & burgers from lunch – dinner.

You can get a similar experience at Central Refugio near the park Welcome Center but the cost is much higher for similar amenities. You will be closer to the Towers day hike though.

3. Hosteria Pehoe

👉 BEST FOR: Photographers who want to be in the middle of everything

This hotel is literally on an island in Lago Pehoe with the most jaw-dropping views of “the Horns”.

That being said, the accommodations are basic and the food from the restaurant I hear is overpriced for what you get – but – you’re paying for the proximity and views at this place. From the Hosteria Pehoe you’ve got equal access to the Central Torres area and Glacier Grey, so you won’t have to drive too far to do anything in the park.

4. Hotel Lago Grey

👉 BEST FOR: Travelers looking for a standard hotel experience in a gorgeous location

Hotel Lago Grey is a bit of a sleeper pick inside the park. It’s a solidly mid-range budget option (compared to the next hotels), has great views, an on-site restaurant (and another one close by), easy access to the Lago Grey boat tours, and has an all-inclusive option if you’d rather not worry about transportation to the park, meals, or planning your tours.

5. EcoCamp

👉 BEST FOR: Those who want a unique, sustainable, and highly Instagram-able hotel

EcoCamp is one of the most unique places you can stay in Torres del Paine. Instead of traditional hotel rooms, you get to sleep in geodesic domes. It’s a blend of high-end comfort and a close-to-nature experience you won’t get anywhere else in the park. The whole property runs on an eco-conscious philosophy: solar power, low-impact systems, composting toilets, and an overall design that keeps your footprint small without sacrificing comfort.

Location-wise, it’s unbeatable for the Mirador Base Torres day hike. You’re right at the trailhead. They also offer all-inclusive programs with guided hikes, daily transportation, and all meals included, with dome options ranging from simple and snug to fully ensuite with heating and big picture windows.

6. Hotel Las Torres

👉 BEST FOR: Active travelers who want the most convenient access to the Base Torres day hike without sacrificing comfort.

Hotel Las Torres is one of the best places to stay if you’re planning to hike to Mirador Base Torres. The hotel sits slightly further up the trail from the Welcome Center trailhead, making it the most convenient option for anyone who wants to start the Base Torres day hike at sunrise, avoid long drives, or finish the W or O Treks with a real bed, hot shower, and good meal.

You can opt to stay here in an all-inclusive package or just with the standard rooms and choosing your own adventures every day and handling your own transportation. It’s a pretty expensive option, but the location is incredible.

7. Explora Patagonia Salto Chico

👉 BEST FOR: Luxury travelers who want jaw-dropping views

I poked around this property while walking on the boardwalks outside and saw the private hot tubs and dreamed about getting to soak there while watching the sunset. Talk. About. Luxe.

Explora is the ultimate splurge inside Torres del Paine. An all-inclusive lodge sitting right on the shores of Lake Pehoé with jaw-dropping views of the Paine Massif and Salto Chico waterfall. Stays must be 3+ nights and include everything: transportation, incredible meals, drinks, and a full menu of guided excursions ranging from hiking to horseback riding to private catamaran cruises.

Guests also get access to a heated pool, sauna, and outdoor hot tubs overlooking the lake, river, and mountains.

Río Serrano Area (South Entrance)

Río Serrano is one of the most popular and practical areas to stay near Torres del Paine. It sits just outside the southern entrance, making it easy to drive into the park each morning, while offering far more dining options and accommodation variety than inside the park. The views are beautiful and the prices are much more flexible, with more mid-range options available.

This area is best for travelers with a rental car, families, couples, and anyone who wants a comfortable home base with quick daily access to the park without paying luxury-lodge prices.

8. Glamping Río Serrano – Caja Los Andes

👉 BEST FOR: Budget glampers

This is a budget glamping option in the southern zone. It’s more comfortable than a standard campsite and more affordable than the mid-range cabins. 

It’s especially good if you’re travelling by car and want a lodge-feel stay in a beautiful setting, but don’t want to commit to the highest price tier, but it is rustic with shared baths and showers. There is an on-site restaurant though with decent reviews! If you want to stay in the glamping domes, make sure you don’t book the campsite/ van site.

9. Morrena Lodge

👉 BEST FOR: Travelers looking for mid-range comfort and simple amenities.

Morrena Lodge sits just outside the southern gate of Torres del Paine in a peaceful riverside setting with stunning views, offering real value for travelers wanting comfort without the luxury price tag. 

If you decide to stay here, make sure you are aware when booking – the Domos are standalone very tiny huts, while standard rooms are larger and part of the main hotel.

10. Konkashken Lodge

👉 BEST FOR: Travelers looking for less expensive but unique rooms and help with some guided tours.

Similar to the Morrena Lodge, but Konkashken is more rustic, but has incredible views. There are cabins (heated by fire), rooms, and dorm-style accommodations available to book, depending on what you’re looking for.

Unlike the Morrena, they offer excursions to their guests – from fishing to puma tracking.

11. Rio Serrano Hotel + Spa

👉 BEST FOR: Travelers who want a full-service hotel close to Torres del Paine with amazing views and an indoor pool + sauna.

Río Serrano Hotel + Spa is the best all-round premium pick. It’s larger with full amenities (spa, indoor pool, restaurant with regional cuisine), and very good views of the Paine Massif from its deck. It’s still close enough for day-hikes into the park, and you get to come back to a comfortable hotel room at the end of the day.

They’ve got multiple packages depending on how much food you want to eat on-site and how many guided activities you’d like to do vs. exploring on your own.

12. Patagonia Camp

👉 BEST FOR: Luxury glamping lovers who want the comforts of a high-end lodge, honeymooners.

Patagonia Camp is one of the most special places you can stay outside the southern entrance of Torres del Paine. It’s a hillside full of private luxury yurts tucked into lenga forest, all overlooking Lake Toro. 

Each yurt is full comfort: real beds, heat, bathrooms, and big picture windows looking straight out toward the mountains of Torres del Paine. Some even have their own deck or even a private outdoor jacuzzi. They also have family yurts with more beds – but only children over the age of 10 are allowed to stay at the property.

Raised wooden boardwalks connect everything to a central lodge where guests gather for delicious meals, and a friendly, social atmosphere. Patagonia Camp offers all-inclusive programs only – and you can choose shared or private excursions.

Cerro Castillo & Eastern Entrance of Torres del Paine

The eastern side of Torres del Paine, near the community of Cerro Castillo and the Laguna Amarga entrance, is the gateway to some of the park’s most iconic sights. Lodging here ranges from simple hosterias to high-end estancias and all-inclusive lodges known for their guided excursions and expansive views.

Cerro Castillo is also right on the border with Argentina, making this area in particular nice for people who are driving through on a longer Patagonia road trip. This area is best for people looking for high-end boutique hotel experiences.

13. Hosteria Pionero

👉 BEST FOR: Travelers seeking good value, private rooms with ensuite, and a homey feel.

This hosteria is like staying in a home away from home! Cute common areas for lounging and eating, but with private rooms and bathrooms. There is a restaurant and parking on-site, but this is not an all-inclusive stay.

It’s closer to the Laguna Amarga Entrance of the park than Puerto Natales, and right on the border crossing into Argentina, so ideal for those who are spending 1-2 days in Torres del Paine before moving on to El Calafate or El Chalten.

14. Estancia Cerro Guido

👉 BEST FOR: People who want luxury with a cultural experience.

This is not your typical hotel stay. In fact, this is a working Patagonia ranch. This is a fully-featured lodge but has a focus on the “real” Patagonia – not the tour buses and conga-line hike to Base Las Torres. So while it’s luxury, the rooms and common areas aren’t modern like Explora or Tierra Patagonia. These are quaint accommodations with 10/10 all-inclusive service.

15. Tierra Patagonia

👉 BEST FOR: Luxury travelers who want everything handled, honeymooners.

If you’re looking for a full-luxury, beautifully designed lodge with world-class service and panoramic views of the Paine Massif, Tierra Patagonia is hard to beat. Overlooking Lake Sarmiento, it blends architecture and nature in a refined lodge experience: sleek rooms, spa, guided excursions, daily yoga, and serious comfort – all a stone’s throw from the entrance to Torres del Paine.

Puerto Natales Accommodations

Puerto Natales is the main hub for accessing Torres del Paine. It’s a cute waterfront town with great restaurants, gear shops, bakeries, and everything you need before or after exploring the park. 

It’s about two hours from the entrance, so it’s not ideal for full days of touring inside the park in my opinion, but it’s perfect for travelers using the bus system, arriving late from the airport, or looking for a comfortable home base at a more affordable price point. If you’re planning to visit Torres del Paine only on guided day tours, Puerto Natales can be a good option. If you intend to rent a car, I’d stay closer to the park so you don’t end up driving 4 hours round trip each day.

This area is best for bus travelers, budget-minded visitors, those flying in or out, and anyone wanting good food and a relaxed town atmosphere before heading into the wild. There are so many hotels, hostels, and lodges here, and you really can’t go wrong – just read reviews and try to book places closer to downtown vs. the bus station if you want to be closer to restaurants.

16. Hostal Andes Patagónicos

👉 BEST FOR: Budget travelers.

This is where I stayed after I hiked the O Circuit! Hostal Andes Patagónicos is a simple, comfortable budget stay that’s perfect if you’re traveling by bus or want an easy landing spot before or after heading into the park. The rooms are clean (and it’s not a hostel – I had a private room), and surprisingly large, the staff is friendly, and you’re within walking distance of grocery stores, bakeries, and the waterfront.

I was able to stop by before going to Torres del Paine and store my large suitcase here with my reservation for after the trail, which was really nice of them! The included breakfast was also pretty decent for such an inexpensive hotel.

17. Factoria Puerto Natales

👉 BEST FOR: Travelers wanting a comfortable, affordable boutique stay with great food and easy bus-tour access.

Factoria is one of the best boutique stays in Puerto Natales. It has modern rooms, a great breakfast, and a stylish café/bar. It’s an ideal base if you’re relying on guided day tours, using the bus system, or just prefer the food and comfort of town before heading into the park. 

More Hotel Options in Puerto Natales

Frequently Asked Questions About Staying in Torres del Paine

Best Places To Stay When Visiting Torres del Paine?

Hopefully this cleared up some misconceptions about staying in or near the park and gives you a better idea of what you should expect when traveling to Torres del Paine!

If you’re a budget hiker: stay at Refugio Paine Grande or Central

If you only plan to visit the park on a day tour: stay in Puerto Natales

If you’re renting a car and want to be close to everything: stay at Hosteria Pehoe

If you’re on your honeymoon: splurge on Tierra Patagonia or Hotel Las Torres

If you’re traveling with your family: Look into Konkashken Lodge or Patagonia Camp

Want to talk over your Patagonia trip plans with someone who’s been there? Book a 25 minute call with me and we can discuss where to stay, your trip plan, transportation logistics, and more!

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