Firstly, as we all know, situation relating COVID-19 in any country is always evolving and is subject to change. This information is valid on 1st January 2021 and while we try to keep this post updated it is up to you to make sure that you have the most recent information before booking your trip.
Disclaimer: TorresHike.com and its staff are not located in Chile and thus don't have always the most recent information. If you have any specific question it's best directed to one of the agencies operating the campsites in the park. You can email them at ventas@verticepatagonia.cl or online@fantasticosur.com
Can I book trek with TorresHike.com?
Since both entry points to Torres del Paine national park (Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas) are currently under quarantine we have decided not to accept new bookings at the moment. If you still wish to visit the park (with the limitations described bellow) you can book your trek directly with Vertice and FantasticoSur on their websites.
Is Torres del Paine open?
Currently, the park is open for both foreign and domestic visitors. However, the only trek that is currently doable is the W-trek. Campsites Seron, Dickson and Los Perros are currently closed for reservations which makes O-trek currently not feasible. It is quite possible it won't be open this season at all, it all depends upon the decision of the authorities (CONAF).
This is what Vertice (agency maintaining 4 of the campsites in TdP) has to say:
After the opening of the Park, the W circuit was enabled in the first instance, which corresponds to the Opening Stage 1 according to the Protocol established by CONAF, which indicates that only that route will be available for now. Then in Stage 2 an opening of the O Circuit is expected, which includes Dickson and Perros, however the date is yet to be defined, consequently once the opening is indicated, it will be possible to start with the reserves of that sectors.
Fantastico Sur has closed Seron probably permanently for 2020/21. This is excerpt from their email:
We hope you are well, we are writing to tell you that because we still do not have confirmation of the opening date of the Macizo Paine (O Circuit) trail, from CONAF, the Seron sector cannot yet start its operation, it´s going to be closed for all this season 2020/2021.
How can I get to Torres del Paine National Park?
As a foreigner, to enter Chile you will currently need a negative PCR test which must be carried out up to 72 hours before flight departure. You can then fly to e.g. Punta Arenas. We don't have any information about crossing from Argentina.
As of January 1st 2021 both Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales are in quarantine (Punta Arenas - stage 2, Puerto Natales - stage 1).To get the most recent updates on the stage of quarantine you can go for example here. On the website you can see the list of comunes (Natales, Punta Arenas) with the stage they are currently in (1 - quarantine, 2 - transition period, 3 - preparation, 4 - reopening)
Both cities are normally used by travellers to resuply and lodge before starting their trek. But because of quarantine it won't be probably possible. So if you plan your trip in near future you should be prepared to go to the park straight from the airport with all things prepared.
Quarantine situation can always change for better or worse as it happened before, so always check the most recent information.
Can I buy food at the park?
Fantastico Sur offers meals in their campsites and refugios while Vertice does not. However, there should be minimarkets selling food and other items in the park. This is the response we received from Vertice:
For information, we only have Camping service and equipment rental, we also have a market (minimarket) in each sector where you can get basic food for cooking, drinks, souvenirs and certain items of mountain equipment.
What campsites / refugios are open?
Currently there are only 4 campsites open:
- Grey (campsite only, no restaurant)
- Paine Grande (campsite only, no restaurant)
- Cuernos (refugio, campsite, restaurant)
- Torres Central (refugio, campsite, restaurant)
Frances, Chileno, Seron, Dickson, Los Perros, Paso and Italiano are closed.
I have a booking with a closed campsite in it. What should I do?
If you have booked W-trek with Frances or Chileno, Fantastico Sur will automatically change your booking to the closest open campsite. I.e: Frances to Cuernos and Chileno to Torres Central.
If you booked O-trek, you have the option to change your booking to a W-trek.
You can also cancel and get a refund for your booking. Both campsites have a rule that you can't cancel closer than 31 days before the check-in. Afterwards you can only move your booking for the next season. You can see more about cancellation in our other blog post