Whether you're camping, staying in refugios, or carrying every meal on your back, food is one of the most important parts of your Torres del Paine trek. Not just for comfort, but for safety, energy, and planning.
This guide walks you through all your options: how refugio meals work, what kind of food you can bring, where to shop in Puerto Natales, and what to pack if you're cooking for yourself. It also covers dietary restrictions, water safety, and what to expect day by day on the W or O Trek.
If you're heading to Torres del Paine, planning your meals is just as important as booking your campsites. This article helps you get it right.
Table of contents
Food options in Torres del Paine
- What’s allowed and what’s not
- Where to buy food before the trek
- What you can and can’t bring into Chile
Pre-booked meals in Torres del Paine
- What kind of meals you can expect
- How and when to book
- Dietary options and restrictions
- Meal prices and cancellation rules
What food to pack for the W or O Trek
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options in Torres del Paine
Food options in Torres del Paine
You’ve got a few ways to handle food in the park. Some hikers cook for themselves. Others book meals when they reserve accommodation. And plenty do a bit of both. What’s best depends on how much you want to carry, how flexible you need to be, and what kind of experience you're after.
Cooking your own meals
If you’re on a budget, like to plan ahead, or need to stick to a specific diet, bringing your own food and cooking it along the way can work well. Most campsites have a simple cooking area, usually just a roof and a table. That’s it. You’ll need to bring everything else: stove, fuel, utensils, and, of course, the food. Only gas stoves are allowed. Fires aren’t an option, and there’s no access to electric cooking.
Reserve meals in advance
Most refugios and campsites let you add meals when you book your stay. You can pick just breakfast, a boxed lunch, or dinner, or all three if you want. Half-board and full-board options are usually available too. Sometimes it works out cheaper to get the full package rather than booking meals one by one.
The food is basic. Usually something like rice, soup, pasta, or a stew. It fills you up after a long day, even if it’s not anything fancy. If you don’t want to carry food or spend time cooking, this option makes life easier. Just don’t leave it too late. Meals can sell out, even if camping spots are still available. Also keep in mind that this option may not be ideal for people with strict dietary needs, as special requests are not always guaranteed.
Buy food on the spot
At most sites, you’ll find a restaurant, bar, or small shop. They usually offer pizza, burgers, or empanadas. You’ll also find snacks like chocolate, cookies, or instant noodles. It’s more expensive than buying in town, and the selection isn’t always the same.
This can be helpful if you're hungry or your plans shift. But don’t count on it for every meal. It’s more of a backup than a reliable solution.
Cooking in Torres del Paine
If you plan to cook your own meals during the trek, you’ll need to follow a few important rules. Cooking is allowed in the park, but only in specific areas and only with approved types of stoves.
What’s allowed and what’s not
Cooking is permitted only in designated shelters at official campsites. These areas are usually simple structures with a roof and a few tables. You’ll need to bring your stove, gas, cookware, utensils, and anything else you need for preparing and cleaning up your food.
Only gas canister stoves are allowed. You’re not allowed to use alcohol burners, liquid fuel systems, or stoves that run on wood or plant-based materials. Open fires are completely banned.
You’re also not allowed to cook inside your tent, along the trail, or at viewpoints. Even something as basic as boiling water needs to be done in the designated cooking area.
Where to buy food before the trek
The best place to buy food is Puerto Natales, the closest town to Torres del Paine. Two large supermarkets, Unimarc and Supermercado Don Bosco, carry most basics, including pasta, canned goods, bread, and snacks.
For specialized trekking meals and cooking gas, there are also several outdoor shops. One reliable option is RentalNatales.com, which has a store in town and is open daily. If you’re looking for dried fruit, trail mix, or nuts in bulk, Itahue Frutos Secos is a great place to stop.
Easy to find locally:
- Pasta, rice, lentils, oats
- Canned tuna or beans
- Chocolate, cookies, trail mix
- Tea, coffee
- Tortillas or packaged bread
Better to bring from home:
- High-quality freeze-dried meals
- Specialized trail nutrition (gluten-free, allergy-friendly, high-protein items)
What you can and can’t bring into Chile
Chile has strict rules about what food you can bring into the country. All bags are scanned on arrival, and food must be declared on your customs form. If you’re unsure about something, it’s always better to declare it. Failing to do so can result in fines, even if the item is allowed.
Not allowed:
- Fresh or dried meat
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, butter, or yogurt
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Seeds, grains
Allowed (must be declared):
- Commercially packaged, freeze-dried meals
- Vacuum-sealed snacks
- Protein or energy bars
- Instant oatmeal, powdered soup
Pre-booked meals in Torres del Paine
Most people hiking in Torres del Paine don’t carry all their food. That’s because almost every campsite and refugio offers meal plans. You can reserve breakfast, a lunch box for the trail, dinner, or a full combination. There’s no need to go all in unless you want to. Some hikers just book dinner. Others only reserve lunches and cook in the evenings. It depends on what you prefer and how much you want to carry.
What kind of meals you can expect
Meals are prepared on site and served at scheduled times. Depending on the location, food is either brought to your table or offered as a buffet. In some places, it’s a self-serve setup. In others, staff assist with portions behind the counter.
Here’s what you can usually expect:
- Breakfast: Bread, jam, cereal, eggs, coffee or tea
- Boxed lunch: Sandwich or wrap, piece of fruit, nuts, chocolate bar
- Dinner: Hot dish such as pasta or rice with meat or vegetables, bread, sometimes salad and dessert
There’s no menu to choose from. Everyone gets the same set meal, and it changes day to day based on supplies. The food is simple but filling, which is exactly what most hikers need after a long day on the trail.
How and when to book
The best time to book meals is when you’re making your accommodation reservation. That way, you lock in your spot and don’t have to worry later. While it’s sometimes possible to add meals afterward, availability is limited, especially during peak season. It’s not unusual for meals to sell out even though there’s still space at the campsite.
If you’re booking through TorresHike, you’ll see the meal options for each location as soon as you choose your accommodation type. This makes it easier to plan ahead and avoid missing out.
Dietary options and restrictions
Vegetarian and vegan meals are available at every site that offers meal plans. Gluten-free meals are only provided at Vertice operated locations. Las Torres does not offer gluten-free options. If you follow a strict diet or have a serious allergy, keep in mind that kitchens in the park cannot guarantee that food will be prepared without cross-contamination. In those cases, bringing your food and cooking it yourself is the safest option.
Meal prices and cancellation rules
Prices vary depending on the provider and the type of meal. On average, expect to pay around 30 to 40 dollars for breakfast, 35 to 50 for a lunch box, and about 50 to 70 for dinner. Some full-board packages offer a small discount compared to booking meals individually.
If you cancel your meals early enough, you’ll get a full refund. The deadline depends on the provider. For Las Torres, it's 90 days before your first night. For Vertice, the cutoff is 60 days.
You can find all the details in our Torres del Paine cancellation guide. ⬇️
Tomas Kohout
Buying food on site
Not every meal in Torres del Paine needs to be cooked or reserved ahead of time. At many refugios and campsites, you’ll have the chance to grab something to eat. Some places have a small shop, others a bar or even a restaurant.
This option is best used as a backup. It works well if you forget something, run out of snacks, or want a warm meal after a tough day. Many hikers also stop in just for something small to go with whatever they’ve packed. It’s convenient, but it’s not something to count on for every meal. Selection can be limited, and items do sell out.
Where you can buy food in Torres del Paine
Several campsites and refugios inside the park offer food for purchase, either through a small shop, a bar, a restaurant, or a mix of all three.
Here’s what you might find on site:
- Shops – packaged snacks (chocolate, cookies, cereal bars), instant noodles, canned food, drinks, basic groceries, and sometimes cooking fuel or hygiene items like soap or tissues
- Restaurants – simple a la carte meals like pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and quesadillas, typically served in the afternoon
- Bars – beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, and coffee (availability varies by site)
Below, you’ll find an overview of what’s typically available at each location along the W and O Trek.
Paine Grande
- A la carte meals available (pizza, burgers)
- Bar with wine, beer, and other drinks
- Well-stocked mini market with groceries, snacks, beverages, and fuel
Francés
- Small selection of snacks at the check-in kiosk
- Restaurant (located in the refugio area) with more snacks and drinks
- A la carte meals available (pizza, burgers)
Cuernos
- Snacks available at the check-in desk
- Restaurant serving pizza and sandwiches
- Bar with wine, beer, and other drinks
Chileno
- Snacks sold at the check-in counter
- Restaurant with a small a la carte menu (burgers, quesadillas, sandwiches)
- Beer on tap and fresh coffee available
Torres Central
- Snacks available inside the main refugio building
- Restaurant with a la carte menu (pizza, sandwiches)
- Bar with cocktails, wine, and beer on tap
Serón
- Snacks available at the check-in desk
- A la carte menu with pizza and burgers
Dickson
- Restaurant offering burgers and pizza
- Bar with beer and wine
- Well-stocked mini market with snacks and basic supplies
Los Perros
- No hot meals available
- Limited selection of snacks and essentials
- This is the most isolated sector in the park
Grey
- Well-stocked mini market, also sells fuel
- Bar with beer, wine, and cocktails
- Restaurant with burgers and pizza on the menu
What to keep in mind
- Burgers, pizza, and other hot meals can run out by the end of the day, especially during high season. If you’re hoping to order something warm, try to get there earlier.
- Hot meals from the a la carte menu are usually only available before dinner service starts for guests with meal plans. After that, the kitchen switches to serving pre-booked meals.
- Most places accept card payments, and the internet connection is usually stable. Still, it’s a good idea to bring some cash just in case.
- You can sometimes ask for hot water, but it’s not always available.
- A la carte meals are often cheaper than the pre-booked ones, especially if you’re just looking for something small or simple.
What food to pack for the W or O Trek
When you’re packing food for Torres del Paine, keep it simple. You’ll want meals and snacks that are lightweight, easy to carry, and give you enough energy for long hiking days.
Instead of planning full meals for every day, think in blocks. You’ll need something warm or filling for the morning, a mix of snacks for the trail, and an easy dinner if you’re cooking. The goal is to pack smart without overthinking it.
Good options for breakfast
- Instant oats with powdered milk or protein powder
- Muesli or granola
- Crackers with peanut butter
- Instant coffee or tea
Easy snacks and trail lunches
- Nuts, trail mix, or dried fruit
- Energy bars or cereal bars
- Tortillas with nut butter or canned fish
- Crackers, cookies, or something salty like chips
Simple dinner ideas (if you plan to cook)
- Instant noodles or ramen
- Couscous or quick-cook rice with a spice mix
- Dehydrated soup packets or lentils
- Freeze-dried meals
Extras worth packing
- Chocolate or a small sweet treat
- Powdered drink mix or electrolytes
- Instant soup or a warm drink for the evening
Multi-day hiking in Torres del Paine is physically demanding. You’ll be walking for hours with a loaded pack, often on steep or uneven trails. To keep your energy up, it helps to pack food that’s rich in carbohydrates, with a good amount of protein and some fat to keep you full.
It’s also a good idea to bring a few basic supplements. Magnesium can help prevent leg cramps and support muscle recovery, especially after long uphill stretches or full days on your feet. Many hikers also pack electrolyte tablets or powder to add to their water, which helps with hydration and replaces minerals lost through sweat. If you’re prone to fatigue, consider adding a few B vitamins or magnesium–potassium blends designed for endurance activities. They’re lightweight, take up no space, and can make a real difference by day three or four.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options in Torres del Paine
If you follow a specific diet, you can still eat well in Torres del Paine, but it’s important to plan ahead.
Vegetarian and vegan meals are available at all campsites and refugios that offer pre-booked food. If you make your reservation through TorresHike, you can request these options in your online account even after booking. Just be sure to do it early. Meals vary depending on the location, but they are usually simple and filling. Common examples include vegetable stews or pasta.
Gluten-free meals are only available at sites operated by Vertice. Las Torres does not offer this option at all. And even at Vertice, there is still a risk of cross-contamination. If you have celiac disease or a serious allergy, the safest option is to bring your food and cook it yourself.
Water in Torres del Paine: Is it safe to drink?
You won’t need to carry much water in Torres del Paine. Clean sources are easy to find all along the trail. Most hikers drink straight from rivers, streams, or waterfalls without using a filter.
The water is cold, clear, and usually very safe. Just be smart about where you collect it. Avoid spots that are downstream from campsites or close to animals. Go for flowing water and take a few steps off the main trail when possible.
If you’d rather be extra careful, it’s fine to bring a small filter or purification tablets. But for most people, it’s not needed. A simple bottle or bladder that you can refill during the day is enough.
When you’re out on the trail for days at a time, food matters more than you think. A good meal can lift your mood, help you recover, and make the whole experience better. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, eating at a refugio, or combining both, a little planning goes a long way. Choose what fits your route, your pace, and your budget. And keep it simple.
Ready to book your trek with campsites, meals, and everything in one place?