General questions about Torres del Paine
Are there any restrictions or limitations at the beginning or end of the season?
Yes. Trail access, guide requirements, mandatory equipment, and available services may be limited at the beginning and end of the trekking season.
Early season (September to early November): Refugios and campsites reopen gradually from September or October. Classic hut-to-hut trekking is therefore only possible once all the facilities required for your itinerary are operating. If some locations are still closed, you may need to adjust your route—for example, by staying two nights at one open location and completing part of the trek as a day hike.
The W Trek normally opens in October, while the O Trek usually opens in November. Depending on snow, weather, and trail conditions, CONAF may require a licensed guide for a specific section or for the entire W Trek. Hikers may also be required to carry or use specific equipment, such as microspikes and trekking poles. Trails may be temporarily closed, and the O Trek remains completely closed until it is officially opened for the season.
Late season (March to April): The O Trek normally closes at the end of March and cannot be completed once it is officially closed, even with a guide. The W Trek usually remains open through April, but guide requirements, mandatory equipment, or trail closures may be introduced depending on current conditions.
Refugios and campsites also begin closing during March and April. If some of the facilities required for your itinerary are no longer operating, you may need to adjust your route or stay more than one night at the same location.
Winter (May to early September): Independent hiking is not permitted. Visitors can usually access only selected parts of the W Trek or join specific day trips with a licensed guide. The O Trek is closed. Equipment such as microspikes and trekking poles may also be mandatory.
Restrictions can change at short notice, so always confirm the current conditions with CONAF and directly with the guide or tour operator you are booking with.