Transport and accommodation questions in Torres del Paine

Hi everyone, We’re two women of a certain age heading off to discover Chile for three weeks starting at the end of December. We’re not really hikers, but we’re planning a few days in Torres del Paine (flying from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales), though we’re having trouble getting around the park by transport and finding reasonably priced accommodation... There are a lot of bad reviews about the services on-site and the prices—overtourism! Is it still doable this season? Rent a car from Puerto Natales airport? Or would it be better to focus on another region that’s just as beautiful but less touristy? Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Hi there,

Late December, January, and February are peak tourist season in Chile, and since Torres del Paine National Park is one of the country’s most popular spots, you can imagine the rest...

If you want to explore Patagonia, maybe consider heading further north to the region between Coyhaique and Lake General Carrera. It’s much less touristy, but when it comes to accommodations, since there are fewer options, you’ll need to pay extra attention to that detail.

Chiloé Island, 1,000 kilometers south of Santiago, is charming, though the landscapes aren’t as spectacular as those in Patagonia. The Elqui Valley, north of Santiago, is also really pretty.

Happy planning and have a great trip!

Thierry