Recommended Routes

5 Nights Camping the Circuit FREE

We do not recommend this awkward itinerary. But it is free. A surprising number of hikers go to painfully long days to avoid the cash sites.

If you are penniless — or have only enough time for 5 nights on the Circuit — this itinerary might be a good challenge. Travel light as you can, though you need carry a tent & all the gear.

These campsites were all free in 2004:

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Night 0 - sleep in Puerto Natales. Disembark at the Park gates. Do not take the shuttle (US$6) to Las Torres, instead hike for free directly from the gates on the trail further from the mountains.

Night 1 - tent at Paine Lake (Campamento Lago Paine or Campamento Coiron on map)
... not on the official hiking map given to you at the Park gates. It is an old campsite, now retired. You can still camp here free but it is not encouraged. To get here means a really LONG hiking day with full pack.

Night 2 - tent at Los Perros (the Dogs)

Night 3 - tent at Paso (the Pass) or Campamento Guardas (both are good)

Night 4 - tent at Campamento Italiano: sidetrip to Frances Valley. Another very long hiking day.

Night 5 - tent at Campamento Torres: sidetrip to Towers Lookout in the afternoon, and/or following morning. Additional sidetrip to Valle del Silencio (Valley of Silence) if time allows.

Night 6 - Hike out to the Park gates, or pay for the US$6 van shuttle, or borrow a voucher from another hiker to save the walk between Las Torres & the park gates. From there, catch your afternoon bus to town. Sleep in Puerto Natales

One obvious variation: If the weather is clear when you arrive at the Park gate, go directly to Campamento Torres (Towers Camp) first to see the Towers of Paine in good weather. Continue to Campamento Seron the second night and follow the route as described above. This gives you two chances to see the Towers in good weather; at the start & at the finish of your Circuit.

colourful flora

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