Where to Stay in Torres del Paine: Puerto Natales vs Inside Park Hotels

For most, visiting Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! But one of the first and most important decisions you will have to face is whether to base yourself in the gateway town of Puerto Natales or at the lodges/hotels inside Torres del Paine to best explore the national park. Each option comes with its own pros and cons, and your choice will significantly shape how you experience the park. 

Before our trip, we spent hours researching and comparing the two, digging into the logistics, travel times, and every hotel option inside the park, before ultimately making our decision. Now that we have returned from our two week journey through Patagonia, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you decide where to stay when visiting Torres del Paine. Based on our research and firsthand experience, we’ve also rounded up some of the best accommodation options both inside and outside the park—plus the key advantages of each.

Should you base yourself in Puerto Natales or inside Torres del Paine?

Short on time? Here’s our quick take on where to base yourself when visiting Torres del Paine: 

If you choose to base yourself in Puerto Natales, the main downside is the daily 2-hour drive (each way) to reach the park entrance. However, the advantage is that Puerto Natales is far more affordable, has tons of incredible seafood restaurant options, grocery stores, as well as a multitude of historical and cultural experiences to enjoy in town.

On the other hand, staying at a hotel inside Torres del Paine has the obvious advantage of being surrounded 24/7 by the jaw-dropping landscapes that make this park world renown. Lodges like Rio Serrano Hotel & Spa or Tierra Patagonia offer front-row views of the park’s dramatic peaks and shimmering lagoons—right from your room or the restaurant terrace.

Plus, you’ll be just a short drive from some of the park’s most iconic hikes, like the legendary Base de las Torres trek. Of course, this convenience and scenery comes at a price—literally. Hotels inside the park offer a luxurious and immersive experience, but expect to pay a premium for those once-in-a-lifetime views.

Staying at Hotels within Torres del Paine National Park

Key differentiators of the Best hotels inside Torres del Paine:

• Hotel Lago Grey: Ideal location to start exploring Grey glacier, through boat navigation, kayaking, or ice trekking
• EcoCamp Patagonia: Sustainable geodesic domes + most eco-friendly option
• Las Torres Patagonia: Largest room selection + closest to Base Torres trailhead + most central locatio
• Rio Serrano Hotel & Spa: Only full-service spa + riverside location
• Tierra Patagonia: Most architecturally integrated design + Lake Sarmiento secluded section of Patagonia
• Kau Serrano: Intimate boutique experience + authentic cultural focus.
• Pampa Lodge: Working estancia setting + horseback/gaucho experiences. One of the more affordable hotels in Torres del Paine
• Hosteria Pehoe: Only island-accommodation, located on it’s own 5-hectare private island on Lake Pehoe, also the most affordable hotel option in Torres del Paine.

Hotel Lago Grey

Sitting on the southern end of the Lago Grey and looking out to the Grey Glacier, the Hotel Lago Grey is, arguably one of the best property in the Park to explore the stunning Grey Glacier.

Hotel Lago Grey also offers an All Inclusive option which includes all transport, meals, open bar, and an impressive list of excursions with an English speaking guide. The hotel is located approximately 20km inside the park’s main entrance at Accesso Serrano, and perfectly located beside the dock to embark on the Grey Glacier navigations or even ice trekking.

This Hotel is best suited for those travelers who want to stay within the park and have the most direct access to the boat navigations, kayaking excursions, and ice trekking to the Grey Glacier.

Hotel Lago Grey combines luxury accommodation with glacier-focused adventures. If you’d love to stay at this beautiful hotel but don’t need the pricier all-inclusive package, good news—they also offer standard room bookings without the extras!

Eco Camp Patagonia

Rather than the more standard tents, this eco-friendly camp comprises around 30 geodesic “domes,” furnished with beautiful handwoven textiles and artisan furniture made from renewable woods, making it one of the most eco-conscious and architecturally unique accommodation in the park. 

EcoCamp Patagonia, with its prime location in Torres Del Paine, offers luxury glamping in geodesic tents and provides the option of all-inclusive packages ranging from the domes + meals all the way to a full 11-day Chile and Patagonia Wonders package.

If you’re choosing to stay in one of their domes without the all-inclusive package, you’ll still have access to a variety of experiences — from yoga and wellness sessions, daily excursions, to community events and a wide range of tour activities.

Located right next to Las Torres Patagonia and near the base of Base de Torre hike, EcoCamp offers easy access to major hiking trails. This accommodation is perfect for eco-conscious travelers and allows for the ultimate nature immersion experience among these beautiful geodesic domes with a minimalistic footprint. 

Eco Camp Patagonia
Feature: Stay in beautiful Geodesic domes furnished with handwoven textiles and artisan furniture. Eco-conscious, minimal footprint, ultimate nature immersion.
Distance to entrance gate: 8km within the Eastern Amarga Entrance gate, near the base of Base de Torre Trailhead
💰 Price: Click Here for the Latest Prices at EcoCamp Patagonia

Las Torres Patagonia Hotel

All 74 of the rooms at Las Torres Patagonia Hotel provide the most direct and breathtaking views of the Torre mountain range. The hotel’s location directly at the base of the famous Torres provides unparalleled access to the iconic Base Torres hike, with the trailhead literally at your doorstep.

Las Torres Patagonia is ideal for serious hikers who want to tackle the Base Torres trail early in the morning and luxury travelers who prioritize having the park’s most famous landmark as their backyard view.

Out of all the lodges inside Torres del Paine, Las Torres Patagonia Hotel has the best location, right in the middle of all the best hikes and viewpoints. They offer an all-inclusive option covering transportation, full board meals, open bar, Wi-Fi, tickets to the park, and all tours! Alternatively, you can book just the accommodation and have the flexibility of planning your meals and activities. 

Las Torres Patagonia Hotel
Feature: Best location of all the lodges, luxurious hotel with spa and option of all-inclusive program, right at trailhead of Base de Torre
Distance to entrance gate: 7km within the park gates, best location right at the bottom of Las Torres
💰 Price: Click Here for the Latest Prices at Las Torres Patagonia

Rio Serrano Hotel & Spa

Rio Serrano Hotel & Spa distinguishes itself as the only accommodation in the area with a full-service spa facility, offering guests the chance to unwind with professional treatments after demanding hikes. Their spa includes a large pool with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Patagonian landscape, a sauna, gym, and massage rooms.

Its riverside location along the Serrano River provides a different scenic perspective compared to the mountain-focused views of other hotels, with opportunities for river-based activities and wildlife viewing.

Located approximately 4km from the park entrance, the hotel offers a good balance of accessibility and tranquility. This property is best suited for travelers who want to combine adventure with wellness and relaxation, particularly those who appreciate spa services and prefer a riverside mountain setting.

Rio Serrano Hotel & Spa
Features: Full service spa for the ultimate in luxury and relaxation.
Distance to entrance gate: 4km from the park entrance
💰 Price: Click Here for the Latest Prices at Rio Serrano Hotel & Spa

Tierra Patagonia

Tierra Patagonia stands as a luxury refuge in one of the wildest places on Earth. The hotel harmonizes seamlessly with its surroundings, overlooking Lake Sarmiento – its design adorned with local lenga wood, making it the most architecturally integrated luxury property in the region. In fact, it was designed by renowned Chilean architect Cazú Zegers and was created to become one with the surrounding landscape, removing the boundaries between person and place.

The hotel’s unique location on the shores of Lake Sarmiento offers incredible views of a more secluded part of Patagonia, meanwhile offering a spa and pool for ultimate relaxation.

Of all the hotels in Torres del Paine, this is one of the rare luxury retreats tucked away on the tranquil eastern side of the park.

Positioned about 23km from the Eastern park entrance (Serrano), Tierra Patagonia provides excellent access while maintaining a secluded feel. This hotel is ideal for luxury travelers who value elegant design but also want to be immersed in nature and escape the crowds in a more secluded part of Patagonia.

Tierra Patagonia
Features: A masterpiece of architecture, this hotel is designed to blend seamlessly with its remote natural surroundings, offering a true sense of immersion in Torres del Paine.
Distance to entrance gate: 23km from the Eastern Entrance Gate (Amarga)
💰 Price: Click Here for the Latest Prices at Tierra Patagonia (Pro tip: Expedia’s got a better deal than Booking.com for this one—save the $$ and book smart!)

Kau Serrano

Kau Serrano stands out as one of the more intimate boutique properties in the area, offering personalized service with a smaller guest capacity that ensures a more exclusive experience. The lodge’s focus on authentic Patagonian culture and locally-sourced cuisine provides guests with a genuine taste of regional traditions that larger hotels cannot match.

Kau Serrano is also amongst one of the mid-range hotels within Torres del Paine.

Located approximately 4km from the park entrance, it offers convenient access while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. In fact, it is located in the same area as Rio Serrano Hotel & Spa.

This accommodation is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience with personalized service and those who prefer smaller, more intimate lodging over large resort-style properties.

Kau Serrano
Features: Smaller, more intimate hotel with locally-sources cuisine. Also one of the Mid-ranged hotels in Torres del Paine.
Distance to entrance gate: 4km from the park entrance on the Western side of the park (located near Rio Serrano Hotel & Spa)
💰 Price: Click here for the Latest Prices at Kau Serrano

Pampa Lodge

Pampa Lodge differentiates itself through its working estancia (ranch) setting, allowing guests to experience traditional Patagonian ranch life alongside exploring Torres del Paine National Park.

The lodge offers unique horseback riding experiences across the Patagonian steppe and provides insight into local gaucho culture that other accommodations cannot offer.

During our stay in Torres del Paine, we got to do a horseback riding Estancia experience with LA Peninsula and it was one of our favourite experiences in Patagonia, so staying at a working Estancia can definitely be a highlight!

Situated about 4km from the park entrance, the lodge provides a perfect base for both park activities and estancia experiences.

This property is best suited for travelers interested in authentic ranch experiences and equestrian activities, particularly those who want to understand the traditional lifestyle of Patagonian gauchos while exploring Torres del Paine.

Pampa Lodge
Features: Pampa lodge is a fully working Estancia, providing a unique gaucho experience. Pampa Lodge is amongst one of the more affordable hotels in Torres del Paine
Distance to the entrance gate: Only 4km from the Eastern Park entrance (nearby Rio Serrano Hotel)
💰 Price: Click Here for the Latest Prices at Pampa Lodge

Hosteria Pehoe

Hosteria Pehoe offers one of the most unique location of any accommodation in Torres del Paine, situated on its own private 5-hectare island in Lake Pehoe and is only accessible by a narrow pedestrian footbridge from the mainland parking area.

Originally built as a fisherman’s lodge, this property provides guests with an exclusive island retreat experience. On top of that, Hosteria Pehoe is the most budget-friendly hotel option in Torres del Paine.

The hosteria offers direct views of the famous Horns of Paine and its central location approximately 16km within the Eastern park entrance makes it an ideal base for exploring multiple areas of the park.

This accommodation is perfect for travelers seeking a truly unique and secluded experience who don’t mind basic amenities in exchange for an unparalleled island setting. It is also perfectly located close-by to the Mirador Condor hike and also one of our favourite sunset viewpoints, which are amongst our Favourite easy-moderate day hikes in Torres del Paine. 

Hosteria Pehoe
Features: Most affordable hotel option in Torres del Paine, basic amenities but incredible views from it’s secluded island location
Distance to the entrance gate: 16km within the Eastern Park Entrance
💰 Price: Click Here for the Latest Prices at Hosteria Pehoe

Staying at Hotels in Puerto Natales

• Pros: A lot more budget options, Restaurant variety, local culture, flexibility
• Cons: 2-hour drive each way, early morning starts, need to drive back after dark, not amongst the best Patagonian landscape
• Best for: Day trippers, budget travelers, those who don’t mind doing a long drive each day

Best Hotels in Puerto Natales

• Vinnhaus (Luxury)
• Hotel Vendaval (Mid-Range)
• Hostel Factoria (Budget)

Vinnhaus (Luxury) – in Puerto Natales

Vinnhaus stands out as a fully-renovated historical house in Puerto Natales’ city center, offering boutique accommodations in a vintage atmosphere with an incredibly elegant style of furniture.

The hotel features a beautiful garden with native plum trees where guests can sample fresh fruit, and its intimate size of only 8 rooms ensures personalized service that larger hotels cannot match.

Staying at Vinnhaus will feel like stepping into the Great Gatsby, with an incredible bar where you can sip on the highly praised cocktails. Vinnhaus is also ideally located right in the centre of Puerto Natales, only steps away from Plaza de Armas.

Vinnhaus (Luxury)
Features: Great Gatsby-style vintage historical hotel with elegant furniture.
💰 Price: Click Here for the Latest Prices at Vinnhaus (even though it is the Luxury option in Puerto Natales, the average price is only 100$/night)

Hotel Vendaval (mid-range) – In Puerto Natales

Hotel Vendaval features 23 tranquil, light-filled rooms situated within a converted antique brick building typical of Patagonian architecture, located in the principal gastronomic neighbourhood of Puerto Natales.

The hotel’s unique design has a more industrial feel, while its rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the waterfront.

This property is ideal for travelers seeking modern comfort with character in a prime downtown location. It is right in the centre of Puerto Natales and only steps away from our favourite restaurants like Santolla! 

Hotel Vendaval (Mid-range)
Features: More industrial-style modern hotel with rooftop terrace. Mid-range hotel in Puerto Natales
💰 Price: Click Here for the Latest Prices at Hotel Vendaval

Hostel Factoria (Budget) – In Puerto Natales

Hostel Factoria Patagonia elevates the typical backpacker experience with boutique-style accommodations featuring sleek interiors that exudes style and care. Unlike traditional hostels that only have dorm rooms, Factoria offers private rooms and family suites in addition to refined common areas with modern design elements and maintains hotel-level cleanliness standards throughout the property.

The hostel provides both continental and buffet breakfast options, 24-hour front desk service, and a restaurant on-site, amenities typically found in more expensive accommodations.

Hostel Factoria has free WiFi and a terrace, and this property is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who don’t want to compromise on style and comfort. With regards to cost and value, we feel Hostel Factoria provides one of the best accommodation options in Puerto Natales! Plus, they are also located just 1 block away from the waterfront! 

Hostel Factoria (Budget)
Features: Most budget-friendly, yet maintains boutique hotel-style amenities and rooms!
💰 Price: Click Here for the Latest Prices at Hostel Factoria 

Cost Comparison: Staying in Puerto Natales Vs. inside Torres del Paine

One of the most important and distinguishing factors between staying inside Torres del Paine Vs. in the gateway town of Puerto Natales is the cost. The cost is reflected through the accommodation, transportation cost, and food cost.

Cost of Hotels

For example, the average price per night of staying at a hotel inside Torres del Paine is between 300-700$/night. In contrast, even the most luxurious option in Puerto Natales, Vinnhaus, costs only 100$ per night. As previously mentioned, the trade-off is that you are located within a not-so-aesthetically pleasing town of Puerto Natales, far from the highlight landscapes of Torres del Paine. 

Cost of Transportation

Whether you stay in Puerto Natales or in Torres del Paine, we recommend renting a car. This will give you the full freedom to explore the park independently and not need to rely on the tours. So in this case, the cost of transportation is comparable. Also, if you compare the cost of staying in Puerto Natales which requires a car rental, to the cost of not renting a car and relying on group tours while staying inside Torres del Paine, I believe the costs would also be comparable.

Cost of Food

Secondly, the food options in Puerto Natales are both affordable and incredibly delicious. For example, at our favourite restaurant Santolla and Cangrejo Rojo, a Risotto king crab dish costs around 22,000 CLP. In comparison, many hotels inside Torres del Paine—particularly those that aren’t all-inclusive or high-end—tend to have more limited dining options.

For instance, a simple dish like rainbow trout often costs the same or more. Some travelers who stayed at budget-friendly hotels like Hostería Pehoe have mentioned paying nearly $50 USD per person for a rather basic three-course meal.

This post is part of our series about Patagonia. If you want to learn more about Patagonia on both the Chilean and Argentina side, planning your trip, and some of the best experiences there, check out the guides below:

1 Week in Argentina Patagonia: Ultimate Los Glaciares Travel Guide

How to Visit Torres del Paine in Patagonia, Chile (Beginner’s Guide)

Chile Patagonia vs Argentina Patagonia: Which is Right for You

8 Best Day Hikes in Torres del Paine, Chile (Easy to Moderate Trails)

29 Essential Patagonia Travel Tips (From Real Experience)

Practical Considerations of your base for exploring Torres del Paine

The second most important factor to consider when choosing your base for exploring Torres del Paine is the traveling logistics. The three significant differences between basing yourself inside the park Vs. in Puerto Natales is the daily driving time, tour and activity availability, and restaurant choices. 

Driving Time

First, if you base yourself in Puerto Natales, you will need to drive 2 hours each-way to reach the main highlights of Torres del Paine. We personally did this and didn’t mind the commute at all—the drive is incredibly scenic and offers stunning views the entire way. With that said, I enjoy driving and felt comfortable navigating even after dark, which may not be the case for everyone.

Reliance on Tours

Secondly, if you stay within the park, your experience will largely depend on the tours and activities provided by your hotel—unless you rent your own car, which gives you the flexibility to explore independently at your own pace.

Restaurant Options

Finally, dining options within the park are quite limited, and you’ll most likely be eating most of your meals at your hotel. While some hotels inside the park boast outstanding cuisine with refined, locally-inspired menus, others may offer simpler fare with fewer choices. It’s a good idea to research dining reviews ahead of time if food is an important part of your travel experience.

The Verdict: Who Should Stay Where

Stay inside Torres del Paine if: Budget >$400/night, want luxury, photography focused, want the ultimate immersion experience in Patagonia and be surrounded 2/47 by the breathtaking landscapes.

Stay in Puerto Natales if: Budget conscious, want local culture and flexible restaurant options, do not mind the long 2 hour each-way drive to reach Torres del Paine, okay to miss out on the incredible Patagonian views from your hotel

What we did to explore Torres del Paine

Given that we are more budget to mid-range travelers, and that we are currently doing an entire trip through Latin America, we opted to stay in the more budget-friendly Puerto Natales and embraced the minimum 4 hour drive each day.

While the commute was definitely a commitment, we were ultimately really happy with our decision. Not only did we save significantly on accommodation costs, but we also got to enjoy some incredible (and affordable!) seafood meals in town.

Of course, every traveler has different priorities when it comes to comfort, convenience, and cost—so while we’ve put together an objective comparison of the two options, we also wanted to share our own experience to help you decide what’s right for you.

🔥 Related – If you’ll also be heading over to explore the Argentina side of Patagonia, make sure to check out our Complete Guide to visiting Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park.

FAQ

Is the drive from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine difficult?

The 2-hour each-way drive from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine is not difficult but can be long.

The eastern route leading to the Serrano Gate is more challenging since the route is more winding and mostly made up of loose gravel roads with the occasional pothole.

On the other hand, the Western route to Torres del Paine’s Amarga gate is very smooth highway roads, and far easier to drive, especially at night.

So in the end, we would say that the drive is not difficult, but requires some patience. 

💡 For other essential tips traveling through Patagonia, check out our guide of 29 Essential Patagonia Tavel Tips, things we wish we knew before visiting Patagonia!

Do you need a car rental if you are staying at a hotel inside Torres del Paine?

This depends on the package you have with the hotel. Many hotels within Torres del Paine have all-inclusive packages where they include all transportation, daily activities and excursions, and all meals. In that case, a rental car is not needed.

If you choose to book just the accommodation without an all-inclusive package, we highly recommend having a rental car. One of our favorite experiences in Torres del Paine was driving the scenic route and discovering some of the park’s most breathtaking viewpoints.

Having our own car gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace and linger at spots we loved—without the pressure of a group schedule.

Can you see everything in Torres del Paine on day trips?

Yes you can! There are loads of tour options which will bring you to some of the best scenic drives, viewpoint hikes, or even to conquer the challenging Base de Torre hike. 

What’s the cheapest way to visit Torres del Paine?

The cheapest way to visit Torres del Paine would be to base yourself in Puerto Natales, and have your own rental car to explore the park independently. In this way, you don’t have to rely on group tours which tend to be on the pricier end in Patagonia. 

Using WISE card in Chile and Argentina

When taking cash out of an ATM while abroad, you will most likely be charged both a foreign exchange fee and a foreign transaction fee by that country’s ATM. With my Canadian card, this can easily be 3-4$ + 2.75% + a markup on the exchange rate charged by my bank, and then another 3-5$ charged by the foreign ATM.

This can be really costly. For this reason, we recommend using WISE card which has only minimal fees and just about no foreign currency exchange markup. This helps me save at least 5-7$ every time I take out money from an ATM. If you want to see our full review of the card showing exactly how WISE can help you save, check out our WISE Travel card Review post.

Conclusion: Where to Stay in Torres del Paine

Where you choose to base yourself when exploring Torres del Paine will shape not just your itinerary—but your entire experience. From your daily travel time and access to hikes, to your overall budget and dining options, both Puerto Natales and staying inside the park offer very different pros and cons. Ultimately, it comes down to what kind of traveler you are and what matters most to you. We hope this guide has helped clarify your options and made it a little easier to decide where to stay in Torres del Paine for the adventure that’s right for you! Next up, to help your planning, we have written a full guide on how to Visit Torres del Paine, and the best easy to moderate day hikes in Torres del Paine! 

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