Chile mandates guides for Torres del Paine hikers starting Aug. 1

What changes at Torres del Paine

Chile's national park authority is restricting access to the W circuit and the Base Torres trail at Torres del Paine through the late winter season, with the popular trekking route closed entirely during June and July 2026 and reopening Aug. 1 only to hikers accompanied by a certified guide.

The closure stems from winter safety risks, including snow, ice, high winds and rockfall, per notices amplified by the Canadian Embassy in Chile and Chile-focused operators citing CONAF, the agency that runs the park. From August, rangers will check that hikers carry required technical gear, typically trekking poles, microspikes or crampons and layered waterproof clothing.

The guide mandate follows the pattern CONAF used in 2024 and 2025, when guides were required through winter and the requirement was lifted on Sept. 1 for Base Torres, though poles and micro-crampons stayed mandatory.

Who feels the squeeze

The rule hits independent hikers hardest. Self-guided trekkers, budget backpackers, expats living in Chile and digital nomads timing a Patagonia detour in late winter can no longer walk the W or reach the Base Torres viewpoint on their own.

The notices don't exempt Chilean residents. Anyone entering the park to hike either route in August must be with an authorized guide, regardless of nationality or trekking experience.

Refugio and campsite bookings on the W are handled by private concessionaires and are generally suspended during the June-July closure.

Booking, gear and costs

Park entry for the 2025-2026 season runs about $49 for foreign visitors staying more than three days, with lower rates for Chileans. Tickets must be bought through pasesparques.cl or authorized resellers.

Guided W and Base Torres programs are sold by Patagonia agencies and park concessionaires such as Las Torres and Vertice, which bundle guides, transfers and refugio nights. Rates aren't set by the government and vary by operator and group size, but multi-day guided treks in the shoulder season commonly run several hundred dollars per person, well above the cost of a self-guided trip.

Hikers planning August trips should book a certified guide in advance, confirm gear requirements with the operator and recheck CONAF rules close to departure, because winter measures shift with conditions.

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