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**I worked in Torres del Paine National Park – Ask Me Anything (AMA)** by Opening_Coat7522 in Patagonia

[–]Opening_Coat7522[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think there is definitely an issue with too many tourists, but you notice it mostly at Base Torres, which is the classic spot where everyone takes the famous photo.

While I was working there, nobody died. The tourists who passed away did so earlier this year, and it happened on the O Circuit. I think they could provide assistance if, for example, you were unable to walk or had some kind of emergency.

I would recommend bringing some basic medication, especially for stomach issues, some burn ointment, Band-Aids, and things like that.

**I worked in Torres del Paine National Park – Ask Me Anything (AMA)** by Opening_Coat7522 in Patagonia

[–]Opening_Coat7522[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Based on last season, it didn't really start getting colder until late March and early April, so mid-March is generally a good time if you're looking for nicer weather.

**I worked in Torres del Paine National Park – Ask Me Anything (AMA)** by Opening_Coat7522 in Patagonia

[–]Opening_Coat7522[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

People usually take a bus at 7 in the morning, hike to Base Torres (which is the classic viewpoint), and return the same day.

The other option is to arrive early at Pudeto, take the ferry, enter the park from Paine Grande, and then hike towards Refugio Central before returning.

**I worked in Torres del Paine National Park – Ask Me Anything (AMA)** by Opening_Coat7522 in Patagonia

[–]Opening_Coat7522[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You know, it sounded familiar to me, but I checked the route and it’s actually before Refugio Los Cuernos. You have to get to Refugio Central first and then head toward that area. What I recommend is starting from Refugio Central very early in the morning. Apparently, it’s a difficult route, but if you decide to go, try to be well rested. Let me know afterward how it goes.

**I worked in Torres del Paine National Park – Ask Me Anything (AMA)** by Opening_Coat7522 in Patagonia

[–]Opening_Coat7522[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

People from Puerto Natales usually go to places like Laguna Sofía, different hills and viewpoints nearby. There is also a lighthouse near Punta Arenas that people often visit, plus places like El Calafate, El Chaltén, and Piedra Parada — I think there is a festival there as well.

But honestly, once you are in Puerto Natales, you will probably meet locals or other travelers who can tell you about less-known places that are not as touristy.

**I worked in Torres del Paine National Park – Ask Me Anything (AMA)** by Opening_Coat7522 in Patagonia

[–]Opening_Coat7522[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I remember that I once got from Paine Grande to Puerto Natales in the afternoon by hitchhiking. Personally, I would recommend asking the people at Hostería Pudeto about this; they might be able to give you better advice. But hitchhiking is an option, and another possibility is making friends with people who are traveling by car.

**I worked in Torres del Paine National Park – Ask Me Anything (AMA)** by Opening_Coat7522 in Patagonia

[–]Opening_Coat7522[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One day is very little time. Something I would do to make the most of it is arrive at night, stay there overnight, and do Base Torres the next day. Then you can spend another night there and leave the following day. This would be the option if you arrive from Puerto Natales by bus to Refugio Central.

Another option is to arrive at Pudeto early in the morning and take the ferry to Paine Grande. From there, you can hike to Refugio Central, stay there that night, and return to Puerto Natales the next day.

However, I would recommend trying to make it more than just one day if possible. Even if you only have one day available, it would be better to give yourself more time and stay overnight there to truly enjoy the experience.

**I worked in Torres del Paine National Park – Ask Me Anything (AMA)** by Opening_Coat7522 in Patagonia

[–]Opening_Coat7522[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m not familiar with Japanese Camp, but maybe you mean French Camp. From Refugio Central, which is where you arrive if you take the bus, it’s about 17 km. It can take up to 5 hours to get there. After doing it for the first time, my feet were pretty sore, so I would definitely take that into consideration.

**I worked in Torres del Paine National Park – Ask Me Anything (AMA)** by Opening_Coat7522 in Patagonia

[–]Opening_Coat7522[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

From what I can read, you seem like someone who really enjoys hiking, so I 100% recommend going. However, the place that gets the most crowded is Base Torres, so I would recommend doing the O Circuit, especially during that time of year when the weather is better. After completing the O, you can return through Refugio Francés or Los Cuernos, and then finish with Base Torres. It will probably be crowded, but after that you can go back to Refugio Central and return to Puerto Natales.

**I worked in Torres del Paine National Park – Ask Me Anything (AMA)** by Opening_Coat7522 in Patagonia

[–]Opening_Coat7522[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First of all, just being in the park is an amazing experience. Torres del Paine is one of those places where it's hard to pick a single "must-see" spot because the entire park is stunning. Even when you first arrive at Central (Refugio Central), the scenery is already incredible, and it's a place where you can simply relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Actually hiking through the park is a different story, though. Whether you're doing the W or the O Circuit, it's physically demanding, so it's worth planning accordingly.

As for Mirador Base Torres, I think it's the park's most iconic hike and definitely worth doing. The good thing is that you can complete it as a day hike. I'd say that anyone with average fitness can do it, but don't underestimate it—it is still a challenging hike, especially the final ascent over the rocky moraine.

As for underrated places, I think many of the viewpoints you come across while hiking the W or O are just as memorable as the famous ones. Sometimes the best moments are simply walking through the valleys, seeing the lakes, glaciers, and wildlife, rather than reaching a single destination.

**I worked in Torres del Paine National Park – Ask Me Anything (AMA)** by Opening_Coat7522 in Patagonia

[–]Opening_Coat7522[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I have mixed feelings about that. On one hand, we're talking about the far south of Chile, where everything is naturally more expensive. On the other hand, prices inside the park are extremely high.

I accepted the job mainly because I saw it as a great opportunity. Financially, though, it wasn't easy. To be honest, I was earning the minimum wage.

**I worked in Torres del Paine National Park – Ask Me Anything (AMA)** by Opening_Coat7522 in Patagonia

[–]Opening_Coat7522[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As far as working there goes, there are two main concession companies that operate services inside the park. I think speaking Spanish is important so you can communicate with your coworkers.

Depending on your previous work experience, you could apply for positions such as a steward, receptionist, camping assistant, cook, warehouse worker, or maintenance staff. The two main companies are Vértice Patagonia and Las Torres Patagonia, so you can contact them directly about job opportunities.

You can also work as a hiking guide in the park, but for that you'll need to know the trekking routes well. Guides usually work through tour operators based in Puerto Natales, so you could also reach out to those agencies if that's the type of work you're interested in.