Plan your adventure through Torres del Paine with our complete guide to lodges and campgrounds on the W Trek and O Circuit. From remote refugios like Dickson and Los Perros to lakeside favorites such as Grey, Francés, and Chileno, discover where to stay, eat, and recharge while trekking Patagonia’s most iconic routes.

Your guide to staying deep within Chile’s most iconic wilderness

Torres del Paine National Park is home to some of Patagonia’s most breathtaking landscapes — from jagged granite spires and turquoise lakes to immense glaciers and windswept pampas. For trekkers on the Paine Circuit (“O Trek”) or the famous W Trek, the park’s network of refugios (mountain lodges) and campgrounds provides both comfort and community amid the wild.

In this series, we’ll highlight each lodge and campsite you’ll encounter along the route — starting with two of the most remote and memorable: Dickson Refuge & Camping and Camping Los Perros.

Dickson Refuge & Camping

Gateway to the northern sector of the “O” Circuit

Perched on the serene shores of Lake Dickson, this refuge marks the gateway to Torres del Paine’s lesser-traveled northern region. With sweeping views of Dickson Glacier and the surrounding Tridente, Escudo, and Cabeza del Indio peaks, it’s a peaceful and scenic basecamp for trekkers tackling the full circuit.

Overview

• Season: October to April (weather permitting)
• Check-in: 1:00 PM
• Check-out: 9:30 AM
• Access:
  
  • From Serón: 19 km / 6–7 hrs / Medium difficulty
  • From Central Sector: 34 km / 12 hrs / Demanding

Facilities & Amenities

• Bathrooms: Shared (separate male/female), with hot showers available during designated hours.
  
  • Showers: 7:00–9:30 AM / 1:00–10:00 PM
• Camping: Equipped with wind-protected cooking area (quincho), hot showers, and optional pre-set tents with sleeping mats and bags for rent.
• Restaurant: Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with vegetarian options. Pizzas and burgers are also available from 1:00–9:00 PM.
  
  • Breakfast: 7:00–9:00 AM
  • Lunch: 12:00–2:00 PM
  • Dinner: 6:00–9:00 PM (reserve before 3:00 PM)
• Mini Market & Bar: Stocked with trekking essentials, snacks, and beverages. Relax with a cold beer, a glass of wine, or a classic pisco sour.
  
  • Mini Market: 7:00–9:30 AM / 1:00–9:00 PM
  • Bar: 3:00–10:00 PM
• Electricity: Available from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM (220V outlets).
• Wi-Fi/Cell Service: None — this is true off-grid Patagonia.

💡 Tip: The sunsets over Lake Dickson are spectacular. Step outside after dinner for a quiet moment as the glacier turns pink in the fading light.

Camping Los Perros

The final stop before the legendary John Gardner Pass

Tucked deep in the forested heart of Torres del Paine, Camping Los Perros offers an authentic backcountry experience. This is the last campsite before ascending the rugged John Gardner Pass (1,200 m / 3,937 ft), one of the most exhilarating sections of the O Circuit.

Overview

• Season: October to April (weather permitting)
• Check-in: 1:00 PM
• Check-out: 7:00 AM
• Access:
  
  • From Dickson: 12 km / 5 hrs / High difficulty

Facilities & Amenities

• Bathrooms: Shared (separate male/female), with sinks, toilets, and cold-water showers only.
  
  • Showers: 5:00–7:00 AM / 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
• Camping: Simple and functional — includes a wind-protected quincho for cooking. Rental tents, mats, and sleeping bags are available.
• Cooking Area (Quincho): Open 5:00–7:00 AM and 10:00 AM–10:30 PM.
• Mini Market: Basic supplies, snacks, and energy foods available from 1:00–7:30 PM.
• Electricity: Limited charging from 1:00–7:30 PM only (220V).
• Wi-Fi/Cell Service: None — enjoy the digital detox and reconnect with nature.

💡 Tip: Los Perros can get chilly and damp due to its forested setting. Keep your gear dry in waterproof bags and pack extra layers for the night.

Experience the Remote Beauty of Patagonia

Both Dickson and Los Perros exemplify what makes trekking in Torres del Paine so special — raw nature, remote wilderness, and simple comforts that feel like luxuries after a long day on the trail. Whether you’re unwinding by the lake at Dickson or resting beneath lenga trees at Los Perros, these refuges offer more than just a bed or tent site — they’re a reminder of how wild and untamed Patagonia truly is.

Grey Refuge & Camping

Glacier views, adventure access, and cozy comfort after the John Gardner Pass

Nestled just minutes from the dramatic terminus of Grey Glacier, this refuge is a highlight of any Torres del Paine itinerary. Whether you’ve just descended from the challenging John Gardner Pass on the O Circuit or arrived via the scenic Lago Pehoé catamaran on the W Trek, Refugio Grey offers the perfect balance of comfort, atmosphere, and adventure.

Overview

• Season: Open year-round
• Check-in: 1:00 PM onward
• Check-out: 9:30 AM
• Access:
  
  • From Paine Grande: 11 km / ~4.5 hrs / Moderate
  • From Los Perros (via John Gardner Pass): 18 km / ~10–12 hrs / High difficulty
  • Via Lago Grey Navigation: 45–90 minutes (one-way boat ride)

Facilities & Amenities

• Bathrooms: Shared (separate male/female), hot showers available 7:00–9:00 AM / 2:00–10:00 PM
• Camping: Equipped with bathrooms, food service, and a wind-protected cooking area (quincho). Pre-set tents with sleeping bags and mats available for rent.
• Restaurant: Buffet-style meals designed for trekkers — hearty proteins, sides, salads, and desserts. Breakfast is an American-style buffet. Box lunches can be ordered in advance for trail days. Pizzas and burgers served from 12:00–9:00 PM.
  
  • Breakfast: 7:00–9:00 AM
  • Lunch: 12:00–2:00 PM
  • Dinner: 6:00–9:00 PM (reserve before 3:00 PM)
• Bar: Open 6:30 AM–10:00 PM offering beer, Chilean wine, and signature cocktails.
• Living Room: Relax in comfortable chairs with mountain views, magazines, and documentaries playing on TV — a welcome luxury after days on the trail.
• Terrace: Take in panoramic views of Cordón Olguín and watch condors soar overhead.
• Mini Market: Basic groceries, snacks, souvenirs, and gear available 7:00–11:00 AM / 1:00–9:00 PM.
• Electricity: Available 6:00 AM–12:00 AM (220 V).
• Luggage Storage: Free for guests 6:30 AM–11:00 PM.
• Wi-Fi: Available for a fee at Reception (no cell signal in the park).

💡 Tip: Stay an extra night if you can — this is the base for kayaking and ice-hiking on Grey Glacier, as well as the spectacular suspension bridge viewpoints over the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Paine Grande Refuge & Camping

The lakeside hub connecting the French Valley and Grey Glacier trails

Located on the sparkling shores of Lake Pehoé, Refugio Paine Grande is the largest and busiest lodge in Torres del Paine — a strategic stop for both W and O trekkers. It offers incredible views of the Cuernos del Paine and Paine Grande Massif, making it one of the most photogenic places to spend the night.

Overview

• Check-in: 1:00 PM
• Check-out: 9:30 AM
• Access:
  
  • Via Catamaran from Pudeto to Lago Pehoé: ~30 min boat ride
  • From Italian Camp (French Valley): 7.6 km / ~2.5 hrs / Easy
  • From Grey: 11 km / ~4.5 hrs / Moderate
  • From Park Administration (“Las Carretas” Trail): 17 km / ~5 hrs / Medium — main winter access route

Facilities & Amenities

• Bathrooms: Shared (separate male/female) with hot showers (12:00–10:00 PM).
• Camping: Includes wind-sheltered cooking area and hot-water showers. Tents, sleeping bags, and mats available for rent (pre-book recommended).
• Restaurant: Buffet meals tailored for hungry hikers — hearty proteins, salads, and desserts. Box lunches available on request. Coffee, sandwiches, and pizzas served throughout the day.
  
  • Breakfast: 6:30–9:00 AM
  • Lunch: 12:00–2:00 PM
  • Dinner: 6:30–9:00 PM (reserve before 3:00 PM)
  • Pizza & Burger Kitchen: 2:00–5:00 PM / 6:00–8:00 PM
• Bar: Upstairs lounge with panoramic views of Lake Pehoé and the Cuernos — open 3:00–10:00 PM.
• Common Rooms: Cozy lounges with wood heaters for overnight guests.
• Mini Market & Coffee Store: Groceries, snacks, souvenirs, and coffee drinks available 7:00 AM–10:00 PM. The adjacent terrace offers epic views of the massif.
• Cooking Area (Quincho): Open 6:30 AM–10:00 PM for self-caterers.
• Electricity: Available 6:00 AM–12:00 AM (220 V).
• Luggage Storage: Free for refuge guests / 4,000 CLP for campers (6:30 AM–10:00 PM).
• Wi-Fi: Available for purchase via PayPal at Reception (no cell service in the park).

💡 Tip: Paine Grande is the perfect base to explore the French Valley, a must-see section of the W Trek with spectacular glacier-carved walls and ever-changing views of the Cuernos.

The Heart of the W Trek

Together, Grey and Paine Grande form the central hub of the W Trek — the section most travelers remember as the essence of Torres del Paine. After days of hiking through wild valleys and over wind-whipped passes, these refuges offer the comfort of a hot meal, a cold beer, and a soft place to rest before continuing toward the French Valley or Central Sector.

As the W Trek winds east from Lake Pehoé toward the base of the iconic Torres, two of the most scenic and atmospheric refuges in the park await: Francés Domes & Camping, tucked in the forest near the French Valley, and Cuernos Refuge & Camping, perched beneath the dramatic granite peaks of the Cuernos del Paine.

Both are ideal overnights between Paine Grande and Central/Chileno, offering cozy refuges, hearty meals, and panoramic mountain views that define the Torres del Paine experience.

Francés Domes & Camping

Immersed in the forest at the gateway to the French Valley

Located along the eastern edge of Lake Nordenskjöld, Francés is perfectly positioned between Paine Grande and Cuernos. This beautifully designed site features unique geodesic domes, a cozy restaurant, and peaceful forest surroundings. It’s also one of the best jumping-off points for the French Valley hike — one of the park’s most stunning day treks.

Overview

• Season: October to April (weather permitting)
• Check-in: From 1:00 PM
• Check-out: 9:30 AM
• Access:
  
  • From Paine Grande: 7.5 km / ~2.5 hrs / Moderate
  • From Cuernos: 4.5 km / ~2 hrs / Easy

Facilities & Amenities

• Accommodation: Choose from stylish domes (shared or private) or designated camping areas with pre-set tents, mats, and sleeping bags available for rent.
• Bathrooms: Shared (separate male/female) with hot showers and toilets.
• Restaurant: Serves buffet-style meals designed for trekkers — hearty breakfasts, packed lunches, and full dinners with salad, protein, and dessert. Pizzas and drinks are also available.
  
  • Breakfast: 6:30–9:00 AM
  • Lunch: 12:00–2:00 PM
  • Dinner: 6:30–9:00 PM (reserve before 3:00 PM)
• Bar: Enjoy Chilean wine, local beer, or a pisco sour at the small bar inside the restaurant.
• Cooking Area (Quincho): Designated, wind-sheltered area for self-caterers; cooking inside tents or outdoors is not allowed.
• Mini Market: Basic groceries, snacks, and souvenirs available.
• Electricity: 220V outlets available in common areas during generator hours (typically 6:00 AM–12:00 AM).
• Wi-Fi: No internet service (digital detox zone).

💡 Tip: Wake early and hike light to French Valley Viewpoint (Mirador Británico) before continuing to Cuernos — it’s one of the most rewarding days on the W Trek.

Cuernos Refuge & Camping

The most iconic overnight on the W Trek — where the mountains meet the lake

Arguably the most photogenic stop along the W Trek, Refugio Cuernos sits beneath the towering spires of the Cuernos del Paine, right on the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld. Known for its charming wood cabins, tranquil ambiance, and postcard-perfect views, it’s a favorite among trekkers looking for a blend of wilderness and warmth.

Overview

• Season: October to April (weather permitting)
• Check-in: From 1:00 PM
• Check-out: 9:30 AM
• Access:
  
  • From Francés: 4.5 km / ~2 hrs / Easy
  • From Central Sector: 13 km / ~5 hrs / Moderate

Facilities & Amenities

• Accommodation: Private cabins (with shared bathrooms), refugio dorms, and camping areas (tents, mats, and sleeping bags available for rent).
• Bathrooms: Shared (male/female), with hot showers and flush toilets.
• Restaurant: Warm and welcoming lodge-style restaurant with buffet service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A bar and café area serve drinks, sandwiches, and fresh pizza.
  
  • Breakfast: 7:00–9:00 AM
  • Lunch: 12:00–2:00 PM
  • Dinner: 6:30–9:00 PM (reserve before 3:00 PM)
• Bar: Enjoy mountain views with a glass of Chilean wine or a local craft beer from the lodge’s small but lively bar.
• Cooking Area (Quincho): Available for campers who prefer to prepare their own meals.
• Mini Market: Stocked with snacks, drinks, and basic cooking supplies.
• Electricity: Available 6:00 AM–12:00 AM (220V outlets).
• Wi-Fi: None — this is one of the best places to unplug and savor the wilderness.

💡 Tip: Spend time on the lakeshore at sunset — the light on the Cuernos del Paine peaks creates one of the most magical scenes in Patagonia.

Where Adventure Meets Comfort

Francés and Cuernos mark the transition from the rugged west side of Torres del Paine to the iconic eastern valleys that lead toward the famous Base of the Towers. Together, they offer a perfect mix of comfort, community, and classic Patagonian scenery, rounding out the heart of the W Trek experience.

Central Refuge & Camping

The starting point for the Base of the Towers and a hub for W Trek hikers

Located near the Las Torres Welcome Center and just a short walk from the trailhead to Base Torres, Refugio Central is one of the park’s most accessible and well-equipped refuges. It’s often the first or last night’s stay for trekkers on both the W and O Circuits and offers panoramic views of the surrounding pampas and Paine Massif.

Overview

• Season: Open year-round
• Check-in: 1:00 PM
• Check-out: 9:30 AM
• Access:
  
  • From Puerto Natales: ~2 hours by bus to Laguna Amarga, followed by a short shuttle to Central Sector
  • From Chileno: 5 km / ~2.5–3 hrs uphill hike (moderate difficulty)

Facilities & Amenities

• Accommodation: Mixed dormitories, private rooms, and a large camping area with pre-set tents, mats, and sleeping bags available for rent.
• Bathrooms: Shared (separate male/female), with hot showers and flush toilets.
• Restaurant: Buffet-style dining with hearty meals designed for trekkers. Vegetarian options available daily.
  
  • Breakfast: 6:30–9:00 AM
  • Lunch: 12:00–2:00 PM
  • Dinner: 6:30–9:00 PM (reserve before 3:00 PM)
• Bar & Lounge: Relax with a glass of Chilean wine or a cold beer while watching the evening light hit the Paine towers.
• Cooking Area (Quincho): Covered, wind-protected area for campers who wish to cook their own meals.
• Mini Market: Stocked with snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and basic trekking supplies.
• Electricity: 220V sockets available 6:00 AM–12:00 AM.
• Wi-Fi: Paid service available (no cell reception).

💡 Tip: If starting your trek here, spend a night to acclimate and enjoy a short warm-up hike to Nordenskjöld Lookout before beginning the climb to Chileno.

Chileno Camping

The heart of the Ascencio Valley and the closest lodge to the Towers viewpoint

Set deep in the Ascencio Valley, surrounded by lenga forests and steep granite cliffs, Chileno offers a truly immersive Patagonian mountain experience. This is the closest accommodation to the Base of the Towers, making it a favorite among hikers who want to catch sunrise at the iconic viewpoint.

Overview

• Season: October to April (weather permitting)
• Check-in: 1:00 PM
• Check-out: 9:30 AM
• Access:
  
  • From Central: 5 km / ~2.5–3 hrs / Moderate uphill
  • From Base Torres Viewpoint: 4 km / ~2 hrs / Challenging uphill

Facilities & Amenities

• Accommodation: There are no dorm beds inside the refugio and a limited camping area (pre-set tents with mats and sleeping bags available for rent).
• Bathrooms: Shared, with hot showers and toilets.
• Restaurant: Offers buffet-style meals — hearty breakfast, packed lunches, and nourishing dinners perfect for refueling after a big hike.
  
  • Breakfast: 6:30–9:00 AM
  • Lunch: 12:00–2:00 PM
  • Dinner: 6:30–9:00 PM (must reserve by 3:00 PM)
• Bar & Common Room: Cozy mountain lodge ambiance with wood heating and communal tables — a great place to meet fellow trekkers.
• Cooking Area: A small, sheltered quincho is available for campers.
• Electricity: 220V outlets available during generator hours (typically 6:00 AM–12:00 AM).
• Wi-Fi: None — enjoy being fully disconnected in the heart of the Andes.

💡 Tip: For sunrise at the Towers, start your hike from Chileno around 3:30–4:00 AM with a headlamp. The first light on the granite spires is one of Patagonia’s most breathtaking moments.

The Perfect Ending to a Legendary Trek

Refugio Central and Chileno bring your journey full circle — from remote glaciers and wild valleys to the iconic towers that give the park its name. Whether you’re savoring a hot meal after your final descent or setting off for a sunrise hike to the summit viewpoint, these two lodges embody the spirit of adventure and community that define trekking in Torres del Paine.

Planning Your Stay

Because accommodations inside the park fill up months in advance, we recommend booking your refuges and campsites early, especially during the high season (December–February).

At FlashpackerConnect, we help adventurers craft seamless trekking itineraries that include:
✅ All refuge and camping reservations
✅ Transportation to and from Puerto Natales
✅ Meals and logistical support
✅ Detailed hiking maps and route briefings

Explore our guided and self-guided Torres del Paine treks:
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