Hiking to Mirador Las Torres in Torres del Paine: A Windy November Adventure
- Laura S.
- Sep 18
- 6 min read
If you’re traveling to Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile, the trek to Mirador Las Torres is the hike that defines the park. Rising high above a glacial lagoon, the three granite spires are among the most iconic sights in all of South America.
In November, I took on this legendary trail. It was long, windy, and exhausting—but the reward was worth every step.
Trail Stats at a Glance
Distance: ~18 km / 11 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~900 m / 3,000 ft
Time: 7–9 hours (it took me about 8)
Difficulty: Challenging
The First Climb and Windy Pass
The hike starts near Hotel Las Torres, with a steady uphill that quickly gets your heart pumping. The landscape is wide open here—grassy meadows, rocky slopes, and views that stretch toward the snowcapped peaks in the distance.
About 45 minutes in, you reach a spot hikers often call the windy pass, and it earns its name. The gusts here were so strong I had to lean forward to avoid being knocked off balance. At times, I crouched slightly, bracing against the invisible force pushing me sideways. Pulling my camera out felt risky—one wrong gust and it could’ve flown out of my hands. It was both thrilling and intimidating, a raw reminder of Patagonia’s wild spirit.
Into the Ascencio Valley: Shelter, Water, and Rest
After battling the wind, the trail dips into the Ascencio Valley, following the river deeper into the mountains. This section felt like a gift—the lenga forest provided a buffer from the gusts, and the sound of rushing water drowned out the howl of the wind.
Midway through the valley, there’s a small refugio (shelter) with a food store, a bathroom stop, and a spot to refill your water bottle. I was parched by this point, and that icy Patagonian water was the most refreshing drink I’d ever tasted. I lingered there, eating a quick snack and soaking up the reprieve before heading into the toughest stretch of the day.
The Boulder Scramble: A Mental Battle
The final mile is infamous, and with good reason. The trail leaves the trees behind and turns into a relentless uphill climb across massive boulders and loose rock. At first, I caught glimpses of the tips of the Torres peeking above the ridge, but they seemed frozen in place—no matter how hard I climbed, they didn’t feel any closer.
For a while, I kept my head down, hunched over, focusing only on the next step. My legs burned, my breath came in bursts, and the wind made it even harder to balance. It felt like a staircase built for giants, demanding every ounce of strength and determination.
The Payoff: Mirador Las Torres
And then suddenly, the towers appeared in full view. The three granite spires shot into the sky, towering above a glowing turquoise glacial lake at their base. The sight stopped me in my tracks.
I set my pack down, took dozens of photos from every angle, and finally sat on a rock to enjoy my lunch. The wind whipped across the lake, but I didn’t care—I’d made it. Sitting there, sandwich in hand, looking up at one of the world’s most famous natural wonders, was the perfect reward after hours of effort.
The Descent: A Long Way Down
What goes up must come down. After savoring the view, it was time to retrace my steps. Descending the boulder field required as much focus as going up, with careful footing to avoid slipping. Once back in the valley, the trail felt gentler, but the miles still added up. By the time I reached the windy pass again, my legs were tired and my energy fading.
When I finally arrived back at the trailhead, eight hours had passed since I started. My legs ached, my face was windburned, and I was covered in dust—but my heart was full.
Tips for Hiking Mirador Las Torres in November
Start early: Plan for a full day—this 18 km / 11 mile round-trip hike takes most hikers 7–9 hours.
Windproof gear is essential: A sturdy jacket, gloves, and a hat that won’t blow off are lifesavers.
Bring snacks and water: You’ll need the energy. There’s a shelter in the valley where you can refill water and grab food.
Trekking poles help: Especially on the steep boulder section.
Prepare mentally: The final mile is tough, but the view at the top makes it all worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
Hiking to Mirador Las Torres in November was one of the most demanding treks I’ve ever done. From leaning into the wind at the pass, to savoring the refreshing water in the valley, to the exhausting boulder scramble where the towers seemed impossibly far away—the journey was every bit as memorable as the destination.
It’s not an easy day. It took me eight hours, nearly 11 miles, and plenty of grit. But standing by the glacial lake with the towers rising above me, eating lunch in the shadow of Patagonia’s most famous peaks, I knew it was an experience I’d carry forever.
If you have just one hike to do in Torres del Paine, make it this one.
Mirador Las Torres Hike Breakdown
Section | Distance (approx.) | Time | Description |
Trailhead to Windy Pass | 2 km / 1.2 miles | 30–45 min | Starts steeply uphill from Hotel Las Torres. Wide open views, but this section is notoriously windy—you may need to lean forward to keep balance. |
Windy Pass to Ascencio Valley Shelter | 2 km / 1.2 miles | 30–45 min | Trail descends into the valley. Forested sections offer shade and protection. The refugio here has snacks, a small food store, bathrooms, and a place to refill water bottles. |
Ascencio Valley Forest | 3 km / 1.8 miles | 1–1.5 hrs | Gentle rolling trail along the Ascencio River, through lenga forest. A welcome break from the wind and incline. |
Base of Final Ascent | — | Quick pause | Last chance to rest before the big push. Tower tips start to appear in the distance. |
Final Ascent (Boulder Scramble) | 2 km / 1.2 miles | 1–1.5 hrs | Steep, rocky climb on large boulders and uneven stone steps. Exposed and windy. Feels endless as the towers don’t seem to get closer, but the view is waiting at the top. |
Mirador Las Torres (Viewpoint) | — | 30–45 min rest | Breathtaking reward: three granite towers rising above a turquoise glacial lagoon. Perfect spot for lunch, photos, and soaking in the view. |
Return via Same Route | 9 km / 5.6 miles | 3–4 hrs | Descend carefully over boulders, then retrace steps through the forest, valley, and windy pass back to Hotel Las Torres. |
Total Distance: ~18 km / 11 miles round trip
Total Time: 7–9 hours (took me about 8)
FAQ: Hiking to Mirador Las Torres
How long is the Mirador Las Torres hike?
The hike to Mirador Las Torres is approximately 18 km / 11 miles round trip. Most hikers complete it in 7–9 hours, depending on pace and conditions.
Is the Mirador Las Torres hike difficult?
Yes, it’s considered a challenging hike due to its distance, steep elevation gain of about 900 m / 3,000 ft, and the rocky final ascent. The last mile requires scrambling over large boulders and is both physically and mentally demanding.
What is the best time of year to hike Mirador Las Torres?The hike is accessible from October to April (Patagonian spring through autumn). November, when I hiked, offered long daylight hours and blooming wildflowers, but also fierce winds. Summer (December–February) is the most popular, but also the busiest.
Can you refill water along the Mirador Las Torres trail?
Yes. There is a shelter in the Ascencio Valley with bathrooms, a small food shop, and a place to refill bottles. Streams in the valley also provide cold, clean water—but always check conditions before drinking.
Do you need trekking poles for the hike?
Trekking poles are highly recommended. They help with stability in windy sections, reduce strain on knees during the long descent, and are especially useful on the steep, rocky final mile. I did not use any and survived, but they could have been helpful.
How windy is the Mirador Las Torres hike?
Extremely windy in exposed areas. At the Windy Pass, I had to lean forward to avoid being blown over, and it was unsafe to take my camera out. Be prepared with a windproof jacket and gear that won’t blow away.
Can you do the Mirador Las Torres hike in one day?
Yes. It is a full-day hike, taking most people 7–9 hours round trip. Start early in the morning to allow time for breaks, photos, and lunch at the lake before heading back down.
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