W Trail Day 1: Chileno Camping: Your Gateway to Torres del Paine Adventure.
El Chileno Camping: Calling all adventurers! If you crave the thrill of sleeping under a canopy of stars and truly connecting with nature, then camping at El Chileno is for you. The Torres at Your Doorstep: This campsite boasts the closest location to the Base Torres viewpoint. After a long day of trekking, you can unwind, have a restful sleep, and wake up feeling energized for the next big adventure. Sunrise Chaser's Paradise: Calling all sunrise enthusiasts! This spot is perfect for those who want to greet the day before the sun peeks over the horizon. Start your hike in the pre-dawn light and be rewarded with the iconic, fiery red sunrise illuminating the majestic Torres del Paine. Comfort and Convenience: While you're roughing it, you won't be entirely without amenities. El Chileno offers shared camping areas, bathrooms, and even the luxury of hot showers! Important Note: Be aware that due to the high risk of wildfires, camp stoves are strictly prohibited in the Chileno sector. Campsite Options: Choose your camping experience! El Chileno offers Premium Camping with fully equipped tents or a simpler, individual campsite option to suit your needs. *** I opted for lower shelters (around 100 meters / 328 feet above sea level) with flatter terrain to avoid carrying a heavy 60L backpack. Unfortunately, Camping El Chileno didn't meet that criteria. It sits at 500 meters / 1,640 feet and offers only tent sites, not shelters / refugios. On the bright side, most park refuges have camping areas with tent platforms. These platforms can accommodate pre-built tents or your own for a more basic setup. They also offer full meals. While there are two private companies operating within the park, the three public campsites were under renovation during my visit.