Torres del Paine National Park is famous for its iconic viewpoints and world-renowned treks, yet there’s a whole side of the park that most travelers never experience. Beyond the famous W Trek and the busy Base of the Towers trail, an entire network of quieter routes unfolds across rolling steppe, ancient Aonikenk territory, lenga forests, and windswept ridges. These lesser-known trails reveal a more intimate side of Patagonia Chile, where wildlife thrives, silence returns, and the landscapes stretch endlessly toward the horizon.
Whether you’re staying at EcoCamp Patagonia—one of the most sustainable Torres del Paine hotels—or exploring the region through a guided Torres del Paine tour, these routes are perfect for hikers seeking a more profound connection, solitude, and unforgettable viewpoints. Below, we share some of our favorite off-the-beaten-path hikes that pair beautifully with programs like the Patagonia Wildlife Safari, Patagonia Multi-Activity Adventure, and Patagonia United.
1. Sierra Masle & Laguna Azul
Far from the busy central trails, Sierra Masle offers one of the most peaceful hikes in the eastern side of Torres del Paine National Park, the Laguna Azul area. Starting near the vivid waters of Laguna Azul, the trail climbs gently through open steppe where guanacos graze undisturbed, and condors circle above the ridges. From the top, you’re rewarded with rare panoramic views of the Towers from the northeast.
This area is perfect for travelers seeking quiet alternatives and for photographers interested in sunrise colors over the massif. It’s also an excellent place for those staying in Torres del Paine accommodation and looking to explore beyond the classic routes.
2. Lazo-Weber Trek
Difficulty: intermediate
Distance: 15 km / 9.3 mi
Elevation: 800m/1970ft
Duration: 5-6h
The Lazo–Weber trail is one of the most diverse trails in the park and a favorite among naturalists. Starting near Estancia Lazo, the trail crosses lenga forests, hidden lagoons, and wetlands alive with birdlife, eventually opening toward sweeping views of Paine Grande and Los Cuernos. As the big prize of the hike, you are rewarded with an incredible view of the Toro Lake and the whole Serrano area.
This is a moderate 15 km / 9.3 mi hike and takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete. It requires you to have transportation waiting for you on the other side of the trail, or you will have to return from the same side you started.
3. Cerro Ferrier trek
Cerro Ferrier is a compact adventure offering one of the most significant rewards for effort in Patagonia, Torres del Paine. The trail is short, only 6.3 km/3.9 mi. Out and back, but it is steep, rooty, and adventurous, climbing through deep forest until suddenly bursting into an alpine lookout over Grey Glacier, Pingo Valley, and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
It is located in the same area where the boat ride to Grey Glacier departs, on the West side of the national park. On the days we offer the boat ride in our Wildlife Safari program, we also offer the Cerro Ferrier Lookout.
For this one. You will walk through beautiful native Nothofagus forests, where the endangered Huemul - South Andean deer has been observed, as it is its habitat. So take some breaks in between to observe your surroundings, maybe you are lucky!
One important thing to mention about the Ferrier lookout is that, on windy days, it can be extremely windy, so it is not recommended on those days to avoid accidents. Also, before doing the trek, you have to register at the park ranger station.
4. El Condor Lookout
The Condor Lookout is a highly recommended viewpoint in Torres del Paine National Park, known for its impressive panoramic views of the Paine Massif and Pehoé Lake. The trail is short but steep, about 2.4 km in total (round trip), and takes roughly 1 hour to reach the top. Due to its moderate difficulty, it is suitable for families and an excellent place to spot condors. Sometimes it can be very windy, as it is very exposed, so it is not recommended on days with strong winds.
The viewpoint is named for the condors that frequently glide overhead, taking advantage of the winds rising from the cliffs. On windy days, this hike is sometimes closed. There is a corridor between two cliffs, just before getting to the top, and when it is windy, it is almost impossible to pass through. The top is also a very exposed place, so be careful with loose things, like your hat.
Looking for something more challenging, like a multi-day hike? We offer an all-inclusive W Trek or a Winter W Trek (for visits in between May and September).
5. Aonikenk Trail ("Portería-Portería")
Difficulty: easy
Distance: 8km/34mi
Elevation: 200m/650ft
Duration: 3h30
This trail follows ancient routes once used by the Aonikenk people, the original inhabitants of the steppe. Starting at the Sarmiento entrance and ending at the Laguna Amarga entrance, it’s a gentle walk through the vast pampa until you reach the arqueological site.
This trail has a gentle incline, offers spectacular views of Lake Sarmiento, and has opportunities to see guanacos and even pumas. There have been some puma encounters near the trail, which is why this trek can only be done with a certified guide. We offer this hike through our Wildlife Safari program and our 7-day W trek program.
After about an hour of hiking, you’ll reach an archaeological site with rock paintings over 6,000 years old, a legacy of Patagonia’s earliest inhabitants. Here, you’ll take a break to rest, take photos, and learn about the local history. From the site, you will now hike towards the Laguna Amarga entrance, where you might see guanacos and pumas, as it is a wildlife corridor.
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
Distance: 8km/5mi (one way)
Elevation: 1600m/5250ft
Duration: 2h
Cañadón Macho is one of the park’s richest wildlife corridors. Here, guanaco herds roam among dramatic cliffs and golden grasslands—an environment that attracts pumas, foxes, and a variety of birds of prey. This trek takes you through an area that offers another perspective on the three granite towers and is considered easy.
We also include this trek in our Aonikenk Trail & Laguna Azul excursion. This is part of our Wildlife Safari program and our 7-day W trek.
The Cañadon Macho hike is easy to moderate, with a high chance of seeing guanacos, and offers a different view of the three granite towers.
7. Misceláneo Trail
A short 3 km hike that starts from the Weber bridge in the Serrano area, and ends up at the CONAF Park Ranger Administration. It is an easy trail, with an elevation gain of 157m, that offers impressive views of Lake Toro and is very little visited. It is especially notable for the large number of orchids visible during the summer months.
We sometimes use this trail as an alternative to the Condor Lookout when the wind is too strong there.
This route follows the edge of Lake Sarmiento, famous for its bright turquoise water and unique thrombolite formations—ancient calcium structures resembling coral. The trail offers dramatic contrasts between the lake’s calm shoreline and the sharp granite towers rising beyond the steppe. In our Wildlife Safari program, we offer this excursion, named "Ancient Shores: Lago Sarmiento", where our professional guides will explain what thrombolites are and why they are so important to understand life on Earth.
Walk among the prehistoric thrombolites alongside Sarmiento Lake, the largest lake inside the national park, Torres del Paine
9. Hike to Laguna Inge
Laguna Inge is a small lagoon, located on the same trail towards the Refugio Cuernos, crossing the Ascencio bridge. From EcoCamp Patagonia, it´s a 4,6 km one-way hike that takes approximately 1 hour. It is a nice hike to explore the area, and if you continue for another 300 meters, you will get a beautiful view of Nordenskjöld Lake.
As part of our Wildlife Safari program, we have a day where we hike towards the Cuernos Pass and pass through Laguna Inge.
Suppose you want a wider variety of activities. In that case, the Patagonia Multi-Activity Adventure is a good option, as each day you will try a new sport: biking, trekking, horseback riding, and kayaking.
The Laguna Inge hike is part of the W trek trail, a great way to discover this multiday hike, but for the day, returning to EcoCamp.
How to Explore These Trails Responsibly
EcoCamp encourages responsible travel throughout Torres del Paine National Park lodging areas. Always stay on marked paths, maintain a safe distance from wildlife, and follow park regulations to protect this fragile ecosystem. For more sustainability tips, visit our page on Eco-Tourism Practices.
Ready to Discover a Quieter Side of Torres del Paine?
If you're dreaming of peaceful steppe walks, dramatic viewpoints, and trails where silence reigns, EcoCamp Patagonia is the perfect base. Learn more about our sustainable domes on the EcoCamp homepage, explore our adventure programs on the EcoCamp Blog, or contact our team with questions.
Fancy doing all these incredible hikes? Go on a Wildlife Safari and experience the unforgettable. Also, reach out to reservations@cascada.travel for more exclusive Patagonia info. We've got the best tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect trip!
