Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas

Torres del Paine National Park is the name that draws many travellers to Chilean Patagonia, and a day trip from Punta Arenas is the quickest way to see it if you cannot stay overnight in the park or in Puerto Natales. The tour departs in the early hours, drives north across the steppe through Puerto Natales, and arrives in the park late in the morning. The route passes the great granite spires, the Cuernos del Paine, turquoise lakes such as Lago Pehoe and Lago Grey with its floating icebergs, waterfalls and open plains where guanacos graze. You step out at the main viewpoints, take short walks and photograph the peaks, then return the same day, usually after twelve to sixteen hours. This is a big day, and the value lies in seeing the landscape rather than hiking deep into the park. Many tours add a stop at the Milodon Cave near Puerto Natales, where remains of a giant ground sloth were found, which breaks the journey and adds a prehistoric note. Expect a comfortable minibus or coach, a guide who explains the geology, wildlife and ecology of the park, and a pace that favours viewpoints over trails.

Think realistically about what a day trip delivers. Punta Arenas lies several hours from the park, so most of your day is spent on the road, and time inside is limited to a few hours. You will see the towers if the weather allows, and weather is the great variable: the park creates its own climate, and a sunny morning can turn into rain and cloud by afternoon. Travellers who value flexibility should consider staying a night in Puerto Natales, which gives a second shot at clear views and a more relaxed pace.

Those with limited time, or who are visiting on a cruise or short stopover, will find the day trip a fair compromise.What to bring matters. Dress in layers, with a windproof and waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves and sunglasses, since conditions can change rapidly. Take snacks and water, and ask the operator whether lunch is included, as many tours stop at a restaurant or provide a packed meal.

Entrance to the national park is charged separately for most visitors and is normally paid in cash or by card at the gate, so check the current fee when you book.

Carry your passport or identification, as there may be checks on the road. Binoculars help for spotting guanacos, rheas, foxes and condors, and a camera with a good zoom suits the lakes and peaks.This tour sits close to the Puerto Natales-based Torres del Paine experiences covered elsewhere on this site, and it is the practical option for people based in Punta Arenas.

If your trip is longer, a multi-day visit with a base in Puerto Natales gives a much richer experience, including treks to the base of the towers, boat trips on Lago Grey and nights in lodges.

For now, the day trip is a worthwhile sampler. Book early in summer, when departures fill, and prepare for an early start and a late return, with sleep on the bus encouraged.A final note on weather and expectations: even a cloudy day in the park has its rewards, with moody light on the lakes, guanacos on the road and waterfalls at full flow, so do not judge the trip only by whether the towers show themselves. Keep a flexible mindset and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.