Mirador Ferrier
A steep, rewarding hike in Torres del Paine offering stunning panoramic views of Glacier Grey and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, warmer temps
Mirador Ferrier
Best Time
Clearer skies, warmer temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A steep, rewarding hike in Torres del Paine offering stunning panoramic views of Glacier Grey and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
"The views are incredible and worth the climb, but it's hard work and the 2 hours round-trip is fairly intense."
🎯 Bypass the Fee
Walk ~1km further down the road to avoid the 5000 CLP private land fee.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail is steep with loose dirt and can be icy in winter. Trainers may slip.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Views
Summit of Mirador Ferrier
Breathtaking vistas of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, Grey Glacier, and surrounding mountains.
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Glacier Grey Vista
Summit of Mirador Ferrier
A unique perspective of the vast Glacier Grey, a highlight for many visitors.
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Autumn Colors
Trail to Mirador Ferrier
Experience vibrant fall foliage during autumn, adding a splash of color to the rugged landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bypass the Entrance Fee
Steep Trail, Incredible Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bypass the Fee
Walk ~1km further down the road to avoid the 5000 CLP private land fee.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail is steep with loose dirt and can be icy in winter. Trainers may slip.
💨 Be Prepared for Wind
It's often windy at the summit, even on sunny days. Dress in layers.
⬆️ Steep but Short Hike
Expect a challenging climb with significant elevation gain in a short distance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bypass the Fee
Walk ~1km further down the road to avoid the 5000 CLP private land fee.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail is steep with loose dirt and can be icy in winter. Trainers may slip.
💨 Be Prepared for Wind
It's often windy at the summit, even on sunny days. Dress in layers.
⬆️ Steep but Short Hike
Expect a challenging climb with significant elevation gain in a short distance.
🚗 Hitchhike Back
Many visitors hitchhike back to Puerto Natales after the hike.
🐶 Watch for Dogs
Be aware of aggressive guard dogs on the road leading to the trailhead.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mirador Ferrier offers breathtaking, rewarding views of Glacier Grey and the Patagonian landscape, making the steep hike worthwhile for many. While the private land entrance fee is a point of contention, many find ways to bypass it. The trail itself is challenging but manageable for those with moderate fitness, though winter conditions can add difficulty.
"Having just arrived to town, we were a bit nervous about the logistics. So here's my recommendations:
- we took a taxi to the gate from downtown and it cost 8,000 pesos.
- yes, it's 5000 pesos per person to go through the private property that's the first 5 mins of the hike. If you go 200 meters farther (from Puerto Natales) you should be able to take the gravel road and bipass the gate so that it's free. It's so deserted that I doubt you'd get "caught". If you do pay, the guy is a bumbling old fart who is pretty uncompressible.
- the hike is quite challenging with loose dirt for the first part of the descent. The hike never requires one to get on all fours, but it's consistently steep. The bottom part has ropes to hold on to; use them.
- like others said, it's windy (but when we went it was ~12C and sunny and the wind was welcome as you get quite warm climbing).
- the views are incredible and worth the climb. But it's hard work and the 2 hours round-trip is fairly intense. Down is not necessarily easier than up because of the steepness, though it's faster and less tiring.
- we planned to hitchhike back to town. We walked about 1 km (of the 8 km) and a nice local picked us up.
Overall, really great ~3-4 hour excursion that totally exceeded expectations in terms of ease of logistics, views, and trail."
Liam O'Brien
"Beautiful viewpoint of the mountain range. The hike to the top is about one hour, very doable on your own. Entrance is $5000 CLP.
A word of warning if you arrive by foot from Puerto Natales, beware of the aggressive guard dogs who live in the farm houses along the road. Some of them try to bite so better to stay alert."
Jonni Heikkilä
"What others hiked have said; weird dude charges 5k CLP to go in through his land. It’s honestly easier to just do it, even though it is clearly a scam.
The hike is easy-moderate, but the weather is challenging. We did it in winter and a friend in trainers slipped quite a few times because of ice. Nothing too serious.
For most of the trail you’re just following the electric cables up the mountain so it’s fairly easy to not get lost."
Vinicius Franco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a taxi to the trailhead, which costs around 8,000 pesos. Alternatively, many visitors opt to hitchhike back to town after the hike. Some tours also offer transport as part of their packages.
While not explicitly mentioned, parking is likely available near the trailhead, especially if you bypass the private landowner's gate.
Yes, it's possible to walk from Puerto Natales, but it's an 8 km journey. Be cautious of aggressive guard dogs along the road.
Public transport directly to the trailhead is limited. Taxis or organized tours are the most common ways to reach Mirador Ferrier.
Taking a taxi from Puerto Natales is a convenient option. For a more budget-friendly approach, consider hitchhiking to the trailhead or back from it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A private landowner charges 5,000 CLP per person to access the trail. However, many visitors report finding a free route by walking further down the road.
The fee is charged by a private landowner. Some travelers consider it a scam and have found ways to bypass it by accessing the trail from a different point.
Yes, by walking approximately 1 km further down the road towards Punta Arenas, you can find a free access point to the trail.
No discounts are mentioned for the private landowner's fee. However, bypassing it makes the hike free.
As it's a natural viewpoint and trail, there are no official operating hours. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is short (around 3.5 miles round trip) but steep, with an elevation gain of about 2,135 feet. It features loose dirt and can be challenging, especially on the descent. +1
The hike typically takes about 2-3 hours round trip, including time spent at the summit enjoying the views.
You'll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Torres del Paine National Park, including Glacier Grey, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and surrounding mountains.
While short, the hike is steep and can be challenging due to loose terrain. It's considered moderate to difficult for beginners, especially if conditions are icy.
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Layers of clothing are recommended due to changing weather conditions and wind.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic shots of the park. Look for unique angles of Glacier Grey and the dramatic mountain landscapes.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Summer mornings often offer clearer skies.
Drone usage is generally restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and the environment. It's best to check the specific regulations for Torres del Paine National Park.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the glaciers and mountains.
While the primary view is towards Glacier Grey and the Southern Ice Field, you can still capture parts of the iconic Cuernos del Paine in your panoramic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Parents might find it difficult to manage younger kids on the steep, potentially slippery sections. Consider alternative, more family-friendly hikes in Torres del Paine National Park if you have very young children. However, if your family enjoys a good challenge and your children are experienced hikers, the incredible views from Mirador Ferrier could be a rewarding experience.
Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and be mindful of the weather, which can change rapidly. 💰 Budget Travelers
Getting to the trailhead from Puerto Natales can be done affordably by hitchhiking, both to and from the location.
🚶 Solo Adventurers
The summit provides a fantastic opportunity for personal reflection and enjoying the vast Patagonian landscape in solitude.
+1 Be sure to inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time, as is standard practice for solo hiking. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mirador Ferrier Hike: A Challenging Ascent
Travelers often describe the hike as a significant challenge, with some noting that the descent can be as taxing as the climb due to the steep gradient and loose footing.
For those looking to prepare, it's advisable to have a good level of fitness. The trail is well-marked, often following electric cables, which helps prevent getting lost.
+1Navigating the Entrance and Logistics
Beyond the entrance fee, getting to the trailhead from Puerto Natales typically involves a taxi ride, costing around 8,000 pesos.
When planning your visit, be aware of potential encounters with aggressive guard dogs on the road leading to the trailhead. Staying alert and maintaining a safe distance is recommended.
The Spectacle from the Summit
+1 The sheer scale and beauty of the landscape from this elevated position are consistently highlighted as the ultimate reward for the challenging hike. Many find the view of Glacier Grey particularly striking, with its immense ice formations stretching out before them.
+1 The mirador ferrier provides a unique angle on the park's iconic scenery, often showcasing a less-trafficked but equally stunning panorama compared to more popular viewpoints. The experience is further enhanced by the changing light throughout the day, with photographers often seeking out the golden hours for dramatic shots. +1Beyond the main attractions, the summit also offers glimpses of the Cuernos del Paine in the distance, adding to the grandeur of the scene.
The natural beauty and the feeling of accomplishment upon reaching the top make the views from Mirador Ferrier an unforgettable highlight for many who visit Patagonia. +1
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