Lilshira
Torres del Paine National Park introduces new entry system from May 2026
A revised entry system for Torres del Paine National Park takes effect on 1 May 2026, changing how visitors register and obtain tickets. The change is announced by CONAF and applies to all tourists planning to enter the park, including the growing number of American and Argentine travellers.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- A revised entry system with new ticketing rules is introduced
- Timing
- Effective from 1 May 2026
- Who is affected
- All visitors to Torres del Paine National Park
The details
- Announced by
- CONAF
- Takes effect
- 1 May 2026
- Previous rule
- Previously visitors accessed the park through a first‑come‑first‑served ticketing process without a formal pre‑registration requirement.
- New rule
- From the stated date a revised entry system requiring advance registration and new ticket categories will be used.
Announcement and Rationale
Chile’s National Forest Corporation (CONAF) announced a new visitor‑management framework for Torres del Paine National Park. The agency cited increasing demand from international markets, especially high‑spending American tourists, as a driver for modernising the entry process.
What the Revised System Entails
The new system replaces the informal ticketing method with an online registration platform. Travelers must submit their travel dates in advance and will receive a digital ticket that must be presented on arrival. The change aims to balance visitor flow, protect fragile ecosystems and improve the overall experience.
- Advance online registration required
- Digital ticket issued prior to arrival
- Ticket categories aligned with activity type
Implementation Timeline and Transition
The revised entry system becomes operational on 1 May 2026. CONAF has indicated a short transition period during which both the old and new processes may run in parallel to allow visitors to adapt. No additional fees were mentioned in the announcement.
Operators offering premium itineraries are expected to incorporate the new registration step into their booking workflows.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with bookings after 1 May 2026 must complete online registration before arrival
- Existing reservations for dates before 1 May 2026 remain under the previous ticketing method
Cost and documents
- No new fees are introduced with the revised entry system
- A digital ticket must be printed or displayed on a mobile device at the park gate
What you need to do
- Register online for park entry as soon as travel dates are confirmed
- Keep the digital ticket accessible for inspection on arrival
- Monitor CONAF communications for any updates to the registration platform
Who this affects
-
American tourists visiting Patagonia
The United States is a high‑spending source market and visitors are increasingly choosing premium experiences in Torres del Paine
What to do Must register online and obtain a digital ticket before entering the park
-
Argentine travellers to Southern Patagonia
Argentina ranks among the top source markets for the region and its visitors use the same park facilities
What to do Must follow the new registration and ticketing procedure
-
All other international visitors to Torres del Paine
The revised system applies to every park entrant regardless of nationality
What to do Must comply with advance registration and digital ticket requirements
Frequently asked questions
When does the new ticketing system for Torres del Paine start?
The revised entry system begins on 1 May 2026, as announced by CONAF. From that date visitors must register online and receive a digital ticket before arriving at the park.
Do I have to pay extra for the new entry system?
No additional fees were mentioned in the announcement. The change concerns the registration and ticketing process, not the cost of entry.
Can I still use a paper ticket for Torres del Paine?
The new rules require a digital ticket that can be shown on a mobile device or printed. Paper tickets are not part of the revised system.
What happens to bookings made before 1 May 2026?
Reservations for dates prior to the effective date remain under the previous first‑come‑first‑served system, so no new registration is needed for those trips.
How do I register for a visit to Torres del Paine?
Visitors must use CONAF’s online platform to submit travel dates, after which a digital ticket is issued. The ticket must be presented at the park entrance.
