Overview

Torres del Paine National Park is a massive mountainous park located in Chile's Southern Patagonia known for its soaring mountains, scenic glaciers, bright blue lakes, lush verdant forests, golden pampas, rivers, and the three iconic granite peaks of Cuernos del Paine. Paine means blue in the native Tehuelche language, the national park was established in 1959, and it has been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the 8th Natural Wonder of the world. The famous park is a world of unique contrasts covering 550,000 acres of various landscapes, and different topography in one of the most remote places in the world. The park is a great destination for exploring and is filled with outdoor activities like hiking, Multi-day treks on the famous O and W routes, horseback riding, mountain biking, kayaking, fly fishing, boat tours, ice trekking, and more. The vast and wild landscapes of Torres del Paine are a prime destination for spotting the largest population of guanacos, and pumas in the world. The skies are a bird lovers' paradise featuring 15 birds of prey such as the Andean condor and filled with 400 other bird species like the Magellanic woodpecker, Chilean flamingo, coscoroba swan, and Magellan goose.

Things to see and do

Head to one of the many scenic lookout points throughout the national park to soak in the spectacular views. There is one main road that runs through the park, and most of the famous photos of the park are taken along it. There is a pull-off point by the Explora Patagonia Hotel Salto Chico that leads to a short trail to a scenic boardwalk offering beautiful views of the Cuernos del Paine mountains.

The famous Mirador Las Torres (Towers Viewpoint) is one of the most amazing views in the entire park. The hiking trail is considered the crown jewel of the national park, it travels for 12.5 miles to reach approximately 3,325 feet high and boasts some of the best views you have ever seen in your entire life.

Visit the mighty Grey Glacier for another once-in-a-lifetime experience, the glacial lake is fed by one of the largest Icefields in the world and is surrounded by beautiful floating icebergs and stunning natural beauty. There are many ways to see the famous glacier, one of the most common is by boat or kayak to get as up close and personal as possible. There is a boat that leaves four times a day at 9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, and 6 pm and lasts around 3 hours. There are kayak trips that wind through the massive icebergs and up to the face of Grey Glacier, and there are half-day tours, or tours that go along with a unique glacial hike up from Grey Lake. There are also options to walk on the glacier itself and peer into the deep blue crevasses, cross over the giant ice cracks, and explore the amazing ice caves.

Make a stop at Pehoe Lake, this incredibly vibrant, beautifully turquoise lake boasts some of the most incredible views of Cuernos del Paine. Take a short walk (1 mile roundtrip) to Salto Grande Waterfall from the boat dock at Refugio Pudeto. The beautiful waterfall joins Pehoe Lake with the larger Lake Nordenskjold. The “Cuernos Lookout” point is a further 3-mile roundtrip hike past the waterfall but its well worth it.

Hike through the incredibly beautiful French Valley, considered to be one of the most beautiful hikes in the world. The trail runs between the 10,000 feet high Paine Grande, and the spectacular Torres del Paine and Los Cuernos mountains. The 12-mile round trip hike with 1,900 feet of gain takes you to the stunning valley surrounded by the majestic towering peaks. Hikers can enjoy the fantastic views of the natural granite amphitheater which makes up the enclosed valley. They can also observe the waterscapes like lakes Pehoe, Skottsberg, Toro, and Nordenskjold.

Go on a horseback riding tour of the park, it is one of the most enjoyable ways to see it in all its glory. You can cover a lot of territory by horseback and save your legs. There are several large estancias (ranches) in and around the park, and the gaucho (traditional horsemen) is still a very popular part of the culture here. The varied landscapes are a rider’s paradise.

Hiking and Trekking

Hiking is one of the biggest draws and most popular activities to enjoy in Torres del Paine National Park. There are numerous trails of varying difficulties throughout the park, and a certified guide is required to experience certain regions of the park. One of the most famous trails is the “W”, a 3-5 day trek covering 50 miles where visitors will walk around the park highlights, and through the varied wilderness landscapes for around 8 hours a day. You will get to see the Towers, French Valley, and Grey Glacier. The W trek is accessible year-round, you must book a place to stay at shelters with facilities within the park to hike the “W” or “O” trails. The “O” circuit is a bigger more challenging trek through most of the park that extends for 81 miles and takes 6-8 days to complete. This route travels through rocky paths, and descents requiring trekking experience and great physical condition, it’s overall a more comprehensive experience and covers both popular and off-the-beaten-path areas of the park. The O circuit is typically accessible from November to March.

Dining