Torres del Paine National Park

National Park Created 1959 And A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (1978); The Granite Towers And Horns Of The Paine Massif Are The Emblem Of Chilean Patagonia · Puerto Natales, Magallanes

Torres del Paine is the image most people have of Patagonia: three granite towers rising sheer from a glacial valley, the dark-capped horns of the Cuernos above turquoise lakes, and glaciers spilling off the Southern Patagonian Ice Field into water full of icebergs. The park protects a compact mountain massif and the steppe, forest and lakes around it, and it has some of the finest multi-day trekking in the world. The W trek takes four or five days through the three great valleys, staying in refugios or campsites, and the full O circuit takes eight or more and crosses the John Gardner pass above Grey Glacier. Day visitors can walk to the base of the towers or take boats across Lago Pehoe and Lago Grey. Guanacos graze by the roads, condors circle overhead, and pumas are seen more often here than anywhere in the Andes. The wind can knock hikers off their feet, the weather changes by the hour, and everything must be booked well in advance. Puerto Natales, two hours away, is the base.

Ruta Y-150, Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, Magallanes, Puerto Natales, Magallanes, Chile

The park is open all year. Entry must be bought in advance for the dates of your visit, and every night on the multi-day treks needs a confirmed campsite or refugio booking. Boats on Lago Pehoe and Lago Grey and most refugios run from about October to April. Winter access is restricted, and some trails require a guide out of season; confirm the current rules.

Torres del Paine National Park on Spottos · Explore more places on Spottos