National Parks
Witness the Most Glamorous National Park in Chile and See Gauchos, Prehistoric Art, and Glaciers
a
by Michael Palin
15-07-2024
National Parks
a
by Michael Palin
15-07-2024
Torres del Paine National Park is home to a network of paths that wind over steep moraines and a plethora of natural treasures, such as towering mountain ranges, waterfalls, hanging glaciers, and more. Located in Chilean Patagonia, the region provides a host of exciting activities, such as horseback riding with local gauchos and archaeological digs for relics from Chile's indigenous peoples.
Going to the southernmost tip of South America, where the weather might change at any moment, can make planning a vacation to Patagonia seem like an incredibly daunting task. The summer months of November through early March are ideal for a visit because of the mild weather and the fact that you may conquer even the most challenging landscapes. Layer up; the weather can change dramatically throughout the day, especially if you plan on trekking to different elevations, so be prepared regardless of when you go.
At Awasi Patagonia, the most southern Relais & Chateaux hotel in the world, you can reserve one of fourteen villas for an opulent stay. You may go at your own speed, see the sights whenever you like, and spend as much time as you like at the lodge thanks to the private-guide system. The well-known W trek, which often takes between five and seven days to complete, begins at EcoCamp Patagonia, which is conveniently located not far from Awasi Patagonia. Before setting off on your journey, spend the night in one of the mountain huts on the property. At the end of each day, retire to one of the campsites in the park.
Located in the heart of the park on the edge of Lake Pehoé, explora Patagonia is a property that provides more than 40 guided treks and horseback tours for riders of all skill levels. Tierra Patagonia could be the perfect place for you to stay if you're planning on taking advantage of the excellent fly-fishing prospects in the region. Located on a bluff close fishing Lake Sarmiento, this 40-room resort has an excellent restaurant that will prepare your catch and pair it with the finest Chilean wines.
Torres del Paine National Park is a never-ending playground for daring adventurers, regardless of when or where they visit. In this breathtaking national park, you must not miss these must-see attractions.
Visit Grey Lake (an international biosphere reserve) in Torres del Paine National Park and paddle over its glacier-fed waters in a kayak, canoe, or boat for an unforgettable experience. Grey Lake, a reflection of the Paine Massif, was formed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The lake's most notable feature, Grey Glacier, is one of the smallest and most beautiful glaciers in the area.
Grey Glacier is the prize of the Grey Peninsula and acts as the postcard emblem of Grey Lake. West of the Paine Massif is Grey Glacier, which is about 12 miles long and formed by the Southern Patagonian Ice sheet—the second biggest continuous ice sheet in the world outside of the poles. You can get a good look at the majestic blue ice walls of Grey Glacier on a boat tour. A nunatak is an island that separates two glaciers; you might even get the opportunity to stroll on one of these islands.
The breathtaking eastern face of Torres del Paine's famous Las Torres, or turrets, will become increasingly visible as you ascend farther into the Ascencio Valley. This moderate climb gets tough when it passes through beech forests, tiny rivers, and gradually ascends mountain ridges. Ascending loose moraine in a steep ascent brings you to the base of the towers, where you may take in the breathtaking sight of the granite monolith trio, which spans 12 million years of geological history and stands about 6,500 feet above ground. Hopefully, the weather will be clear enough for you to glimpse the icy blue water beneath the towers.
Located in the park's heart and fed by glaciers, Lake Pehóe provides the ideal backdrop for the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets seen from the surrounding range. Looking out from the pristine beaches, you can make out the Paine Massif and the famous horned range, Los Cuernos. Icy Lake Pehóe isn't so much about water activities as it is about the breathtaking scenery. Stunning tornado-like phenomena can be seen in the waves of the lake when strong winds roll through it. You can go to neighboring attractions like the Salto Chico waterfall in the southeast and the Salto Grande waterfall in the northeast.
Here at this park stop, you'll want to keep your head held high since the Paine River's Salto Grande is the result of a violent convergence of wind and water. While the waterfall at Salto Grande is the park's most picturesque feature, visitors should also keep a watch out for the many species of wildlife that congregate there; for example, a herd of guanacos may be grazing nearby. Wetlands like these are popular with llamas, alpacas, and guanacos, as well as the puma, who is the main predator of these wild animals. Foxes, endangered Chilean huemul deer, and both types of animals can be found in this area.
Close inspection of Frenchman's Valley, a Torres Del Paine W trip highlight, is recommended. A catamaran sail over Lake Pehoé will take you to the base of the valley, perfect for a day trek. Make your way up the precipitous moraines to where the French Glacier hangs in the sky. You might be fortunate enough to see ice falling from the glacier as it calved from the structure. The peaks of Los Cuernos surround the natural basin, so keep going in that direction. When you reach the peak, you'll see towering granite rock walls and mighty peaks all around.
Hikers can learn about the park's prehistoric occupants' daily lives by following the Fauna Trail, also known as the Nomad Trail. Find a little cave as you go along the huge steppe that the ancient Tehuelches formerly traversed. See guanacos, a shadowy figure, and stenciled hands among the pictographs left by the original nomadic people that resided in this cave long ago. It is estimated that the paintings date back up to 8,000 years.
Get some of the greatest views of the Paine Massif from Laguna Azul, a lake accessible by a leisurely hour-long trek. A large number of ducks and geese, among other park birds, congregate around the lagoon. People who go hiking frequently mention seeing guanacos and ñandús, which are birds that look like ostriches.
You should definitely make the effort to see Sierra Baguales, even if it is officially outside of Torres del Paine. Sierra Baguales is a breathtaking destination for any kind of outdoor adventure, whether you like riding horses at one of the local estancias or pedaling through the gently rolling hills. On the banks of the Baguales River is the La Cumbre-Baguales Geological and Paleontological Park, where you may begin your journey along the Fossil Trail. You can discover mollusks, shark teeth, and other fossils of marine animals that lived in the Atlantic Ocean around 23 million years ago among the cliffs and valleys that make up this walk.
Sarmiento Lake gets its vivid blue color from rainwater, unlike the glacial lakes of Torres del Paine. Surrounded by mountains and fauna, this lake is a natural wonderland. Its pristine beaches are adorned with calcium carbonate thrombolites, which are rare fossils that show the earliest days of life on Earth.
