Torres Del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile.
Declared a Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO in 1978, the Torres del Paine National Park, (located in the Chilean Patagonia) is internationally renowned as one of the most beautiful, unspoiled and remote places on the planet. Attractions include its spectacular mountain range, lakes, glaciers, flora and fauna making the place an ideal destination for Eco-tourism and adventure.
The park is located 2500 km South of Santiago and 400 km to the NE of Punta Arenas in the Magallanes region of Antarctic Chile. Without doubt, one of the major attractions of the park is the Paine Massif, mostly composed of granite, and originated 12 million years ago. The highest peak is the Paine Grande (3050 m), although the most representative peaks are the "Cuernos del Paine" featured on most pictures of the park. The Torres del Paine are three sheer granite towers, that make a challenging and coveted prize for climbers. First climbed by Chris Bonnington in 1963.
At the southern extreme the park has many glaciers, lakes, lagoons and rivers. Among them we can mention the Sarmiento, Nordenskjold, Pehoe, Paine and Dickson, each one with waters of different shades of blue and green. The largest rivers that cross the park are the Pingo, Grey and Dickson. The latter having three spectacular waterfalls, Paine, Salto Grande and Salto Chico.
To trek the park, there are hiking trails all around the park, with lodges, campgrounds, and transportation on most trailheads. Trails are safe and easy to follow, made for the average trekker, and if you want to push your limits, there are plenty of activities related to adventure like climbing, kayaking, rafting or glacier crossing. Any way you take it, it will stay in your memories forever.
Key Facts
| Location | Torres Del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile. |
| Date walked | March 2007 |
| Walk type | Longer Walks and Treks |
| Difficulty | Medium involving 5-8 hrs walking on consecutive days. |
| Distance | 75 Km |
| Time taken | 5 day(s) |
| Disabled access | No |
