Torres del Paine National Park is one of the hottest sites on the continent with hundreds of thousands maiking their way there each year.
Parque Nacional Torres del Paine in Chile’s Southern Patagonia is one of the world’s most beautiful national parks and one of the premier sites on the South American continent. Located between Puerto Natales and the Argentine border, the site encompasses hundreds of miles of hiking trails, superb nature lodges, glaciers, abundant wildlife, and beautiful scenery in every direction.
Mountains and Glaciers in Torres del Paine: The Torres del Paine, the granite towers surrounded by snow covered peaks that are a common advertisement for the bounties of Chile’s natural world, make up the center of the park. Large glaciers can be found in several locations, including the climbable Glacier Gray which large chunks often fall off of.
Wildlife: Wildlife is quite easy to spot. Herds of Guanaco, an American camelid, are often seen. The Andean condor rises on the morning thermals all over the park. The Nandú, or Rhea, which resembles an ostrich roams in small packs. Skunks, deer, hares, and numerous other creatures are quite easy to encounter.
Hiking in Torres del Paine: For hiking there are two main options: The first is the “W” trek. The 76.1 km walk visits the highlights of the park, while avoiding the most difficult trail. The trip lasts approximately 4-5 days and is one of the most popular treks on the continent and is crowded during January and February. The longer, 96km Circuit does a loop around the park takes anywhere from 8-10 days. Climbing several of the peaks is also possible.
Getting to Torres del Paine: The park is accessed from Puerto Natales or El Calafate, Argentina by bus or by a combination of boats from Puerto Natales through Parque Nacional Bernardo O’Higgins. Many come on a day tour that takes in many of the parks best photo ops, while many others spend weeks in the park hiking or staying in the many lodges. Horseback riding, kayaking, and rafting are also possible in the park.
Hotels in Torres del Paine: The lodges range from basic to some of the world’s most luxurious. There are campsites throughout the park which are quite cheap and have access to toilets and hot showers. The best lodges such as Explora's Hotel Salto Chico run hundreds of dollars a night and have world class restaurants, spas, and every possible amenity you could ask for.
Weather: The weather tends to be clearest during January and February, although it can rain and even snow at any time. Regardless of the time of year, you must prepare for all four seasons as the sun can drop behind a group of clouds in minutes and be followed by heavy snow.
