Torres del Paine National Park (Spanish: Parque Nacional Torres del Paine) is a national park encompassing mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers in southern Chilean Patagonia. The Cordillera del Paine is the centerpiece of the park. It lies in a transition area between the Magellanic subpolar forests and the Patagonian Steppes. The park is located 112 km (70 mi) north of Puerto Natales and 312 km (194 mi) north of Punta Arenas. The park borders Bernardo O'Higgins National Park to the west and the Los Glaciares National Park to the north in Argentine territory. Paine means "blue" in the native Tehuelche (Aonikenk) language and is pronounced PIE-nay, while Torres means "towers".Torres del Paine National Park is part of the Sistema Nacional de Áreas Silvestres Protegidas del Estado de Chile (National System of Protected Forested Areas of Chile). In 2013, it measured approximately 181,414 hectares. It is one of the largest and most visited parks in Chile. The park averages around 252,000 visitors a year, of which 54% are foreign tourists, who come from many countries all over the world. It is also part of the End of the World Route, a tourist scenic route.
The park is one of the 11 protected areas of the Magallanes Region and Chilean Antarctica (together with four national parks, three national reserves, and three national monuments). Together, the protected forested areas comprise about 51% of the land of the region (6,728,744 hectares).
The Torres del Paine are the distinctive three granite peaks of the Paine mountain range or Paine Massif. From left to right they are known as Torres d'Agostini, Torres Central and Torres Monzino. They extend up to 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) above sea level, and are joined by the Cuernos del Paine. The area also boasts valleys, rivers such as the Paine, lakes, and glaciers. The well-known lakes include Grey, Pehoé, Nordenskiöld, and Sarmiento. The glaciers, including Grey, Pingo and Tyndall, belong to the Southern Patagonia Ice Field.
Absolutely epic, come with a good amount of sum, to access the park, there are multiple fees. Best experience in Latin America
The most iconic place of Patagonia. It is impossible to describe sheer beauty of the place. High snowy peaks, deep valleys, crystal clear lakes with glaciers, sub-Antarctic forests with weirdly distorted pine trees. I will remember my trip to Patagonia for rest of my life.
Immersion in nature with magnificent mountain forms, glaciers, and turquoise lakes. Alpine vegetation with intense red flowers marking the trails. Torres del Paine has to be one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. It's a tough climb up the morraine to see the 'Torres' but well worth doing when the weather's clear. Long hiking days so it was a treat to enjoy the comfort of a hot shower, a wine, & a delicious meal in a warm lodge before crawling into the tent for the night. Be prepared for changeable weather & wild wind.
For travelers to Patagonia, Torres del Paine is the cream of the crop. Located on the Chilean side of Patagonia, this other-worldy national park features one of the top treks in the world, the “W” trek. On this hike you’ll see the famous “postcard shots” of icy blue glaciers and lagoons. Doing the W trek with a guided tour is highly recommended for safety as well as unique insights and locations you simply wouldn’t know about without a guide.
Patagonia is a wonderful world to visit and hiking around Torres del Paine is one of the gems. Unforgettable experience (circa 2000)
Amazing views. I felt that everywhere I turned there was a postcard view. We went with a tour group, which is recommended. There is a short walk to see icebergs that break off and float down stream from the grey glacier. I would recommend spending 2 days at the park. Day one to see the popular look outs etc, day two to see the grey glacier. We missed out on the glacier and I regret it. Apparently there is a 3 hr boat ride to the glacier from the park. I would look into that. Entrance cost CLP 21000 per person. I was wet the day we went, but it was still awesome. Also, it's very cold. Wear wind resistant clothing. Thermals are recommended. ( we went in Nov)
One of the most beautiful places on earth. Beautiful lakes and mountains, stunning views, incredible experience overall. The star missing is for how the authorities approach the tourism; I understand that you prefer being paid in cash, but it is unacceptable in 2020, from a government organization, not to have the possibility to pay with credit card the park fee. I don’t pretend to pay hotels and restaurants (even if they know and they give the chance to pay with card), but at least the entrance fee for the park. Make sure you have full tank on your car (no gas stations) and plenty of cash (better chilean pesos, the change is always good for them)
This was the best hiking/trekking trip I have ever done. The peacefulness, tranquility and shear beauty of the pristine nature in this park alone is worth the visit. Be sure to take cooking equipment, camping equipment and first layer clothing that will keep you warm because the park can get windy and a bit cold in some of the camp sites. It's all part of the adventure! Not to mention the different and amazing types of people you will meet and make friends with along the way. Lastly, during clear nights, one can see the milky way!