January 11, 2023

Torres del Paine
National Park

Torres del Paine is a national park encompassing mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers in southern Chilean Patagonia. It is the most popular place to visit in Patagonia. Some of its most famous sites are the 3 granite towers from which the park takes its name and the horn-shaped peaks called Cuernos del Paine.

Entrance sign

The Grey Glacier

The glacier is in the background. It flows into the Grey Lake, which is barely visible in the picture. We were supposed to go closer to this glacier but there was flooding near there. The Grey Lake flows into the Grey River, which meets up with the Sorreno River.

Weber Point

Looking towards Lake Pehoe and the Cordillera del Paine.

Selfie at Weber Point

Looking towards Lake Pehoe and the Cordillera del Paine.

Us at Weber Point

Looking towards Lake Pehoe and the Cordillera del Paine.

Our Tour Group

Everyone on our tour was on the Polaris with us.

Lago Pehoe Information sign

Hosteria Pehoe

The red building is Hosteria Pehoe, a famous hotel in the park. There is a bridge to walk from the mainland to the island.

Torres del Paine information

Torres del Paine NP

The lighter grey mountain just right of center and the sliver of grey to the right of that mountain, are 2 of the 3 granite towers that the park is named for. Torres del Paine means Blue Towers.

Torres del Paine NP

The two horn-shaped peaks called Cuernos del Paine. They are distinctive because of the dark tips at the top.

Torres del Paine NP

The two horn-shaped peaks called Cuernos del Paine.

Shark Fin Mountain

The grey mountain in the middle of the picture looks like a shark fin. There is a difficult rock climbing route to follow if so inclined. It is recommended that you take a guided tour.

Salto Chico Falls

The bottom of the falls is visible.

Salto Chico Falls

Torres del Paine NP

The two horn-shaped peaks called Cuernos del Paine.

Torres del Paine NP

Clouds emerging from the mountain.

Torres del Paine NP

Torres del Paine NP

Cuernos del Paine

Torres del Paine Hiking Trails

There are two famous hiking trails, the O trek, also known as the Circuit, and the W trek. You must have reservations to hike either of these trails. The W trek has a start and an end point, is about 50 miles long and can be completed in 3 – 5 days. You can hike the W trek in either direction. The O trek covers the same trail as the W trek but continues around the Cordillera del Paine for a total of 68 miles that can be completed in 6 – 9 days. You can only hike the Circuit in a counterclockwise direction. Maybe next time! Ha Ha!