NEED TO KNOW
LOCATION Torres del Paine National Park is in Chile’s Patagonia region HEIGHT The highest rock is 3,280 ft (1,000 m)
BASE CIRCUMFERENCE
Around 3 miles (5 km)
DAYTIME TEMPERATURES
Jan: 57°F (13°C); Apr: 48°F (8°C); Jul: 34°F (1°C); Oct: 48°F (8°C)
Set against the glacial lakes and windswept steppes of Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park (see p85) offers some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery on the planet. The three colossal towers (torres) at the center of the park provide intimidating and challenging rock climbs, with the central tower being the crown jewel. But for mere mortals, the park’s rugged trekking routes are a better option. These will lead you around enormous glaciers, beside deep-blue lakes, and across scenic valleys where guanacos and rheas roam freely. The great views here more than compensate for the fierce winds and wet weather.
Practical Information
Getting There and Around Torres del Paine National Park can be accessed by bus from Punta Arenas, which is 250 miles (400 km) to the southeast.
Once in the park, the towers are normally viewed as part of a 10-day trek.
When to Go The best time to visit is in spring and summer (Oct–Apr).