Hike to Torres del Paine Peaks, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Add to My List Check Off

The Cordillera del Paine is a small but spectacular mountain group in Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. It belongs to the Commune of Torres del Paine in Última Esperanza Province of Magallanes y Antártica Chilena Region. Peaks The highest summit of the range is probably Cerro Paine Grande. The best-known and most spectacular summits are the three Towers of Paine. They are gigantic granite monoliths shaped by the forces of glacial ice. The South Tower of Paine is now thought to be the highest of the three, although this has not been definitely established. It was first climbed by Armando Aste. The Central Tower of Paine was first climbed in 1963 by Chris Bonington and Don Whillans, and the North Tower of Paine was first climbed by Guido Monzino. Other summits include the Cuerno Principal and Cerro Paine Chico. The Torres del Paine National Park - an area of 2,400 km² - was declared a Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO in 1978 and is a popular hiking destination. There are clearly marked and well maintained paths and manyrefugioswhich provide shelter and basic services. Views are breathtaking. Hikers can opt for a day trip to see the towers, walk the popular "W" route in about five days, or trek the full circle in 8–9 days. The "W" route is by far the most popular, and is named for the shape of the route. Hikers start and finish at either of the base points of the "W", performing each of the three shoots as a day trip. The five points of the W, from west to east, are: Glacier Grey, a large glacier calving into the lake of the same name. Camping is available next to Refugio Grey. Refugio Pehoe, situated on Lago Pehoe. This site offers good views of the "horns" of Torres del Paine. Valle del Francés ("Frenchman's Valley"), often rated as the best scenery in the whole park. The path leads up into a snowy dead-end, where several small glaciers are visible. Hosteria las Torres, a large hotel at the base of the mountain range. The Torres del Paine themselves, large rock formations over a small lake, high in the mountains. The longer "circuit" walk includes all the sights of the "W", but avoids most backtracking, by connecting Glacier Grey and the Torres del Paine around the back of the mountain range. Boats and buses provide transport between Hosteria las Torres, Refugio Pehoe, and the park entrance at Laguna Amarga. It is a national park and thus hikers are not allowed to stray from the paths. Camping is only allowed at specified campsites, and wood fires are prohibited in the whole park.

Write a Review

No Ratings Yet

Flag as inappropriate ›