Torres del Paine

Overview

Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most spectacular wilderness areas on earth. Its three blue granite towers, rising to 2,850 metres, are the park's emblem, and the W and O trekking circuits are world famous. The park offers panoramic glaciers, lakes, grassland and the Andes, making it a mecca for hiking and eco-tourism.

History

The park was created in 1959 and was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978. Its name comes from the three granite towers, known as the Towers of Paine, which were first climbed in 1963. The park draws more than 250,000 visitors a year, and concerns over wildfire and overuse have led to tighter regulation of trekking and camp sites in recent years.

Highlights

• •Sunrise on the three towers
• •The Grey Glacier
• •Herds of wild guanaco

Practical tips

• •Book campsites and refugios well ahead
• •The weather changes fast, so pack layers

Practical information

Best time

November to March

Tickets

About USD 38 per day

Opening hours

Open all day

Local food

King crab, roast lamb and seafood soup

Getting around

Punta Arenas is the gateway, and Torres del Paine is reached by long-distance bus or self-drive

Visa

A tourist visa is required; Chinese citizens holding a valid US visa with at least six months remaining may enter visa-free, subject to Chilean foreign ministry announcements.

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