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Torres del Paine National Park: A Patagonian Paradise

Discover the majestic granite towers, glaciers, and turquoise lakes of Chile's iconic Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia.

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Torres del Paine National Park, located in Chilean Patagonia, is a world-renowned destination for its dramatic granite peaks, stunning glaciers, turquoise lakes, and diverse wildlife. The park offers a range of activities, from challenging multi-day treks to shorter day hikes and scenic boat tours.

A brief summary to Torres del Paine National Park

Local tips

  • Book accommodations and tours well in advance, especially during peak season (December to February), as lodging within the park is limited.
  • Purchase park entrance tickets online at least 24 hours in advance through the official website.
  • Pack layers of clothing, as the weather in Patagonia can be unpredictable and change rapidly.
  • Bring Chilean pesos, as some establishments may not accept credit cards, and there are no ATMs within the park.
  • Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile environment and avoid getting lost.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Puerto Natales, the primary gateway city, take a bus to Torres del Paine National Park. Bus-Sur is a main operator, with several daily departures. The journey takes 2-4 hours, with stops at Laguna Amarga, Pudeto, and Hotel Lago Grey. One-way tickets cost approximately $15-$30 USD. Remember to purchase your park entrance ticket in advance.

  • Ferry & Hiking

    To access the popular French Valley trail, take a 30-minute ferry across Pehoe Lake from Pudeto to Paine Grande Refugio. The ferry typically costs around $30 USD per person. From Paine Grande, it's a 12-mile (20km) round-trip hike into the French Valley. Be prepared for a strenuous hike with an elevation gain of 1900 feet (600 meters).

  • Entrance Fees

    To enter Torres del Paine National Park, visitors must purchase tickets online at least 24 hours in advance. As of 2024, the cost for foreign adults is approximately $32 USD for a 3-day pass or $45 USD for a pass valid for more than 3 days. Payment can be made by card at the park entrance.

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Discover more about Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park, a crown jewel of Chilean Patagonia, is a breathtaking landscape of mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers. Established in 1959 and later named Torres del Paine National Park in 1970, the park covers approximately 181,414 hectares (700 sq mi). The name 'Torres del Paine' refers to the park's iconic granite towers, with 'Paine' meaning 'blue' in the native Tehuelche (Aonikenk) language. The park's history dates back thousands of years to the indigenous Aonikenk people. European explorers and settlers arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the area was primarily used for sheep farming. Recognizing the ecological value, the Chilean government began protecting the area in the mid-20th century. The Cordillera del Paine is the park's centerpiece, boasting the famous three towers: Torre d'Agostini, Torre Central, and Torre Monzino. The highest mountain in the park is Cerro Paine Grande, reaching 2,884 m (9,462 ft). The Southern Patagonian Ice Field feeds glaciers like Dickson, Grey, and Tyndall. Vividly colored lakes such as Dickson, Pehoé, and Grey are also prominent features. The park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, attracting visitors worldwide. Popular activities include hiking the famous W and O circuits, exploring the French Valley, and visiting Grey Glacier. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot guanacos, pumas, Andean condors, and other native species.

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