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Cordillera del Paine: A Majestic Mountain Range

Explore the majestic Cordillera del Paine in Torres del Paine National Park: a Patagonian paradise of granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and world-class hiking.

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The Cordillera del Paine, a stunning mountain range in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park, is famed for its jagged granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and diverse hiking trails. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, it offers breathtaking Patagonian landscapes and challenging treks like the W and O circuits.

A brief summary to Cordillera del Paine

  • Torres de Paine, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, CL

Local tips

  • Book accommodations and park entrance tickets well in advance, especially during peak season (October to April), as they sell out quickly.
  • Pack for all types of weather, even in summer, as Patagonia is known for its unpredictable conditions, including strong winds, rain, and sunshine.
  • Bring Chilean pesos, as ATMs are not available inside the park, and some establishments may only accept cash.
  • Consider hiking the W or O trek for an immersive experience, but be prepared for challenging terrain and book campsites or refugios in advance.
  • Take advantage of the park's shuttle buses and boat services to connect to trailheads and save time and energy.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Cordillera del Paine, begin from Puerto Natales, the closest town. Regular buses run to the park's key points, including Laguna Amarga (main entrance) and Pudeto. Bus tickets from Puerto Natales range from $15-$30 USD one way. From Laguna Amarga, a shuttle can take you to the Welcome Center. From Pudeto, a catamaran crosses to Paine Grande, a starting point for the W trek. Catamaran tickets cost around $50 USD round trip. Park entrance fees are required and vary based on nationality and length of stay. Foreigners pay approximately $32 USD for up to 3 days or $45 USD for more than 3 days.

  • Driving

    Driving to Torres del Paine National Park from Puerto Natales takes approximately 2-3 hours. The main road through the park is unpaved, so allow extra travel time. Drive carefully and be aware of wildlife. There is no gas station inside the park, so fuel up in Puerto Natales. Park entrance fees are required and vary based on nationality and length of stay. Foreigners pay approximately $32 USD for up to 3 days or $45 USD for more than 3 days. Parking is available at various trailheads and visitor centers.

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Discover more about Cordillera del Paine

The Cordillera del Paine, also known as the Paine Massif, is a mountain group that dominates the landscape of Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. The name 'Paine' means 'blue' in the Tehuelche (Aonikenk) language. This independent mountain formation, part of the Andes, boasts unique characteristics dating back at least 12 million years. Sedimentary layers lifted by geological forces were later sculpted by glacial erosion, leaving behind the resistant granite rock seen today. The massif includes several mountains, each offering unique beauty. Cerro Paine Grande, the range's highest peak, reaches 2,884 meters. The three Towers of Paine (Torres del Paine) are the park's main attraction. The South Tower stands at approximately 2,500 meters, the Central Tower at 2,460 meters, and the North Tower at 2,260 meters. Other notable mountains include Cerro Fortaleza, Cerro Catedral, Cerro Negro, and the distinctive Cuernos del Paine with their dark sedimentary rock contrasting against exposed granite. The Cordillera del Paine's geological history is visible in its alternating bright granite and dark sedimentary rocks, formed from deep-sea deposits. Glaciers have carved valleys and shaped mountains over millions of years. The park also features stunning lakes like Grey Lake, fed by Grey Glacier; Nordenskjöld Lake, known for its turquoise color; and Pehoe Lake. Waterfalls such as Paine Waterfall, Salto Grande, and Salto Chico add to the dramatic scenery. Torres del Paine National Park, established in 1959 and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1978, protects this area. The park offers various hiking trails, including the famous W trek (4-5 days) and the O circuit (6-10 days), attracting over 150,000 tourists annually. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, boat excursions to glaciers, and wildlife viewing.

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