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El Lago Sarmiento: A Patagonian Gem

Discover the serene beauty of El Lago Sarmiento in Torres del Paine, with cobalt waters, ancient thrombolites, and Patagonian wildlife.

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El Lago Sarmiento, nestled in Torres del Paine National Park, offers stunning views of the Paine massif and unique geological formations. Named after Spanish explorer Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa, this lake is a serene escape often overlooked by typical tours, boasting cobalt blue waters and rare thrombolite deposits.

A brief summary to El Lago Sarmiento

  • Y-150, Torres de Paine, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, CL

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing, especially for spotting birds and guanacos along the lake's shores.
  • Wear layers, as the Patagonian weather can change rapidly. Be prepared for wind, sun, and potential rain.
  • Visit the cave paintings along the trail near Lago Sarmiento to see a glimpse into the region's early human history.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Puerto Natales, take a bus to Torres del Paine National Park. Several bus companies operate daily, with prices ranging from $15 to $30 USD one way. Be sure to check the schedules and book in advance, especially during peak season. The bus will drop you off at one of the park entrances, from which you can access Lago Sarmiento.

  • Car

    From Puerto Natales, drive along Route 9 towards Cerro Castillo. Continue onto Ruta Y-150, following signs for Lago Sarmiento. The drive is approximately 2 hours. Note that the Sarmiento entrance is sometimes closed. Park entrance fee is approximately $50 USD per person. Parking is available near the lake.

  • Park Shuttle

    Once inside Torres del Paine National Park, utilize the park's shuttle services to reach specific trailheads near Lago Sarmiento. These shuttles connect key sites within the park and can be pre-booked or arranged through hotels and lodges. Prices vary depending on the distance but typically range from $20 to $50 USD for a one-way trip.

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Discover more about El Lago Sarmiento

El Lago Sarmiento, located within the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park, is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Named in honor of the Spanish explorer Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa, the lake presents a unique Patagonian landscape, characterized by its striking cobalt blue waters and the Paine mountain range as a backdrop. Unlike other glacial lakes in the park, Lago Sarmiento owes its origin to rainfall, which contributes to its intense blue hue. The lake covers approximately 80 square kilometers, making it the second-largest in the park after Lago del Toro. Its waters reach a maximum depth of 310 meters, adding to its impressive scale. One of the most distinctive features of Lago Sarmiento is the presence of thrombolites, living calcium carbonate fossils that form a whitish border around the lake's shores. These formations began developing around 10,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age, and grow at an incredibly slow rate of just one millimeter per year. These formations are possibly from hydrothermal activity in the lake. Visitors can explore the lake's surroundings through various hikes, including a trail that starts at the Lago Sarmiento gate and leads to an overhang with cave paintings dating back over 6,000 years. These paintings offer a glimpse into the lives of the early inhabitants of Patagonia. The area is also rich in wildlife, with opportunities to spot guanacos, rheas, eagles, and even the elusive puma. While often missed by standard tours, Lago Sarmiento provides a tranquil and less crowded experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the raw beauty of Patagonia.

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