Rounding the Cape: Chilean Patagonia & Argentinas Staten Island. For the O Circuit, youll summit the Paso John Gardner (John Gardner Pass) at an altitude of 1,241 metres (4,071 feet). As the only travel blog dedicated to responsible, adventure travel in Latin America, Worldly Adventurer seeks to inspire you to venture beyond the beaten trail and find a deeper connection with the countries you encounter along the way. A man climbs out over Laguna Azul, meaning Blue Lagoon. But theres a lot more to see in Chiles most stunning national park, and youd be wrong just to focus on one place! The viewpoint itself offers the most photogenic view of the granite towers of Torres del Paine, with the beautiful lake in the forefront and the three towers in High Definition. Torres del Paine National Park is open all year round, however hiking conditions are best during the summer months (December through February) and the shoulder season (October/November and March/April). Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. How much does it cost to visit Torres del Paine National Park? Torres del Paine is a beautiful magical place!!! Take a bus from El Calafate to Puerto Natales, which is operated by Bus Sur and Turismo Zaahj, with typically two/three morning departures (7am-8am) and one afternoon departure (3.30pm). I hope to return someday to do it again and yes, the winds there can be crazy strong!! Paine Grande and los Cuernos as a backdrop and the blue waters of the Nordenskjld lake at the forefront. Worldly Adventurer - aka Steph Dyson - is a bilingual freelance travel writer and guidebook author from the UK. She now lives between Europe and South America and, since 2014, has been travelling throughout this continent, authoring guidebooks, writing for international travel publications and creating comprehensive travel guides for Worldly Adventurer. All rooms come equipped with private bathrooms . Here, you will do an easy walk to reach a viewpoint that offers a fantastic view of Mt. Drive directly from El Calafate to Paso Ro Don Guillermo by heading south down Ruta 40 (a 2.5-hour, 127-mile (204-kilometre) drive). Where to Stay in Torres del Paine - Lodging Options - Travel Notes & Beyond But if youre willing to hike up for an hour, youll reach one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Patagonia - the pictures speak for themselves. Though theyre partially concealed because of the angle, its one of the best views you can get without approaching them directly on foot. The national park has two main entrances: To reach Torres del Paine National Park from Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital, you will need first to reach El Calafate, the closest Argentine town. The answer is yes: Chiles finest national park is open all year round, and some hotels, refuges History was made on Tuesday, January 10th 2023. Its a challenging trek: 16 kilometres (nine miles) return and with an altitude gain of 750 metres (2,460 feet), itll take between seven and nine hours, but its more than work the effort, particularly at dawn when the light turns the three granite towers a deep orange colour. Here are some of the best ways to explore Torres del Paine sustainably. Today, you'll transfer from El Calafate to Torres del Paine National Park, which takes about 2.5 hours. What to Know: Puerto Natales is the closest big town; buses travel the four-hour route to and from the park (quicker if by car). Wildlife safari tours, where you learn about the ranchs conservation efforts and have a chance to spy puma, flamingo, foxes and guanaco, cost $320 USD (learn more here), while all-inclusive lodging in their brand-new hotel rooms start from $790 USD (including all meals) and can be booked here. A guide is highly recommended, as the terrain is exposed to the wind and the trail is not always well-marked. As a result, its all of our responsibility to consider how we can best tread lightly and ensure the park remains pristine and ready to receive careful visitors for generations to come. Recent locally acquired cases in Florida and Texas have raised concerns about a rise in mosquito-borne diseases. While Torres Central camping and refugio ($25 USD pitch pp), which is situated right at the trailhead for the Mirador Las Torres hike, is used by campers along the W and O treks, its also a good spot if youve got your own transportation and want an affordable place to stay. Hi Steph, this is such a great comprehensive article. Laguna Azul is a beautiful lagoon located in the Eastern side of Torres del Paine national park. Not only does this ensure that you get a quality experience if you book a tour I recommend (not something thats guaranteed through faceless companies such as Viator and GetYourGuide), but it also means I can directly support local companies. Earth's shifting magnetic poles don't cause climate change, This ancient society tried to stop El Niowith child sacrifice, 3,600-year-old tsunami 'time capsule' discovered in Aegean, The bloody reigns of these Roman kings sparked a revolution, How Oppenheimer guarded WWIIs biggest secret, Step inside an ancient mummification workshop, At long last, the American buffalo has come home. Youll stay in their cosy Riverside Camp on the banks of Ro Serrano. Impossible not to mention Laguna Amarga, one of the classic postcards of Torres del Paine National Park. Published May 8, 2017 6 min read A journey through the wilds of Torres del Paine National Park is no small feat. It is a highlight of the Torres del Paine O Circuit. Here, you dont even have to walk : there is a nice viewpoint next to the road, so that most travelers stop to enjoy the view. No problem; there are plenty of short hikes to keep you busy and experiencing the parks stunning landscapes. Time: 6-8 hours. Be prepared for changeable and very windy conditions. Day 7: Relaxing at Hotel Las Torres. All rights reserved. It is located next to the road (roughly 45 minutes away from the Laguna Amarga entrance towards the west) and offers a spectacular view of the Nordenskjld lake, with Mt. For more serious hikers, or those who want to see Patagonia as pristine and quiet as possible, the typically nine-day/eight-night O Circuit is an extended version of the W and my preferred trail. Its a 30-minute drive north of Portera Laguna Amarga in the northeast side of the park, but still well-placed for driving to the main sights. Open Privacy Options All rights reserved. Its first inhabitants were the Tehuelches, a native community of skilled hunters, which only survives today in Argentina. This black hole was formed when the universe was a toddler, How to plan a weekend in South Moravia, Czech wine country, Visiting North Carolina? Pitches have roofed structures to protect your tent from Patagonias notoriously strong winds, plus a table and a barbecue (they sell firewood). But if youre courageous enough, youll get the most epic view of the southern Patagonian ice field. You might be surprised to learn that accommodations in Torres del Paine National Park dont just take the form of basic refugios or campgrounds. You need to download the QR code in Puerto Natales while you have internet (there is no signal in the park) and may need to show a copy of your passport to prove you do not live in Chile. Staying in hotels in the national park, this tour takes you to the parks highlights. I went out into the park with Chile Nativo, their top puma guide and a local rancher turned puma spotter. Los Cuernos viewpoint offers not one, but many spectacular views of the parks famous spires, los Cuernos (the Horns). It is a highlight of the Torres del Paine O Circuit. Day 9: Summit Cerro Paine. Laguna Amarga can be translated into The sour lake, due to the high level of Ph - acidity - of the greenish waters of the lake (if you want to drink it, you should know it is not tasty). Most tourist services, such as hotels, tours (aside from the W) and some restaurants are closed during this period and flights can get cancelled due to poor weather, so ensure youve got plenty of slack in your itinerary and pre-book hotels in advance. Photograph by Piriya Photography/Getty Images. Again, transportation, accommodation and all meals are included, with lodgings in three of the parks high-end hotels. 21 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Torres del Paine National Park Its also part of Chilean Patagonia, a region (not a country) that covers the southern stretches of both Chile and neighbouring Argentina. Dont fancy a full-day hike in the glorious scenery of Torres del Paine National Park? Was it a spectacular celestial discoveryor just a fluke? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Reply Explore the most popular views trails in Torres del Paine National Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Puma tracking doesnt come cheap at $895 USD per person for this two-day tour, but this does include a night in Chiles Nativos rustic but still comfortable Riverside Camp, plus really delicious, traditional meals. This is one of the easiest magnificent views to access on a day trip to Torres del Paine National Park. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. During these months, you can visit Torres del Paine independently without hiring a licensed guide. It takes five hours, with around one hour of that spent on the ice. However, as spring moves towards summer, the number of visitors does increase. Are your hormones unbalancedand what does that even mean? If youre hiking the W trek, the highest elevation youll meet on the trail is 900 metres (2,950 feet) at Laguna Torres and the Mirador Las Torres. A more direct option is a transfer with South Road. With a cap of 70 hikers per day on this path, the first three days before you join the W are blissfully quiet and a glorious way to connect with Patagonias wild landscapes. While it may be short in distance, it doesn't fall short on beautiful landscapes and neverending wildlife. Youll sail up to the edges of the glacier, watching as it calves bus-sized icebergs into the lakes milky blue waters if youre lucky, and sample a pisco sour shaken with glacier ice as the boat heads back to dry land. Find out more about their tours here and book a stay at Hotel Las Torres (a great option for a night of relaxation post-W trek or O Circuit). If youre still set on staying in a hotel, then consider donating to the Torres del Paine Legacy Trust, a nonprofit that supports conservation projects in the park, as well as community development initiatives in the wider area. The results? Turismo Zaahj: From Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park, Turismo Zaahj: From Torres del Paine National Park to Puerto Natales. This is sometimes caused by poor weather conditions (muddy paths can be very challenging to follow) and also as trekkers meet others on the trail. As heat waves become increasingly common, veterinarians call for extra vigilance. Climb the steep moraines . There are many nice viewpoints around the lake, and most of them can be reached by driving. No matter whether you are a photographer or a nature lover : sunrises in Patagonia are a daily delight. Covering 46 miles (74 kilometres) in total, this is a challenging hike, but one that many first-time trekkers successfully achieve. Kayak Through The Waterways Of Grey Glacier #6. Torres del Paine National Park Reviews | U.S. News Travel You can only access the pass if you do this one-week trek, so this spot is for the most experienced hikers only. Torres del Paine is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions on the planet. The boat isnt the cheapest but allows for very close views of the glacier that are otherwise only possible for those hiking one of the multi-day trails or kayaking on Lago Grey. Was this prehistoric killer shrimp as fierce as it looked? How to Get to Torres del Paine - First Time Visitor's Guide Paine Grande, los Cuernos and the Grey glacier in the distance. These include some of the best viewpoints around the national park, by boat to see Glacier Grey, on a guided tour of the nearby Milodon Cave, and on other trails in the park to observe wildlife, including condors and guanaco. A 10-minute drive south of the Pudeto catamaran ferry stop (where many start the W trek) and within a 45-minute drive of the trailhead for the Mirador Las Torres hike, this campsite has 40 pitches, hot showers and is very well-located, with its own restaurant (open to the public) right next door. Chile Nativo is my chosen local partner because theyre recognized across the industry for the excellent work they do to support sustainable tourism in Patagonia, and they deliver fantastic service to tourists, too. A second alternative is the 41-hour TABSA ferry from Caleta Tortel (at the bottom of the Carretera Austral), which similarly takes you down through the fjords into Southern Patagonia. Bus Sur: From Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park, Bus Sur: From Torres del Paine National Park to Puerto Natales. Circuito grande Torres del Paine 147 Nature & Wildlife Areas Hiking Trails By itravelwithkids #1 - Torres del Paine Viewpoint via Las Torres a Chileno Trail Torres del Paine National Park Length: 12.5 mi Est. Steph. The beauty of hormones is that they exist to keep the body in balance. For example, this tour doesnt reach the east of the park where the O Circuit and the hike up to the torres (towers) begins until mid-afternoon. The founder, Steph Dyson, is a travel journalist who's been published by National Geographic Traveller, CNN, Lonely Planet, and more. Chilean cowboys known as baqueanos "demonstrate a deep connection to nature," says George, "and they treat their horses with a parental tenderness.". Categories Chile, Patagonia, South American Highlights, The 14 Best Things to Do in Puerto Varas, A Chilean Adventure Hotspot, The 25 Best Places to Visit in Argentina: For Hikers, Sightseers and Wildlife-Lovers Alike. This is one of the best spots to photograph sunrise, with an unforgettable view of the towers. The John Gardner Pass offers one of the most striking views of the Torres del Paine O Circuit. This massive, mountainous national park in southern Patagonia is known for its scenic glaciers, beautiful lakes, lush forests, and the three iconic granite peaks of Paine Massif. While the Paine Massif, the mountains at the centre of the national park, might form part of the Andes Mountain Range, theyre not actually as high as you might expect. The whole hike is beautiful, with a nice walk through the Ascencio valley and the lush green nothofagus forest. If youre lucky, you may spot some huge icebergs, which is more common in the warmest months of the year (November to February). You'll marvel at jaw-dropping vistas at nearly every . Another of the parks most striking sights is Glacier Grey. This tour includes all the highlights of Chile's famous Torres del Paine National Park. This short, flat trail leads to a beach overlooking Lago Peho, with sensational views of the Cordillera Paine and the park's iconic "horns", Los Cuernos. Not everyone who does the W Trek reaches that spot, as it means a long full day hiking. Due to the weather, we had to deviate from our original plan, however, Steph quickly responded to our email during the trip with further recommendations. 11 Breathtaking Photos from Torres del Paine National Park If you're staying at Chileno, you'll follow the trail to the left. If soft adventure is more your cup of tea, boarding the catamaran ferry from the beach beside Hotel Lago Grey out to the very skirts of Glacier Grey may well be more your pace. You don't need a 4-wheel drive for Torres del Paine, but of course a bigger and better car would help. Remember, it takes around 1.5 hours to drive into the national park from Puerto Natales or a least 3.5 hours from El Calafate, so factor that into your plans. A nice spot to understand how small humans truly are. This trip takes around 2.5 hours, costs $100 USD and is available between October and April. Theres a small cafe on-site for basic meals, as well as access to a large kitchen/dining area for preparing your own food. There are normally four boats a day and you can also use this boat to drop you off at Grey refugio and campground if you want to start the W trek from there rather than at Paine Grande. 4 shares Unauthorized use is prohibited. Reservations are now open for the 2023/24 season (although an issue with Torres Hikes systems means you need to book directly with Vertice and Las Torres or use the brilliant local operator, Chile Nativo to sort all your logistics (use code WorldlyAdventurer for a 5% discount)). Head to Cerro Guido, a working ranch turned hotel on the eastern outskirts of the national park. Read more about the best times to visit Patagonia. In a race against time and the enemy, J. Robert Oppenheimer helped lead the U.S. effort to build the atomic bomb. However, this is a compulsory stopover for all travelers entering the park through Laguna Amarga, as this viewpoint that is nicely designed is located next to the road. As with the W trek, you can even rent all food and camping gear along the trek, meaning you can hike this trail with just a day pack or you can opt to carry all your camping gear and food. Likely eaten by a puma, the bones of a baby guanaco, or chulengo, lie in the grass. The best place to check flights is using Skyscanner; be aware prices rarely include checked luggage. All of the tours I recommend are with Chile Nativo, an outstanding local operator with whom Ive been proud to work for a number of years. Whens the best time to visit Torres del Paine National Park?
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