Torres Del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park, (located in the Chilean part of Patagonia) in internationally renowned as one of the most beautiful, unspoilt and remote places of the planet. The attractions are its spectacular mountains, lakes, flora and fauna which make it an ideal destination for hiking, trekking and nature trips.

The area is subject to strong winds even during summer time (December - March). The average summer temperature is 11 C (52 F) with a minimum of 0.8 C (33 F) and a maximum of 24 C (75 F). The average rainfall is 700 mm per year (27 inches) and altitude goes from 50m (166 ft) to 3000m (10.000 ft) above sea level.

The major attraction of the park is naturally the Paine Massif.  Paine Grande at 3050 m asl is the highest peak, although the most picturesque peaks are the "Cuernos del Paine" and these are the summits you will have seen featured on most pictures and post cards of the park. The Torres del Paine are three sheer granite towers, that make a challenging and coveted prize for climbers. 

The southern extreme of the South Patagonian Icefield lies within the park.  There are many glaciers, lakes, lagoons and rivers to view as you hike the Paine circuit or the shorter so called "W" trek.. The best examples of the glaciers are Sarmiento, Nordenskjold, Pehoe, Paine and Dickson, each one with waters of different shades of blue and green. The largest rivers that cross the park are the Pingo, Grey and Dickson. The latter having three spectacular waterfalls, Paine, Salto Grande and Salto Chico.

The park flora varies with the area and altitude. You will find from windy grasslands to coigue and lenga tree forests that grow smaller as you gain altitude resembling a natural Bonsai garden. There is a small bush called calafate that produces a berry that locals say you have to eat to return. Among the fauna inhabitants you will find guanacos (n Andean camelid), ñandús (American ostrich), condors, mountain lions, gray and culpeo foxes and a wide variety of birds.