Holiday in Torres del Paine

What makes Torres del Paine special as a destination?

Torres del Paine in Patagonia is one of the most spectacular national parks in the world and a mecca for trekking enthusiasts. The three iconic granite towers — the namesake "Torres" — rise like cathedrals from a wilderness of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and endless steppe. National Geographic named the park the fifth most beautiful place in the world in 2013. The W-Trek is the most famous multi-day hike in South America: Over 4-5 days, hikers follow a W-shaped path through the heart of the park. The stages lead to the base camp of the Torres (sunrise on the granite towers), through the Francés Valley with its hanging glaciers, and to the Grey Glacier, where massive ice chunks calve into the turquoise Lago Grey. The O-Trek (Circuit Trek) circles the entire Paine massif in 7-9 days and takes hikers through the remote backside of the park, where one may encounter few people for days. The passage over the John Gardner Pass with the first view of the Grey Ice Field — the third largest ice mass on Earth — is a moment of such power that experienced trekkers are moved to tears. Even without multi-day trekking, the park is breathtaking. Day trips to the Mirador Torres (challenging, 8 hrs), a catamaran ride on Lago Grey to the glacier of the same name, or a drive along the main road with stops at waterfalls, lakes, and viewpoints offer unforgettable experiences. The Patagonian weather is notoriously fickle — four seasons in one day are the rule, not the exception. Winds of 100+ km/h, sudden rain showers followed by brilliant sunshine, and temperature fluctuations of 20 degrees within a few hours make good equipment essential. Yet, it is this dramatic weather that creates the light moods for which Patagonia is famous.