Torres del Paine National Park

The park spans 181,414 hectares (448,230 acres) of protected land between Magellanic forests and Patagonian steppes, encompassing granite peaks, glaciers, lakes, and rivers. Turquoise waters wind through valleys beneath the towering mountain ranges, while extensive ice fields cling to higher elevations. Vegetation ranges from dense southern beech forests in wetter zones to open grasslands shaped by wind.

Lady Florence Dixie provided the first recorded description in 1880, referring to the three granite towers as Cleopatra's Needles. The Chilean government declared the territory a national park in 1959 after earlier attempts to use it for ranching failed. A devastating fire in 2011 burned over 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres), leading to stricter regulations for visitors and camping activities.

The indigenous Tehuelche named the region Paine, meaning blue in their language, reflecting their deep connection to this mountainous territory. For centuries, the area served as hunting grounds and spiritual landscape for nomadic groups who traveled between the steppes and forests. Today, hikers and nature enthusiasts from across continents visit the park, contributing to the regional economy of nearby settlements.

Visitors reach the park from Puerto Natales, located 70 miles (112 kilometers) to the south, and can choose between hotels, mountain shelters, or campgrounds. The best time to visit is from October through April during the Patagonian summer when days are longer and weather conditions become milder. Hikers must book their overnight stays in advance, and open fires are prohibited throughout the park since the 2011 blazes.

The park contains three distinct granite towers that rise from the Paine mountain range, forming natural landmarks visible from considerable distances. The peaks formed roughly twelve million years ago through volcanic activity and subsequent erosion by glaciers. The middle tower reaches 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) in elevation and presents a popular challenge for technical climbers.

Location: Torres del Paine

Location: Última Esperanza Province

Inception: May 13, 1959

Elevation above the sea: 579 m

Operator: conaf

Shares border with: Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Los Glaciares National Park

Website: http://parquetorresdelpaine.cl/en

GPS coordinates: -50.98306,-72.96639

Latest update: December 15, 2025 00:33