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Chile's Torres del Paine National Park is one of the best hiking destinations in the world. Two of the most famous hiking trails are: the W-shaped route, which resembles the Chinese character "山" (mountain), and the O-shaped route, which forms a circle around the W-shaped route.
English name: Torres Del Paine's w-trek
Location: Magallanes-Antarctica Region, Chile
Highlights along the route: Torres del Paine; Lake Nordenschön; Lake Peoë; Horn Peak; Grey Glacier
Best time for hiking: November to March
Mileage: Approximately 76 kilometers
Torres del Paine National Park is located in the Patagonian Plateau in southern Chile. It was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO as early as 1978. Since then, it has been a representative area of different ecosystems in the world.
National Geographic even listed it as one of the "50 beautiful sights you must see in your lifetime". It is also one of the world's top wilderness hiking routes and a paradise for hiking enthusiasts around the world.
The Paine Valley hiking route generally climbs between 50 and 300 meters above sea level, with minimal ups and downs, making it a pleasant hike even for inexperienced hikers. While not strictly challenging, it's certainly beautiful and adventurous. Snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, and adorable wildlife await hikers, along with breathtaking scenery.
This park has some of the most impressive natural landscapes on Earth, but they can only be appreciated on foot, which is one of the reasons why the W route of Torres del Paine National Park is one of the world's top hiking routes.
"Paine" means "blue" in the local Indian language, and Torres del Paine National Park means "blue peaks." It's a blue world: the blue sky, the blue lakes, and the blue glaciers create a blue backdrop, making the peaks like the Torres del Paine and the Cape Peak glow with a blue glow.
Traveling through the picturesque Nordenskjold Lake, Pehoe Lago, and the shores of Lake Grey, walking in the charming French Valley, and stopping in front of the stunning Grey Glacier, this is the ultimate visual feast that Torres del Paine brings to people.
The park's iconic landmark, the Torres del Paine, are three towering granite peaks shaped like pagodas, rising from the ground and reaching the sky. The only way to see the Torres del Paine towers and admire the golden mountain in the sunlight is to trek thousands of meters along the rugged trails on a freezing cold morning, braving the famous winds of Torres del Paine.
1. Torres del Paine Campground is the free campground closest to the Three Pagodas Peak. If you are lucky, you can see the dazzling sunrise over the Three Pagodas Peak in the morning. If you are brave enough, you can also rush to enjoy the rare sunset over the Three Pagodas Peak before the sun sets.
2. The second half of the journey to the Chilean camp is a valley on one side and a gravel road on the mountain on the other. Accompanied by gusts of wind, you must use trekking poles to keep your balance at all times.
3. The section from the Italian camp to the British camp is the highlight of the "W" line. Not only are the glaciers and snow-capped mountains close at hand, but you can also get in close contact with the main peaks of Torres del Paine.
Standing on the observation deck of the French Valley, you can enjoy a broad view, including the French Glacier with a faint blue glow, the proudly towering main peaks and the dreamy Lake Nordenschio.
4. The bottom of the "W" line basically walks along the north shore of Lake Nordenschio. The beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains is even more pure against the backdrop of polar landscapes such as glaciers and snow. It is worth slowing down and savoring it carefully.
5. The Grey Lake section is the most relaxing section of the "W" route. Here, you can take a ferry to Grey Glacier. At its longest, you're only 50 meters from the glacier. The Grey Lake East Shore Viewpoint is also the left apex of the "W" route, offering a panoramic view of Grey Lake and Grey Glacier.
6. You will pass through many wind vents during hiking, and the instantaneous wind speed can reach 100 kilometers per hour, which can blow people down. Avoid walking on dangerous sections of the road during strong winds.
1. The park currently has no mobile phone coverage, making it difficult to communicate with the outside world. Therefore, be sure to travel with a group and avoid traveling alone. Follow the signs along the way and stay on the designated safe route. If possible, it is recommended to bring a satellite phone.
2. The climate inside Torres del Paine National Park is highly variable. Sunny days bring intense sunlight and strong UV rays, while cloudy days bring rain and snow. The weather can change drastically, so be sure to be well prepared. High-factor sunscreen, a parasol, and a raincoat are essential. Even in the summer, it can be very cold, and with the constant strong winds along the way, be sure to bring a windbreaker, thermal underwear, cotton socks, a scarf, and gloves.
3. Torres del Paine National Park offers multiple campsites, offering accommodation options in three categories: hotels, refugios, and campsites. However, reservations for both hotels and campsites are required in advance. Furthermore, camping is prohibited within the park; only designated campsites are permitted for lodging and use of fire. Violators face fines and even imprisonment.
4. Whether it is summer or winter in Torres del Paine National Park, the temperature at night is below zero degrees. If you prepare a sleeping bag, it must be thick and moisture-proof, the thicker the better.
