I got carried away and dared to challenge the storm hike at the end of the world

Here has been rated by National Geographic as one of the "Top Five on Earth" and is also one of the "50 Places to Visit in a Lifetime." Granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and magnificent glaciers form a wilderness paradise that attracts hiking enthusiasts from around the world to come and pay homage.
-
After leaving Easter Island, I experienced luggage theft during a transfer in Santiago (all equipment, cash worth over 100,000, and worse, over 2TB of footage). After struggling and waiting for a long time at the airport, I finally boarded the plane to Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park. (I reported the theft at both Santiago airport and Torres del Paine, but to no avail, and my life trajectory changed because of it)
-
Main Attractions
Anyone coming to Torres del Paine should not miss the Three Towers, the park’s iconic landscape. From a distance, the peaks appear uniquely blue, but up close they are rust-colored, glowing like burning torches under the sunset. The summit viewpoint requires a 22 km hike/around 8 hours, but seeing the Three Towers turn golden in the morning light makes all the effort worthwhile.
Los Cuernos (The Horns): The black and white distinct peaks can be admired along the way, about a 2.5-hour hike to the base.
Grey Glacier: Take a boat for a close-up view of the glacier, listen to the roar of ice calving, and feel the power of nature.
-
Itinerary Suggestions
W Trek: A classic 5-day, 4-night route covering highlights like the French Valley, Grey Glacier, and the Three Towers. Hiking 8-11 hours daily, suitable for hikers with good stamina.
Easy Self-Drive Tour: For non-hikers, choose self-driving plus short hikes, stopping at viewpoints along the way to see the Three Towers from afar, hike to Los Cuernos, and take a glacier boat tour at Grey Glacier.
-
Accommodation Options:
Inside the park: Las Torres Hotel and EcoCamp Patagonia geodesic dome camp are located in the park’s core area.
Outside the park: Hostels in Puerto Natales offer great value. (That’s what we did)
-
Practical Tips
1. Transportation: Rent a car from Punta Arenas Airport to Puerto Natales (resupply point), then drive 1.5 hours to the park.
2. Tickets: Must be purchased online at the park entrance, with prices for under three days and over three days.
3. Gear: Windproof and waterproof jackets are essential; Torres del Paine is known for strong winds. Prepare comfortable hiking shoes, gloves, scarves, and sunglasses. Layered clothing is necessary due to large temperature differences between day and night.
4. Weather: The weather in Torres del Paine is changeable, experiencing all four seasons in one day. Even if the forecast is clear, be prepared for harsh weather.
5. Supplies: There are few restaurants inside the park, so bring snacks and drinking water. Some rest stops provide glacier water for direct drinking.
-
Standing in the wilderness of Torres del Paine, feeling the strong wind on your face and gazing at the brilliant starry sky, you will understand why this place is called "the end of the world." Whether completing an epic hike or simply admiring the granite spires from afar, this land will leave an indelible mark on your heart.