The Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most impressive destinations in Chilean Patagonia, attracting adventurers from all over the world who come to explore its unique landscapes and rich biodiversity. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know to plan your visit to this natural wonder.
In addition to getting to know exactly where the iconic granite mountains are and how to get to them, you will learn how this impressive rock formation came into being over millions of years – a result of the combined action of tectonic and glacial movements.
We will also tell you about the park’s history, from its founding to its recognition as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.
And for those curious about the region’s flora and fauna, we provide details about the dozens of species that inhabit the park, including the puma, the huemul (an endangered south Andean deer) and the variety of plants that make up the area’s distinct ecosystems.
Located in the Magallanes Region of southern Chile, the Torres del Paine National Park is home to the famous granite mountains that give the park its name. The closest city to the park is Puerto Natales, approximately two and a half hours away by car. For guests of Hotel Las Torres, there is an exclusive transfer service in comfortable vans, ensuring a safe and pleasant journey.
To reach the Base Torres Viewpoint, follow these steps:
Las Torres Mountains stand out for the contrast between their light and dark rock layers. The dark rock is sedimentary, formed during the separation of the Gondwana supercontinent millions of years ago. The light rock, on the other hand, is intrusive igneous granite that formed by infiltrating the sedimentary rock, taking advantage of the weakness generated by the presence of the Río Nutria fault.
These formations were exposed by tectonic processes and sculpted by the action of glaciers during the Pleistocene period, resulting in the distinct angular shapes of the mountains, including the famous Los Cuernos Mountains and the towers we see today.
The park was created on May 13, 1959, initially as Lake Grey National Tourism Park. Two years later, it received the name it goes by today. Since 1973, the park has been managed by the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), which maintains the constant presence of park rangers to protect the area.
In 1978, the park was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), recognizing its ecological importance, and promoting biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of its natural resources.
We can divide the local fauna into different groups. The park is home to 25 mammal species, among which the puma, red fox, skunk (or chingue), Geoffroy’s cat (a large forest cat) and huemul (an endangered south Andean deer and symbol of Chile’s fauna) stand out.
It is possible to find six different reptile species in the Torres del Paine National Park. There are three recorded types of amphibians and six distinct fish species.
The park also has 274 plant species, classified into four main biodiversity zones: Patagonian steppe; pre-Andean shrubland; Magellanic forest (dominated by lenga beech trees); and Andean desert.