- 8 mins
If there is something besides its colossal mountains and wildlife that makes Torres del Paine unique, it is its spectacular lakes. Nature has used a palette of intense turquoise to give life to these aquatic landscapes, which act as huge mirrors reflecting the Patagonian geography. These lakes do more than beautify the environment; they also invite adventure. This blog post will teach you about the national park’s most emblematic lakes and how to reach them and enjoy their shores.
Nordenskjöld Lake: The large blanket of water in front of Los Cuernos peaks
One of our favorite lakes in Torres del Paine is Nordenskjöld Lake, an impressive body of water that bathes the shores of the Cuernos and French Sectors. Its characteristic turquoise color makes it one of the park’s most iconic landscapes. It will surely become a favorite if you hike the W or pass it on your way to the French Valley.
One of the best places to admire it is Los Cuernos Lookout, on the shore opposite the Paine Massif. You will get an unparalleled panoramic view of the majestic mountains reflected in the lake, creating a postcard-perfect memory that you will certainly treasure for many years to come.
Pehoé Lake: A beautiful body of water on the south side of the park
Pehoé Lake is one of Torres del Paine National Park’s most emblematic landscapes of Chilean Patagonia. Its name comes from the Aonikenk language and means “hidden.” On the map, you can find it on the south side of the park, below Nordenskjöld Lake.
Like its sibling to the north, its characteristic intense turquoise color varies according to daylight and weather conditions. Despite the distance, you can still see the impressive geological formations of the Cuernos from its shores.
On the way to Pehoé Lake, you will see different types of wildlife, like guanacos and foxes. It is undoubtedly a spectacular sight.
Paine Lake: A small but beautiful resting place
Although its name gives the impression that it is larger than the lakes mentioned above, Paine Lake is one of the smallest on this list, but still significant. It is on the north side of Torres del Paine National Park, near the Serón Sector. You see it when you follow the Paine River on the O Circuit.
Like many lakes in the park, glacial sediments and sunlight influence the color of its bluish, greenish waters. Glacial meltwater feeds Paine Lake, giving it its characteristic purity.
Since it is a smaller lake, people do not tend to stay long, so there is always a moment for a more intimate experience with nature on its shores.
Sarmiento Lake: At the entrance to the national park
Another impressive body of water on your trip to Torres del Paine National Park is Sarmiento Lake, located to the southeast of the park, near the entrance with the same name.
One interesting fact about Sarmiento Lake is that its calcium carbonate formations, similar to structures found in primitive environments on Earth, make it a site of scientific interest for astrobiology researchers.
It is also a gathering point for photographers and wildlife watchers, especially those who want to see less-visited parts of the park that are off the O Circuit.
Grey Lake: Home to Patagonia’s largest glacier
Finally, Grey Lake is one of Torres del Paine National Park’s most impressive lakes. This majestic body of water is home to the imposing Grey Glacier, an enormous mass of ice that measures approximately 270 km² and spans 28 km from its head in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field to its foot in the lake.
Located in the western sector of the park, Grey Lake offers several outstanding observation points, including:
- Grey Beach, where you can see the floating icebergs and appreciate the immensity of the lake.
- Ferrier Lookout, on a nearby hill, offers a spectacular panoramic view of the lake, the glacier and the Paine Mountain Range.
- Sail Lake Grey aboard a catamaran. This is one of the best ways to get close to the glacier and contemplate its magnitude.
At 15 km long and approximately 4 km wide, Grey Lake is one of the largest and most emblematic lakes in the park. It offers a unique natural spectacle in Patagonia.
Have you already decided which lake to visit on your next trip to Torres del Paine National Park? It does not matter which one you choose, as long as you have a unique experience. At Las Torres Patagonia, you will always find the perfect accommodations to make your visit exceptional and memorable.
