The highlights are: Cerro Paine complex, where the highest peak reaches 3,050 meters above sea level, Torres del Paine and Cuernos del Paine; this amazing granite formation is composed by the South Tower (2,850 m above sea level), the Central Tower (2,800 m above sea level), the North Tower (2,248 m above sea level) and the Cerro Nido de Cóndor (2,243 m above sea level). It is also possible to appreciatedifferent glaciers such as Grey, Pingo, Tyndall and Geike, which form part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Some of the best known circuits are the “W”, 76 km which can be covered in around 4 days or the Paine Massif, 93 km which can be covered in 7 days.
Climate
The Patagonian climate is variable, which makes it an important reason to consider, because in Torres del Paine no two days are alike. This National Park is protected from storms in the Ice Field by a mountain chain, creating unique microclimates. For example the warm climate in Laguna Azul, the winds in Paine Grande and the intense cold in Campamento Los Perros. The climate in Torres del Paine, during the summer, reaches a maximum of 20°C and drops to 0°C in winter. Wind is always present, which causes a chill sensation 6 or 7 degrees below. The water is generally between 4 and 5 °C.
Suggested clothes for visiting the Torres del Paine National Park
Since this zone has some days with very strong winds, rain or snow, it is very important to have the adequate clothes:
Head
- Woolen hat and scarf
- Sunglasses, preferably with UV protection
- Sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF), minimum 45
- Lip balm with SPF
Upper part
- Quick-drying vest: the advantage is that as it dries very quickly, it avoids losing heat
- Soft Shell jacket: it keeps you warm and protects you from the wind
- Waterproof jacket: to be protected from the rain
- Thermal Gloves: we suggest having two pairs
Legs
- Quick-drying leggings
- Waterproof trousers (Gore-Tex)
- Detachable Pants: to be more comfortable when the temperature rises
- Soft Shell trousers: ideal for when you are camping
Feet
- Soft Shell or polypropylene socks
- Trekking boots: to avoid ankle sprains
- Comfortable shoes: to wear in base camps and to rest your feet
For sleeping
- Sleeping bag: in Patagonia, the only material that works without problems is synthetic fiber. Sleeping bags from 0°C to 20°C is enough.
- Sleeping pad: it is portable, light and protects from the cold and humidity.
It is possible to rent them in Puerto Natales or through the tourist agencies.
When to travel to Torres del Paine?
The Torres del Paine National Park is open all the year round, nevertheless the best time of the year to go is during the months of October and April, since these months respectively coincide with spring an autumn in the southern hemisphere. During these months days are sunnier and longer, as days in summer have more than 16 hours daylight due to the latitude and there is less rainfall.
How long should I travel to Torres del Paine?
The Torres del Paine National Park is a destination which can be visited with one excursion per day, starting in El Calafate in Argentina o in Puerto Natales in Chile. You can also choose a longer stay going on trekking circuits three to ten days long. It all depends on how much time you have for your trip.