Hiking doesn't get better than this. A well developed trail network accessing granite pillars, turquoise lakes, roaring rivers, creeping glaciers and dense forests create a hikers' paradise. We spent 5 days exploring the area with packs and tents strapped to our backs.
Mirador Los Torres
The highlight of the trail is this trio of towering granite pillars. They are very impressive and change their mood at different times of the day. Here they are at dawn...
...and later in the day...
A beautiful walk up the valley with a glacier mountain on the left, a granite mountain on the right, a river running through and turquoise lakes below.
I loved this granite mountain. The pillars on the far right are the famous Torres pillars we saw up close on the other side. At its foot was a mysterious dead forest where I got to photograph a tree runner on its nest.
An impressive glacier nestled deep in the mountains with icebergs floating in the lake at its foot.
Ice and whisky anyone?
I was fascinated by the sheer size of the glacier and went ice hiking to explore up close. My first time wearing cramp ons and I loved it. Blue crevasces wherever I looked and ice that went on forever. I also tried my hand at some ice climbing. Surprisingly easy. Left pick in. Right pick in. Left foot up. Right foot up. Hug the rock and repeat. Next step, Everest!
Lakes
Lakes are the jewels of the Torres del Paine, Created by glaciers like glacier Grey, they contain the purest and best tasting water imaginable. Incredible to think we were drinking melted ice that probably froze thousands of years ago.
Other scenes along the way
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