Located in the Patagonia region of southern Chile, the Torres del Paine National Park is a mecca for hikers, offering some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth. The crown jewel of the park is the W Circuit, named for the shape of the trail, which passes by glacial lakes, massive ice fields, and the towering granite peaks that give the park its name.
The complete circuit, which takes about 7 to 10 days to hike, takes you through a diverse range of environments. You’ll traverse windswept grasslands, dense forests, and rocky passes, often with the jagged peaks of the Torres del Paine as a backdrop. Glacier-fed lakes such as Lago Nordenskjöld and Lago Pehoé shimmer in turquoise hues, while encounters with wildlife, including guanacos and condors, are common. As you ascend the Base de las Torres, a steep and rocky climb, the sight of the three towering granite spires at sunrise is a reward worth every step.
Originally built for various reasons, from defensive fortifications to storage and religious sanctuaries, many of these underground cities have endured over centuries, preserving fascinating glimpses into past lives and cultures.
