TORRES DEL PAINE: AN EIGHTH WONDER

Torres del Paine has been declared the eighth wonder of the world, the largest and most visited nature reserve in Chile.

PHOTO: Evanto

Located at the southern tip of the country, along the famed Route to the End of the World, this national park is characterized by its towering and jagged peaks. Proudly encompassing a landscape adorned with glaciers, lakes, and rivers, the exceptionally high and sharp mountains define the scenery.

Situated in a region renowned for its harsh weather conditions, the famous Patagonia, it is worth noting that in this part of the country, daylight persists for an unusually long 17 hours, providing ample time to truly immerse oneself in nature.

Torres del Paine earned this prestigious title amidst stiff competition from over 300 different destinations. The interplay of nature and divinity is particularly pronounced here, with the rugged landscape appearing almost surreal, as if not of this planet.

The most iconic feature of the park is the mountain massif with three sharp peaks, each bearing its own name: Torres d’Agostini, Torres Central, and Torres Monzino. Rising 2,500 meters above sea level, these peaks lend their name to the entire park. Translated, Torres del Paine means "blue towers," a hue they acquire when viewed from a distance against the backdrop of the sky and lakes.

Covering an area of approximately 300,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, the park represents a haven on Earth for nature enthusiasts, especially since there are no pronounced tourist activities.