Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park delivers Patagonia’s most iconic granite peaks: the three Torres rise 2,800 meters against a 1,814 sq km backdrop of glaciers and turquoise lakes — 30% smaller than Kruger National Park but with 50% more designated foot trails per square kilometer. The W Trek attracts 250,000 hikers yearly, yet the full Circuit remains 9 days of remote wilderness with only 200 permitted campers daily, enforcing stricter limits than Banff’s backcountry regulations. Glacial ice covers 15% of the park, melting at 3 meters per year, while winds exceed 100 km/h on 40 days annually.