You can do a simple 30 minute hike all the way to a multi-day trek in Torres del Paine.
Nate and I classify ourselves as moderate day hikers. We are NOT avid hikers. We are humans who don’t mind working hard for a great view, ideally within a five hour time period.
Hopefully that sets the stage.
Doing the TDP hike was on the original plan. But due to weather and a sense of completion in having done the Fitz Roy hike in El Chalten…we decided to hang around our hotel and do some more local hikes instead.
MIRADOR CONDOR
30 minutes straight up, take in the views as long as you like, then 10 minutes down.
This hike starts less than 100 yards past the Hosteria Pehoe (where we stayed). While it’s steep, it’s short and you get 360 degree views at the top. Below are photos from on the way up, and at the top of Mirador Condor.
And of course, it was SO WINDY. Like, the strongest winds I’ve ever experienced. Which was in large part why we didn’t want to attempt getting up the TDP hike.
As stated, we stayed at Hosteria Pehoe – which we don’t suggest. Well, we would totally suggest it if the foot bridge was re-built and the hotel was renovated. But as it stood in early 2020, we don’t suggest it.
Instead, drive here for THE VIEW. Park your car, get out, snap a pic, maaaayyybbeee walk across the bridge, and then move on. The island you see with the footbridge in the top photo of this post, is where Hosteria Pehoe is at.
MIRADOR CUERO
2 hours total – 6km (same time in and out roughly).
Start at trailhead for the Salto Lookout, see the waterfall and keep walking to the right to start towards Mirador Cuero.
This hike was a 3-5 minute drive from our hotel (inside Torres del Paine National Park). Its a rolling, mostly flat walk with views all the live long day. Now, I know it will be easy to think some of these photos were taken at an ocean due to the swell in the water. BUT that’s just with wind causing a legitimate swell. Nate’s sunglasses were actually ripped off his face and flung down the hillside via the wind. These are his $200 Oakleys…thus, we searched and searched until by the LITERAL grace of God, I found them.
Just as another activity, know that you can venture in the opposite direction towards Grey Glacier to visit Hotel Lago Grey, or take a boat tour to the glacier. There are also plenty of hikes to do in this region.
Torres Del Paine is a jaw-dropper no matter what you decide to do. I highly doubt that any view or hike would be a disappointing one. Most important is that you do what you WANT to do, weather permitting. And let me tell you, that’s A THING. If you can stay longer than three days, that’s ideal. Give yourself a day or two buffer to leave room for a day or two spent just waiting out aggressive weather in your hotel.
We were more than pleased with our two little baby hikes in TDP.
Torres del Paine on your bucket list as well? Pin this post for later.
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