Cool blue arctic mountain ranges of Torres del Paine, Chile

When you think of Chile, you may immediately think of South American hot tropical landscapes. However, the country is also notable for its gorgeous mountain ranges and cooler climates as well. The natural sights of the mountainside at Torres del Paine National Park are definitely something worth seeing for any nature lover and travel enthusiast.

The name Torres del Paine loosely translates to Blue Towers in the native language of Tehuelche. True to its name, it consists of three main peaks of a mountain range that show in a cool blue hue. The protected UNESCO national park grounds are full of natural wonders for you to explore and hike your way through, as well as take a snap of some breathtakingly beautiful scenic shots. Besides the massive towering granite peaks, the park has its fair share of large, icy cool lakes and glaciers which are full of uniquely South American flora and fauna to marvel at.

Torres del Paine generally experiences long and windy summers. The cool winds run for most of the year and provide a refreshing temperature to explore its expansive hiking trails. The two main trails which surround grand lakes and take you through a scenic route to enjoy the natural visual splendor are the W trail and the more difficult O trail.

Other outdoorsy activities are available at the park including kayaking, mountain climbing and more. The park gets its acclaimed name due to the blue-ish tinge caused by the icy glaciers around the mountain range. Tourists will begin their access to the park at the Serrano River Tourist Village, it’s a great place for visitors to start off their journey and to take part in more laid-back activities such as fly fishing and horseback riding. The Serrano river in itself is a fantastic place to start kayaking and take in the natural beauty of the surrounding mountain range.

For those who are not into heavy outdoor activities but are in it for the animals, they definitely won’t be disappointed in the extensive range of animal and bird species that can be found in the park grounds and its surrounding attractions. Most notably are the Humboldt Penguins that may be around the vicinity during the colder months.

Those who are nature photography enthusiasts will also be able to thank the Torres del Paine’s grand mountain range for some breathtaking landscapes. Most notable are the Paine Horns, twin peaks that stick out like horns, true to their name. These peaks serve as the perfect location to get a clear view of the nearby turquoise waters of Lake Nordenskjold and the French Valley. Taking snapshots of this view around sunset gives it an even more ethereal view as the orange hues of the sun meld with the blue tinge of the peaks, creating an otherworldly image of a lifetime.

Torres del Paine is definitely a magnificent wonder of the world and is part of Chile’s natural pride. Take in their breathtaking mountainside views in clearly beautiful images and you’ll feel like you’re transported into a new world.