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Large Waterfall / Salto Grande

Large Waterfall / Salto Grande

and The Los Cuernos Viewpoint / Mirador Cuernos

Information

  • Operated: All year, but it depends on the wind conditions
  • Start: Salto Grande
  • End: Salto Grande
  • Trek Time: 2 hrs return
  • Distance: 5.5 km return
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Experience Required: None
  • Altitude Gain: 350m

Description

This start is located about 1km up the track from Pudeto (from where the catamaran operates). Salto Grande means Large Waterfall. Most importantly, the viewing area is very close to the action and offers people the opportunity to see the power, and hear the mighty rumble of vast volumes of water cascading through a narrow gap and then thunder down to the drop some 30mts below. However, be alert because one can easily slip over the edge! This is a beautiful waterfall that connects Lago Pehoe and Lago Toro. From this place, the hike is a simple trek that offers a direct and “close up” view of the Cuernos of Paine.

After walking about one hour you will arrive at the viewpoint (mirador) and get an impressive view of Lake Nordenskjöld, with the Cuernos the other side, dominating the skyline in all their magnitude. On the left, you will get an excellent view of the Paine Grande Mountain and to the right of Almirante Nieto Mountain, and these are the two “Cuernos” of Paine.

Trek Lago Sarmiento

Lake Sarmiento / Lago Sarmiento

Information

  • Operated: All year
  • Start: CONAF Hut - Portería (Entrance) Lago Sarmiento
  • End: CONAF Hut - Portería (Entrance) Laguna Amarga
  • Trek Time: 3 hours
  • Distance: 6 km approximately
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Experience Required: None
  • Altitude Gain: 200 m

Description

A wonderful and unforgettable excursion that connects two of the four entrances that the Torres del Paine National Park has, allowing you to see and experience lots of wildlife.

From the moment of entering the park through the Portería Lago Sarmiento, you will start the trail with a slight inclination that offers a lateral view of Lake Sarmiento, which is the preferred hunting area for the puma. Also, from here you will have a spectacular view of the Torres del Paine massif.

After an hour of walking you will arrive to a rocky conglomerate where there are more than 20 cave paintings that date back around 6,000 years ago. The activity continues towards Laguna Blanquillos, which is a nesting and feeding place for different endemic bird species in Patagonia

After 3 hours of walking you will arrive at the main access to the Torres del Paine National Park: the Laguna Amarga entrance.