Torres del Paine is located in Southern Patagonia and is one of the numerous spectacular national parks in Chile. It was created in 1959 and UNESCO has listed the location as a Biosphere Reserve since 1978. This place is a wonderland for hikers from all over the world.
Waterfalls and rivers, Magellanic subpolar forests, pampas, mountains covered with permanent ice, granite peaks, meadows and glacier fed lakes await the outdoor adventurers to discover the wild and unique nature of Patagonia. In order to reach Zapata Glacier, you follow the trail that is to the west of the W route of the park.
It is a remote trail, leading you right into the Patagonian wilderness to the Zapata Glacier, via the low hills of Pingo Valley and back. It will take you one or two days to get to the base camp and from where you need two more hours to reach the glacier. The ice demostrates deep vertical cracks that you can climb, with some amazing ice formations. The opportunity to climb a thousand years old glacier is a once in a lifetime experience.
The nature around you is overwhelming with outstanding ecosystems, different landscapes and rare flora and fauna, found nowhere else on the planet. In every step you take, the views of this dramatic land take your breath away. You can hike this trail all year round, but the best time to visit Torres del Paine is between November and February.
You can spend the night to Camp Zapato. Be very well prepared in regards with gear, food and clothing because the weather is unpredictable with high winds, rain showers, long hot days during summer, snow and everything else you may think of. Wind proof layers are the key.
