Rio Serrano : information : geology

In 1959 the famous Torres del Paine area was declared a National Park. It is one of the most famous parks in South America and is renowned as one of the most beautiful, unspoiled and remote places on the planet. It is located some 2500kms south of Santiago and 100kms north of Puerto Natales, in the southern tip of Chile. Recognised by UNESCO in 1978 as a world heritage site the area covers 2,422 sq. kms. The Torres del Paine National Park consists of several major attractions from spectacular mountain ranges to lakes and glaciers.

The Paine Massif is 12 million years old and whose highest peaks tower up to 3,050 metres. These craggy 'towers' are where the Torres del Paine name comes from; the 3 columns of pink granite, the biggest of which is Paine Grande. There are some differences in opinion as to where the name comes from but some believe that Paine, pronounced 'pie-nee' means pale blue in Mapuche language and could have referred to the colour of the glacial lakes.

The Cuernos del Paine 'the Horns', part of the Paine Massif are jagged turret made of sedimentary black shale covering a granite base. Cuernos del Paine rise up from the shores of Lago Nordenskjold. Cerro Paine Grande is the highest peak in Torres del Paine and is capped with 'hongos de hielo', ice mushrooms.

Positioned between the steppes of Patagonia and the Southern Continental Ice sheet 3 major glaciers descend into the park. Glacier Grey, Tyndall and Geike.

From these glaciers flow some beautiful rivers feeding lakes and lagoons of various shade of blues and greens. Some of the more famous being Sarmiento, Nordenskjold, Pehoe, Paine and Dickson. The largest rivers in the park are the Pingo, Grey and Dickson.

Activities in the park range from hiking, kayaking, horse riding or by road. The sheer size of the park and variety of terrain means there is something for everyone. The trails around the park are very well marked and are safe and easy to follow. Always remember the weather is unpredictable and it is therefore essential you pack for all types of weather and are prepared if you plan to trek for a day or more. It is also against CONAF regulations to trek alone in the park.

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