Discover one of the most scenic hikes in the Explora Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve. Explore lenga forests, sweeping views of the Paine Massif, and condor cliffs from the Obelisco Lookout.
We drive to the Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve, located in the northeastern side of the national park. Our hike begins near the old estancia buildings, gradually ascending the slopes of the Obelisco hill and Punta Hermandad. The trail takes us from the Patagonian steppe through patches of shrubland and lenga forests, in an increasingly scenic setting.
As we gain elevation, panoramic views open to the south: wetlands, rivers, and vast steppe plains framed by the Paine Massif, with the iconic three Towers standing out in the distance. To the north, the towering rock walls of the Obelisco hill dominate the landscape, showcasing dramatic sediment layers and condor roosting sites. After taking in this monumental scenery, we begin our descent and return to the lodge by van.
656 m
2152 ft
-686 m
-2251 ft
928 m
3045 ft
1378 m
451 ft
Elevation Profile
La Pampa
Conservation Reserve
Hike
Moderate
Half-day
We hike across the steppe of the reserve, surrounded by mountains, steppe and valleys. Aloong the way, you will be able to enjoy views of the Paine range, Cerro Obelisco, Laguna Jara and Sierra Baguales. The local flora is rich in coirón, matabarrosa and ñirre, while the fauna includes guanacos, pumas, chingues, caranchyos, condors and flamingoes, among others.
In this area you can see the history of the occupation of the province of Última Esperanza, due to the old estate that was here. You will also learn about the history of Lady Florence Dixie, the first woman explorer in Patagonia.
We hike across the steppe of the reserve, surrounded by mountains, steppe and valleys. Aloong the way, you will be able to enjoy views of the Paine range, Cerro Obelisco, Laguna Jara and Sierra Baguales. The local flora is rich in coirón, matabarrosa and ñirre, while the fauna includes guanacos, pumas, chingues, caranchyos, condors and flamingoes, among others.
In this area you can see the history of the occupation of the province of Última Esperanza, due to the old estate that was here. You will also learn about the history of Lady Florence Dixie, the first woman explorer in Patagonia.
Río Zamora
Conservation Reserve
Hike
Easy
Half-day
We walked through the western sector of the Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve, with views of the Zamora Canyon and river, passing through Magellanic forests and rock monoliths. Throughout the journey, one can admire views of the impressive "V"-shaped canyon of the Zamora River and the Paine mountain range, including the Obelisco Hill. The local flora is rich in coiron, matabarrosa, lenga, mataguanacos, and nirre, while the fauna includes guanacos, pumas, chingues, caranchos, condors, bandurria, chuncho, among others.
We walked through the western sector of the Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve, with views of the Zamora Canyon and river, passing through Magellanic forests and rock monoliths. Throughout the journey, one can admire views of the impressive "V"-shaped canyon of the Zamora River and the Paine mountain range, including the Obelisco Hill. The local flora is rich in coiron, matabarrosa, lenga, mataguanacos, and nirre, while the fauna includes guanacos, pumas, chingues, caranchos, condors, bandurria, chuncho, among others.
157 m
515 ft
-126 m
-413 ft
489 m
1.604 ft
371 m
1.217 ft
Elevation Profile
La Vega
Conservation Reserve
Horseback Ride
Easy
Half-day
We leave the stables on horseback and ride toward Laguna Jara, where we will have a view of steppes, La Vega (wetland), ñirre forests and regenerative grazing areas.
We leave the stables on horseback and ride toward Laguna Jara, where we will have a view of steppes, La Vega (wetland), ñirre forests and regenerative grazing areas.
150 m
492 ft
-150 m
-492 ft
477 m
1.565 ft
407 m
1.335 ft
Elevation Profile
Los Bosques
Conservation Reserve
Hike
Easy
Half-day
We will walk through the Laguna Jara sector and see different landscapes, such as La Vega (wetland), steppes, forests, mountains and valleys. As we tour this territory, we will be able to observe different flora and fauna like coirón, matabarrosa, ñirres, guanacos, pumas, chingues and flamingos, among others.
We will walk through the Laguna Jara sector and see different landscapes, such as La Vega (wetland), steppes, forests, mountains and valleys. As we tour this territory, we will be able to observe different flora and fauna like coirón, matabarrosa, ñirres, guanacos, pumas, chingues and flamingos, among others.
110 m
361 ft
-141 m
-463 ft
489 m
1.604 ft
387 m
1.270 ft
Elevation Profile
MERCADO
Conservation Reserve
Horseback Ride
Advanced
Half-day
We leave the stables on horseback and ride across the steppe of the Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve, passing Laguna Jara before reaching the El Mercado outpost, an old shelter on the estate used by gauchos to protect the place and the cattle.
We leave the stables on horseback and ride across the steppe of the Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve, passing Laguna Jara before reaching the El Mercado outpost, an old shelter on the estate used by gauchos to protect the place and the cattle.
* Not recommended for travelers with fear of heights.
**For experienced and advanced riders only. This exploration is only available for advanced riders who have mastered rising trot and canter over uneven terrain in open spaces and on all types of horses. Advanced riders are physically fit and able to canter for long stretches without getting tired.
294 m
965 ft
-294 m
-965 ft
414 m
1.358 ft
234 m
768 ft
Elevation Profile
SANTA GEMITA
Conservation Reserve
Horseback Ride
Advanced
Full-day
We leave the stables on horseback to visit different sectors of the Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve. We will pass the Santa Gemita outpost, a cultural vestige of the Patagonian estates.
We leave the stables on horseback to visit different sectors of the Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve. We will pass the Santa Gemita outpost, a cultural vestige of the Patagonian estates.
* Not recommended for travelers with fear of heights.
** For experienced and advanced riders only. This exploration is only available for advanced riders who have mastered rising trot and canter over uneven terrain in open spaces and on all types of horses. Advanced riders are physically fit and able to canter for long stretches without getting tired.
735 m
2.411 ft
-735 m
-2.411 ft
477 m
1.565 ft
237 m
778 ft
Elevation Profile
2 DE ENERO
Conservation Reserve
Horseback Ride
Expert
Half-day
We leave the stables on horseback and ride toward the forest sector of the Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve. Different Patagonian landscapes can be seen, such as the steppe, forests, La Vega (wetland) and the Zamora Valley, in addition to diverse wildlife like guanacos, pumas, condors, caranchos and bandurrias.
We leave the stables on horseback and ride toward the forest sector of the Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve. Different Patagonian landscapes can be seen, such as the steppe, forests, La Vega (wetland) and the Zamora Valley, in addition to diverse wildlife like guanacos, pumas, condors, caranchos and bandurrias.
* For experienced and advanced riders only. This exploration is only available for advanced riders who have mastered rising trot and canter over uneven terrain in open spaces and on all types of horses. Advanced riders are physically fit and able to canter for long stretches without getting tired.