Mirador Cuernos del Paine, WW

Logistics/Getting there:
Torres del Paine National Park is located in southern Chile, about 150 kilometers north of Puerto Natales which is where we started our day. Several bus companies offer transportation to the park from Puerto Natales. You must get your bus tickets for the round trip in advance, you cannot (at the time of writing) buy return tickets once inside the park. The trailhead for this hike is Estancia Pudeto which is not as far in as some of the other sites. In addition to the bus, several bus tours stop here (although they generally stop at Mirador Salto Grande and don't go all the way to Mirador Curenos). We accessed this trail by rental car as part of a road trip through the park where we hit several spots. This is probably the best approach as the route is a short day hike and you can easily do another hike on the same day.


2023 Fees:
The park entrance permit costs $32 (21,000 CLP) during the high season. There is no specific additional permit for this trail. Round trip bus from Puerto Natales varies but is around $30.Navigation:
The hike to Mirador Cuernos del Paine is an easy day hike. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, Mirador Salto Grande (a viewpoint over a large waterfall) is along the way. The trail can easily be done in two hours but it is so scenic you can easily spend 3.

Weather:
The weather in Torres del Paine National Park can be unpredictable, with strong winds, rain, and snow at any time of year. It is recommended that you dress in layers and bring rain gear and warm clothing, especially during the winter months. This hike in particular is subject to high winds. The first half mile has rock formations that channel the wind along the trail which effectively create a wind tunnel. There is a sign with a dial indicating the wind speed at the trail entrance that is updated by the rangers. The wind in this portion is no joke, even at the moderate level hats and any sort of loose clothing become completely unmanageable, and losing your balance in a strong gust is entirely possible. I would not want to attempt if the wind is at the speeds indicated as dangerous.

Trail Conditions:
The trail from Estancia Pudeto to Mirador Cuernos is generally well-maintained, with some moderately steep sections and uneven terrain. There are a few rocky areas, mostly in the beginning, but in general, this hike is a low barrier to entry. Along the trail, you'll find opportunities to stop and soak in the magnificent surroundings.

General Comments and Musings:
The hike from Estancia Pudeto to Mirador Cuernos offers an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Torres del Paine National Park. The trail provides stunning views of Cuernos del Paine, Lago Nordenskjöld, and the Salto Grande waterfall, making it a remarkable day hike. It was on this hike that Victoria remarked: "It's hard to take a bad picture" a line that says more about the scenery than it does about my camera skills! This was a truly remarkable hike and gave astounding views in exchange for very little effort. This is a great way to whet your appetite for everything Torres del Paine has to offer.

2023-09-01 KingLeonidas