Salto Grande
A powerful fall.
Liam Quinn from Canada — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Angel Diaz Cofré — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Phil Whitehouse from London, United Kingdom — CC BY 2.0 · Phil Whitehouse from London, United Kingdom — CC BY 2.0
A lake of astonishing milky turquoise at the heart of Torres del Paine, its colour coming from fine rock flour carried by glacial rivers, with the Cuernos del Paine rising above, dark peaks over pale rock, in one of Patagonia's most famous views. Near the lake is the powerful Salto Grande waterfall, where turquoise water surges from Lake Nordenskjöld into Pehoé, reached by a short, easy trail from the Pudeto car park that continues to the Cuernos lookout for a close view of the dark peaks. The wind here is among the park's strongest. From the Pudeto pier a catamaran crosses the lake to Paine Grande, start of part of the famous W trek. On a small island in the lake stands a lodge reached by a wooden bridge, one of the park's most photographed sights. The best time is a clear morning when the Cuernos reflect in calm water. Entry is with the park ticket. Patagonian weather is changeable and the wind fierce, and boat trips can be cancelled suddenly, so keep a spare day and wear protective layers.
A powerful fall.
Dark peaks.
To Paine Grande.
Central Torres del Paine National Park
Fine rock flour carried by glacial rivers reflects the light in a milky turquoise colour.