Salto Chico Falls in Torres del Paine National Park is a stunning Patagonian highlight that’s easy to access and unforgettable to experience. The waterfall, though not large, is powerful and beautifully set against the dramatic backdrop of the Paine Massif and the turquoise waters of Lake Pehoé. The glacial meltwater gives both the falls and the lake a unique powder blue hue, making the scenery especially photogenic. Reaching Salto Chico is straightforward—there’s a comfortable, well-marked path from Hostería Pehoé or the nearby Explora Lodge, and the walk is short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors. The area around the falls offers spectacular panoramic views of the Cuernos del Paine and the surrounding lakes, perfect for photography or simply soaking in the tranquil beauty of Patagonia. Wildlife is abundant in this part of the park, with chances to spot guanacos, condors, and even the elusive puma if you’re lucky. The falls are also a great spot to pause for a picnic or a moment of reflection, listening to the thunderous sound of water and feeling the fresh Patagonian breeze. While there is some infrastructure nearby, such as the Explora Lodge, it doesn’t detract from the natural beauty—if anything, it makes the spot even more accessible for those who want to enjoy a luxurious stay with world-class views. Overall, Salto Chico Falls is a must-visit for anyone exploring Torres del Paine. Whether you’re hiking, taking photos, or just enjoying the scenery, the combination of powerful waterfalls, glacial lakes, and mountain vistas creates an unforgettable...
Read moreVery hard to find. Had to go to the hotel nearby(which sort of blocks the access to the waterfall...or at least it makes it trickier to find) and ask for directions. Also there are several paths to it, one of which is through the hotel.
The easiest way to get to it is to park at the parking next to the road, and walk towards the hotel(on the dirt road, not the hike path). Follow the road (the spa will be on your left and the hotel on your right). You will see a do not enter sign (for cars), which is the hotel back yard sort of... keep going. Towards the end you will see a wooden boardwalk - thats where the...
Read moreAs mentioned before, this waterfall is at the Explora hotel. We wanted to see the waterfall, so we had to park outside of the hotel area and walk towards the waterfall. You had wooden trails, but most of the sticks were rotten, and you could see broken ones that someone had stepped on.
The waterfall is not big, and has the annoying view of the power house that uses the energy of...
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