Trek in the Pingo Valley, Torres del Paine

Embark on a half-day trek in the beautiful Pingo Valley, nestled in the dense forest west of Torres del Paine. It's common to begin at a designated point or enjoy pickup from your accommodation before setting off toward the Pingo River on a gently undulating path through an untouched ancient forest. Along the way, keep an eye out for the endangered Chilean deer and the wild horses. The hike culminates at the Chorrillo Los Salmones viewpoint, where you can observe a lush waterfall, named for the salmon seen swimming downstream, before you return to the starting point.

Your Pingo Valley adventure begins at a pre-arranged meeting point or with a pickup from your local accommodation. In this overlooked part of Torres del Paine National Park, you can spend your day exploring one of the most untouched and pristine places within the park's boundaries. You'll likely set off toward the Pingo River on a flat path with modest ascents and descents.

After a few minutes, you may enter an ancient forest with views of Cerro Paine Grande (Big Paine Mountain) and Cordón Olguín. As you progress deeper into the forest, you'll likely see the native flora thriving here. Thanks to the area's preservation from the devastating forest fires of 2012, the moss, lichen, and ferns have flourished, creating a lush green tapestry across the valley floor and the forest's understory.

As you trek, keep your eyes peeled for the Huemul, a Chilean deer species currently facing extinction, and the calls of the wild baguales (horses). Your guide may share stories about the land and its wildlife, as the Pingo Valley holds significant historical and scientific value. Numerous paleontological discoveries have occurred on this land, including marine fossils dating back 250 million years. 

About halfway through your hike, you may reach the Chorrillo Los Salmones viewpoint, named for the salmon that can be seen swimming downstream. Here, you can take in the sight of a roaring waterfall surrounded by the valley's lush vegetation. It's an ideal spot for a brief rest, a snack, and a few photos before you continue the hike. Your trek likely concludes with a return journey to your starting point, covering around  6.8 miles (11 km).