Torres del Paine is located in Southern Patagonia and is one of the numerous and spectacular national parks in Chile. It was created in 1959 and UNESCO has listed the location as a Biosphere Reserve since 1978. This place is a wonderland for nature enthusiasts from all over the world.
Waterfalls and rivers, Magellanic sub-polar forests, pampas, mountains covered with permanent ice, granite peaks, meadows and glacier fed lakes await the outdoor adventurers to discover the wild and unique nature of Patagonia. Eliana’s Chapel route is located in the the French Valley, between Los Cuernos and Cerro Paine Grande. Eliana’s Chapel is a small tower on the left side of the valley and is a bit hard to see. It is best approached from the Camponeto Brittanico camp site, where you can spend the night.
The difficulty level of this climb is grade IV and can be done in one long day. Once you reach the top, the view of the nature around you is overwhelming with outstanding ecosystems, different landscapes and rare flora and fauna, found nowhere else on the planet. In every step you take, the views of this dramatic land take your breath away. The risk of avalanches is high in the area of the French Valley, so it is best to take a guided tour if you are visiting for the first time.
The best time to climb the Eliana’s Chapel route is between October through February. Be very well prepared in regards with gear, food and clothing because the weather is unpredictable with high winds, rain showers, long hot days during summer, snow and everything else you may think of. Wind proof layers are the key.
