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. Shark’s Fin route is located in the French Valley, between Los Cuernos and Cerro Paine Grande. The climb includes eleven pitches with grade V difficulty, going up on the west side of the ridge.
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. You can spend the night over, camping at the base of the valley at Campomento Italiana or Campomento Brittanico, which is located behind the walls. 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 Shark’s Fin 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.
