Chile · Patagonia
Salto Grande
The outflow between Lake Nordenskjöld and Lake Pehoé crashes through a narrow rock gap with the granite horns of Torres del Paine as a backdrop, making it one of the most photographed short waterfalls in Patagonia. A flat 20-minute trail from the road reaches the main viewpoint.
The outflow between Lake Nordenskjöld and Lake Pehoé crashes through a narrow rock gap with the granite horns of Torres del Paine as a backdrop, making it one of the most photographed short waterfalls in Patagonia. A flat 20-minute trail from the road reaches the main viewpoint.
Salto Grande drops 16 metres (52 ft) on the Paine, inside Torres del Paine National Park. It is a block-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Puerto Natales, with PNT the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Patagonian summer (Nov-Mar) gives the mildest weather for the exposed lakeside trail.
What you can do here
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Patagonian summer (Nov-Mar) gives the mildest weather for the exposed lakeside trail.
Entry: Included in Torres del Paine park entry
Getting there
- Base townPuerto Natales
- AirportPNT
- CountryChile
- RegionPatagonia, South America
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
-51.0167, -73.0333
Quick answers
How tall is Salto Grande?
Salto Grande drops 16 metres (52 feet). It is a block-type waterfall on the Paine.
When is the best time to visit Salto Grande?
Peak flow is January to March and November to December. Patagonian summer (Nov-Mar) gives the mildest weather for the exposed lakeside trail.
What can you do at Salto Grande?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Salto Grande?
The usual base is Puerto Natales, and the closest airport is PNT. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Included in Torres del Paine park entry.
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