Torres del Paine, Jewel of Patagonia

Overview

A critical region of Patagonia has been protected since the creation of Torres Del Paine National Park in 1959. The plains and hills bordering the Andes have seen the return of large predators such as pumas, condors and foxes – as well as their prey, such as guanacos. Tourism has increased tenfold in the last 20 years, boosting the local economy; much to the delight of the ranchers who live alongside all this wildlife. But global warming and wildfires pose new threats to this fragile ecosystem.