The Most Beautiful Places to Watch Sunrise in Torres del Paine

No matter whether you are a photographer or a nature lover, sunrises in Patagonia are a daily delight. If you are lucky with the weather, you may see some of the world’s most spectacular mountains painted in red and colorful clouds over vast landscapes. Epic pictures of sunrises in Torres del Paine contributed to the global fame of Chile’s finest national park.

And for a good reason: Torres del Paine is heaven for sunrise chasers.

(Picture below: Nordenskjöld viewpoint, also an epic spot to watch sunrise).

While you may have to wake up very early in summer - sunrise is at around 5:30 am in December - you should be able to capture some of the best shots you could dream of. However, only travelers who know where to go will be able to get those pictures. You may see some stunning sunrises on the trails of the W Trek or the Paine “O” Circuit, but most of these spots are outside these famous trails, so you can take some distance from the Paine mountain range and enjoy some panoramic views.

So, what are the most beautiful places to watch the sunrise in Chile’s Torres del Paine?

1. EcoCamp Patagonia

Looking for the perfect base to explore Torres del Paine? Welcome to EcoCamp, the world’s first geodesic hotel.

And it’s not only a cool place to start your daily hikes, but it’s also the perfect spot to spot the sunrise. Here, you’ll get a clear view of the Paine towers and the snow-capped Almirante Nieto mountain. In the early morning (on a clear day), this otherworldly landscape becomes incredibly colorful. You do not even have to hike to spot that sunrise: grab your camera, get out of your dome, and watch the sunrise while listening to the melody of the singing birds. The 360 ° view at EcoCamp is unbeatable, as you can see the spires painted in red while the sun rises on the horizon.

2. Pehoé lake

Pehoé Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in South America (and maybe in the world). The turquoise-blue waters of Pehoé are fed primarily by the Paine River, which rises in the Southern Patagonian ice fields.

The incredible tones of these cold waters mix with the mesmerizing beauty of the mountains in the early morning, and the panoramic view of the Paine massif is simply epic. Whether you stand at the shore of the lake or on a high point (such as the condors’ viewpoint, a 2-hour hike), sunrise here is a must-do if you want to catch it in Patagonia. From the Pehoé lake, you will see part of the towers, Mt. Paine Grande (the highest peak in the park), and los Cuernos: to sum it up, you’ll see some of the world’s most beautiful peaks in one single place.

3. Laguna Azul

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path sunrise spot, Laguna Azul may be the place! This beautiful lagoon, located on the eastern side of Torres del Paine, offers an incredible view of the Paine towers and is also a cool place for birdwatching. The legendary writer and traveler Lady Florence Dixie first described this place in her 1881 book, “Across Patagonia.” From the quiet shores of Laguna Azul, you will spot an incredible sunrise without even having to hike. Pure magic!

4. The Paine Waterfall

The Paine waterfall (“Cascada Paine”) may be the most stunning in Torres del Paine National Park. The waterfall is impressive, with its unique shape and strong flow. However, what makes that place so special is its backdrop, with a clear view of the towers and surrounding mountains. The Paine waterfall can be reached on a 30-minute drive from EcoCamp, so it’s not a place that requires a strenuous hike. In a thirty-second walk, you may get a sunrise that will last for a lifetime (both in your picture and in your memory).

Would you be interested in photographing Patagonia's incredible sunrises? Check out our tours in Torres del Paine National Park!