W Trail Day 2: The Enthralling Cuernos del Paine.
As I approached the Cuernos del Paine ("The Horns") in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, a wave of exhilaration washed over me. These weren't just any mountains; they were ancient giants, sculpted by millions of years of geological forces.
The Cuernos del Paine are special for a couple of reasons. Firstly, they're a laccolith, a dome formed when magma pushed between layers of sedimentary rock but never quite broke through. The molten rock cooled and hardened underground, and over time, the overlying rock eroded away, revealing the laccolith's magnificent form. It's one of the most spectacular examples in the world!
Secondly, the Cuernos del Paine are a beautiful tapestry of two distinct rock types. The light-colored rock is granite, the hardened magma that forms the laccolith itself. The dark, banded rock is sedimentary rock, deposited on top of the granite millions of years ago. This contrast creates a truly stunning visual effect.
Some of the named ones include:
*Cuerno Este: 2,200 m.a.s.l (7,218 ft);
*Cuerno Norte: 2,400 m.a.s.l (7,874 ft);
*Cuerno Central: 2,600 m.a.s.l (8,530 ft).
The experience of walking around these titans was unforgettable. As I drew closer, several condors, their wings spanning an incredible 3 meters (10 feet), soared gracefully above the peaks. These majestic mountains are a haven for hikers and climbers worldwide, and it's no wonder they hold a special place in my heart.
***
PS 1. Four condors are soaring around the peaks. They are marked in the photograph. They appear small due to the distance.
W Trail Day 2: The Enthralling Cuernos del Paine.
As I approached the Cuernos del Paine ("The Horns") in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, a wave of exhilaration washed over me. These weren't just any mountains; they were ancient giants, sculpted by millions of years of geological forces.
The Cuernos del Paine are special for a couple of reasons. Firstly, they're a laccolith, a dome formed when magma pushed between layers of sedimentary rock but never quite broke through. The molten rock cooled and hardened underground, and over time, the overlying rock eroded away, revealing the laccolith's magnificent form. It's one of the most spectacular examples in the world!
Secondly, the Cuernos del Paine are a beautiful tapestry of two distinct rock types. The light-colored rock is granite, the hardened magma that forms the laccolith itself. The dark, banded rock is sedimentary rock, deposited on top of the granite millions of years ago. This contrast creates a truly stunning visual effect.
Some of the named ones include:
*Cuerno Este: 2,200 m.a.s.l (7,218 ft);
*Cuerno Norte: 2,400 m.a.s.l (7,874 ft);
*Cuerno Central: 2,600 m.a.s.l (8,530 ft).
The experience of walking around these titans was unforgettable. As I drew closer, several condors, their wings spanning an incredible 3 meters (10 feet), soared gracefully above the peaks. These majestic mountains are a haven for hikers and climbers worldwide, and it's no wonder they hold a special place in my heart.
***
PS 1. Four condors are soaring around the peaks. They are marked in the photograph. They appear small due to the distance.