Three of the cascades were actually seen across the Río Ascensio authoritatively tumbling down the opposite mountain. We've also included the streaking cascades feeding the glacial lagoon right at the base of the towers of Paine or Torres del Paine.

While the waterfalls are not motivating factors to do this hike, they're certainly worthwhile distractions for a very rewarding hike. However, the 8- to 10-hour hike to Mirador de Las Torres from Hostería Las Torres is not easy as it's roughly 13 miles long, undulates relentlessly in long hills, contains exposed sections dropping towards Río Ascensio, and has a knee-jarring boulder scramble at the end.

But with all the physical and mental demands of this hike, if you're able to persevere, you'll be coming home with memories that stay with you long afterwards and have stories to tell your friends and family.

Directions: We started this hike from the bustling Hostería Las Torres. Since we don't have a road atlas, I can't give exact directions, but it's well signposted and has a large car park.