Peak performance: Don't miss these mountains (Corel)

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The soaring granite spires of Chile's premier national park have become an international emblem for alpine majesty. But there's much more to this enormous playground—Torres del Paine has an integrated network of hiking trails suitable for day hikes and backpack treks, endangered species like the wild guanaco (a relative of the domesticated llama), and accommodations ranging from campgrounds to comfortable trail huts to five-star luxury lodges. Its excellent infrastructure attracts crowds, of course, and some visitors won't even come in the summer (December to February), sticking to the fall and spring shoulder seasons instead. But fight past the crowds and find your own section of the park—sure, it's become a major international destination, but it's still wild country.